It’s December! If you’re looking for some reading material in preparation for Christmas, let me suggest one of my three Christmas-related books below. Happy Advent, and happy reading!

Click on a title to view on Amazon:

     

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

My new book, Birth and Preparation: Matthew 1-4, is now available for purchase. I am hoping this will be a good resource for pastors, teachers, groups and individuals seeking to study and learn from the gospel of Matthew. You may especially want to read the chapters on the birth narratives of Christ in preparation for Christmas. Here’s the description from the back cover.

This is the first volume of a series covering the whole gospel of Matthew. This volume explores the meaning of Jesus’ genealogy, the birth narratives of Christ, the ministry of John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of his ministry in Galilee.

The gospel of Matthew presents Jesus as the Messiah and King who came to suffer and die for our sins. Matthew introduces these themes even in the opening chapters of his gospel. Come learn more about Jesus as we explore his birth and preparation for ministry together.

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

It’s here! The Magnificent Word of God is an exposition of the wonders of God’s word as found in Psalm 19:7-14. It is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble in both paperback and ebook formats.

I am hoping this will be a good resource for pastors, teachers, groups and individuals seeking to know more about God’s Word. Here’s the description from the back cover.

The Bible is a magnificent book, and Psalm 19 is a magnificent psalm. In fact, it is a magnificent psalm about God’s magnificent book! It is a psalm about the Bible.

The messages in this book present a verse-by-verse exposition of the wonders of God’s word as found in Psalm 19. There are six chapters dealing with the inspiration, infallibility, authority, everlasting nature, priceless value, and sanctifying power of God’s word.

There is no book like the Bible. Come learn more about this wonderful book that God has given to us—the magnificent word of God.

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

It’s one week until Christmas so I’ve put both my Christmas books on sale. The ebook versions are marked down to $2.99 each at Amazon. Please feel free to share with your friends or anyone who may be interested. Thank you! Here is a brief description of each book:

Name above All Names (Isaiah 9:6): An Advent Series

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would be born a ruler and king. How would people recognize this baby when he was born? Isaiah identifies him for us by his names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” There is only one child in history who fulfills the meaning of all these names. We celebrate his birth each year at Christmas, and his name is Jesus. Come join the wonder of the Advent season as we study the meaning behind these four names together. Bonus Material: Selected commentary, poems and songs on Isaiah 9:6 through the ages.

Ruth: A Christmas Story (An Advent Series)
This series of messages explores the many parallels between Ruth’s story and the story of Christmas. The Christmas story has deep roots. It begins in the Old Testament, because the Old Testament points forward to Christ and his coming. Ruth’s story fulfills a vital part of salvation history in preparation for the coming of Jesus. As such, the parallels are not accidental. They are incidental, because the events of Ruth bear directly on the events of Christmas. The book of Ruth can be read right alongside the Christmas story! Come explore these amazing parallels as we study the book of Ruth together.

Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

My book on the names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6 is on sale this week for $2.99 (ebook version). Grab it now before the price goes back up!

This is actually a combined celebration. It’s not only the anniversary of the book release, but Name above All Names was also selected for a 2024 Kudos Award for Nonfiction (Carolina Christian Writers Awards). Here are some reviews of the book from Amazon:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Helpful Study Tool
The book consists of 5 advent/Christmas sermons delivered by the author to his Florida congregation, plus bonus material (quotations from various church leaders and commentators, as well as poems and songs) based on a single verse of the Bible, Isaiah 9:6. The book is especially helpful for pastors and teachers who seek to faithfully teach and apply the Bible. It is also useful for personal Bible study and those seeking to know more about God. Fowler helps us to see how divine names or titles written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth uniquely apply to Him. The chapters are readable, practical, and nicely outlined, with each ending with suggestions as to how the material may be applied to life. The book reveals the greatness of the Christmas Child, leading to wonder and worship.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Perfect Title. Great Read!
I love how each chapter dives deeper into scripture which allows a better understanding of the name above ALL names. After reading this book, I realized that I’d use certain names without fully knowing more or understanding it. I love it so much that I’m buying an extra as a gift. I did have the opportunity and privilege to read it before it hit Amazon, and I will be purchasing a copy today. This book has inspired me to meditate more on the Lord’s word with clearer intentions. Thank you Ray Fowler for this gem! I think every home should have a copy!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Seeing Jesus during the Advent season
Ray Fowler’s Name Above All Names is comprised of sermons Ray preached at the church at which he pastors. His sermons are easily grasped, they hold your attention, and have clarity and reasonable depth for a short form study. I appreciate Ray’s illustrations, as he gives the reader an experiential handle for bringing concepts into the familiar. Additionally, he has appended historical quotes from throughout church history which enrich our understanding and appreciation of the God-Man Jesus Christ. I see this book as particularly useful for a weekly private or family devotional during the Advent season.

