Faith and Trust on Rice Family Ministries

Romans 4:17

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

Faith Wins #

Romans 4:18-25

Introduction

I had mentioned earlier that this portion was Justification by the Resurrection,, Paul certainly closes with that statement, I don’t think it is the focus of these verses. Paul spends a lot of time on the faith in these verses. Faith tends be the focal point of these verses. We are going to look at the fact that Faith Wins tonight.

These verses closely resemble the verses in Hebrews 11, which is labeled the ‘Hall of Faith’ by many. It is a phenomenal chapter which covers faith extraordinarily in the Scripture.

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;”

Mark 3:13 - Close to God

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

Close to God #

Mark 3:13-21

Introduction

We are going to look at those who are close to God. Man throughout history is trying to get close to God. There is only one way to get close to God!

Jesus is constantly interacting with people in his life time. The difference between how Jesus interacts, and how we interact, is he never made a mistake! His interactions were intentional. Everything written in the Bible about the life of Jesus is deserving of study, and learning! He provided for us a perfect example in every area of life.

Proverbs 3:5

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

April 3, 2019

Learning to Lean #

Pro 3:5-6

Lu 17:5-6

Intro.

It is quite apropos that after our missions conference we should look at these two verses. They are two well known verses, often quoted, and yet hard to apply and live.

Faith is one of the topics that every time it is addressed, there is a need that our faith increase.

(Luk 17:5-6) (5) And the apostles said unto the Lord, [Increase our faith]{.underline}. (6) And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.

Proverbs 3:9

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 +0000

May 8, 2019

Honoring the Lord #

Proverbs 3:9-10

Intro.

Honor - Esteem due or paid to worth; high estimation; respect; consideration; reverence;

There are many ways to honor the Lord. We can honor God with our time, we can honor God with our talents, but in this proverb, we are admonished and encouraged to honor God with our Treasure!

Giving is:

I. Developed in the Heart #

A. Starts with your heart! #

If God doesn’t have your heart, your giving cannot be right!

Romans 16

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

Closing Thoughts #

Romans 16:1-2

Introduction

I. Commendation (1-2) #

A. Reception #

1. Sister - saved, sister in the faith #

2. Servant - #

Probably one of the greatest titles one could bear!
- Matt 23:1-12 (11)

Matt. 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

3. Saintly reception - #

brotherly love and kindness!

B. Responsibility #

1. Assist - ministry of helps #

1Cor. 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

Mark 4:35 - Frightful Troubles

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

From Foundational truths to Frightful troubles #

Mark 4:35-41

Introduction

Jesus has gone from teaching some foundational lessons to the disciples to a life lesson that would be etched in their mind. I have logged thousands of hours of classroom classes. Listening to messages, listening to lessons, messages, teaching, etc. Those are necessary, but there are some lessons in life, that are etched permanently in my mind. The lessons we have lived through usually make the deepest impression on our life, if we learn from them.

Mark 5:21 - Troubled Woman

Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Troubled Woman #

Mark 5:21-34

Introduction

As we continue to “Look unto Jesus” our theme for the year. We find a Calmed the Storm on the sea for the disciples. We find he brought calm to the maniac’s life who dwelt in the tombs. We find today that he brings peace to a Troubled Woman. Most of the miracles that Jesus did are a living parable. Someone was physically healed, but there is a great spiritual application of salvation. Often salvation occurs simultaneously with the actual physical healing that takes place. This is one of those.

Mark 5:22 - Jesus Restores Life

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

Jesus Restores Life #

Mark 5:22-24, 35-43

Introduction

Last week, we saw the woman that was cured of her issue of blood. However, the story of Jairus is interrupted midway through that account. Jesus had cast the demons out of the man in Gadarenes, they asked him to leave. He get’s back in the boat, and crosses the sea, to be confronted by Jairus.

Today, we consider an amazing miracle of a girl raised to life. It is the first account of a person being raised from the dead in the Gospel of Mark, that doesn’t mean it was the first person Jesus raised from the dead.

Mark 6:30 - R&R from the Lord

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

R&R from the LORD #

Mark 6:30-33

Introduction

I. Rest (Mark 6:30-33) #

The disciples had just been busy traveling preaching in different villages as Jesus sent them out.
They were relaying to him all that happened.

