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.

Rev. Chuck Rains delivers a rich and challenging message from November 24, 1991, centered on James 1:17–18 and the truth that every good and perfect gift comes only from God. Using the life of Jacob as a vivid illustration of human weakness, fleshly choices, and God’s persistent grace, this sermon calls believers to examine their walk and rediscover where true blessing originates.

Rev. Rains unpacks what it means to be “firstfruits of His creatures”—recipients of God’s best, saved by His Word, and called to reflect His glory. He contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, challenges self-reliance, and encourages the church to rest in the faithfulness, goodness, and unchanging character of God.

A timely message for every believer seeking to walk in the Spirit, live with gratitude, and trust God for both daily provision and eternal promises.

📝 Show Notes

Primary Scripture References:

• James 1:17–18 — Every good and perfect gift comes from above; believers are the firstfruits of God’s creation.
• Titus 3:5–7 — Salvation by the washing and renewal of the Holy Spirit, not by works.
• John 1:1–14 — Jesus as the Word who gives life.
• 1 Corinthians 15 — Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection.
• Genesis 29–30 — Jacob’s family conflicts, fleshly decisions, and God’s grace.
• Galatians 5:16–26 — Works of the flesh vs. walking in the Spirit.
• Ephesians 5:1–5 — Walking as children of God.

Key Themes:

• God Alone Gives Goodness True blessing does not come from the world, personal effort, or the enemy’s lies—but from God Himself.
• The Deception of Self-Reliance Jacob’s life shows the danger of trying to build a blessed life through flesh, manipulation, or striving.
• Believers as “Firstfruits” Christians display God’s glory uniquely, receiving the fullness of His love, righteousness, and promises.
• The Works of the Flesh Sexual sin, spiritual rebellion, and selfish ambition all hinder the believer’s life in God.
• Walking in the Spirit The only path to victory, blessing, and the fullness of life Jesus promised in John 10:10.
• Gratitude as God’s Will “In everything give thanks”—because every good thing originates in Him.

Episode Highlights:

• Why the world can’t offer true goodness—even when it promises it.
• How Satan deceives through empty “good things.”
• Jacob’s failures and God’s persistent mercy.
• Why love is always a choice, not just an emotion or circumstance.
• The difference between outward blessing and inward transformation.
• How to recognize the works of the flesh in your own life.
• What it means to walk in the Spirit daily.
• Learning to trust God’s promises rather than your own strength.
• The believer’s calling to reflect God’s glory as “firstfruits.”
• Encouragement to cultivate thanksgiving in every season.

In this message from November 17, 1991, Rev. Chuck Rains continues the study of Jacob’s life — a man walking a 21-year path of striving, frustration, and self-reliance. Through Jacob’s experiences with Laban and his impulsive choices at the well, we’re reminded of the emptiness of doing things our own way, even when our intentions seem good. Rev. Rains draws a powerful parallel to modern faith struggles — urging believers to trust God’s timing and foundation rather than their emotions or desires. The episode concludes with a moving real-life example of the cost of setting aside God’s counsel and the redemption found in returning to His will.

“You can’t find happiness on your terms — only on God’s terms.”

Show Notes

Scripture Focus:

• Genesis 29 — Jacob’s meeting with Rachel
• 2 Corinthians 6:14–18 — “Do not be unequally yoked…”
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; 7:39 — Our bodies as temples, living “in the Lord”

Key Themes:

• Jacob’s 21-year journey as a portrait of self-willed living
• Acting in emotion vs. walking in faith
• The danger of “good intentions” outside of God’s foundation
• Unequal yokes: spiritual consequences of disobedience
• God’s mercy in redeeming failure and restoring purpose

Memorable Quote:

“You can’t find happiness except in the One who is the author of it — the Lord Himself.”

Application Points:

1. Don’t rationalize disobedience — even “good” actions can be wrong if the motive isn’t from faith.
2. Emotions are gifts from God, but never meant to drive our decisions.
3. Trust God’s foundation — His counsel never robs you of joy; it preserves it.
4. It’s never too late to return to God’s will — He redeems even wasted years.

In this sermon from November 3, 1991, Rev. Chuck Rains explores the story of Jacob’s deception of Isaac and the profound spiritual truths woven through it. From Rebekah’s conspiracy to Jacob’s blasphemy, we see how human deceit and divine sovereignty intersect — and how God’s promises remain steadfast despite man’s failures. Rev. Rains challenges listeners to examine their own faith: are we trusting God’s promises in righteousness and surrender, or attempting to secure blessings by our own schemes?

