Ron Lavin writes, "The parables of Jesus pop our preconceptions and misconceptions, upset our equilibrium, and yet comfort us. They are wake-up calls -- each one is like a bucket of cold water thrown in our face." Indeed, the parables are some of the most intriguing and challenging passages in scripture because, Lavin tells us, they "invite us into a new world called the kingdom of God, where we live between the lightning (Jesus' first coming) and the thunder (Jesus' second coming)." Using the concept of the kingdom of God as a touchstone, Stories To Remember analyzes the parables and emphasizes how we can apply their lessons to our modern lives. Like Jesus, Lavin cuts through theological code words to get to the heart of their message in easy-to-understand ways. Structured in two eight-session groupings, Stories To Remember is an ideal group study resource. Each chapter includes "points to ponder" and questions for stimulating discussion. There's also a study guide for digging deeper into the biblical and historical background and tips to assist small group leaders. Stories To Remember is the second title in the Another Look series on the basics of Christianity. I Believe; Help My Unbelief examined the Apostles' Creed; upcoming titles will explore the Lord's Prayer and the Ten Commandments. These books are excellent for personal inspiration, use with new member or adult Sunday school classes, small group studies, and sermon preparation. Sometimes we get too familiar with the "old, old stories" that Jesus told. Ron Lavin's fresh approach brings those parables into our stressful world with renewed power to encourage and to heal. H. George Anderson Former Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Ron Lavin has a way of peeling off the layers of a parable's intent to bring the reader directly to the point. Merle G. Franke Author of In Other Words Ron Lavin is the author of 17 books, including I Believe; Help My Unbelief and Turning Griping Into Gratitude (CSS). In 2001, Lavin was named Writer of the Year by the American Christian Writers Association, and was named in 2000 to Who's Who in the World (Marquis). He is the former Pastor Director of Evangelical Outreach for the Lutheran Church in America, and pastored five thriving congregations, all of which grew substantially under his leadership. Lavin is a popular speaker on the dynamics of small groups and evangelism.