William E Keeney

Parables provide insights and lessons that are timeless. When they are employed in preaching, the hearer receives images that are easy to remember. Preaching the Parables provides a means of communicating the teachings of Jesus for modern Christians. With each parable Keeney includes: 1. Scripture Text so readers do not have to refer to the Bible 2. The theme of the parable 3. The context of the parable a) how it fits into the church year b) how it relates to the other scripture passages for the day 4. Some issues that the parable addresses 5. Ideas for preaching the parable 6. Creative illustrations which can be used in preaching William Keeney holds a Ph.D. from Hartford Seminary in Connecticut. He has been Assistant to the President and professor of Bible and Religion at Bluffton College, Bluffton, Ohio, and Provost and professor of Bible and Religion at Bethel College in Kansas. He has also taught Peace and Conflict Studies at Kent State University. In addition to teaching he has served pastorates in Connecticut, Kansas and Ohio.

Though based in the culture of first-century Palestine, the parables Jesus told use everyday situations to illustrate timeless lessons - and they offer vivid imagery that's easy to remember. When put in a context that audiences can understand, preaching the parables is a powerful way to communicate the teachings of Jesus to modern Christians. This book helps preachers "prime the pump" with a wealth of informative material on each of the seven parables appearing in Cycle B of the Revised Common Lectionary. William Keeney's stimulating exegesis, commentary, and illustrations shows readers how to plumb the depths of these fascinating stories and draw their own insights and applications. For each parable Keeney includes: - the scripture text - a discussion of the context in the church year in the day's lectionary readings in related scripture passages - the theme - key words - a contemplation of issues that the parable addresses - "homily hints" outlines and ideas for preaching - "points of contact" - several creative illustrations Bill Keeney symbolizes the ideal of one who carries the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. He is always learning, gaining insight and ideas from life in its richness and diversity. Both worlds are evident in this volume. John A. Esau Former Director of Ministerial Leadership General Conference Mennonite Church William Keeney has served in administrative posts and as professor of Bible and religion at Bluffton College (Ohio) and Bethel College (Kansas), and has also taught at Kent State University. In addition to his academic work, Keeney has been the executive director of the Consortium on Peace Research, Education, and Development, and has served pastorates in Connecticut, Kansas, and Ohio. He is the author of six books and numerous journal articles. Keeney is a graduate of Bluffton College, Mennonite and Bethany Biblical Seminaries, and Hartford Theological Seminary (Ph.D.).