
Charles E. Cowman
- Sermons
- Bio
The Living God
2PSA 46:1DAN 6:20MAT 28:20JHN 14:18HEB 13:8Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of remembering that God is the living God, unchanging in His power and love throughout all time. He emphasizes the need to confide in God, especially in our darkest moments, and to trust that He will never fail us if we walk with Him, look to Him, and expect help from Him. The sermon draws inspiration from the unwavering faith of George Mueller, the hope found in the eternal life of Jesus, and the continuous presence of Christ as shared by Dr. John Douglas Adam.
Fret Not Over Evil-Doers
2PSA 37:1PRO 14:30ISA 26:3PHP 4:61PE 5:7Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of not fretting, even in the face of injustice and prosperity of the wicked. Fretfulness only leads to unnecessary friction and heat, hindering the smooth working of life. He emphasizes the need for the anointing oil of God's grace to keep us cool and prevent dangerous conditions caused by heat and friction. Through trust, love, hope, and rest in God's power, we can find peace and strength, and ultimately, faith.
Grow in the Gloom
2ISA 35:1ROM 5:32CO 12:9PHP 4:18JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept of flourishing in the midst of darkness and challenges, drawing parallels between flowers that thrive in gloomy corners of a garden and spiritual growth during tough times. Using the Apostle Paul's experiences in captivity as an example, he highlights how adversity can reveal hidden treasures of grace, love, joy, and peace in Christ, transforming gloom into a place of divine revelation and spiritual inheritance.
Thankful for the Thorns
1PSA 34:17ISA 41:10ROM 5:3ROM 8:182CO 4:162CO 12:10PHP 4:13HEB 12:11JAS 1:21PE 4:12Charles E. Cowman delves into the profound truth of finding strength in weakness and joy in hardships for the sake of Christ. He emphasizes the transformative power of embracing our limitations, insults, challenges, and persecutions, as they lead us to a place of complete reliance on God's sufficiency. Through the examples of A. B. Simpson and George Matheson, he highlights the shift in perspective needed to see trials as opportunities for blessing and growth, ultimately leading us to a deeper understanding of the value of our struggles and the beauty that can emerge from pain.
Long Hours
0PSA 46:10PSA 109:4ISA 40:31MAT 6:6MRK 1:35LUK 5:16PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 4:8Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of dedicating significant time to prayer, highlighting the correlation between holiness and the amount of time spent in prayer. He references Whitefield and others who spent days and weeks in prayer, emphasizing the need for solitude and communion with God for spiritual growth and effectiveness in one's work. Cowman encourages believers to heed the call to come to God for rest, peace, and renewal away from the distractions of life.
Nothing Is Too Hard
0GEN 18:14JER 32:27MRK 9:23LUK 1:37Charles E. Cowman preaches about God's loving challenge to believe in His power to fulfill our deepest desires, even those we have given up hope on. He emphasizes that if our desires align with God's will, He intends to make them a reality, no matter how impossible they may seem. The key is to have faith, do His will, and trust in His ability to do the impossible for us, as seen in the story of Abraham and Sarah.
This Thing Is From Me
0ZEC 2:8Charles E. Cowman preaches about finding comfort and purpose in life's disappointments by recognizing that every circumstance, whether good or challenging, is orchestrated by God for our growth and His glory. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, even in times of temptation, difficulty, financial struggles, sorrow, or physical limitations, as they are all opportunities for spiritual lessons and deeper intimacy with God.
Gentle Leading
0GEN 33:14JOS 3:4PSA 103:14ISA 42:31CO 10:13Charles E. Cowman preaches about the compassionate and thoughtful leadership of Jacob towards his cattle and children, ensuring they were not overdriven but led softly according to their ability to endure. He draws parallels to how the Lord Jesus, who has gone before us, knows the challenges and struggles of the journey we face, leading us gently and lovingly through uncharted territories. Cowman emphasizes that Jesus, who was wearied with His journey and understands our weaknesses, will never push us beyond what we can bear, strengthening us for each step or providing a sudden halt when needed.
