Miscellaneous on Rice Family Ministries

David becomes King

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 26, 2025 - AM

David Becomes King #

2 Samuel 5:1-5

Introduction

Leadership is important, but godly leadership is far better than worldly leadership. The majority of books on leadership (even many of those authored by christians) emphasize a humanistic, worldly type of leadership over God’s leadership manual.

Humanistic leadership is used to in the professional world to build corporations, and is vastly different a style than that of spiritual leadership taught and emphasized in the Scripture.

Doctrine of the Bible

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 26, 2025

Doctrine of the Holy Bible #

Introduction

Last week we noted that the church is responsible for doctrinal purity.

1 Timothy 3:15 — But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

We noted in 1 Timothy 4, there is 1. Bad Doctrine, 2. Good Doctrine, Then we must 3. Attend to doctrine (take responsibility to teach) and 4. Continue in Doctrine, not change, not be swayed.

Obedience to God

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 26, 2025 - AM

Obedience to God #

Acts 8:26-39

Introduction

Our passage this morning is probably the most clear passage exemplifying baptism in all the Bible! There are other passages that discuss baptism, but this one is very clear.

I. The Soulwinner (Philip) #

• Philip was already actively sharing Jesus!

Acts 8:5–6 —5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

Importance of Doctrine

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 19, 2025 - PM

Importance of Doctrine #

1 Tim 3:14-1Tim 4:15

Introduction I’m planning on in this series, covering the doctrine of the church. There are the things we believe, and stick to.

The word ‘doctrine’ used more frequently in this chapter than any other chapter in the Bible. It is a topic which shows the importance of Doctrine.

By way of introduction, These last few verses of chapter 3 really help set the stage that is about to be filled with doctrine. We notice he has written so the behavior in the church is to take place. He has covered the qualifications of the people to hold the office of Pastor (1Tim3.1) and Deacon (1Tim3.8), he is about to cover what should be taught in the church. • Vs 15 – “the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” ◦ The church is responsible for guarding, and maintaining truth! ◦ That is why there are many different churches, they don’t all have the same droctine ◦ That is why labels are important… what doctrine do they teach? – ▪ Church of God, I can tell you some of the differences of doctrine. Presbyterian, Lutheran, etc… it isn’t hard to find and know.
▪ Baptist, we know what they believe. (Difference between Independent, Southern, American).
▪ When you start to have churches pop up today, Faith Family, Rivertree, and all these churches who call them selves non-denominational have no idea what they believe… and I don’t think some of them know what they believe.
▪ Christian is an ambiguous label. – It literally doesn’t mean anything these days.

A Champion

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 19, 2025

A Champion #

1 Sam 17:1-4

Introduction

We have a familiar Bible story, and yet, maybe it has been years since you heard a message out of it. Sometimes familiar stories get overlooked because of their familiarity. And yet there are so many lessons that can be drawn from them.

One summer, a man bought a fancy new car—a bright red sports model that turned heads wherever it went. Everyone was impressed as it rolled down the road. Sadly, it often broke down, and sat on the side of the road. It was a problematic car, with a bad engine, lots of problems. It is easy to be impressed with appearances, but what is on the inside, and how reliable is far more important than what it looks like!

Preservation of Scripture

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 28, 2025 - PM

Preservation of the Scripture #

Matt 5:17-19

Introduction

There are really two main lines of thought on the Bible.

Those who say, God preserved His Words in the original, and we cannot know where they are at. They are still trying to put God’s Words together. They are not complete. They are coming out with new Bibles all the time. Since the early 1900’s. I remember in the 1980’s when the NIV was the newest greatest Bible!
Those who say we have the perfectly Preserved Words of God today!

I. Promise of Preservation (18) #

A. God Promised #

i. The smallest part “not one jot or tittle” #

• Jot – the point of the letter I, or j. 
• tittle – a minute part – Hebrew letters are made of little dashes
• The fact that many Bibles are missing entire verses, so many of them have words that have been added… is completely contrary to what God said!
    ◦ The absolute smallest part of a word will be preserved!
• The King James Bible came from the Received Text, which the early church used.
    ◦ It is a family of texts, which there are many of them.
• The modern Bibles are based off a family of texts which were made popular in 1881, and have been modified since them.

KJB - 1 Pet 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby; - 15 words

When God Speaks

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 28, 2025 - Sunday School

When God Speaks #

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Introduction

Last week we considered the barrenness of Hannah, and discontentment that plagues our society today. Today, we are going to learn about God speaking to us!

