Spiritual Warfare on Rice Family Ministries

Romans 6:1

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

Victorious Christian Living

Romans 6:1-2

Introduction

After greatly expounding on justification, Paul now opens with a question that may come to mind by those learning ALL their sins are gone, wiped clean, there is no longer a debt of sin hanging over their head. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” (Rom 6:1-2)

Just as if someone physically had foolishly racked up a great amount of debt through a very lavish lifestyle. With no self restraint buying everything and anything they wanted, found themselves drowning in debt, in which they were unable to pay. Justification is having that debt forgiven, wiped clean. That person may think, now, I’m free to spend my money any way I want. No, the one who paid that debt, is now requiring financial responsibility, sanctification. He cleaned up your mess, but expects you to work at keeping things right.

Psalm 21

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

Triumphant Psalm

Psalm 21:1-6

I. Thanksgiving (1-6)

A. Answered Prayer (2)

1. Request

James 4:2 “… ye have not, because ye ask not.”

2. Rejoice & offer gratitude! “request of his lips” (2)

B. Abundant Blessings (3-6)

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” (Ephesians 3:20)

Romans 7:14

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

Every Believer’s Conflict

Romans 7:14-20

Introduction

Can I give you a little reassurance of your salvation tonight. If you are truly born again, you are going to struggle with sin. Lost people do NOT STRUGGLE with sin! It doesn’t bother them to get high, drunk, or live a sinful life. They live that way on a regular basis, without concern.

Some people have been taught certain things are morally wrong. Therefore, they try not to do things, because they are smitten by their conscience from what their mom and dad have taught them. But as society decays, and normal slides, so does morality. Paul really covered that in the first few chapters of Romans. Societal rules become a guide of right and wrong.

Romans 8:1

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

Conflict Resolved

Romans 8:1-4

Introduction

While Romans 8:1 is the start of a new chapter, it is not the start of a new topic. It carries over from Chapter 7, in which the great conflict within every believer is discussed. It draws to a close with the question, “O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” Rom 7:24.

While there is eternal deliverance in Jesus Christ through Salvation, Paul now once again makes a play on words, with condemnation. Not every time that condemnation is used in the Bible is it talking about eternal condemnation.

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;”

Romans 8:31

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

More than Conquerors

Romans 8:31-39

Introduction

Romans chapter 8, is truly a great chapter for every believer. The chapter is ended, recapping some of the mountain peaks of the chapter, but asking a few questions that cause us to review the great truths he has given us. It is a highlight reel of some of the best truths given to us in Salvation.

I. Who shall be against us? (31-32)

The if is not a conditional, he has clearly laid out the fact that God is for us in this chapter. We are adopted, we are joint heirs with Christ. The Holy Spirit makes intercession for us… HE is for us.

A. Who is our enemy?

1. Satan

1Pet. 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

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 12:17

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

Be Not Overcome with Evil

Romans 12:17-21

Introduction

The previous verses we looked at in this chapter really dealt with the believer and his interaction with other believers. I put together a check list for keeping track of your life. The verses we will look at tonight, really deal with living among a lost world that practices evil against you.

By way of introduction, the phrase, “Recompense to no man evil for evil.” sets the tone and theme for these verses. It opens with reference to evil, and closes with reference to evil, and tells us how to behave when faced with evil.

Proverbs 3:27

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

June 5, 2019

Wisdom Shining Out

Proverbs 3:27-25

Intro.

Solomon gives us the outward actions of the wise to those around them.

I. Good to Others (27-28) Helping

A. Do Good!

B. To whom it is due

1. Pay our just debts without fraud, or delay. 2. To give wages to those who have earned them. 3. To provide for our relations, and those that have dependence on us, for to them it is due. 4. To render dues bot to church and state magistrates and ministers. 5. To be ready to all acts of friendship and humanity, neighbourly, 6. Charitable to the poor and necessitous, for needs of life. - Matthew Henry

Revelation 5

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

December 4, 2022

Revelation 5

Revelation 5:1-4

I. Sealed Book (1-4)

A. Book -

1. Daniel saw this scene. (Dan 7:9-10, 13-14)

Dan. 7:9 ¶ I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

Psalm 67

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000

July 31, 2024

Joy in the LORD

Psalm 67:1-7

Introduction

The Psalm, is certainly a victorious Psalm, much like we would sing Victory in Jesus, A Mighty Fortress, Faith is the Victory, He is Able to Deliver Thee, or Stand Up- Stand UP for Jesus, it is a song of deliverance, joy, gladness, and praise to God for the victory given.

I. A Prayer Delivered (1)

A. Mercy “be merciful unto us”

1. No one is deserving!

2. We request mercy, not receiving what we do deserve.

B. Blessings –

1. We ought to recognize God’s Blessings

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

Psalm 76

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000

October 30, 2024

Victory with God

Psalm 76:1-12

Introduction

We have a victorious Psalm before us tonight!

Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

As Christians we are on the winning side! Not every battle is going to go our way, not every day is going to be a great day, but understand, the war, is already won through Jesus Christ! In the end, we win!

