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 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.
 

Understanding God’s Word is a new series of books exploring various books and topics in the Bible. 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.

This style of preaching is modeled after Nehemiah 8 where the Levites under Ezra “read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Neh. 8:8). These books 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.
 
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Upcoming in 2026:
• Church on the Move: From Jerusalem to Samaria (Acts 1-8)
• The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7)
• Daniel: Stories and Visions
• The Spirit of Christmas: An Advent Series
 

Being a Christian in Work, by Muel Kaptein

Muel Kaptein has provided a wonderful resource for Christians at work. Kaptein is a professor of work ethics and advisory partner at KPMG Ethics & Integrity. The book is based on his experiences as a practicing Christian as well as his education in business administration and partly in theology.

The book is set up in workbook format, with short thoughts on various issues relating to work accompanied by questions for reflection or discussion. The material is practical, accessible, filled with scripture references and biblically sound. This is a great book for either individual reading or for use in Bible study or discussion groups.

You can purchase the book in paperback at Amazon here: Being a Christian in Work (Paperback) Or Kaptein has generously made the PDF of the book available for free download here: Being a Christian in Work (Free PDF)

I trust you will find this resource helpful as you seek to be faithful to Christ whatever your work situation.

I don’t know how long this sale will last, but right now most of the New American Commentary volumes for Kindle are on sale for $2.99 each. That’s a great sale as the print versions are usually in the $25-$30 range. I own the whole set, and these are great books for Bible study and teaching preparation. You can check out the various volumes for sale here: New American Commentary Volumes on Kindle.

I am excited to announce the ebook release of The Psalms of David in Metre: with Notes by John Brown of Haddington This is a project my son has been working on for over a year now. He loves the Psalms, and this is clearly the new definitive ebook edition of this important work. The ebook is easy to navigate with extensive links and notes and is perfect for singing, study, devotion and worship.

This ebook edition includes:

• Brief Historical Background for the Psalms of David in Metre
• Explanation of Metrical Psalms and Tips for Singing Them
• Textual and other Notes on this Work and its ebook Format
• John Brown’s Preface, Notes, and Common Table of Psalms
• Links to First Lines of each Psalm
• Tune Recommendations
• Subject Index
• Glossary of Unfamiliar Terms

This project has truly been a labor of love requiring hundreds of hours of work. I encourage you to purchase your copy today!

Click here for Kindle version: The Psalms of David in Metre: with Notes by John Brown of Haddington

Click here for Nook version: The Psalms of David in Metre: with Notes by John Brown of Haddington

Starting this Thursday over at Tim Challies’ blog, we will be reading David MacIntyre’s The Hidden Life of Prayer as part of Tim’s Reading Classics Together program. This is one of my favorite books on prayer, and I encourage you to grab a copy and read along. The chapters are short but focused and full of great teaching and reflections on prayer.

I like this book so much that back in fall of 2010 I created Kindle and ePub editions with fully-linked footnotes and table of contents. If you need a good ebook edition, you can order it through Amazon or Barnes & Noble through one of the links below:

    ● The Hidden Life of Prayer – Kindle edition at Amazon.com
    ● The Hidden Life of Prayer – Paperback edition at Amazon.com
    ● The Hidden life of Prayer – Epub edition at Barnes & Noble

And don’t forget to visit Tim’s blog on Thursday for the first round of discussion on chapter one.

Note: You don’t need a Kindle to read Kindle books. Click here for a free e-reader.

      (Note: For ebook and audiobook conversions, see Fowler Digital Services.)

Privacy

Amazon announced today that the latest software update to the Kindle will include real page numbers. This has been a huge issue for the Kindle, so I am glad to see Amazon finally addressing it.

Kindle’s page numbers match the page numbers in print books so you can easily reference and cite passages, and read alongside others in a book club or class. If your Kindle book includes page numbers, you’ll see page numbers displayed next to locations when you push the Menu button. Page numbers and locations are only displayed when the Menu button is pushed.

I format ebooks for authors and publishers, and this is similar to a solution that I offer my clients. I call it the page number grid. The page number grid correlates with the print version of the book and provides a convenient way for ebook users to jump to any page from the print edition. This is especially helpful for group situations or Bible studies where some people have the print edition and others have the ebook.

You can find an example in an ebook that I recently formatted for Dr. William B. Salt. Here is the link to Amazon, and you can just download the free sample to check it out:  Still Hurting, Find Health.

Related posts:
    • The Bible Memory Version for the Kindle
    • Top 10 Kindle Features

Note: For ebook and audiobook conversions, see Fowler Digital Services.

The Hidden Life of Prayer, by David M. MacIntyre, is now available for the Amazon Kindle. This is fast becoming my new favorite book on prayer. The book is a treasure trove of spiritual insights and practical instructions. MacIntyre draws from Scripture, Christian literature and Christian experience to encourage and instruct the believer in the rich subject of prayer. There are also many fine quotations about prayer from across the centuries sprinkled throughout the book’s pages.

But don’t just take my word for it. Here are John Piper’s and Wayne Grudem’s recommendations:

“God brings books at their appointed times. The Hidden Life of Prayer arrived late but well-timed. This little jewel-strewn tapestry has done for me at 64 what Bounds’ Power Through Prayer did at 34. I could be ashamed that I need inspiration for the highest privilege. But I choose to be thankful.”
–John Piper, Senior Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota

“I have read The Hidden Life of Prayer again and again since Westminster Seminary in Philadelphia first gave it to me when I visited there as a prospective student forty years ago. Every time I read this book, the Lord uses it to deepen my prayer life and encourage my faith. I strongly recommend it!”
–Wayne Grudem, Research Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies, Phoenix Seminary, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

You can purchase the book from Amazon or you can get it right here at my website in ePub or Kindle/Mobipocket format. It is also available at Barnes & Noble for the Nook. And remember, you don’t need a Kindle to read Kindle books. Click here for a free e-reader.