I will never forget, I was in college, and working with kids in Jr. Church. A couple of the boys needed to go to the bathroom, so we walked to the main bathroom. When we got in there, there was a speaker in the bathroom, and you could hear the preacher in the main auditorium over the sound system. All of the boys got quiet and the preacher over the speaker was clear. One of those boys blurted out, “God is that you?” to the voice he heard over the speaker. I will never forget that boy asking that in the bathroom that day. The reality is God does want to speak to you, but he doesn’t speak today with an audible voice to use. He has given us all we need to know in his Word!

The Call of God

Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 24, 2025

The Call of God #

Exodus 3:1-6

1 Timothy 1:12 - “12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;”

Introduction

What is the call of God? I mention that I was called by God when I was thirteen years old. I sometimes say, I surrendered my life to God when I was 13 years old. I have a definite time, when I know God was working on my life, and calling me to preach. There was no burning bush like Moses, there was no bright light in the sky or voice from heaven like Paul, there was no voice of God calling my name like Samuel, there simply was a certainty that God wanted to use my life! No voices, no visions, just me and God.

Faithful in the Fields

Sun, 17 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 17, 2025

Faithful in the Field #

1 Corinthians 3:5-9

I. Responsibility (5-6) #

A. Servants (5) – servants #

1. There is no task too small for us! #

2. There is no prominence among servants “who then is Paul, and who is Apollos?” #

Matt 23:1-12, 11*

B. Separate Areas (6) – planting, watering #

1. Everyone is to be involved somehow #

2. Some plant, Some water, Some harvest #

C. Same Goal #

Matthew 28:19–20 - “19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Giving to the Lord

Sun, 03 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

August 3, 2025

Giving to the LORD #

Proverbs 3:9-10

Introduction

People have a tendency to ‘write off’ the OT, thinking it doesn’t apply to us today. That would be a great error!

Romans 15:4 “^4\ ^For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

1 Corinthians 10:11 “^11\ ^Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.”

Order of Events

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

July 20, 2025

Order of Events #

Introduction

God didn’t see fit to give us one clear passage that defines clearly the timeline to the end times. We therefore must put our hand to the plow and

2Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The end times are much like puzzle pieces scattered throughout the Bible, and we must gather them together and assemble the puzzle. Some pieces are easily recognizable, and it becomes clear. My goal tonight is not to give you the entirety of the puzzle, but to put enough of the edge pieces together, that you can figure out the picture. We are only looking at the end times, with concern of what the Bible calls the church. This church, will not be assembled until it is called out, and assembled in heaven.

Eternal Security

Sun, 06 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

July 6, 2025

Eternal Security #

Hebrews 6:1-8

Introduction

I want to answer two questions with one message. These questions are different, but tread upon the same ground.

Hebrews chapter 6 is a commonly used text to teach salvation can be lost. Could you please clarify the meaning of this passage and the spiritual condition of the individuals who were partakers of the Holy Ghost and fell away?

A Godly Father

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

June 15, 2025

A Godly Father #

Luke 15:11-32

Introduction

It is a lengthy portion, but an important passage. It is a story that Jesus gave. It may have been a true story, and it may have just been for the purpose of teaching, we are not directly told.

This Father very closely resembles that of the Heavenly Father! You cannot find a better example for Fathers. There is much to be learned from this passage. One of the things we notice, is not all children turn out right. We should do our human best to cause them to turn out, but here we have a GREAT father, and both his children had their flaws.

Forgiven yet Accountable

Sun, 15 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

June 15, 2025

Forgiven yet Accountable #

Introduction

Question:

If we repent and make known our sins to God, then we are forgiven, do we still pay for those sins at the judgement seat (when we pass away)? Such as fornication, blasphemy, etc.?

This is a great question.

In order to understand this, we must clearly define some things. So let’s take a look at Scripture, and find out what the Bible says.

Productive Prayer

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

June 4, 2025

Productive Prayer #

James 5:13-20

Introduction

So far, we have covered: “The Power of Prayer”, “The Potential of Prayer”, “The Person of Prayer”, and on Sunday night, though not part of this series, it certainly fits with it, I covered “When God Answers: NO.”

There are many passages on prayer in the Bible, we have not even scratched the surface of prayer. However, you hardly can consider the topic of prayer, without considering this passage in James.

When God Answers - NO

Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000

June 1, 2025

God’s Answer: No #

2 Corinthians 12

Introduction

On Wednesday nights I have been preaching on prayer. We have talked about the Potential of Prayer, the Person of Prayer. There are many NT verses that tell us to ask great things of God. There are many times in my life I have asked great things of God, and God has not provided what I asked for. Matter of fact, there are times that God has just flat out denied my request.