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Ruth: A Christmas Story is now available for sale at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

What does the book of Ruth have to do with Christmas???

 
This series of messages explores the many parallels between Ruth’s story and the story of Christmas. The Christmas story has deep roots. It begins in the Old Testament, because the Old Testament points forward to Christ and his coming. Ruth’s story fulfills a vital part of salvation history in preparation for the coming of Jesus. As such, the parallels are not accidental. They are incidental, because the events of Ruth bear directly on the events of Christmas.
 
The book of Ruth can be read right alongside the Christmas story! Come explore these amazing parallels as we study the book of Ruth together.
 
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Table of Contents

Chapter One: O Little Town of Bethlehem
The story of a young woman who made a radical commitment of faith to God and then journeyed to Bethlehem where she gave birth to a child who would change the world.

Chapter Two: A Righteous Man
The story of a righteous man who offered kindness, protection and provision to a young woman in her time of need.

Chapter Three: The Kinsman-Redeemer
The story of a kinsman-redeemer who redeemed his beloved from a desperate situation at great cost to himself.

Chapter Four: A Child is Born
The story of a child in the line of Judah who was born as a redeemer in fulfillment of the prophecies leading up to Messiah.
 
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Other books in the series (click on the book images to view on Amazon):
 
     
 
 

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

Habakkuk: The Journey from Doubt to Faith is a year old, and we are celebrating by putting the ebook on sale for $2.99. Grab it now before the price goes back up!

This is actually a combined celebration. It’s not only the anniversary of the book release, but Habakkuk was also selected for a 2024 Selah Award (third place in the Bible Studies category). Here are some reviews of the book from Amazon:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Wonderful and accessible study of a minor prophet
I loved this book. I just finished using it for my morning devotions. While I’ve been a lifelong Bible reader, I haven’t always found the minor prophets an easy read. Ray Fowler did a wonderful job of introducing the reader to the prophet, offering historical and spiritual context. His sermon-style format helps the reader remember key points. It was fascinating to me that Habakkuk’s questions still resonate today: Is God fair? Does God care? Is God even there? The answers have sustained generations of believers.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Find Answers to 3 of Life’s Most Essential Questions!
Habakkuk- The Journey from Doubt to Faith explores three of life’s most essential questions: “Does God care? Is God fair? Is God there?” These questions have been asked both by believers at various stages of spiritual growth and unbelievers seeking meaning in life. Pastor Ray takes a deep dive into the book of Habakkuk and explains with simplicity and clarity God’s profound answer to this human hunger for meaning through the life quest of this Old Testament prophet of Israel. This ancient conversation with God is as contemporary as this morning’s news. This book methodically presents God’s answers, from a stage of doubt to revealing God’s love and wisdom to the birth of a trusting relationship. Need answers? Need faith? Read this exciting book! Christ came to give life and to give it abundantly. Be fulfilled and rejoice!
 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

If you’re looking for a Mother’s Day gift for that special person in your life, I would like to suggest my latest book: Famous Mothers in the Bible.

The book contains twelve Mother’s Day messages I have preached over the years. Each year around Mother’s Day we work our way forward through the Bible focusing on various mothers to see what principles we can learn from their lives and experiences.

This would make a great gift for the reader in your family! You can order it at Amazon here: Famous Mothers in the Bible.
 

 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
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I have a new book coming out this week called Lord, Make My Life Count! Drawing largely from the wisdom portions of the Bible, this book explains how to make your life count in six key areas of life: 1) your work; 2) your rest; 3) your faith; 4) your prayers; 5) your money; and 6) your time.

