This is a book everyone must read. The author offers it completely FREE and you may download it in PDF format. No tricks, no gimmicks, no need to leave an email address,, really FREE. It exposes the false gospel so prevalent in today’s churches — and compares each to the truth of God’s Word, the True Gospel of Salvation in Jesus Christ alone. I highly recommend it.
A description of the book follows:
“A controversial but extremely insightful and needful eye-opener to the false gospel which abounds in today’s “Christian” church. After an introductory chapter Bowen boldly and lovingly dedicates each of eleven more chapters to exposing the false gospel taught by eleven of America’s well known evangelists and Bible teachers. He ably compares their teaching with the truth of God’s word.” Michael’s Book:
Click below, download and save it to your computer — free from ExPreacherMan.com. (in PDF Format):
By Michael Patrick Bowen
(Spelling of Judgement is intentional — since Jesus Christ IS The Righteous Judge,
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
I just finished reading Michael Bowen’s 88-page booklet this morning before work. I took me a few days, but I really loved it. I must say I thought his “glossing over” Jimmy Swaggart’s scandal of the 1980s was a bit conspicuous by its absence, but I’m sure he had his reasons. (Brevity?)
I really appreciated how he kept hammering home the same scripture references in pretty much EVERY CHAPTER. He really understands that some of us (either presently or in the past, or, in some cases, regretfully–in the future) need the contrast of the truth of the gospel against Satan’s and man’s lies DRILLED INTO OUR BRAINS.
I kept thinking, “When do I get to read the sequel?” Some of it was stuff I already know well but there were still some REALLY good insights and illustrations, and the whole thing felt really fresh. I really appreciate it being linked here. I don’t even remember how I found it. I just sort of click around this blog and latch on to whatever torques my spiritual interest, I suppose . . .
John, I couldn’t agree more. They will not listen when you explain, the outward trappings are sheep’s clothing and they need to ‘know’ them by their fruit and look inwardly, to the doctrine that comes out of their mouths. But I am definitely aware of the difficulty with those who seem kindly, friendly, sensitive…. just look at Paul Washer, he can be crying one moment, and pull a finger of accusation out the next… I am thankful we have His Word to hold these people’s leaven up to.
Mecha Wing Zero, I want you to know in case I made it sound otherwise, I completely agree we have to have a soft answer. And use wisdom in our walk towards those who are not saved. Sound speech that cannot be condemned, although spoken to those who would be leaders in the church, I think it will work for us all 🙂
I do think that no one will be able to blame what he says as being harsh, yet they always seem to find a way…. good to ‘see’ you 🙂
Kim, it’s really tragic to see, ‘the devotion to human teachers’. I have run across it enough times to know it’s a pattern, and one that is hard to reach. I pray that I learn wisdom of how to approach them, I think of Nathan and David and the ‘rich man’, ‘poor man’ story. So sometimes I ask them questions about certain poor doctrine and see how they respond before I bring the name into it. I’ve gotten a little further that way, as they have time to hear the error before clamming up…
Praying for us all to be able to contend for the faith in His way. Thankful to know others who love the truth and want to defend it…
Holly, you said: “Like Billy Graham, most love the kindly older man, in a sweater, and a rocking chair, with homestyle trappings in his show and find it hard to state he is a wolf or a false teacher…”
My comment: Maybe sweaters and rocking chairs are part of the sheep’s wardrobe?
@Holly Garcia,
When you say that Michael was probably too easy on the false teachers, at least remember that many people have invested a lot of time, emotion and even money into these people. I’m reminded of Proverbs 15:1 which states “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” I know what you mean, I feel angry when I hear someone preach a false gospel. Nonetheless, imagine if someone who otherwise would have been receptive the grace gospel rejected the message because of a harsh, condescending writing style. As irrational as this is, it is a common.
Holly,
Thanks, I appreciate that. I have discovered some sites like that, but always like to get more info on where to find good teaching. And regarding Michael’s going easy on the false teachers, I kind of felt the same. And it’s a tricky thing. I have friends and family who adore Beth Moore, for instance, and Billy Graham and his kids in ministry, too. The devotion to human teachers can really be an obstacle in this fight against LS and Calvinism. Thanks.
Kim, I had a whole archive of his stuff from youtube, the majority removed for copyright infringement. I searched thinking maybe just the people who uploaded them were having trouble, but they are on biblelineministrie’s site.
I really appreciate them both too. I think Michael was probably too easy on the false teachers in appreciating them, but on the other hand, he actually probably speaks the truth about what a lot of us feel about the person themselves when we find out about the error. Like Billy Graham, most love the kindly older man, in a sweater, and a rocking chair, with homestyle trappings in his show and find it hard to state he is a wolf or a false teacher, I understand from my own perspective. But I think he did a very good job on the presentation of the differences.
