Worship Through Giving: A Heart Knit Together in Christ

Worship Through Giving: A Heart Knit Together in Christ

What does true biblical giving really look like? Is it simply a financial obligation, or is it an act of worship flowing from a heart transformed by Christ? In Episode 118 of The Legacy Bible Podcast, we revisit a powerful 1988 message centered on the lives of faithful believers whose examples revealed the heart of Christian fellowship and sacrificial love. Through the testimonies of Lee Kervis and missionary Mary McGraw, this message explores what it means to be a body of believers "knit together" in Christ. This study moves beyond percentages and offerings and points toward a deeper truth: God is not after our possessions first—He desires our hearts. Giving becomes meaningful when it grows out of love, surrender, worship, and commitment to the work God is doing through His people. Join us as we examine biblical stewardship, sacrificial love, caring for one another within the body of Christ, and the joy that comes from wholehearted worship.   Full Podcast Show Notes Episode Summary This message reflects on real examples of believers living out practical Christianity and demonstrates how the local church functions as a spiritual body. Through personal stories and biblical teaching, we see that worship is not confined to songs or words—it extends into how we give ourselves, our resources, and our lives to God's purposes. Past examples of church unity become living illustrations of biblical truth: • Standing together in times of need • Supporting missionary work through shared responsibility • Loving one another sacrificially • Understanding stewardship through worship rather than obligation • Recognizing that God desires relationship before sacrifice The focus throughout the message remains clear: giving begins with surrender to Christ.   Key Topics Discussed * The testimony and servant heart of Lee Kervis * The church body standing together during times of need * Supporting missionary work through faith and commitment * Biblical stewardship principles * Worship through giving * Sacrifice motivated by love * Understanding the local church as the Body of Christ * Practical and spiritual responsibility * Trusting God with resources and future needs * Joyful and consistent worship   Scripture References * Philippians 2:2–4 — Unity and caring for others * Deuteronomy 6:5 — Loving God with all your heart * Matthew 22:37–38 — The greatest commandment * Psalm 51:16–17 — The heart God desires * John 3:16 — God's love demonstrated through sacrifice * Romans 5:8 — Christ's love for sinners * Romans 12:1–8 — Living sacrifice and the body of Christ * Romans 12:20 — Loving and serving others * 1 Corinthians 12 — Many members, one body * Hebrews 2 — Christ and His redeemed people * 1 John 4:10 — The true source of love   Key Takeaways ✔ Worship begins with surrender, not possessions ✔ God desires hearts before offerings ✔ Sacrifice without love misses God's purpose ✔ The local church is a living body joined together spiritually ✔ Stewardship involves trusting God with every resource ✔ Faithfulness often appears in unseen acts of service ✔ Giving should be joyful, consistent, and directed by God   Memorable Theme From This Message "God does not need our resources—He desires our hearts. Giving becomes worship when it flows from love."     Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com [legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com] you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com [http://www.legacybiblepodcast.com] youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast [http://www.youtube.com/legacybiblepodcast] Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast [http://www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast] Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com [/episodeEndnote/setting/id/fbcjoliet.com] please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.