📝 Show Notes

• Scripture Focus: Genesis 27–28; Luke 1:30–33; Zechariah 14; 1 Corinthians 15; Revelation 20
• Key Themes:
  • The deceit of Jacob and Rebekah: a conspiracy against Isaac.
  • The nature of blasphemy — crediting the works of the flesh to God.
  • “One thing thou lackest” — the rich young ruler’s failure of faith.
  • God’s promises to Jacob and their fulfillment in Christ.
  • The blessing of Israel and the eternal reign of Jesus over all the earth.
  • Faith over works: the futility of “making deals” with God.
• Takeaway: God’s purposes are never accomplished through deceit or self-effort but through faith, surrender, and righteousness. His promises stand firm, fulfilled perfectly in Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Rev. Chuck Rains teaches from Genesis 27, exploring the story of Jacob and Esau and the deception that changed the course of biblical history. As Isaac’s physical vision fades, his spiritual discernment is also clouded—creating an opportunity for deceit to flourish. Yet, even through human weakness and sin, God’s sovereign plan continues unhindered.

Pastor Rains draws deep parallels between Isaac’s misplaced trust in his senses and our own tendency to walk by sight rather than by faith. He challenges believers to trust God’s timing and methods instead of manipulating outcomes through human effort.

Key Themes

• The consequences of favoritism and division within families
• Deception and the cost of pursuing blessings the wrong way
• The contrast between walking by faith and living by flesh
• God’s sovereignty in using imperfect people to fulfill His purposes
• The importance of spiritual discernment over physical perception

Scripture Reference

📖 Genesis 27:1–29

Notable Quotes

“Satan takes advantage of our every weakness — but when we walk by faith, he has no victory.”

“God’s blessings are never gained through deceit. They are received through trust and obedience.”

“Isaac’s eyes were dim, but his faith should have been clear.”

Takeaway

Even when our faith falters and our motives are mixed, God’s redemptive plan continues to unfold. The story of Jacob reminds us that God can redeem even the deceiver — transforming him into Israel, the father of a nation.

Thanks to elevenlabs.ai for the ai voice Brian at the beginning of this podcast.

Please come back next week for another sermon from the tape archives of the Fellowship Bible Church.

Recorded on October 20, 1991, Rev. Chuck Rains continues his series on the believer’s inheritance, exploring the powerful connection between our birthright and blessing in Christ. In this message, Pastor Rains unpacks the rich truths of Philippians 4 and Galatians 3, reminding listeners that every believer is a full heir of God’s promises through faith in Jesus Christ.

Discover what it means to be sealed by the Holy Spirit, to have access to the throne of grace, and to live in the confidence that “my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

This teaching offers a profound look at how God’s blessings are shared among all His children—not just a chosen few—and how gratitude, faith, and generosity reflect our spiritual inheritance.

🔑 Key Themes / Scripture References:

• Galatians 3:26 – “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 1:13–14 – Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise
• Hebrews 4:15–16 – Bold access to the throne of grace
• Philippians 4:10–19 – God’s supply in every need
• Romans 8:17 – Heirs of God, joint heirs with Christ

In this message, Rev. Chuck Rains explores the deep biblical distinction between the birthright and the blessing—first seen in the story of Jacob and Esau, and then fulfilled in the life of every believer. Drawing from Galatians 3 and 4, he unpacks what it means to be a true child of God: born by faith, indwelt by the Spirit, and made an heir of divine promise.

Rev. Rains invites listeners to discover the riches of their spiritual inheritance—the righteousness of Christ, the indwelling Spirit, the hope of resurrection, and the privilege of prayer—all given freely by grace. This is a powerful reminder that our identity and inheritance in Christ are not earned, but received by faith.

Rev. Chuck Rains reveals the believer’s true inheritance in Christ—our birthright of sonship, the indwelling Spirit, and the eternal riches of God’s grace.

Recorded October 13, 1991 — Rev. Chuck Rains

In this episode, we turn to Mark 3 and explore the moment Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. This act of grace exposed the hardness of human hearts bound by religion rather than compassion. Pastor Rains reflects on how Christ’s anger and sorrow at spiritual blindness reveal both His holiness and His mercy. The message reminds us that true rest and righteousness are found not in rule-keeping but in surrendering to the heart of God—where His grace never ceases to work.

📖 Scripture Focus:

Mark 3:1–6; Matthew 12:9–14; Luke 6:6–11

📝 Shownotes:

• Jesus’ healing of the man with a withered hand exposes the conflict between law and grace.
• The Pharisees’ obsession with legality blinded them to the heart of God.
• Christ’s righteous anger shows that divine love is never indifferent to hardness of heart.
• True Sabbath rest is found in serving God with compassion, not ritual.
• When grace moves, it breaks through our rigidity and restores life.
• Jesus didn’t just heal one man—He poured out healing on all who would come to Him.
• The Lord’s work, even on the “Sabbath,” is the perfect expression of God’s love at work.