The following message is based on 1 Samuel 19:1-7 and addresses the value of friendship. To have a few close friends, even just one or two is a tremendous blessing in life. They help us through life’s challenges. They encourage us. Life comes easier with friends. Ecclesiastes 4:9 tells us: “Two are better than one, becauseContinue reading “Friends Are Like…”
Author Archives: davidmckinley
Agreeing to Disagree
The following message is taken from Acts 15:30-42 and uniquely addresses how the church should handle disagreement. This is the story of two friends; two men who had the same vocation. They were called of God to preach and plant churches. One was from one city; the other from an island. Both loved God andContinue reading “Agreeing to Disagree”
Thankful for…
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, as Christians, we have much to be thankful for. God has provided so wonderfully for everything we need towards life and godliness. He has given us salvation by grace through faith. He has given us His word that teaches such things. He has given us His Son, who is ourContinue reading “Thankful for…”
Opening Prayer for the Pennsylvania State Senate
On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, I was privileged to offer the opening prayer on the floor of the Pennsylvania State Senate. This was a special day, as a resolution was passed, honoring the 280th Schwenkfelder Day of Remembrance. See http://schwenkfelderexilesociety.org/schwenkfelders-in-pennsylvania/. The following is what I prayed: “Our Father in heaven, we humbly come before YourContinue reading “Opening Prayer for the Pennsylvania State Senate”
Why Pray?
What keeps us from prayer? Busyness, pride, the feeling that we can take care of life on our own. Maybe it is the newness of prayer. You’ve heard others pray and you’ve never done it that way before. Boredom. You think prayer is boring. You don’t want to waste your time stopping and talking toContinue reading “Why Pray?”
Jesus Knows Your Needs
When Jesus died on the cross, He experienced emotional, spiritual and physical pain. Consider the words found in John 19:28: “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” All of this happened as a result of the work being finished and His lifeContinue reading “Jesus Knows Your Needs”
Are You a Unifying Church Member?
If there was one thing that the Lord wanted the church to be known for, it is the love that we show one another. Jesus said in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will knowContinue reading “Are You a Unifying Church Member?”
Are You a Gracious Church Member?
We all have tendencies to see the negative in our circumstances. Usually it involves inconveniences; never when life is at risk. When Robinson Crusoe was wrecked on his lonely isle he drew up in two columns what he called the evil and the good. He was cast on a desolate island, but still alive—not drowned,Continue reading “Are You a Gracious Church Member?”
Are You a Praying Church Member?
Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” This was a statement to equip the disciples for the work that they had ahead of them. It was to prepare them for what was ahead as theyContinue reading “Are You a Praying Church Member?”
Am I a Serving Church Member?
Being a servant is not glamorous. It’s not our first choice. It is not for the faint of heart. I remember as a young man, I left my hometown for the University of Missouri. It was the Fall of 1988 and I was encouraged to pledge a fraternity. I had friends and family members thatContinue reading “Am I a Serving Church Member?”
Central to Life 