By the way, Ralph’s videos can be found here (you probably know), so they are just mostly off of youtube (unless they re-uploaded some I hope).
http://www.biblelineministries.org/av/videoarchive/listall.php3
Holly,
I’m finding quite a few of Dr. Hank Lindstrom’s videos on YouTube. Are there some specific ones that are missing? Also, I read Michael Bowen’s excellent book, too. My husband and I both did. It was the first book we read after finding this Oasis of Grace, and then we immediately began finding and watching Hank’s videos, as well, and then Dr. Yankee Arnold’s. What a fantastic past year and a half it’s been finally reading and hearing the truth!!
Holly,
I understood Yankee to say there was a copyright issue with Hank;s Gospel videos. I knew Hank and don’t recall him copyrighting any of his messages… but Yankee is closer to that issue than I.
Salvation is Free,the Gospel is Free and Hank’s videos should Free and available.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
I actually ended up reading this book, didn’t know you had it on here in PDF form. He actually spoke of Hank Lindstrom, yet another one I know who has come to the Lord through hearing his simple plan of salvation, and explanation of repentance and the different Greek words.
Again, it’s really a shame whoever took Hank Lindstrom’s videos off of youtube, because the gospel is meant to be free, and so many comments under his videos, telling of being set free from the bondage of a false gospel. I wish Yankee or Bibleline would realize that and put them back up there. At least the ones speaking to the gospel, (Yes I have emailed them no response). Anyways, thank you for this book, I found it was excellent, I’d like Michael’s email if you wouldn’t mind sharing John or Jack.
Mary and others.
Michael Bowen answered my note to him and gave permission for me to share his email address with anyone upon request.
Please make your request to me through our ExP email form:
https://expreacherman.com/email-us/
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Mary,
Michael is teaching English in a community college in North Carolina. I wrote to him a few days ago by email. If I hear from him and he is OK with me sharing his new email address, I will pass it along.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
i tried to email michael bowen and came up with facebook. i am not a fan of facebook what can i type in to get his email address without going on facebk much appreciated.
How about we at expreacherman write a book ?
d taylor, Bowen could have included MacArthur, Piper, Paul Washer, Charles Spurgeon, etc. Maybe he will do a second volume.
Jackson, I totally agree. I called my wife and a friend of mine several times today to read them quotes from Bowen’s excellent book.
John wrote :
“My only point in writing this comment is that the word “repent” can have any object, including sin. However, when sin is the object of repentance, eternal life is never the consequence. And, when eternal life is the consequence of repentance, the object of repentance is never sin.”
Jonah
Jon 3:4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.
Jon 3:5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.
Jon 3:8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.
Jon 3:9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?
Jon 3:10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.
just saw the list of people he exposes i wonder why john macarthur was not mentioned
That’s a good point john. Obviously one can be not totally correct on one minor detail of some passage in scripture, and still do an excellent job of presenting the gospel, which is what I think is the case here.
Jackson, thanks for bringing this book to my attention. I had never heard of it before today.
The author has the Gospel right. He is also correct in his analyses of how the big names in evangelism have it wrong. Finally, he is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT that a person has to decide whether to trust in Jesus or one of these false gospels and that they are MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE.
However, I have found at least one thing in the book with which I disagree. Bowen’s explanation of 2 Corinthians 7:8-10:
“This passage from 2 Corinthians proves that repentance in
salvation means to have a change of mind from works or discipleship or any combination of faith in Christ plus the addition of our filthy works (Isaiah 64:6) to instead placing our total confidence in Christ to save us from the penalty of sin for which we are incapable of paying.”
My comment: I believe this passage was written to Christians. I believe the object of repentance in this case is their previous tolerance for sin in their church. I believe the verse that follow make clear that this is the case:
2 Corinthians 7:11: ” For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”
My only point in writing this comment is that the word “repent” can have any object, including sin. However, when sin is the object of repentance, eternal life is never the consequence. And, when eternal life is the consequence of repentance, the object of repentance is never sin.
For the record, this book was instrumental for me in solidifying the free grace gospel in my mind. Thank God!
Alex and Derek,
Thanks for your comments.. Greatly appreciated.
Pray for Michael and his book and this ministry that we will see many who would believe on Jesus Christ alone for their salvation.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Thanks for Posting. I just found your site recently and it is good to see a teacher preaching the true saving Gospel. You are a breath of fresh air.
God bless you and yours my brother, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Derek
Thanks for posting this! I’ve read through the introduction and the first few chapters, so far so good! Can’t wait to finish it up later tonight. It seems like the author does a good job of exposing confused, erroneous gospel messages that “the greats” preach, and does a great job at highlighting the beauty and simplicity of the true Gospel message.
To readers:
Michael agreed to have his email address posted for those who wish to ask him questions..
I just received a note from Michael 00 here is his email address:
“Michael Bowen”
Of course I will also use my limited mental capacity to answer any questions.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
Bro. David, you will love it,
In Jesus Christ eternally,
Jack
Bro. Jack, Sounds like a great resource! I’ve already “favorited” it! You’re a blessing!!!!!!!