The Spirit of His Son: Sonship, Prayer, and Our Eternal Inheritance

In Episode 117 of The Legacy Bible Podcast, we continue exploring the ministry and work of the Holy Spirit and discover how God's Spirit brings believers into the reality of sonship through Jesus Christ. This message examines what it means to be children of God, heirs with Christ, and recipients of an inheritance that stretches into eternity. Through passages in Galatians, Romans, Ephesians, Titus, and John, we examine how the Holy Spirit does not point attention to Himself but faithfully reveals and magnifies Christ in the believer's life. We also explore the Spirit's role in prayer, His intercession on our behalf, and the assurance believers have through God's promises. The episode concludes with practical warnings about spiritual confusion, counterfeit teachings, and the importance of grounding ourselves in God's truth while discerning the enemy's deceptions. Join us as we discover the confidence, comfort, and hope found in living as children of God.   Full Show Notes Episode Summary This week's study focuses on several foundational truths for the believer: * The Holy Spirit brings spiritual life through Christ. * Believers become children of God through faith in Jesus. * The Spirit confirms our sonship and causes us to cry, "Abba, Father." * Adoption speaks of entering into the fullness of our inheritance. * The Holy Spirit serves as God's down payment and assurance of future glory. * The Spirit intercedes perfectly when believers do not know how to pray. * Christ remains our eternal High Priest and Intercessor. * Christians must test teachings carefully and discern truth from deception.   Main Scripture References Galatians 4:4–7 "But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son..." Romans 8:26–34 "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities..." Ephesians 1:4–14 "...having predestinated us unto the adoption of children..." Titus 3:5–6 "...according to his mercy he saved us..." John 1:12 "But as many as received him..." John 3:5 John 17:17 Hebrews 2 1 John 4:1–3 2 Corinthians 11:14–15 Psalm 139   Key Discussion Points The Holy Spirit Gives Life * Salvation comes through Christ alone. * The Spirit applies Christ's finished work to the believer. * Regeneration is God's work, not human effort. The Reality of Sonship * Believers receive the authority to become children of God. * The Spirit confirms that relationship and prompts us to call God our Father. Adoption and Eternal Inheritance * Adoption is more than entering God's family. * It points toward the fullness of our future inheritance in Christ. * Believers possess the promise now and will experience its fullness later. The Holy Spirit as God's Down Payment * The Spirit assures believers that greater things await. * God gives His own Spirit as evidence of coming glory. Prayer and Intercession * Human weakness limits understanding. * The Holy Spirit perfectly intercedes according to God's will. * Christ continually intercedes before the Father. Truth Versus Deception * Believers must know Scripture. * God's Word remains the standard of truth. * Satan works through counterfeit teaching and confusion.   Memorable Takeaways "The Holy Spirit does not point us to Himself; He points us to Christ." "God has not merely promised an inheritance—He has given us His Spirit as assurance." "Know the truth, and know the enemy." "The believer's confidence rests in Christ's finished work."     Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com [legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com] you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com [http://www.legacybiblepodcast.com] youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast [http://www.youtube.com/legacybiblepodcast] Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast [http://www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast] Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com [/episodeEndnote/setting/id/fbcjoliet.com] please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.

The King Who Will Reign Forever

In Episode 116 of the Legacy Bible Podcast, we journey through one of the most powerful prophetic themes in Scripture: the coming reign of Jesus Christ as King. Beginning with the events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, this message traces God’s promises from Gabriel’s announcement to Mary, through the prophecies of Christ, and into the future kingdom yet to come. This episode explores the meaning behind Palm Sunday, the significance of Christ’s resurrection, the future restoration of Israel, the “times of the Gentiles,” and the certainty that Jesus will one day reign over all the earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. More than a prophetic study, this message is a personal call to surrender to Christ today. The same King who will someday rule the nations desires to reign in the hearts of those who believe in Him now.   Full Podcast Show Notes Episode Overview This message opens with the timeline surrounding the death and resurrection of Jesus, explaining the Jewish reckoning of days and how Christ truly rose on “the third day.” From there, the study moves into prophetic passages concerning the throne of David, the future kingdom of Christ, and God’s ongoing plan for Israel and the nations. Special emphasis is given to: * Jesus as the promised King * The future fulfillment of prophecy * The restoration of Israel * The coming kingdom of Christ * The personal lordship of Jesus in the believer’s life   Key Topics Covered * The timeline of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection * Jewish understanding of days beginning at sundown * Gabriel’s announcement to Mary in Luke 1 * Jesus as the promised Son of David * The everlasting kingdom foretold in prophecy * The destruction and restoration of Jerusalem * The “times of the Gentiles” * Israel’s future salvation and restoration * The 144,000 in Revelation * Christ’s return at Armageddon * The millennial reign of Christ * Jesus as King of Kings and Lord of Lords * The personal call to submit to Christ as Lord   Primary Scripture References * John 12:1 * John 20:1–2 * Luke 1:26–37 * Luke 21:20–24 * Romans 9–11 * Romans 11:25–26 * Revelation 7 * Revelation 19–20 * 1 Corinthians 15:20–28 * Philippians 2:8–11 * John 20:24–29   Major Themes 1. Jesus Is the Promised King Gabriel declared that Jesus would receive the throne of David and reign forever. His kingdom is not symbolic or temporary—it is eternal. 2. God Keeps His Promises Though centuries have passed, God has not forgotten Israel or abandoned His prophetic plan. 3. The Resurrection Proves Christ’s Victory Jesus was not defeated at the cross. His resurrection guarantees His future reign and ultimate triumph. 4. The Kingdom Is Still Coming The world may reject Christ now, but the day is coming when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 5. Christ Must Reign Personally Before Christ reigns visibly over the nations, He calls individuals to surrender to Him personally as Lord and Savior.   Memorable Quote “The first place Jesus wants to reign is in your heart.”   Why This Episode Matters This message reminds believers that history is moving toward the fulfillment of God’s promises. In a world filled with uncertainty, Scripture points to the certainty of Christ’s coming kingdom and His eternal reign. The episode also challenges listeners personally: Have you truly allowed Christ to reign in your life? Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com [legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com] you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com [http://www.legacybiblepodcast.com] youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast [http://www.youtube.com/legacybiblepodcast] Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast [http://www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast] Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com [/episodeEndnote/setting/id/fbcjoliet.com] please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.

