In this episode, we study James 2:14–26, unpacking the powerful message that faith without action is dead. Through a blend of biblical teaching, cultural insight, and personal reflection, Nicole walks listeners through what it means to live out an activated faith—a faith that doesn’t stop at belief but blossoms into transformed choices, emotions, and behavior.

She explores the Jewish tradition of Midrash, connects teachings from both the Sermon on the Mount and the Old Testament, and shows how stories of Abraham and Rahab illustrate the principle that genuine faith leads to meaningful action.

What Does It Mean for Me?


Faith transforms everything: True faith should visibly impact how we think, feel, act, and make decisions.


Faith and deeds are inseparable: Good works are not the cause of faith, but the evidence of a changed life.


Biblical examples matter: Abraham and Rahab demonstrate that active obedience is the fruit of authentic belief.


Scripture speaks urgently: James’ tone invites us to ask tough but necessary questions about how we’re living out our faith.


Spiritual maturity means visible change: Real transformation isn’t private—it’s relational, observable, and ongoing.


Simple obedience is powerful: A daily prayer of surrender—"Lord, I want to go where you go. I want to do what you do."—can reorient our lives around God’s kingdom priorities.

📜 Bible Verse References:


James 2:14–26
Read on BibleStudyTools.com


Matthew 5–7(Sermon on the Mount)
Read on BibleStudyTools.com


Genesis 15:6(Abraham believed God...)
Read on BibleStudyTools.com


Joshua 2(Rahab and the spies)
Read on BibleStudyTools.com


John 14:15"If you love me, keep my commands."
Read on BibleStudyTools.com
Subscribe to How to Study the Bible so you never miss an episode!


Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your feedback helps others discover the show.


Download Nicole’s free Bible Study Tools at nicoleunice.com.


Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tag @NicoleUnice.


Share this episode with a friend or small group member who’s exploring how to live out their faith.

🔗 Relevant Links & Resources


NicoleUnice.com – Devotionals, teaching, and resources


BibleStudyTools.com – For all verse links and study aids


Previous episode: Activated Week 3 – Living the Kingdom Way


What Does ‘Faith without Works is Dead’ Really Mean?


Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at nicole@nicoleunice.com 

📬 Sign up for Nicole’s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox:
https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk

📖 Nicole’s newest book:Not What I Signed Up For
→ Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at:
https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor

In this episode, we study James 2:14&ndash;26, unpacking the powerful message that faith without action is dead. Through a blend of biblical teaching, cultural insight, and personal reflection, Nicole walks listeners through what it means to live out an activated faith&mdash;a faith that doesn&rsquo;t stop at belief but blossoms into transformed choices, emotions, and behavior.
She explores the Jewish tradition of Midrash, connects teachings from both the Sermon on the Mount and the Old Testament, and shows how stories of Abraham and Rahab illustrate the principle that genuine faith leads to meaningful action.
<hr data-start="1305" data-end="1308">
What Does It Mean for Me?
<ul data-start="1333" data-end="2124">
<li data-start="1333" data-end="1447">
Faith transforms everything: True faith should visibly impact how we think, feel, act, and make decisions.
</li>
<li data-start="1448" data-end="1565">
Faith and deeds are inseparable: Good works are not the cause of faith, but the evidence of a changed life.
</li>
<li data-start="1566" data-end="1685">
Biblical examples matter: Abraham and Rahab demonstrate that active obedience is the fruit of authentic belief.
</li>
<li data-start="1686" data-end="1818">
Scripture speaks urgently: James&rsquo; tone invites us to ask tough but necessary questions about how we&rsquo;re living out our faith.
</li>
<li data-start="1819" data-end="1943">
Spiritual maturity means visible change: Real transformation isn&rsquo;t private&mdash;it&rsquo;s relational, observable, and ongoing.
</li>
<li data-start="1944" data-end="2124">
Simple obedience is powerful: A daily prayer of surrender&mdash;"Lord, I want to go where you go. I want to do what you do."&mdash;can reorient our lives around God&rsquo;s kingdom priorities.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2126" data-end="2129">
📜 Bible Verse References:
<ul data-start="2162" data-end="2803">
<li data-start="2162" data-end="2281">
James 2:14&ndash;26 <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/james/passage/?q=james+2:14-26" data-start="2186" data-end="2279">Read on BibleStudyTools.com</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2282" data-end="2407">
Matthew 5&ndash;7 (Sermon on the Mount) <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/5.html" data-start="2328" data-end="2405">Read on BibleStudyTools.com</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2408" data-end="2541">
Genesis 15:6 (Abraham believed God...) <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/genesis/15-6.html" data-start="2459" data-end="2539">Read on BibleStudyTools.com</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2542" data-end="2663">
Joshua 2 (Rahab and the spies) <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/joshua/2.html" data-start="2585" data-end="2661">Read on BibleStudyTools.com</a>
</li>
<li data-start="2664" data-end="2803">
John 14:15 "If you love me, keep my commands." <a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com/john/14-15.html" data-start="2723" data-end="2801">Read on BibleStudyTools.com</a>
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="2805" data-end="2808">
<ul>
<li data-start="2843" data-end="2916">Subscribe to How to Study the Bible so you never miss an episode!</li>
<li data-start="2917" data-end="3014">
Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify&mdash;your feedback helps others discover the show.
</li>
<li data-start="3015" data-end="3114">
Download Nicole&rsquo;s free Bible Study Tools at <a href="https://www.nicoleunice.com" data-start="3065" data-end="3111">nicoleunice.com</a>.
</li>
<li data-start="3115" data-end="3208">
Join the conversation on social media using #HowToStudyTheBible and tag @NicoleUnice.
</li>
<li data-start="3209" data-end="3314">
Share this episode with a friend or small group member who&rsquo;s exploring how to live out their faith.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="3316" data-end="3319">
🔗 Relevant Links &amp; Resources
<ul data-start="3356" data-end="3681">
<li data-start="3356" data-end="3445">
<a href="https://www.nicoleunice.com" data-start="3358" data-end="3404">NicoleUnice.com</a> &ndash; Devotionals, teaching, and resources
</li>
<li data-start="3446" data-end="3541">
<a href="https://www.biblestudytools.com" data-start="3448" data-end="3502">BibleStudyTools.com</a> &ndash; For all verse links and study aids
</li>
<li data-start="3542" data-end="3607">
Previous episode: Activated Week 3 &ndash; Living the Kingdom Way
</li>
<li data-start="3608" data-end="3681">
<a href="https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-does-james-really-mean-when-he-says-faith-without-works-is-dead.html">What Does &lsquo;Faith without Works is Dead&rsquo; Really Mean?</a>
</li>
<li data-start="3608" data-end="3681">
Want to send Nicole a question for a future Listener Questions episode? Email her at <a href="mailto:nicole@nicoleunice.com">nicole@nicoleunice.com</a>&nbsp;
📬&nbsp;Sign up for Nicole&rsquo;s newsletter to get regular encouragement right in your inbox: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk" data-start="2122" data-end="2190">https://nicoleunice.com/realtalk</a>
📖 Nicole&rsquo;s newest book: Not What I Signed Up For &rarr; Get the intro, first chapter, and a free prayer guide at: <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor" data-start="2312" data-end="2402">https://nicoleunice.com/notwhatisignedupfor</a>
</li>
</ul>

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Three Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible study lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and more 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 4 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

How to Study the Bible - Bible Study Made Simple

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do!

But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way.

In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 

Topics covered in this podcast:

💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible
💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life
💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!)
💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More
💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life
💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture

To find more from Nicole, visit https://nicoleunice.com/.

As Christians, we want to experience God through the Bible… we really do! But our good intentions fall flat when reading the Bible just doesn’t seem to help us experience God in a real way. What should feel dynamic and important and alive often feels confusing and boring and irrelevant. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. In this bible study podcast, pastor and Bible teacher Nicole Unice brings life back to reading the Bible by walking listeners through her Alive Method of Bible study, helping us personally encounter God through His Word by giving us a practical, clear road map for understanding, interpreting and applying Scripture to our lives. 
Topics covered in this podcast:
💡 Common Obstacles to Understanding the Bible 💡The Basics of Bible Study (Observation, Interpretation) and How to Apple the Bible to Your Life 💡Deep Dive into Bible Studies by Books of the Bible (We've covered Ecclesiastes, Romans, Matthew, and more!) 💡 Topical Bible Study Lessons on Joy, Contentment, Prayer and More 💡 Spiritual Rhythms: Creating New Rhythms in Your Life 💡 Principles You Need to Interpret Difficult Scripture
To find more from Nicole, visit <a href="https://nicoleunice.com/">https://nicoleunice.com/</a>.

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