Dr. Carl Poole

Jul 14

Check Your Spiritual Pulse: Is Your Faith Healthy? Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S James 1:19-27 is an invitation to engage in a personal and reflective examination of one's faith journey. In these verses, James provides practical guidance on living out one's faith in a meaningful...Read more

Check Your Spiritual Pulse: Is Your Faith Healthy? Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S James 1:19-27 is an invitation to engage in a personal and reflective examination of one's faith journey. In these verses, James provides practical guidance on living out one's faith in a meaningful and authentic way. The Bible encourages believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. This advice is not merely about interpersonal communication but also about cultivating a heart that is receptive to God's word and the needs of others. Listening attentively can help us to better understand and empathize with those around us, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper sense of community. The passage also emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word, not merely hearers. True faith is demonstrated through actions that reflect the teachings of Christ. This means actively practicing love, kindness, and service in everyday life. It's a call to live out one's beliefs through tangible actions that make a difference in the lives of others. Moreover, James highlights the need for self-control and purity. By keeping oneself from being polluted by the world, believers can maintain a focus on spiritual growth and integrity. This involves being vigilant against influences that may lead us away from our faith and values. In essence, these verses serve as a spiritual health check. They challenge us to reflect on whether our faith is vibrant, active, and aligned with the teachings of Jesus. By examining our attitudes, actions, and priorities, we can ensure that our faith is not just a set of beliefs but a living, transformative force in our lives.

Jul 12

The passage from James 1:19-27 encourages us to not only be hearers of the Word but doers as well. Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S It's easy to read the Bible and gain knowledge, but the true transformation begins when we put those teachings into action. Listening is important; bu...Read more

The passage from James 1:19-27 encourages us to not only be hearers of the Word but doers as well. Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S It's easy to read the Bible and gain knowledge, but the true transformation begins when we put those teachings into action. Listening is important; but we should also be quick to hear and slow to speak or become angry. This mirrors the wisdom of being patient and understanding in our interactions with others. The real challenge lies in applying scripture to our daily lives. The message is clear: don't just absorb the teachings intellectually, but let them shape your actions and decisions. By doing so, we reflect our faith in tangible ways, impacting our communities and personal lives positively. Examine yourself and consider how you can embody the principles laid out in these verses. Whether it's through acts of kindness, exercising patience, or standing up for what is right, let your actions be a testament to the Biblical values you hold. This proactive approach to faith can lead to profound changes, not just within ourselves, but in the world around us. Start now, and witness the difference it makes.

Jul 11

Why Following God's Word FREES You! (Skydiving Analogy) Watch the fill video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S Imagine standing at the edge of an airplane, thousands of feet above the ground, preparing to leap into the vast openness below. As you take that step into the sky, you're placing your trust ...Read more

Why Following God's Word FREES You! (Skydiving Analogy) Watch the fill video here: https://buff.ly/wjF2o6S Imagine standing at the edge of an airplane, thousands of feet above the ground, preparing to leap into the vast openness below. As you take that step into the sky, you're placing your trust in the parachute strapped to your back. This act of faith, exhilarating and terrifying, provides a perfect analogy for understanding how following God's Word can set you free. In James 1:19-27, the Bible encourages us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. These verses also urge us to not merely listen to the word, but to do what it says. This call to action is akin to the moment you jump from the plane; it's an active decision to trust and follow, not just hear. Much like skydiving, where freedom is found in the surrender to the experience and trust in your equipment, spiritual freedom comes from surrendering to God's guidance. By living according to His Word, we find a sense of liberation. It may seem paradoxical—how can following rules lead to freedom? But, in reality, God's instructions protect us, guiding us safely through life’s challenges and temptations, much like a parachute guides you safely to the ground. When you dive into God's Word and apply it to your life, you release burdens of guilt, confusion, and fear. It's not just about rule-following; it's about embracing a way of life that aligns with divine wisdom, bringing peace and joy. This alignment allows you to soar above life's troubles, secure in the knowledge that you are supported by something greater than yourself. So, as we live out the teachings of James, we find that true freedom comes not from doing whatever we want, but from doing what we are meant to do—living in harmony with God's will. Just as the skydiver trusts their parachute, trust in God's Word and experience the liberty it brings.

Jul 5

God's purpose for us often involves embracing trials and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/Eci1vH3 In James 1:1-18, we are reminded that these trials are not meant to break us but to build our character and faith, molding us to beco...Read more

God's purpose for us often involves embracing trials and challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/Eci1vH3 In James 1:1-18, we are reminded that these trials are not meant to break us but to build our character and faith, molding us to become more like Jesus. James begins by addressing his readers, encouraging them to consider it pure joy when they face various trials. This might seem counterintuitive, but the testing of faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, lacking nothing. As we navigate through life's difficulties, we are invited to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. This wisdom helps us understand the deeper purpose behind our struggles and equips us to endure them with patience and grace. The passage also warns against doubting God's goodness during trials. When we ask for wisdom, we must believe and not doubt, because doubt can lead to instability and a divided mind. Trusting in God's purpose and His unwavering love helps us remain steadfast. Furthermore, James speaks about the temporary nature of earthly wealth and status, reminding us that true riches are found in the spiritual growth that trials can bring. The lowly are lifted up, and the rich are humbled, emphasizing the equalizing power of life's challenges. Through these experiences, we are called to persevere, for blessed is the one who perseveres under trial. Such a person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. This promise reassures us that our efforts and endurance are not in vain. Finally, we are encouraged to resist temptation, understanding that it does not come from God but from our own desires. By focusing on God's purpose, we can overcome these temptations and continue our journey towards becoming more like Jesus. In embracing trials, we are participating in a divine process that shapes our character and deepens our relationship with God. Let us hold fast to this purpose, trusting that each trial is a stepping stone towards a more Christ-like life.

Jul 4

God Works for Good: Finding Hope in ALL Circumstances! Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/Eci1vH3 In the journey of life, we often encounter trials and tribulations that test our faith and resilience. It is during these times that we turn to scripture for comfort and guidance. James 1:1-18...Read more

God Works for Good: Finding Hope in ALL Circumstances! Watch the full video here: https://buff.ly/Eci1vH3 In the journey of life, we often encounter trials and tribulations that test our faith and resilience. It is during these times that we turn to scripture for comfort and guidance. James 1:1-18 provides a profound perspective on how to perceive and endure these challenges with hope and faith. James, a servant of God, addresses the scattered tribes with a message of encouragement. He begins by urging believers to count it all joy when faced with various trials, knowing that the testing of faith produces perseverance. This perseverance is not simply enduring, but it is a transformative process that strengthens and refines character, making one complete and mature, lacking nothing. The passage emphasizes the importance of wisdom, which is generously given by God to those who seek it. In moments of uncertainty, asking God for wisdom becomes essential, as it guides decisions and provides clarity. However, James cautions against doubting, as it leads to instability. A steadfast heart is required to receive the wisdom and blessings that God has in store. Furthermore, James highlights the fleeting nature of earthly riches and the ultimate reward that awaits those who remain steadfast under trial. The crown of life, a symbol of eternal life and victory, is promised to those who love God and endure patiently through life's hardships. James also warns against blaming God for temptations, clarifying that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. Instead, each person is tempted by their own desires. Recognizing this can help individuals take responsibility for their actions and seek God's help in overcoming temptations. In essence, the passage underscores the sovereignty and goodness of God, who works all things for the good of those who love Him. Even in the midst of trials, there is hope, as every good and perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights. Embracing this perspective allows believers to find hope and strength in every circumstance, trusting that God is at work, shaping and molding them through every trial.