Each day this week I will be posting an excerpt from one of the six chapters. Today’s excerpt comes from the first chapter: “Make Your Work Count!”

Part of viewing your work as God’s calling is understanding that all work is ministry. Colossians 3 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Col. 3:23-24).

We tend to think of ministry as the work we do in the church rather than the work we do in the world. We divide life into the sacred and the secular, but God views it all as one. Ministry simply means serving the Lord. You can do that at church, but you can also do it at your place of work. So, you might be a minister of the gospel, but you could also be a minister of accounting, or a minister of daycare, or a minister of plumbing!

Martin Luther wrote: “The idea that service to God should have only to do with a church altar, singing, reading, sacrifice, and the like is without doubt but the worst trick of the devil. How could the devil have led us more effectively astray than by the narrow conception that the service of God takes place only in the church and by works done therein.… The whole world could abound with services to the Lord … not only in churches but also in the home, kitchen, workshop, and field.” Or as Dorothy Sayers wrote: “All work done well and for God’s glory is Christian work.”

At our church we like to say we have several pastors but many ministers. We are all ministers as we serve the Lord both here in the church and in the place where God has called us to work.

 
Note: Click here to view the book on Amazon.
 

Free advance review copies: The fourth book in the Understanding God’s Word series will be releasing next month, and I am looking for advance readers.

The book is called Lord, Make My Life Count! It’s a short book (six chapters), and an easy read. Drawing largely from the wisdom portions of the Bible, this book focuses on six key areas of life: 1) making your work count; 2) making your rest count; 3) making your faith count; 4) making your prayers count; 5) making your money count; and 6) making your time count.

Here is the full schedule and details:
January 20-31: Sign-ups for the reading group
February 1: Advance copies distributed by email
February 1-21: Three weeks to read
February 22: Release date on Amazon
February 22-29: Post a review on Amazon

If you would like to be part of the advance reading group for this book, and you feel you can read and review the book within the allotted timeframe, just let me know and I will send you a link where you can download your free copy. Thanks for your support! (You can email me at ray@pccflorida.org)

There are a limited number of advance copies available, so be sure to sign up early! Feel free to share this post with anyone you know who may be interested in participating.
 
Note: Here are the other books currently available in the series (click on the book images to view on Amazon):

   
 
Note: Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

If you are looking for some Advent reading this December, let me suggest my new book on the names of Jesus from Isaiah 9:6. You can check it out on Amazon here: Name above All Names (Isaiah 9:6)
 
This book works well as devotional reading in preparation for Christmas. It would also make a great Christmas gift for the reader on your list. I hope you enjoy it!
 

The prophet Isaiah spoke of a child who would be born a ruler and king. How would people recognize this baby when he was born? Isaiah identifies him for us by his names: “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

There is only one child in history who fulfills the meaning of all these names. We celebrate his birth each year at Christmas, and his name is Jesus. Come join the wonder of the Advent season as we study the meaning behind these four names together.

Bonus Material: Selected commentary, poems and songs on Isaiah 9:6 through the ages.

 
Note: This book is part of the Understanding God’s Word series. Each book in the series is adapted from actual sermons preached in the local church. These books are part commentary, part exposition, but mostly offer a clear explanation of the text, showing how it relates to other Scripture and to our lives today. They are ideal resources for teachers preparing lessons, for pastors preparing messages and for personal Bible study.
 
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Currently available (click on the book images to view on Amazon):

   
 
Click here for all books in the Understanding God’s Word series.
 

 
Free advance review copies:

The next book in the Understanding God’s Word series comes out next week. It’s a Christmas book on the names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 (Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace).

I am looking for a group of people who would be interested in reading the book and possibly leaving a review on Amazon when it is released. It’s a short book (only five chapters), and an easy read. I have a limited number of advance copies available.

If you are interested in being a part of this group, just let me know and I will send you a link where you can download your free copy. Thanks for your support! (You can email me at ray@pccflorida.org)

P.S. Feel free to share this post with anyone you know who may be interested in participating.