Person of Prayer

Wed, 28 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 28, 2025

Person of Prayer #

Mark 11:20-26

Introduction

I didn’t anticipate having a gap two week gap in these messages, but the Lord knows.

Last time, we looked at this passage, I preached on the Potential of Prayer: 1. Disaster’s Solved, 2. Diseases Healed 3. Dead Raised 4. Demons Cast out.

Tonight we are going to look at the Person of Prayer.

I. Person of Faith #

A. Whosoever - Is not a special person (23) “whosoever shall say” #

1. Who it is not: #

- It is not a favorite child
- It is not a gifted ability to ask in prayer.
- It is not a saint, or Mary
- It is not limited to men, or women
- It is not limited to preachers

2. “Whosoever” = anyone #

B. Where our Faith is placed (22) #

“Have faith in God” (22)

1. Where faith is not to be: #

Faith is not to be in a church
Faith is not to be in clergy, leadership

2. Where faith is to be: #

Genesis 18:14 “^14\ ^Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”

God’s Will for your Home

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 18, 2025

God’s Will for your Home #

Eph 5:17-21

Introduction

I want to preach on the christian home. It is an important topic, and one that certainly needs addressed. I will get to questions that are submitted, at some point.

The homes in our country are an absolute wreck. Satan has had an absolute field day destroying the family unit in this country. Marriages are failing at an unprecedented rate! So much so, that people have decided why get married! Children are put into difficult positions because of the failure of marriages, and guilt of the parents. At the heart of every divorce is selfishness that says, I deserve more, I want more, I expect more.

Potential of Prayer

Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 14, 2025

Potential of Prayer #

Mark 11:20-24

Introduction

Last week, I started a short series of messages on the subject of Prayer. The message was entitled Power of Prayer and our text was Ephesians 6:18

^18\ ^Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; - Eph 6:18

I believe we only scratched the surface of the Power of Prayer, and I want to further expound, and I would that we can see the Potential of Prayer. What are things that can be accomplished through prayer? What things should we pray about?

A Joyful Family

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 11, 2025

A Joyful Family #

Gen 17:15-20

Gen 18:1-10

Gen 21:1-6

Introduction

We have some interesting passages that we are going to look at tonight, but in the end, we will see, it is a Joyful family! A joyful family consists of a family that is trusting in, and following God! You can only find joy through Jesus!

I. Abraham Laughs! (Gen 17:15-20) #

A. Announcements (15-16) #

1. God is conversing with Abraham! (Gen 17:1-3) #

2. This was not the first time! #

Gen. 12:1 ¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Mother of Moses

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 11, 2025

Mother of Moses #

Exodus 2:1-10

Introduction

Jochebed is not a prominent name in the Bible. Matter of fact, it is probably that many don’t even recognize the name. However the christian world at large today would know her son. Moses! The man who led the Israelites out of bondage from Egypt. The man who led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years! Moses, a mighty leader for 40 years!

Power in Prayer

Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 7, 2025

Power in Prayer #

Ephesians 6:17-20, 18*

Introduction

The context of Ephesians 6 we are given a list of the Armour of God. We are not going to look at the armor of God tonight, but understand that is the context in which our text is given. It is closely tied to and related to that context.

As a society, it would seem that sin has increased, and our nation has become more wicked, not more godly. The moral fiber of our society, is literally falling apart. Is that our failure? I don’t have to belabor or argue the point, it is clear and obvious.

Making Wise Decisions

Sun, 04 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 4, 2025

Making Wise Decisions #

Joshua 9:3-16

Deut 20:16-18

Introduction

I have been preaching a mini series on stewardship. Part of stewardship is making wise decisions. This passage is not a passage about finances, but it is an important passage about making life changing decisions! We are not talking about what color shirt to wear, or what to eat for lunch, we are talking about serious life changing decisions. Where you work, where you live.

The Perils of Pardon

Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

May 1, 2025

The Perils of Pardon #

Introduction

We can see three things in this passage: 1. The Wayward Son 2. The Wonderful Spirit (of God). 3. The Wounded Son.

I want to preach on the Perils of Pardon ****When God forgives someone you haven’t. That is a problem! There are signs and symptoms that are evident. Let look at them this afternoon.

Luke 15:25-32

I. Anger (28) #

A. The Brother didn’t lose money #

B. The Father had forgiven the brother! #

1. It is undeniable the wayward brother was wrong! #

C. The Brother cause of anger (v 27) #

1. He was angry because his brother returned #

2. He was angry because his father received him. #

3. He was angry because there was rejoicing! #

Eph. 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Sound Stewardship

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

April 27, 2025

Sound Stewardship #

Matthew 25:14-19, 30

Introduction

I want to deal with the verse 30 right at the onset, so we are not pondering how this is going to end up. This is a parable, that I full hearted believe is for our time right now.