A. Need of rest #

1. Work, whether physical, or mental wears you out! #

2. Our bodies require rest! #

B. Mandate of rest #

1. Exemplified by God #

Gen. 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

Mark 6:45 - Consider God's Work

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

Consider God’s Work #

Mark 6:45-53

Introduction

As we continue our study in the Gospel of Mark, there is a lot to see in this passage. This passage is parallel passage of the one recorded in Matthew, however Mark doesn’t bring up the fact that Peter walked on water. It was an amazing thing that happened, however, it was not the be the focal point of this account. In other words, there are other lessons that can be learned from this passage, more than the fact that Peter walked on the water!

Mark 6:54 - Tale of Two Cities

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

Tale of Two Cities: One Christ. #

Mark 6:54-56

Introduction

The Gospel of Mark is action packed. We go from one episode, straight into another. There is a such an amazing portrait of the Saviour written by Mark. Jesus is portrayed as the great servant, going from one place to another in full ministry mode.

As a waitress would go from table to table, and serve people, Jesus travels from town to town serving people everywhere he goes. Serving complete strangers, family, the disciples, everyone he meets, he desires to serve them. It is quite amazing to see Jesus in that light, also knowing and realizing He is the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords… Jesus, in great humility serves!

Mark 9:1 - The Transfiguration of Jesus

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

September 28, 2025

The Transfiguration of Christ #

Mark 9:1-13

Introduction

There is a continuity here in the Gospel of Mark that we have stumbled across. It started with the Blind man seeing men as trees after Jesus touched him the first time. We equated that to many things we do not understand here in our life time. But soon after, he was touched again, and made completely whole! The very next section Jesus is asking his disciples who do men say that I am….. Jesus makes it very clear to his disciples that He is the Christ, the Messiah. They of course said that about him as well. But they didn’t fully understand the implications of that.

Mark 9:14 - Growing in Faith

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 5, 2025

Growing in Faith #

Mark 9:14-29

Introduction

We have been following the life of Christ, and specifically his interactions with the disciples. We have dealt a lot with the certainty he made clear to the disciples about the fact that He (Jesus) is God. The Transfiguration was a very clear revelation to Peter, James and John the inner circle, those disciples that were perhaps closer to Jesus than others.

Mark 9:30 - Lessons about Salvation and Service

Sun, 26 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

October 19, 2025

Lessons about Salvation & Service #

Mark 9:30-50

I. Salvation’s Plan (Mark 9:30-32) #

A. Dissemination of information (30) #

i. Possibly, because of his popularity, they would have protected him. #

ii. Private teaching to the disciples. #

 ◦ Having a personal relationship with Jesus… get something others are not. 
 ◦ Your personal walk with the Lord is important! -

Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Mark 10:1 - God's Family Plan

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 2, 2025

God’s Family Plan #

Mark 10:1-16

Introduction

I have titled the message God’s Family Plan, not because God is specifically outlining the idea for a family, but the entirety of this passage, is so necessary for Family matters, that I have dubbed it, God’s Family Plan. We literally have three separate instances that are back to back that I have stitched together for one message to help families.

Mark 10:17 - Earthly Riches, Eternal Riches

Sun, 09 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 9, 2025

Earthly Riches over Eternal Riches #

Mark 10:17-27

Introduction

The greatest problem in America, is her wealth. God has blessed our nation, and we thank our veterans for their service, that have bought our freedom! God has blessed our nation, because they have were founded on Bible Principles! Because they were founded on Bible principles, they have backed Israel! God has blessed our country because of those two things!

Psalm 106

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

December 3, 2025

A Psalm of Remembrance #

Psalm 106:1-5

We have an extensive Psalm before us. There is simply no way to cover all of it. There is an extensive amount of history in this Psalm. We encourage you to read the Bible, so you can be familiar Israel, and history, and the major events of the Old Testament.

Illustration: Have you ever saw a situation where a woman stays with a man that is abusive, and wonder why does she stay with him??! Much like God stays with us, though we are certainly undeserving.

Mark 10:28 - Traveling Tutelage

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

November 16, 2025

Traveling Tutelage #

Mark 10:28-31 - read Mark 10:28-45

Introduction

We are going to cover down through verse 45, but let’s look at this passage. This passage takes place right after the young rich man had asked what he could do to inherit eternal life. We looked at that last week, and recognized the man did not see himself as a sinner in need of salvation, but was simply seeking to add to his riches, eternal life. Right after that whole discussion, Peter; never one to let a quite moment pass without interjecting something, says, “Lo, we have left all, and followed thee.”

Psalm 109 - Psalmist Plea

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

January 14, 2026

A Psalmist Plea #

Psalm 109:1-5

Introduction

We are back to a Psalm, in which the Psalmist has a problem, and makes a request to God. This is a fairly easy and straight forward Psalm. Our outline is simple tonight, and yet there is much to be learned, and gained from this Psalm. We will only have time for a few places in which we can draw application tonight. There is certainly much more that could be drawn from this Psalm.

Psalm 112 - Portrait of the Blessed

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

February 18, 2026

Portrait of the Blessed #

Psalm 112

Introduction

We have a great Psalm before us. It is easy reading, easily understood, and a great encouragement to the born again believers that walk with the Lord. It should be a blessing to every single person tonight.

A lot of people have anxiety, insecurities, fears, dismay, dread or great concerns about the future. However, as a Christian, we should be anchored in the Rock. This Psalm calms our fears, insecurities, dismay, or anxiety. Verses 7 & 8 give us the key to calm our fears:

Psalm 115 - A Glimpse of God

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 15, 2026

A Glimpse of God #

Psalm 115

Introduction

We have a great Psalm before us. It seems to be straightforward. There is a lot of lessons that could be pulled from this Psalm. Each of my points could be fully explored more than we have time for in one evening.

I. A Picture of God #

A. Glorify God (1) #

i. Don’t lift up yourself! “Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us” #

Many people are taught to exalt themself, so others know who they are.
That flies in the face of God’s Word

ii. God is to be glorified “Unto thy name give glory” #

iii. For Mercy - #

The mercy of God, the saved, born again believer is not getting what he deserves.

Psalm 116 - Love for the Lord

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 22, 2026

Love for the Lord #

Psalm 116:1-8

Introduction

There are many outlines of this Psalm. Each one of them offers a unique perspective on the Psalm. It is a Psalm that is more poetical in voice, with specifics left out. It is a very personal Psalm with over 30 personal references of I, me, my, mine. Therefore it is a heartfelt Psalm.

It is a longer Psalm, and we will not be able to cover every point that is made in this Psalm. There is a lot to explore and learn from this Psalm that will not be covered tonight. However, I think I can give you enough to help you find the rest of the information in this Psalm. This is a Psalm of thanksgiving, ending in “Praise ye the LORD.”

Psalm 118 - Victorious Psalm

Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

May 13, 2026

Victorious Psalm #

Psalm 118:1-5

Introduction

This is a victorious Psalm. Most believe David is the Psalmist, though no author is mentioned. It is a Psalm that was likely sung entering Jerusalem, singing to the Lord. It is likely written after David was established as King of Israel.

I’m really mentioning this as part of the introduction, because we have considered much of this ideas in the past, and I want to give them to you, but not focus upon them tonight.

Psalm 119:72 - Goodness of God

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 00:00:00 +0000

August 12, 2026

Goodness of God #

Psalm 119:72

Introduction

Every portion of this chapter has been of great value and help. Confession time, sometimes as a preacher, I feel rushed, and want to move on to the next chapter, but there is something in every section for us. We should not get ahead of God, or skip forward, and miss out.

The goodness of God is on full display in this portion of the Psalm. It is mentioned more than you realize.

Mark 14:27 - Warning from God

Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

June 14, 2026

Warning from God #

Mark 14:27-31

Introduction

We are in the last days of Jesus. The disciples are about to pass some of the most difficult trials in their life. Jesus has warned them, but they simply didn’t understand.

I. Offenses will come (Mark 14:27) #

Jesus is the perfect example! He never sinned, nor did wrong!
Offend - 3. to cause (a person or group) to feel hurt, angry, or upset by something said or done

A. Offenses come in many forms #

Jesus is sinless, and didn’t do anything wrong, and the disciples were still offended!

i. Jesus would die #

Jesus had told the disciples, but they had it in their minds, He was the Messiah, and therefore would setup his reign now, they would not see the real plan.
Jesus plan was to die, we see it clearly now!

John 1:29 — The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

Mark 16:9 - The Missing Message

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

September 13, 2026

The Missing Message #

Mark 16:9-10

Introduction

We are in the last portion of Mark. We started through the Gospel of Mark in November of 2024, and we are finally coming to a close. This marks the 51^st^ message I have preached out of the Gospel of Mark. In all reality, we could have done this in a year, but because of special services, it has extended out to almost a full 2 years.

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

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.”

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.