One in Christ: The Holy Spirit’s Work in Making Us Holy, Loved, and Alive

What does it truly mean to be one in Christ? In this powerful teaching, we explore the deep, life-changing work of the Holy Spirit—who reveals our identity, secures our inheritance, and actively transforms us into the likeness of Jesus. Drawing from Ephesians 1, Romans 8, Hebrews 2, and Galatians 5, this episode unpacks the reality that believers are already made holy, accepted, and adopted into God’s family. The question is not if these things are true—but whether we will allow the Holy Spirit to bring them to life in us. Discover how walking in the Spirit leads to real holiness, authentic love, and a life that reflects Christ in a world that desperately needs Him.   📝 Full Show Notes 🔑 Episode Overview This episode focuses on: * The role of the Holy Spirit as our teacher * Our identity as holy, blameless, and adopted children of God * What it means to be “one in Christ” * The contrast between flesh and Spirit * How to practically walk in the Spirit daily   📖 Key Themes 1. The Holy Spirit Reveals Truth * The Spirit teaches us what God has already done for us * Spiritual understanding grows through humility * The more we learn, the more we recognize how much we don’t know 2. Your Identity in Christ * You are holy and without blame (Ephesians 1:4) * You are accepted in the Beloved * You are adopted with full inheritance rights * This is not future—it is present reality 3. Oneness with Christ * Believers are made one with Christ instantly at salvation * This is not achieved through effort—it is God’s work * Our unity reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son 4. God’s Work, Not Ours * Conforming us to Christ is God’s responsibility * We cannot produce righteousness on our own * Salvation and transformation are entirely by grace 5. Holiness vs. Flesh * Galatians 5 contrasts: * Works of the flesh (sinful nature) * Fruit of the Spirit (God’s nature in us) * Holiness is not behavior modification—it is Spirit-produced transformation 6. The Fruit of the Spirit is Love * Love is the root; the rest (joy, peace, patience, etc.) flow from it * The Spirit produces God’s nature within us 7. Walking in the Spirit (Practical Application) * Be continually filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) * Choose daily surrender to God’s will * Live intentionally, not passively   🛠️ Practical Steps to Grow 1. Expose yourself to God’s Word daily 2. Meditate on Scripture intentionally 3. Surrender your will to the Holy Spirit 4. Imitate Christ in your daily life 5. Live a life of praise and thanksgiving   💡 Key Takeaways * You already have everything in Christ—the Spirit helps you realize it * Transformation happens when you yield, not strive * Walking in the Spirit leads to: * Freedom from sin * A life marked by love * Genuine joy and praise   📚 Scripture References * Ephesians 1:4–10, 18 * Romans 8:28–29 * Hebrews 2:10–13 * John 17:20–23 * Galatians 5:16–25 * Ephesians 5:15–20 * 2 Corinthians 3:18   🎯 Memorable Quote “You don’t become one with Christ by effort—you are made one by God. The Spirit simply teaches you to live in what is already true.”   🙏 Call to Action Take time this week to: * Open your Bible daily * Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you * Choose to walk in obedience * Let Christ be seen through your life     Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com [legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com] you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com [http://www.legacybiblepodcast.com] youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast [http://www.youtube.com/legacybiblepodcast] Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast [http://www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast] Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com [/episodeEndnote/setting/id/fbcjoliet.com] please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.

