The Parables Presented Plainly

About the Book

Someone has stated, ‘With billions of books already in circulation why on earth bother to write another book? Writing another book will not make any difference.’ Well, firstly, we pray that this is not simply another book destined to become a bookend on a dusty shelf. Further, we do not accept that one more book will not make any difference. On the contrary, we believe that even one word from God, let alone one book devoted to Him, can transform a person and make a huge difference. When George Whitfield preached from one word in one book of the Bible a man shrieked and dropped dead. Moments later, when he preached again from the very same book, another man cried out and fell down dead. Such was the impact on the congregation; they fell down too, but it was on their knees. A dramatic difference had taken place. Every heart that day was so frozen with fear that the temperature dropped like mercury in winter! It is not this writer’s intent to try to fill any reader with fear, or to cause anyone to fall down. However, we do hope and pray that there will be a word in season for all those who pick up this book. And it is our earnest desire that all of Scripture will prove to be profitable to everyone who turns the pages and tastes the parables. Why write another book? The answer to that question is quite simple. The Parables Presented Plainly is written for two main reasons. Firstly, we pray that it will build the body of believers in such a way that they will unashamedly be bold for Christ. Secondly, we trust that the parables have been presented so plainly that they will satisfy the wide sphere of readers, from those who are inclined to practical matters, to others, such as those that are inclined academically. It is intended that God will speak to both the saved and unsaved readers, through this book, and that this publication will inspire those same people to turn and speak to God. We pray that by the end of the day and the end of the book, sinners will be justified, saints will be sanctified, but even more, God will be glorified.

About the Author

The author was born one spring Sunday morning during the month of April; in Monmouthshire, Wales. He was educated, or, rather, attended school, in the same county. On the very first day of school, he demonstrated his dislike of the place by climbing out the window and running home with his teacher flagging behind. He later succeeded in failing every test and exam that he ever sat. Eventually, he was invited to leave school because he was considered to be so incorrigible. When he did depart for the last time, the staff could be seen breathing a great sigh of relief and a cacophony off cheering could be heard as he disappeared down the winding road. The day after leaving school, he was found, in of all places; the Army recruiting office. As he stood shaking before the stone-faced sergeant, he was presented with two choices; infantry or artillery? He knew next to nothing about the military but he did know infantry soldiers had big boots and artillery men had big guns. The choice was simple; it had to be the artillery. His career, like his education, was somewhat chequered. He was promoted and demoted rapidly and regularly. One day the stripes were stitched on his arm and the next they were stripped off! He was up and down the ranks as often as the buses outside! It was only Taff who could be nominated for the Queens Gallantry Medal in the morning, and then have it swiftly withdrawn for misconduct in the evening. After a lacklustre six years, he left the Army and joined the Fire Brigade. There are not many stories on record about firemen but there is one that will not be erased by the passage of time. It was the day the author drove to a forestry fire to tackle a blaze that was being spread by a gusting wind. As the crew was on foot fighting the fierce flames with beaters, the writer had an impulse to look behind. The sight he saw almost caused him to collapse. The fire had jumped the track and engulfed the fire engine. One moment it was there and the next it had gone! It melted like chocolate in the Saharan sun. There are very few crews that drive to a fire and then have to walk back! Before he had returned to the fire station he could already hear the door closing on his career. But as the Fire Brigade door swung shut the Ambulance Service door sprung open. In spite of all the excitement of more flashing lights and screeching sirens, the stay in the third emergency service was short lived. At this time, employment opportunities were growing more grim, so the only choice left was to re-enlist. It was not long before he was back in to the swing of things with spells attached to the Royal Air Force and Royal Marines. He had by now gone full circle and was back in the Army. One day someone suggested going on a selection course for the Special Air Service and so he did. Contrary to popular opinion, he proved old dogs can learn new tricks, but old habits do die hard. Once again, revelry and riotous living, would prove to be his Achilles heel. As he began to slow down his past started to speed up. In front of him sat one temptation too many. A step to the left or, right, would have saved the day but he chose to put his foot on it and in it! The resulting explosion and fall out caused much mayhem. This time he had gone one step too far. He was washed up and booted out. Life in 22 Regiment and Her Majesty's Forces had died a premature death. It is hard to believe that the writer began to take education seriously, so late in life. First, was an honours degree in education and an abortive attempt at teaching. The children were delightful but the parents were dreadful. It was at this juncture a solemn encounter with God occurred. For the first time ever, he heard God speak through a Bible, and so he sat down and spoke to God. At the end of the conversation he learned that God had friends or, enemies. After forty years of being God's enemy, faith had now made him a friend. There was only one thing left to do; it was theological training! Next, came another spell of study and another honours degree but in Theology. This brought about a poor period as a Pastor and a mediocre time as an Evangelist. However, there have been two pieces of lasting fruit from all of this. The first, has been the 'gift of God' with an exceptional son and an adorable daughter. The second, is the 'grace of God' with a decade of missionary work in Africa. So what next? It has to be page one of “The Parables Presented Plainly.”