Psalm 83

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

February 05, 2025

Spiritual Battle

Psalm 83:1-5

Introduction

We have a Psalm, that I firmly believe is applicable to every day, and every age, because it addresses the Spiritual battle that is raging. It references past places, people, and battles, but the underlying theme of this Psalm is undoubtedly the Spiritual battle that is raging around these circumstances! It is more than just a battle for land. It is more than just a battle for a short term power of a land. There is a spiritual battle that is raging.

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.

Psalm 108 - Pathway to Victory

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

December 31, 2025

The Pathway to Victory

Psalm 108:1-5

Introduction

I want to end the year on a high note. Being in church is always a blessing! It is not a chore, it is to be prioritized, because it is a blessing. Tonight, we will continue through the Psalms, but tonight’s Psalm gives us a Pathway to Victory.

Charles Spurgeon in his Treasury of David, points out this Psalm is actually pulled from two other Psalms to make one. Psalm 57:7-11 closely mirrors the first 5 verses of Psalm 108. And Psalm 60:5-12 closely mirror the following 6-13 verses of Psalm 108.

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.

Revelation 13

Sun, 21 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

May 21, 2023

Rising Beasts

Revelation 13:1-

Introduction

There is a lot of information in this chapter, which again, helps us understand the context of the book of Revelation. There is a lot of description given here. This chapter also goes along with Daniel chapter 7. It is well worth noting cross referencing the verses there with this chapter.

I. First Beast (1-10)

A. Blasphemy in Writing (1)

Blasphemy -

Mark 14:32 - Spiritual Vigilance

Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

July 12, 2026

Spiritual Vigilance

Mark 14:32-42

Introduction

We have a very serious passage before us. We are close to the end of Jesus life, and it is a serious time. Some seasons of our life are heavy times. This was a heavy time for the Lord. Countless arguments have been made about the prayer in the garden about what Jesus meant by his prayer “Let this cup pass from me.” I personally think it was probably the physical agony he woul dfeel as he suffered on the cross. Not that he didn’t want to die, but he didn’t want to die in the fashion that he would die. It was one of the most cruel, torturous, painful ways of dying.

Proverbs 18:13

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

February 26, 2020

Practical Wisdom

Proverbs 18:13 -

Introduction

I. Hearing (Proverbs 18:13)

A. Ahasuerus

1. Didn’t listen (Esther 3:8-10)

The King wasn’t influenced by facts!
The King was influenced by finances!
Prov. 17:23 ¶ A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment.

B. Israel’s promise:

Gen. 12:2 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.
Foolish to allow the Jews to be destroyed in his kingdom.

C. Listen to God!

Rev. 2:29 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 19

Sun, 02 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 2, 2023

Victory Celebration

Revelation 19

Introduction

There are three things that are clearly noted in this chapter. Clearly, we can see the Worship, the Wedding, and the War. All three of these things are positive things. Considering the fall of Babylon, and the wickedness that is described in those two chapters, this chapter is a breath of fresh air.

I. The Worship of the Lord (1-6)

A. The chorus (1, 3, 4, 6)

Only used in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 20

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 9, 2023

The Millennial Reign & Judgement

Revelation 20:1-3

Introduction

The Millennial reign of Jesus Christ, is a literal 1000 year reign of Jesus on the Earth! The Old Testament foretells of this, and this is literally what the Jews expected when Jesus came the first time. They didn't understand his coming as a lowly Lamb of God to take away the sins of the World.

I. The Restricting of Satan (Rev 20:1-3)

A. Angel - Authority

1. The key - (authority)

The keys are kept by Jesus Christ himself!

Rev. 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

Revelation 20:11

Sun, 09 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 9, 2023

Final Judgement Day

Revelation 20:11-15

Introduction

This passage is a very serious passage. It deals with the end of time as we know it, it deals with man standing before God to give account of his deeds. It is important that we understand this will absolutely take place, and every single day, it draws closer.

I. Facing the Lord (11-12)

A. Deliverer (11) “him that sat on it”

i. Who sits on that throne? That becomes an important topic.

John 5:22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

Revelation 21

Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 16, 2023

Everything Made New

Revelation 21:1-8

Introduction

This entire Chapter is dedicated everything being made new! There is a great re-assurance, in knowing what is to come, and that while the heaven and earth is wiped out, that doesn't include humanity. This is where eternity is really described for us. The world is temporal, and will pass away.

I. New Conditions (1-8)

A. Assurance of Heaven & Earth (1)

2Pet. 3:10 -11

Revelation 22

Sun, 23 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

July 23, 2023

The Closing

Revelation 22:1-5

Introduction

We have arrived at the final chapter of Revelation. We started our series on July 24, 2022. So it has taken us exactly one year to get through the book of Revelation on Sunday nights. In one year, we have only heard 35 messages on the book of Revelation. We took a little more time in the first three chapters, then we took one chapter per service. Through the series, I hope it has been educational, exhorting, and encouraging to you.

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.

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!