Giving and Stewardship on Rice Family Ministries

Romans 12:4

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

One Body

Romans 12:4-13

Introduction

After beseeching believers to present themselves to the Lord, the topic is now turned to the body of the believers.

I. Unity of Body (4-5)

A. Parts

1. Membership - in order to be a member, you must be 1. Saved, 2. Scripturally Baptized (or from a church of like faith).

2. One body - We are talking about one local church here. Many people refer to the "body" of believers

God purchased the church with his blood!

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

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!

Proverbs 6:1

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

July 24, 2019

Finances and Friends

Pro 6:1-5

Intro.

Two very problematic areas for people are covered in the Bible here. Woman in chapter 5, and friends in chapter 6. Nothing has ruined a friendship faster than finances.

I. Snare of Suretyship (1-5)

A. Defined

In Bible times it would mean that you would be responsible for someone or something.

In the famine, when Israel sent his sons to Egypt for food, Judah says of Benjamin his brother:

Mark 8:27 - Certainty about Christ

Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

September 14, 2025

Certainty about Christ

Mark 8:27-38

Introduction

Last week we looked at two miracles, the miracle where the blind man was made to see, however he saw men walking as trees. We equated that to the fact that now, we don’t have perfect understanding. The second miracle was the second touch, and he was made to see clearly! Much like in heaven we will see clearly.

Proverbs 10:1

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

October 1, 2019

Lessons from Proverbs 10

Proverbs 10

Intro.

Up until now, we have been in the introduction to the Book of Proverbs. The word “proverb” is defined as

1. A short sentence often repeated, expressing a well known truth or common fact, ascertained by experience or observation; a maxim of wisdom. (Webster’s American Dictionary 1828)

Each proverb stands on it’s own. Think of them as individual ponds of water, not a continuous flow of a river. We are going to try to take larger themes from each chapter to keep us moving through the book. We could spend the next 5 years going through every verse, but we have a whole Bible to study.

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!

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.”

Mark 12:41 - An Impressive Gift

Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

April 26, 2026

An Impressive Gift

Mark 12:41-44

Introduction

We have a few verses here, but there is quite a bit we can learn from them.

I. The Widow (Mark 12:41-42)

The main character of this passage is the widow. That is the focal point that Jesus brings out.

A. Her Problem (widowed)

i. “widow”

In Bible times there was not Social Security… the help for a widow was very meager.

Proverbs 17:1

Wed, 15 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

January 15, 2020

Four Features of a Fool

Intro.

Fool is a prominent word in Chapter 17. We do understand that the Proverbs are not a continuous flow of thoughts, but rather a collection of wise sayings. By selecting a prominent word, by no means am I covering the entirety of the chapter. I have only selected a few proverbs that appear in the same chapter, and teaching on them. There are many themes, and lessons that can be learned from chapter 17 that will not be touched tonight… so by all means, do take the time to read Proverbs 17, and see other things written in there.

Proverbs 18:9

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 12, 2020

Stewardship

Prov. 18:9 ¶ He also that is slothful in his work is brother to him that is a great waster.

I. Stewardship – slothful, Diligence

A. Slothfulness

1. Physical Rest is not the same as slothfulness.

- The Bible gives us provision for rest… matter of fact, God rested on the 7^th^ day as an example to man.
- The law even provided times for the fields to be left to ‘rest’.
- 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.
- Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.
- Matt. 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

2. Sin of laziness (How does God view laziness)

Slothful – inactive; sluggish; lazy; indolent; idle

- We live in a lazy society… $50 an hour, no work.
- People are lazy spiritually… Bible reading… too much work…. They have time for a ball game, friends, and all kinds of other activities. - Preaching to the choir
- If we are not careful, laziness can creep into every one of our lives! - boiling frogs… (Gibbs)
- Rom. 12:11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- May we not become slothful in our spiritual business.

B. Waster

Waster – one who squanders, consumes or expends extravagantly a prodigal.
Prodigal – given to extravagant expenditure expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful

Luke 15:11-13 - “wasted his substance with riotous living”
Everyone of us know that is not right.

C. Brother – similarities

Brothers are usually similar in appearance.

Proverbs 19 - Influence

Tue, 12 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

May 12, 2020

Character of Heart

Proverbs 19

As we continue to look at our influence in this world, it is important to remember and think about these things. These proverbs have many different ways to look at them. As I have categorized them, we are only looking at one category they fit into.

I. Place – Pro 19:10

Prov. 19:10 ¶ Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.

Proverbs 20 - Integrity

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

July 8, 2020

Integrity

Introduction

Prov. 20:11 ¶ Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

We are known by our actions…

Integrity is a very important characteristic that every christian should work on in their life. It is obtained by allowing God to have control of our life. We are born liars, manipulators, who try to get our way…

Proverbs 21 - Treasure

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

August 19, 2020

Treasures

Proverbs 21:5-6

Introduction

A practical look at treasure, getting, gain, finances and the christian.

I. Diligent Gain (Pro 21:5a)

Pro 21:5a – The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness;

A. Person of diligence (Joseph was diligent)

A diligent person is someone who is steady in application to business, they are in constant effort to accomplish the goal.
Christians should be diligent people, the ant is one of the most diligent of creation, and God tells us to observer their ways! They are constantly diligently preparing for winter.

B. Planning, preparing (Joseph prepared)

Some people act with no thought!
A diligent person, will be thinking ahead, planning and preparing!
Someone wise once said, “Prior proper planning prevents poor performance.” - not Bible, still good.
Not all plans work, but having no plan is in essence planning to fail.

C. Plenteousness (Egypt had plenty)

There is provisions for hard times.

II. Deceitful Gain (Pro 21:5b, 6)

Prov. 21:5b ...but of every one that is hasty only to want.

Proverbs 22 - Poor

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

September 23, 2020

3 Warnings

Proverbs 22:2

Introduction

A warning is an alarm that sounds for a particular reason. If the fire alarm were to sound in the building, you would get up, and make your way outside quickly. It is an alarm. Sometimes we become conditioned to ignore the alarm going off! Many times in homes, the smoke alarm sounds, and it is often just something that has burned in the kitchen, and we grow used to just ignoring the alarm. You are faithful and I appreciate your faithfulness, I don’t want us, me or you to become use to hearing the alarm, and just dismissing it.

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.”

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.

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:

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: