In this message from Hebrews 11–12, we are confronted with a sobering and necessary truth: the Christian life is marked by trials—but not all trials are the same. Some come as discipline because of ungodliness, while others come as a direct result of godliness and obedience to God.

Using Jesus Christ as our supreme example, this episode explores what it truly means to submit to the will of the Father, even when obedience leads to suffering. From the faithful saints of Hebrews 11 to Christ’s agony in Gethsemane and His endurance of the cross, we are reminded that victory is not found in avoiding trials, but in trusting God to carry us through them.

This is a call to steadfast faith, humble obedience, and a deeper understanding of grace in the midst of hardship.

📝 Show Notes

• Trials in the Christian life fall into two categories:
  • Trials caused by godliness
  • Trials caused by ungodliness
• The “privileged few” experience suffering because they choose righteousness
• Hebrews 11: Faith demonstrated through obedience—even unto death
• Works done for God’s glory require surrender of self-will
• Jesus Christ as the perfect example of obedience and suffering
• Gethsemane: learning obedience through prayer, submission, and sorrow
• Prayer is not about changing outcomes, but aligning with God’s will
• Victory is not the absence of suffering, but faithfulness through it
• God’s grace sustains us through trials rather than removing them
• A call to choose God’s will above comfort, ease, and self-interest

Key Scriptures Referenced: Hebrews 11–12, Hebrews 5:7–9, Philippians 2:8–11, Matthew 26:36–46, Luke 17:7–10, Revelation 4:9–11, 1 Corinthians 10:13

In this sermon from Ephesians 4, we are reminded that forgiveness is essential to the Christian life and central to walking in peace with God and others. Forgiveness is not optional, nor is it merely emotional—it is an act of obedience empowered by the Holy Spirit.

This message addresses the hidden spiritual chains of bitterness, anger, vengeance, rejection, and fear, revealing how unforgiveness grieves the Holy Spirit and disrupts our fellowship with God. Through Christ’s sacrifice and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, believers are enabled to forgive even when forgiveness is undeserved or unreturned.

Listeners are challenged to examine their relationships, release bitterness, and choose forgiveness as they have been forgiven in Christ. True peace, lasting love, and spiritual freedom are found only in God’s way.

Key Scripture References:

• Ephesians 4:30–32
• Ephesians 5:1–2, 8
• 2 Corinthians 5:15–17
• Titus 3:5
• Matthew 6:14–15

In this message from Galatians chapter 3, Scripture clearly answers a vital question: How does a person receive the Holy Spirit of God? The Apostle Paul contrasts human effort with divine grace, asking whether the Spirit is received by works of the law or by hearing with faith.

This episode walks through the biblical teaching that salvation, justification, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are God’s gracious gift to all who trust fully in Jesus Christ. Through careful exposition of Galatians, Romans, John, and Hebrews, the message exposes false doctrines about earning the Spirit and highlights the sufficiency of Christ’s substitutionary death.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the promise given to Abraham, the role of faith in salvation, and the glorious truth of becoming children of God through the Spirit. This timeless teaching calls believers to rest confidently in Christ alone and to live out the righteousness that God has created within them.

Show Notes

• Introduction to Galatians 3 and the question of receiving the Holy Spirit
• Hearing the Word versus hearing with faith
• Why salvation and the Spirit cannot be earned by works of the law
• The curse of the law and Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice
• Redemption through Christ’s complete and perfect atonement
• The blessing of Abraham extended to all nations
• Receiving the promise of the Spirit through faith alone
• Biblical correction of false teachings about a “second blessing”
• Justification by faith apart from works
• Sonship: becoming children of God through faith in Christ
• The Holy Spirit’s role in new birth and righteous living
• Living out the righteousness God has created within believers

In this powerful teaching from December 29, 1991, Rev. Chuck Rains unfolds the biblical doctrine of the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Drawing from both Old and New Testament Scriptures, he explains why believers are called to live in expectation—not speculation—of the Lord’s coming.

This message contrasts literal and figurative interpretation of prophecy, clarifies the distinction between God’s program for Israel and the Church, and addresses common misconceptions surrounding end-times timelines. With pastoral clarity, Rev. Rains warns against date-setting while encouraging believers to remain faithful, watchful, and active until Christ returns—at any moment.

📝 Show Notes

• The promise of Christ’s return and its personal meaning for believers
• Why prophecy should be studied literally, not symbolically
• Two distinct biblical programs: Israel and the Church
• Why the Church is not appointed to wrath
• The doctrine of imminence explained
• Biblical warnings against setting dates for Christ’s return
• The Feasts of Israel and their prophetic significance
• Key passages: John 14, Acts 1, 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians 3, 1 Thessalonians 4–5
• Living faithfully while eagerly waiting for Christ’s appearing

In this powerful year-end message from December 29, 1991, we are reminded that God is not only a God of righteousness and judgment—but also a God of mercy, love, and redemption.

Drawing from the story of Jonah and Nineveh, the prophetic promises of the Old Testament, and the fulfillment of those promises in Jesus Christ, this message traces the unfolding plan of salvation from Israel’s history to the present day. It confronts misplaced expectations of a political Messiah and reveals the true purpose of Christ’s coming: to provide a substitute, a Savior, and the gift of eternal life.

