Keith Price - Blog

Adding To or Taking away?

Keith Price — 2009-07-22T02:13:28+00:00

God's preacher at the Troy church of Christ where my wife and I attend. Started a new class two weeks ago on the book of Galatians. He asked the class if we were guilty of adding to the Gospel. And to tell the truth I honestly believe that we teach the gospel of grace. But another question came to my mind. Are we being misunderstood? Have you ever had someone say "When I get my life right then I'll come to Christ!" Or I haven't a good suit or nice dress. Are we giving impressions that there is more to the Gospel of Christ other than responding to it? I then came accross a scripture reference to Deu 4:2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. It struck me that I can pervert the Gospel of Christ by adding to it or by taking away from it. It seems that some would take away from the Gospel of Christ by removing the necessity of baptism, or repentence. To many are preaching a message of popular pyschiatry, I'm ok, your ok. Maybe we should look at the message we're preaching and how we're preaching it. Are people getting a false impression by how our message comes across? Are we watering down the Gospel of Christ? Just some things to think about!

American or Christian?

Keith Price — 2009-07-04T18:26:47+00:00

1Th 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

My oldest daughter, Lanalee, was born in a U.S. Navy hospital on the island of Taiwan. She held dual citizenship until she reached the age of 18, when she was required to make a choice between the two. We used to ask people "doesn't she look Chinese?" Of course being blonde and blue eyed we'd get a resounding No!

Many Christians don't realize that they have dual citizenship also. One earthly, and one spiritual. All too often we place too much emphasis on the earthly (patriotism, politics, etc.) that the spiritual (Christian, disciple of Christ) is over shadowed. When I hear of a congregation splitting because someone sought to bring in the American Flag. Or a Christian suggesting that we "nuke" another country. Or a congregation more involved in the politics of county, state, and country. I wonder if we have forgotten which citizenship is more important!

Don't get me wrong I give thanks every 4th of July for living in America. I served in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. And I thank God for the men and women who sacrificed for the cause of freedom that brought about our nation. I sometimes wonder who people see when they look at us, Christ or a flag?

Beautiful Feet

Keith Price — 2009-06-23T16:00:19+00:00

This past Saturday at the Troy church of Christ we held our second annual "Celebrate Summer" event. This event is for children and parents within the one square mile around our building. It is designed for the express purpose of getting to know our neighbors better. Last year we had people comment that they didn't know we were there in the neighborhood (to our shame we have been there over 40 years.) We hope as we make friends with our neighbors we'll earn the right to present the Gospel of Christ. There is the old adage that says "people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." When people see the story of Christ lived out in our lives then they will stop and listen to the Good News. May we have Beautiful Feet (Romans 10:15)

Beginning again!

Keith Price — 2009-06-09T19:37:51+00:00

They say the third time is the charm. So let's see if we can be consistent with our posting. Our minister will be starting a new class the beginning of July on the book of Galatians. I thought I'd post my thoughts along the way.

For the moment I'd thought I'd share some of my favorite blog sites.

Lee Hodges: http://leeh.wordpress.com

Bully Pulpit: http://drkenney.blogspot.com

Bill Mounce: http://www.billmounce.com

Carson Reed: http://carsonreed.squarespace.com

John Mark Hicks: http://johnmarkhicks.wordpress.com

Rob McRay: http://robmcray.blogspot.com

N.T. Wright: http://www.ntwrightpage.com

Craig Blomberg: http://www.denverseminary.edu/craig-blombergs-blog-new-testament-musings/

Peace, see you next week.

Good Intentions!

Keith Price — 2007-03-29T11:40:35+00:00

When I signed up to this blog site I real hoped I would contribute to it on a weekly basis. But like all good intentions I have failed. As a vocational pastor it's not like I'm not busy (Oh by the way the new job is working out, if only the economy would). Call it a lack of discipline, the tyranny of the immediate, or just plain laziness. You know how I feel you've been there. Lose weight, read through the Bible in a year, pray more often, stop smoking, good intentions but no follow through. So what do we do? I think the first thing is to look at our relationship with God. Are we in or out of fellowship with God? If we're out of fellowship we need to seek God's forgiveness. Notice I didn't say get our lives right first. If we get our relationship with God right first He will help us get our lives right. If were in fellowship with God then we need to pray for His guidance. Let Him know what you hope to accomplish and why.

Secondly, make a plan. Think about how your going to accomplish this goal. Write it down. Make it reasonable. If it's something like losing weight a visit to the doctor may be necessary to make sure there are no other physical problems.

Third, invite someone you trust to hold you accountable to your goals. They may even wish to take part in your project.

Finally, work your plan. Always seeking God's guidance and help. Should something interrupt your plan (life has a way of doing that) get back to it as quick as possible.

See you next week

Hopefully, back to work!

Keith Price — 2007-01-14T00:11:15+00:00

I start work for a new company Monday. I'll be on try'll as it were to see if the new company and I mesh. It feels like it will be a good mesh in so far as with the people I've talked to. It has been nine and a half months since I was laid off. I have to tell you I was beginning to become concerned. Even some of the contract work I had been doing had slacked off. But as I look back on 2006 I see God's blessings. For the first six months I had unemployment benefits that allowed me the time to get my resume out to various employment agencies. It also gave me the time to network among friends I have in the telecommunications industry.

I was also able to meet with other elders and ministers within our fellowship at the monthly leaders luncheon. Hopefully, to bridge the gulf that has been created through the years. There are signs of growth both spiritually and numerically. Lincoln Park, Walled Lake, and Redford come to mind, just off the top of my head.

Being out of work has also reminded me of the anxiety and fear people face with a loss of income. And the effects it has on all members of the family. The effects it has ones faith.

I hope everyone will continue to pray for me as I strive to mesh.

Peace