A man I know went one Sunday to worship at a church inside a very exclusive housing development. As he drove through, he thought, “My entire net worth is not enough to buy a vacant lot in this place.” He found what they called the chapel, which was in fact a splendid sanctuary. He sat down, looked around, and thought, “I am the only person in this building who is not a multi-millionaire.” Then the service started, and his thoughts were directed to more spiritual things. Then to his surprise, they followed one of the stately hymns of the church with a chorus:

Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy.

His thoughts hung on that last phrase. “These people have more things than I will ever have. These people have better things than I will ever have, and they know things cannot satisfy. That’s why they are sitting here on a Sunday morning. They know that no matter how rich you are:

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand.


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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