In Me
0MAT 5:3JHN 16:332CO 4:16PHP 4:7COL 3:15Charles E. Cowman preaches on finding true blessedness and peace in the midst of trials and suffering, drawing inspiration from the example of Paul and the story of Paganini. He emphasizes that true joy and music of life come from within the soul, not from external circumstances. The sermon encourages believers to demonstrate that peace resides in their hearts, allowing them to see beauty and joy even in the midst of life's storms and challenges.
Believing Prayer
0MRK 11:24Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in prayer, urging believers to pray until they truly believe in God's promise and thank Him for the answer even before it manifests. He warns against prayers that lead to doubt and anxiety, stressing the need to focus on God's promises rather than the difficulties. Cowman highlights that true faith is taking God at His Word, and that faith is tested and strengthened in the midst of trials and storms.
None to Help but God
02CH 14:11PSA 46:1ISA 41:10ROM 8:31HEB 11:6Charles E. Cowman preaches on the story of Asa in 2 Chronicles 14:11, highlighting the importance of reminding God of His sole responsibility in times of overwhelming odds and difficulties. Asa's faith in God positioned Him as the ultimate Helper against the vast enemy forces, showcasing the power of trusting in God's intervention. Just like Asa, we are encouraged to put God between ourselves and our foes, believing that He can bring unexpected reinforcements to aid us in our battles.
Step-by-Step Grace
0PSA 23:4PSA 46:1ISA 41:10ISA 43:21CO 10:13Charles E. Cowman emphasizes that God does not always remove obstacles before us but promises to help us step by step as we need it. Many worry about future difficulties, forgetting that God's hand is stretched out when we are on the edge of our need. Just as God promises to lead us through the waters, He will also guide us through seas of sorrow, trials, and temptations, ensuring that His faithful promise sustains us and prevents us from being overwhelmed by life's challenges.
Contentment
0PSA 37:4MAT 6:33ROM 8:28PHP 4:11HEB 13:5Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of contentment, drawing inspiration from Paul's words in Philippians 4:11. He shares a powerful story of a king's encounter in a garden, highlighting the significance of being content with the unique purpose and role that God has assigned to each individual. Those who fully surrender to God find contentment in every situation, aligning their desires with His will and trusting in His plan for their lives.
Showers and Sunshine
0JOB 36:26ISA 40:29EZK 34:26ROM 8:28JAS 1:17Charles E. Cowman preaches about the promise of showers of blessings from God, emphasizing that even in seasons of drought or darkness, God will send various blessings to His people. These blessings are interconnected and include converting grace, comforting grace, and other forms of divine favor. The sermon encourages believers to open their hearts to receive God's abundant blessings, transforming their challenges into opportunities for growth and flourishing.
Trained to Comfort
0ISA 40:1ROM 12:152CO 1:3GAL 6:21TH 5:11Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of comforting others as a response to God's comfort. He emphasizes that our own experiences of affliction and comfort are meant to equip us to bring comfort to those around us. Through our trials and wounds, God trains us to be compassionate and empathetic towards others who are suffering, allowing us to share our stories of comfort and hope with them.
Climb Upward
0PSA 121:1EZK 41:7PHP 3:14COL 3:1JAS 4:8Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of continually striving upward in our spiritual journey, not settling for a mediocre faith but pressing on towards a deeper relationship with God. He emphasizes the need to leave behind the comfort of the valley and ascend to the heights of spiritual growth and blessings that God has in store for us. Cowman urges believers to cast away any hindrances that prevent them from experiencing the fullness of God's love and to make Christ the center of their lives, aspiring to a higher and nobler existence.
Shut Doors
0PSA 37:7PRO 3:5ISA 30:21ACT 16:6REV 3:7Charles E. Cowman preaches about the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the lives of early Christian missionaries, highlighting how the Spirit often leads through prohibitions to direct them to the right path. Believers are encouraged to submit their judgment to the Spirit, trusting Him to close doors that are not of God and to guide them in the right direction. The sermon emphasizes the importance of obedience to even the slightest prompting of the Spirit, patience in waiting for God's timing, and the assurance that God holds the key to every closed door, leading His people to the right opportunities.
