John Gibson Paton was a missionary to New Hebrides. He was translating the Gospel of John into the native language. He could not find a word for believe. The natives were cannibals. There was no trust between then. They had no word for it. He asked one of his helpers to describe what he was doing. He was sitting in a chair. He lifted his feet off the floor. The native told him he was resting his whole weight on the chair. That was what he used to translate believe: “to rest one’s whole weight on Jesus.”


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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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