C.H. Spurgeon had a profound sympathy with the poor and the unfortunate, but it is doubtful whether it ever occurred to him that a fundamental change in the social structure was needed. For Spurgeon that would have been putting the cart before the horse. A changed social structure does not necessarily mean a changed society; but changed hearts and changed individuals within society must of necesseity bring about a change in families, homes, and businesses.
Spurgeon felt called of God to first preach Christ to sinners and to lead his church in an evangelistic effort to reach sinners with the gospel. What we call social service was for him merely the outworking and expression of genuine Christian character as a result of knowing the Redeemer. If men and women know and love Christ, they will strive to live for his glory, walk in his commandments, and help those who are in need.
I feel very strongly about many of the issues raised by the fundamentalist preachers. We are opposed to wholesale abortion, drugs, drunkennes, pornography, and many TV programs, but is it the ministry of God's preachers and churches to reform Rome, or to preach the glorious gospel of Christ?
If Rome did reform, would they be any nearer the kingdom of God or merely whited sepulchers? Reformation is not salvation, but true salvation brings about a change in conduct and behavior. There are temptations to have a say in politics, in school affairs, and in social issues; but let us dedicate ourselves once again to the motto of the Apostle Paul; "I am determined to know nothing among you save Christ and him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:2).
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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