Have you heard the phrase baker’s dozen? It means you are given 13 items rather than 12. According to Mental Floss magazine, the origin goes back to the 13th century and Henry III. At the time, bakers were notorious for cheating their customers. King Henry tried to solve the problem by standardizing the weight of a loaf of bread. Cheaters would be punished severely. To be sure they were observing the law, bakers began adding an extra loaf to make sure the weight requirement was met. Admittedly, they did this under pressure; but their desire to be honest is still admirable.


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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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