Here is an interesting question asked by a friend during my meeting in Lake City, Florida. "Why is it that when people discuss Bible doctrine or spiritual matters they have a tendency to grow angry when others do not agree with them on every point?" We can discuss, agree, disagree, and even debate almost any subject and still keep our composure; but, when our religious beliefs and doctrinal points are questioned, we get red in the face, raise our voices, and condemn our adversary to the pits of ignorance and condemnation. This is surprising since every believer should be the first to admit that we all see through a glass dimly, only know in part and preach and teach in part. We really know nothing as we ought to know and are not sufficient to think anything for ourselves!
Also, we are taught of our Lord to endeavor to keep a unity of spirit in the brotherhood and to look not on our own things but the things of others. Besides being exhorted to love one another as Christ loved us and to be tender hearted forgiving one another as God, for Christ sake, forgave us. This spirit of anger and division over minor differences can only be traced to two things and these are the greatest evils that can be charged to a believer – pride and self-righteousness!! My pride tells me that I am right and others are wrong. My self-righteousness tells me that I have a right to be offended when someone takes issue with such a wise, dedicated, orthodox defender of the faith as I am. If Peter can be so wrong about the Gentiles; if Paul can be so wrong about John Mark; if David can make so many wrong moves; I suppose it is highly possible that I could be mistaken on some issues. Let us be established on the Rock, Christ Jesus and endeavor together to grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ Jesus.
About Henry Mahan
Henry T. Mahan was born in Birmingham, Alabama in August 1926. He joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served as a signalman on an L.S.T. in the Pacific during World War II. In 1946, he married his wife Doris, and the Lord blessed them with four children.
At the age of 21, he entered the pastoral ministry and gained broad experience as a pastor, teacher, conference speaker, and evangelist. In 1950, through the preaching of evangelist Rolfe Barnard, God was pleased to establish Henry in sovereign free grace teaching. At that time, he was serving as an assistant pastor at Pollard Baptist Church (off of Blackburn ave.) in Ashland, Kentucky.
In 1955, Thirteenth Street Baptist Church was formed in Ashland, Kentucky, and Henry was called to be its pastor. He faithfully served that congregation for more than 50 years, continuing in the same message throughout his ministry. His preaching was centered on the Lord Jesus Christ and Him crucified, in full accord with the Scriptures. He consistently proclaimed God’s sovereign purpose in salvation and the glory of Christ in redeeming sinners through His blood and righteousness.
Henry T. Mahan also traveled widely, preaching in conferences and churches across the United States and beyond. His ministry was marked by a clear and unwavering emphasis on Christ, not the preacher, but the One preached. Those who heard him recognized that his sermons honored the Savior and exalted the name of the Lord Jesus Christ above all.
Henry T. Mahan served as pastor and teacher of Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky for over half a century. His life and ministry were devoted to proclaiming the sovereign grace of God and directing sinners to the finished work of Christ. He entered into the presence of the Lord in 2019, leaving behind a lasting testimony to the gospel he faithfully preached.
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