It is in the desert where water tastes the sweetest; when the lips are parched, the mouth dry, and the throat like cotton. It is then that every drop is precious and none is wasted. When it seems life hangs on no more than a drop, it’s then that a man will part with his fortune for some water to quench his thirst.
And, likewise, it is in the grip of trial where the Water of life tastes best. When the soul is dry from many a windy day. When the muscle of the human spirit is strained past another try and despair threatens to snuff away the last ray of hope. Oh, how precious then are the words of the Saviour!
It is then that no excuse is given for absence when he speaks; the weary mind will give its last thought just to hear one more sweet syllable from the Saviour's lips. Not a single word falls unheeded into space.
The thirsty soul will leave every other pursuit just to lay hold upon but a sip of this life-giving Water. Would it not do us well to know a little more of that desert where men count precious the words of Christ?
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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