This episode also looks ahead—examining biblical prophecy, the regathering of Israel, global political alignments, and the urgency of the gospel in a rapidly changing world. As history and Scripture converge, believers are reminded that now is the time to respond to God’s mercy and proclaim His salvation.

📝 Show Notes

• The clarity of Old Testament prophecy concerning the Messiah
• Why Israel expected a political deliverer instead of a suffering Savior
• Jonah and Nineveh: the greatest revival recorded in Scripture
• God’s mercy toward even those who deserve judgment
• Jesus Christ as both fully God and fully man
• Salvation as a gift—not something earned or deserved
• The role of blood, substitution, and redemption
• Israel’s scattering and miraculous preservation as a people
• The modern regathering of Israel and its prophetic significance
• Global instability and the urgency of the gospel
• Biblical prophecy, the Tribulation, and Christ’s return
• A call to repentance, faith, and trust in Jesus Christ

In this powerful Christmas message, we are reminded that when God makes a promise, He always keeps His word. In Episode 94 of the Legacy Bible Podcast, we explore Jesus’ declaration in Luke chapter 4, where He reads from Isaiah 61 and reveals the purpose of His coming: to preach good news to the poor in spirit, heal the brokenhearted, set captives free, give sight to the blind, and proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

This message unfolds the heart of the gospel—Jesus did not come merely to reform lives, but to bring true salvation and deliverance from sin. Through Scripture, prophecy, and the testimony of Christ’s miracles, we see how Jesus fulfilled every promise God made concerning the Savior. His works point to His authority to forgive sins and to give eternal life.

As we reflect on the incarnation of Christ, we are called to respond in faith, recognizing that now is the day of salvation. This episode proclaims the hope, joy, and assurance found in Jesus alone—the One who came to save His people from their sins and bring us into the light and glory of God.

In Episode 93 of the Legacy Bible Podcast, we return to a powerful sermon delivered on December 15, 1991, by Rev. Chuck Rains. Centering on Luke 1:68–79 — the prophetic declaration of Zechariah — this message emphasizes one great truth: God always keeps His promises.

Pastor Rains weaves Scripture, personal testimony, and biblical theology to highlight how God’s faithfulness spans generations. From the ancient promise of a Savior in Genesis, to the covenant affirmed through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, God has proven Himself perfectly trustworthy.

This episode also explores the promise of the Spirit, the seal and assurance given to every believer. Through heartfelt stories — including childhood memories of waiting for his father’s promises — Pastor Rains reminds us that the God who has spoken is the God who will fulfill every word He has declared.

A rich, encouraging message for anyone needing renewed confidence in God’s unfailing Word.

📝 Show Notes

Scripture Focus:

• Luke 1:68–79
• Genesis 3:15–16
• Galatians 3:14
• Ephesians 1:13–14
• 1 John 3:24

Themes Covered:

• God’s faithfulness across generations
• The prophetic song of Zechariah
• The promise of salvation foretold in the Old Testament
• The Holy Spirit as the seal of God’s promise
• Salvation through the mercy and light of Christ
• Personal reflections on trust and expectation
• Assurance of salvation through the indwelling Spirit

Key Takeaways:

• God’s promises are certain — He cannot lie.
• The arrival of Christ is the fulfillment of the earliest biblical promises.
• Believers receive the Holy Spirit by faith, as part of God’s covenant promise.
• Evidence of the Spirit’s presence includes new desires: love for God, His Word, His people, and His righteousness.
• God’s mercy is offered freely to all who call upon Christ.

In this episode, Pastor Chuck Rains walks us through Genesis 30–32, highlighting the dramatic tension between Jacob’s flawed character and God’s unwavering faithfulness. Although Jacob relies on deception, superstition, and self-effort, God continues to uphold His promise to bless, protect, and guide him.

Topics Covered:

1. Jacob’s “Dry Ingredients”: Human Failure

• Jacob’s self-centeredness and deceit
• Using manipulation to gain advantage
• Pagan influences in his household
• Superstitious practices (mandrakes, striped sticks)
• Trusting in human effort rather than God

2. The Consequences of Jacob’s Choices

• Jealousy and rivalry among his wives
• Bitterness, envy, and conflict
• Tension with Laban and Laban’s sons
• Immense fear of Esau’s return
• Jacob’s attempts to “manage outcomes” through schemes

3. God’s Unchanging Faithfulness

• God’s protection despite Jacob’s errors
• Multiplying Jacob’s family and flocks apart from superstition
• Preventing harm during Laban’s pursuit
• Promising Jacob’s safe return to the land
• The presence of angels as reassurance

4. The Turning Point: Wrestling at Jabbok

• Jacob finally isolated and without control
• Wrestling with the angel until daybreak
• God forcing Jacob to confront his self-reliance
• A dislocated hip becomes a symbol of surrender
• Jacob begins learning what true dependence on God means

5. The Big Takeaway

Jacob’s story is a mirror to our own: Even when our choices produce pain, God’s promises remain certain. His faithfulness is not based on our performance, but on His character.