Washed, Made New, and Sealed: The Powerful Work of the Holy Spirit

What does it truly mean to be saved—and who actually does the work? In Episode 114 of the Legacy Bible Podcast, we explore the powerful, life-changing work of the Holy Spirit in the believer. Salvation is not achieved by human effort but is entirely the work of God, applied through the Spirit. From the washing of regeneration to the miracle of new birth, and the unbreakable seal that secures us for eternity, this message unpacks the depth of God’s grace. You’ll discover how the Holy Spirit not only brings new life but also empowers us to live it out daily—not by our strength, but by faith. This episode is both doctrinally rich and deeply practical, calling believers to rest in Christ’s finished work while walking in the Spirit’s ongoing power.   📝 Full Show Notes 🔑 Episode Overview This message focuses on the essential role of the Holy Spirit in salvation and the believer’s daily life. It emphasizes that: * Salvation is entirely the work of God, not man * The Holy Spirit applies the finished work of Christ * Believers are transformed, secured, and empowered through Him   ✨ Key Themes & Teaching Points 1. Salvation is a Gift, Not a Work * Eternal life is given freely through Jesus Christ * Faith is not a work—it is trust in God’s work * Human effort cannot produce righteousness 📖 Romans 6:23   2. The Washing of Regeneration * The Holy Spirit cleanses and renews the believer * This “washing” is necessary to make us fit for eternal life * Forgiveness is applied to the soul by the Spirit 📖 Titus 3:5   3. The New Birth (Born Again) * Spiritual rebirth is required to enter the kingdom of God * This is a work only the Holy Spirit can perform * Believers become entirely new creations 📖 John 3:5–7 📖 2 Corinthians 5:17   4. A New Creation in Christ * The believer is recreated in righteousness and holiness * This new nature reflects God’s own character * It is based entirely on Christ’s finished work 📖 Ephesians 4:24   5. Sealed by the Holy Spirit * The Spirit Himself is the seal of our salvation * This seal guarantees we belong to God * It is permanent and secure until the day of redemption 📖 Ephesians 1:13–14 📖 Ephesians 4:30   6. The Finished Work of Christ * Jesus fully completed the work of salvation * Nothing can be added to what He has done * The Spirit works only from what Christ has provided 📖 John 17:4 📖 John 19:30   7. Growing in Wisdom and Knowledge * The Spirit continues working after salvation * He reveals deeper understanding of God’s purposes * Believers grow in awareness of their inheritance in Christ 📖 Ephesians 1:17–18   8. Living by the Power of the Spirit * The Christian life cannot be lived in human strength * God’s power enables godly living * Victory comes through dependence on the Spirit 📖 Ephesians 1:19   9. Walking by Faith Daily * Faith is the ongoing principle of the Christian life * Christ dwells in our hearts through faith * Spiritual growth requires moment-by-moment trust 📖 Ephesians 3:17   🔍 Key Takeaways * You cannot save yourself—God does the work * The Holy Spirit cleanses, renews, and recreates you * Your salvation is secure because it is sealed by God * The same Spirit who saves you empowers you to live for Christ * Faith is not just for salvation—it is for every moment of the Christian life   🙏 Closing Reflection This message calls believers to stop striving in their own strength and instead rest in the finished work of Christ. The Holy Spirit is not only the one who saves but the one who sustains, empowers, and transforms us daily. The Christian life is not self-powered—it is Spirit-filled and faith-driven.       Thanks for listening and please subscribe, comment and like. if you have any comments or questions please send them to legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com [legacybiblepodcast@gmail.com] you can check out the website at www.legacybiblepodcast.com [http://www.legacybiblepodcast.com] youtube channel at www.youtube.com/@legacybiblepodcast [http://www.youtube.com/legacybiblepodcast] Rumble Channel at www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast [http://www.rumble.com/legacybiblepodcast] Fellowship Bible Church website is at fbcjoliet.com [/episodeEndnote/setting/id/fbcjoliet.com] please come back every week for another legacy lesson from the bible by the Rev Chuck Rains. All audio sermons were previously recorded at the Fellowship Bible Church and recorded on cassette tape and transferred into digital format. All content is from the Fellowship Bible Church and edited from the morning or evening service and taught by the pastor the Rev. Chuck Rains. Also just a reminder, don't forget to read your bible everyday, and pray for the podcast, so that all the world may hear God's message for their life.