Ray Fowler .org

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.
 

My wife, Rosi, and I were at a restaurant when I noticed a large party of eight with every head bowed at the table. I nudged Rosi: “Look, they’re praying before their meal.” Rosi took a look and corrected me. Turns out they were all just looking down at their phones.

I look forward to preaching on the Proverbs 31 woman for Mother’s Day. In prepping for the message, I realized that in nearly 40 years of ministry, I have never taught on Proverbs 31. As they say, the Bible is a big book!

Some women complain that no one could ever measure up to the Proverbs 31 woman. And what about the men? The women may have the Proverbs 31 woman, but the men have the Ephesians 5 man: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her” (Eph. 5:25). Measuring up to Jesus is no small task either.

Here is the outline I am working on for Sunday. I will update this post with a link to the full message sometime next week after preaching. Happy Mother’s Day!

Update: Click here for the full message on The Noble Mother.
 
——————————–
 
“Proverbs 31 – The Noble Mother”

I. Her value (10-12)
   A. Worth more than rubies (10)
   B. Trusted and faithful (11)
   C. Brings good, not harm (12)

II. Her work (13-18)
   A. A willing and hard worker (13-14)
   B. Disciplined and discerning (15-16)
   C. Strong and productive (17-18)

III. Her sacrifice (19-24)
   A. Cares for the poor (19-20)
   B. Provides for her family (21-22)
   C. Helps and supports her husband (23-24)

IV. Her character (25-29)
   A. Strength and honor (25)
   B. Wisdom and kindness (26)
   C. Good reputation at home (27-29)

V. Her defining trait – she fears the Lord (30-31)
 
——————————–
 
Note: this message is part of the Famous Mothers in the Bible series.
 
Click here for Volume One.
 

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

It’s here! My new book Lord, I Have a Problem is available for purchase at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It is available in both paperback and ebook formats.

I am hoping this will be a good resource for individuals, group studies and counselors. Here’s the description from the back cover.

In this book we explore various problems we face in life. First, we look at the specific problem. Then, we seek to understand the problem in light of God’s word. Finally, we look at principles from God’s word to help you deal with the problem at hand.

There are separate chapters on each of the following problems: anger, envy, worry, depression, fear, pride, self-image, addiction and abuse. I pray you will find these messages helpful as you seek to grow in Christ by learning how to deal biblically with your problems.

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

This past Sunday I preached on “God’s Formula for Revival” from Psalm 85. This is a psalm that especially stood out to me during my Bible reading this past year, and I began to jot down notes on it right away. It’s a psalm that has to do with revival, and the new year is a good time to think about such things. The new year is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, and so is revival. Here is a brief outline of the message:

God’s Formula for Revival (Psalm 85)

   I. Look to God’s mercies in the past (1-3)
   II. Pray for revival in the present (4-7)
   III. Make appropriate commitments to God for the future (8-9)
   IV. Heaven meets earth – what revival looks like (10-13)

You can read the full message here: God’s Formula for Revival – Psalm 85
 

Here’s a new song I wrote this morning called “I Gained Three Pounds on Christmas Day” (to be sung to the tune of “I Saw Three Ships”). Enjoy!

——————

I gained three pounds on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I gained three pounds on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning.

I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning.

How will I ever lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day?
How will I ever lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning?

I’ll watch my portions and walk the dog
since Christmas Day, since Christmas Day.
I’ll watch my portions and walk the dog
since Christmas Day in the morning.

How long will it take to lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day?
How long will it take to lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning?

I’ll take three days to lose this weight
from Christmas Day, from Christmas Day.
I’ll take three days to lose this weight
from Christmas Day in the morning.

But I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day, on Christmas Day.
Yes I had such fun on Christmas Day,
on Christmas Day in the morning!

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.
 

Each Christmas we celebrate Jesus coming into the world as a baby. That God would become man is such an amazing thought, it deserves our full attention. That God did become man is such an amazing miracle, it deserves our wonder and praise.

But sometimes we are so focused on the baby in the manger, we forget why Jesus came into the world. Ultimately, Jesus came to die on the cross for our sins, but there are many other reasons connected with that which you will find in Scripture.

Here is a list of ten reasons why Jesus came at Christmas, many of them straight from Jesus’ own lips, followed by two quick applications.

1. Jesus came to do the will of the Father (John 6:38)
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

2. Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

3. Jesus came to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15)
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

4. Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners (Luke 5:31-32)
Jesus answered them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

5. Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8)
“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

6. Jesus came to kill death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”

7. Jesus came to bring light to a dark world (John 12:46)
“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

8. Jesus came to bear witness to the truth (John 18:37)
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”

9. Jesus came to fulfill the law and the prophets (Matt 5:17)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

10. Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Two Applications:
1) Thank God for sending his Son at Christmas.
2) Tell others why Jesus came.

Note: Click below if you would like to download the above list as a decorative pdf for printing or image for sharing.

Click here for PDF: 10 Reasons Why Jesus Came at Christmas pdf
Click here for PNG: 10 Reasons Why Jesus Came at Christmas image

The Kindle versions for the complete Bible for Everyone sets are on sale today for only $5.99 each. That’s the complete 17-volume Old Testament set covering the entire Old Testament and the complete 18-volume New Testament set covering the entire New Testament for only $5.99 each. The paperback versions for each of these sets run around $200 each so that’s about a 97% off markdown!

Click here for the complete Old Testament set (by John Goldingay)
Click here for the complete New Testament set (by N. T. Wright)

We are more sinful than we know.

Only God knows the true depth of your sin, but here’s the good news. He loves you anyway. Who can discern all your errors? God can! Yet he still loves you and forgives you. The God who knows you best loves you most. The sins you have forgotten, God will forgive, and then he too will remember them no more.

“Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults.” (Psalm 19:12)

 
From the message: A Prayer to Be Pleasing to God

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.