Church on Rice Family Ministries

Revelation 2:8

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

September 4, 2022

The Dependable Church #

Revelation 2:8-11

Introduction

This is the shortest of the letters to the churches.

Nothing negative is mentioned in the letter to the church of Smyrna. Smyrna was also a wealthy commercial city. Perhaps not as great as Ephesus, but still a wealthy city.

The message is that of encouragement through persecution. Persecution, is not an enjoyable topic, and yet, it is given by Christ himself, who know more about persecution, and suffering than anyone else! Jesus lived an absolutely SINLESS life, and didn’t deserve not even one lash of punishment, yet he took it, for our sakes. It is he, “which was dead, and is alive;”

Revelation 2:12

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

September 11, 2022

The Defiled Church #

Revelation 2:12-17

Introduction

We are going to look at one another state of the church. While these very well can represent ages, they very well could stand for stages or states in which a church may be.

Last week, we looked at Smyrna, as the Dependable Church, who stands through persecution. It was pointed out to me afterwards, that even now, the christians in Smyrna face persecution! So, while it is very popular to define these as ages, they also can be a status of current churches.

Revelation 2:18

Sun, 18 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

September 18, 2022

The Defiant Church #

Revelation 2:18-29

Christ - the “Son of God”, eyes like unto a flame of fire (judgement), feet like brass,

Eyes like unto a flame of fire - judgement

feet are like fine brass - righteous

God’s judgement is righteous.

God’s judgement in this portion, can seem harsh to us, but it certainly is not. It is just. We have a very skewed sense of right and wrong, and tolerate much more wickedness than God does.

Revelation 3:1

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

September 25, 2022

The Dead Church #

Revelation 3:1-6

Introduction

The Spirit certainly speaks of the Holy Spirit of God. The idea, is that Jesus has life! The Spirit would certainly represent life, that is why in Eph 2:1-2

Eph. 2:1 ¶ And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

Revelation 3:7

Sun, 02 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

October 2, 2022

The Dedicated Church #

Revelation 3:7-13

Introduction

Christ is the key holder, the keeper, the one who opens, and closes doors which no one else is able to. It is important to recognize Christ, and see Him for who He is, and what He is able to do.

To the church in Philadelphia, there are more descriptive phrases attributed to Jesus than any of the other churches.

Romans 12:10

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Church Checklist #

Romans 12:10-16

Introduction

Last week, we laid a foundation for this week. “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” (Rom 12:9). This week, I want to teach more through a check list that we should have in our life. He wrote in the beginning of the chapter concerning presenting our bodies. He then talked about being a part of a local new testament church. Our love is to be sincere. There is a simple list that I want

Revelation 3:14

Sun, 16 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

October 16, 2022

The Deceived Church #

Revelation 3:14-22

Introduction

The attributes of Christ revealed in each passage are the ones appropriate for the need of the church. He reveals Himself as we need Him.

Not all the churches received a negative commentary. Two churches were simply encouraged to continue in the things they were doing. However, of the ones not doing right, I want to recap the verses:

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.