James Poole

Abraham's great faith earned him the title, "The father of all who believed". Isaac learned the lesson that "the fear of man brings a snare, but whoso puts his trust in Jehovah shall be safe." Joseph stands out in a class by himself, a perfect type of Christ in his humiliation and exaltation. But what have we to learn from Jacob? He was a man of low morals, continually scheming and plotting for his own benefit. But the author sees two outstanding lessons that all believers can learn from the life of Jacob: - that grace overcomes the will of the flesh, and- that faith overcomes the fear of man.

The Bible contains many references to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and Genesis says so much about the lives of Abraham and Jacob. By contrast the life of Isaac is comparatively quiet and uneventful, no such dramatic incidents occur in the same intensity as in his father's life or in his son's. If we wonder why he is included with such giants as Abraham and Jacob, then this publication gives us the answer, providing us with important details about Isaac's life and faith.

The author takes the read through the life of Abraham. Starting with the call by God, James Poole follows Abraham from Ur of the Chaldees, to Haran, into the Promised Land, onto Egypt and then back to Canaan. But as well as the geographic journey he also put before the readers the journey of Abraham faith; his justifying faith when he believed God who then considered Abraham righteous. However, as we continue with Abraham we see lapses in his trust of God, but in the end we find a man who has such faith in God that he was willing to sacrifice Isaac, his only son, because he was so convinced that God would have to raise Isaac from the dead if God was to keep his promises.

"It is the divine purpose that faith is followed by works," writes James Poole and goes on to demonstrate the doctrine and practice cannot be separated. He considers what is practical for the Christian under the headings: Our relationship towards GodOur relationship towards members of the Body of ChristOur relationship towards members of our familyOur relationship towards people at workOur relationship towards the StateOur relationship towards our enemiesOur relationship towards all mankind These seven relationships cover everything for the Christian who desires to please the Lord in his practical life.

The closing section of Ephesians is one of the best known and most helpful passages in all Paul's writings. In it he wrote about: - The belt of truth- The breastplate of righteousness- The sandals of peace- The shield of faith- The helmet of salvation- The sword of the Spirit James Poole's clear and concise comments on these, and on Paul's closing words on prayer, are most helpful to every child of God who has, at times, found this life a battle.

In this publication, the life and person of Joseph is considered concisely yet comprehensively. In Joseph we have a believer who is an example to us all of how to persevere when the going gets tough. He is also seen to be a type of Christ and we have two sections in which the author draws many helpful parallels between Joseph and Jesus.

An excellent, short introduction to the letter many consider to be Paul's greatest. The author places Ephesians in its historical setting. He then gives short and clear notes on many verses. These bring to life what Paul wrote those many centuries ago, and which are so relevant to Christians of the 21st Century.