First this is a parable about stewardship or servant-ship, not salvation, or sonship. Let’s revisit a very important verse that is foundational to the doctrine of salvation:

A Tremendous Trip to the Tomb

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

April 20, 2025

A Tremendous Trip to the Tomb #

Luke 24:1-12

Introduction

The resurrection morning, was an incredible morning. It was completely unexpected by the disciples, and literally all who followed Jesus. While Jesus had plainly taught that he would die, and rise again, it is very clear that the disciples didn’t grasp how literal and real the message was.

Jesus had raised others from the dead, the disciples had even witnessed such miracles, to be raised from the dead, “solo” with out a prophet was an unheard of miracle that had NEVER been done. So let’s not be too hard on the disciples for not having understood the message that was so plainly given to them.

Significance of the Resurrection

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

April 20, 2025

Significance of the Resurrection #

1 Cor 15:12-15

Introduction

In the Book of Corinthians, Paul is writing the local church there in Corinth. They were saved, baptized believers in the local assembly.

1Cor. 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:

Stewardship - Rich in Faith

Sun, 13 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

April 13, 2025

Stewardship - Rich in Faith #

Luke 12:13-21

Introduction

I want to continue our series on Stewardship tonight. The Bible has a lot to say about stewardship. I would remind us that we last week, we mentioned this verse:

1Cor. 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

The Bible talks a lot about our finances, our responsibility as stewards of God’s things. We also considered last week, that we have been bought with a price, God owns us!

Stewardship

Sun, 06 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0000

April 6, 2025

Stewardship #

Luke 16:1-4

Introduction

I wanted to start a series on stewardship. What is stewardship? What is expected of a steward.

Many times Jesus clarifies when he is telling a parable. This is not specified as a parable. It could have been a real life account that the Lord used as an illustration. Often real life stories make great illustrations.

This account is also unique to the Gospel of Luke. It doesn’t show up in any of the other Gospels. This doesn’t make it less Bible. It is simply the only account we have to draw information from.

Giving to God

Sun, 02 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

February 2, 2025

Giving to God #

Matt 6:21

Matt. 6:21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

I. Biblical Giving starts with your life! #

A. You are bought with a price (1 Cor 6:19-20) #

1Pet. 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Office of Deacon

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 19, 2025

Office of Deacon #

1 Tim 3:8-13

Introduction

Every year in the business meeting, we vote on deacons, of the church. The office of a deacon is clearly laid out in Scripture for us. I want to teach about the office of the deacon tonight. God has blessed us with good deacons over the years, and we are very appreciative of that. Sometimes, in some places, there is a lot of confusion about what a deacon is, and what a deacon does.

Looking unto Jesus

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 12, 2025

Looking Unto Jesus #

Heb 12:1-3

Introduction

Our theme this year is, "Looking unto Jesus". There is no greater example in our life than Jesus Christ. Know one knows what 2025 holds, no one knows what is going to transpire in your life this year. It may be good, prosperity, good health, good times... but there may be troubles, problems, loss, financial hardship, health problems, whatever it is that takes place in 2025, we MUST keep our eyes on Christ. Through the good and the bad! He is our great example in all!

Looking unto Jesus - Forgiveness

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 12, 2025

Looking unto Jesus #

Forgiveness #

Introduction

I want to preach on the topic of Forgiveness in accordance to our theme, "Looking unto Jesus" and considering his forgiveness. Given the current circumstances we find our self in, there is a great opportunity to learn what God expects. Furthermore, I believe there is a great deal of unforgiving that goes on in christianity in general. I'm not aware, and am not insinuating that anyone here has harbored un-forgiveness. Honestly, I don't know of any. It can be well hidden, and maybe only you know about it.

Key to a New Year

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 5, 2025

Key to New Year #

Phil 3:13-14

Introduction

Paul, one of the greatest christians of all times, gives us a very important key for the christian life. We are going to make application of it for the New Year. At New Years time it is always good to re-evaluate where you are in your life, and where you are going. Many people make New Year's resolution. As a christian, we should set some spiritual goals as well.

What does God Expect from Me?

Sun, 05 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

January 5, 2025

What does God expect from me? #

Romans 12:1-2

Introduction

This morning we looked at keys to a New Year, setting Goals, and moving toward God. I want to focus on the ending part of these two verses, "that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God"

There are some very clear things in the Word of God that we are not going to focus on, but they are certainly important and part of the conversation!