Hedged In
0JOB 1:10Charles E. Cowman preaches about the purpose of trials and hardships in the lives of believers, emphasizing that God hedges in His own to preserve them, even though they may not always understand His ways. Through every trial, there are opportunities for God's light to shine through, and every pain and difficulty are known to Him who sympathizes deeply with His children. The sorrows and challenges we face are actually mercies sent to protect us from greater harm and to deepen our trust in God, leading to a season of peace and growth.
Hardship Makes Character
0PSA 34:19ISA 11:14ROM 8:372CO 2:14JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches on the concept of being 'more than conquerors' through Christ's love, emphasizing that this victory goes beyond mere success to a complete triumph where we not only overcome our enemies but also gain valuable spiritual discipline and strength. He highlights how spiritual conflicts and temptations are blessings that strengthen our faith and character, enabling us to not just defeat our enemies but also make them fight on our side for further triumphs. Cowman encourages believers to see hardships as opportunities for growth and character development, ultimately leading to a life of vigorous vitality and enduring strength.
Put Forth
0DEU 31:8PSA 23:4PSA 121:8ISA 52:12JHN 10:4Charles E. Cowman preaches about the comforting truth that God goes before us in all circumstances, just like the Oriental shepherd who was always ahead of his sheep, ensuring their safety. Despite the uncertainties and fears of tomorrow, God is already there, guiding and protecting us. The Blessed Life is described as following the Shepherd one step at a time, not burdened by anxieties about the future but trusting in God's leading. The poem 'HE GOES BEFORE' emphasizes the assurance and peace that come from knowing God is ahead of us, providing strength, comfort, and joy along the way.
Be Still
0GEN 26:241KI 19:11PSA 46:10ISA 30:15HAB 2:20Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of God's revelation to Isaac in the night when he reached Beer-sheba, emphasizing that the timing of divine encounters is not accidental but purposeful. The sermon highlights the importance of finding rest and stillness in our souls to hear God's voice clearly, as He speaks in the silence of our spirits. It encourages listeners to quiet their hearts, trust in God's timing, and seek solace in solitude to experience the mysterious and beautiful revelations that come when we are undisturbed by the noise of the world.
The Breaking of the Storm
0PSA 29:11ISA 43:2ROM 5:32CO 4:17JAS 1:2Charles E. Cowman preaches about how the storms of life can come suddenly or slowly, shaping and equipping us for service. Just as God plants an oak in the moor to withstand storms and become strong, He puts us through storms to mold us into the men and women He wants us to be. The history of manhood is marked by rough and rugged experiences, leading to sublime transformation through trials and suffering. The beauties of life and the heroes of humanity are often born out of storms, showcasing resilience, growth, and deeper empathy for others who are storm-swept and battle-scarred.
The Fiery Furnace
0JOB 5:12ISA 54:17ROM 8:372CO 2:141PE 1:6Charles E. Cowman preaches about how God brings about His greatest victories out of apparent defeats. Despite the enemy seemingly triumphing for a little while, God ultimately upsets the work of the enemy and turns the way of the wicked upside down, resulting in a larger victory. Using the story of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, he illustrates how what appears to be a defeat can lead to a marvelous victory when faith and courage are maintained, glorifying God in the process.
Persistent Prayer
0MAT 7:7LUK 18:1PHP 3:14HEB 10:36JAS 5:16Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of persistent prayer and unwavering faith in God, drawing inspiration from various anecdotes and examples. He highlights the story of Tammerlane finding courage from an ant's perseverance, Rubenstein's dedication to practice in music, and David Livingstone's determination to achieve his purpose. Cowman stresses that prayer of faith does not waver due to unanswered prayers but sees it as evidence that the answer is nearer, echoing the lessons from Jesus on persevering in prayer and renewing one's strength through continuous supplication.
Made Perfect Through Suffering
0ROM 8:182CO 4:17HEB 12:6JAS 1:21PE 1:6Charles E. Cowman uses the analogy of a moth struggling to emerge from its cocoon to illustrate the necessary process of suffering and trials in our lives. Just as the moth's struggle is essential for its wings to develop and for it to reach its full beauty, our trials and sufferings are meant to shape us and reveal the glory that awaits us. Cowman emphasizes that God's perfect love does not shy away from allowing us to go through difficulties because it is through these challenges that we are refined and prepared for a greater purpose.