During his teaching ministry Jesus told several stories, often witty, which drew upon the circumstances and situations of his day. He used this method of teaching as a means of making a point, whether favourable or harsh, that his hearers would understand and recognise in their application to them. This book adapts, updates, and converts into whimsical verse a number of these stories, while also raising some new issues for today’s generation. It is not intended to be a substitute for reading the Gospels and other New Testament books, but is intended to direct and encourage readers to look and think more deeply into Jesus’ original words as recorded in Scripture and how they might apply to them.
Retiring from the civil service after 25 years, William Birmingham worked in policy development and led training courses in the pensions and social security field in Africa, Central Asia and the Caribbean, including living and working for over five years in Beijing. He is a lay minister in the Church of England and is now part of a team running a toddler group in his local church. He also chairs his local Neighbourhood Action Group.