This book is enjoyable to read, easy to understand, and offers delightful spiritual lessons through Jesus' parables. Venden makes the parables real for us as we relate them to our own everyday Christian experience.
One example is the parable of the good Samaritan. In addition to the traditional teaching of this parable, Venden points us to the real Good Samaritan. Adam and Eve went on a journey and were surprised by an enemy. Ever since then we have been degenerating in our humanness. The robber stripped us of our garments of light and left us wounded and dying. But then the Good Samaritan came. He left His beautiful home to help us. "He put His robe around us, sacrificing His own life to save ours. He poured in oil and wine, the oil of the Holy Spirit and the wine of His own shed blood." He takes us to the inn (church) and instructs the innkeepers to take care of us. Then we become innkeepers too. And our Good Samaritan doesn't come once and leave us; He's coming back to take us home with Him!
Though abbreviated, this sample from Venden's book lets you see the valuable aid it could be for a pastor in presenting the parables in sermons, prayer meetings, and in small group study.
Parables of the Kingdom is an excellent gift for friends, relatives, and new members. It helps us understand the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Venden also clarifies the whole concept of the kingdom of heaven by showing how each parable defines a portion of that great theme. As a source of inspiration, it also encourages Christians in their daily walk with the Lord.