…though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
I assume that you are Calvinistic in creed, fundamental in faith, and moral in manners or you would not be identified with this people. But has the grace you profess made you gracious? Has the love of God you claim made you a loving, tender and kind person? Has the forgiveness of your sins taught you how to forgive? Has your friendship with ‘that great friend’ taught you how to be a true and loyal friend? Having received the heavenly gifts freely from God's merciful hand, have you learned to give to others freely and generously?
You have studied the person and work of Jesus Christ, but ‘have you learned Christ?’ The only true evidence that you or anyone has of the fact that you know Christ and have truly been with Christ, is that you demonstrate in attitude and action the ways and will of Christ. Is this not what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 13? One may have the orthodoxy and knowledge, and gifts of religion; but if he does not have love, he is nothing! Don’t just preach the love of God; demonstrate it!
My friends, a contentious, unloving, ungracious person is a stranger to the grace of God; for the grace of God makes men and women gracious and loving in all areas. ‘By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ Balaam’s ass spoke the truth, but he was still an ass! Speaking the truth does not necessarily change one: Learning the truth does.
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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