For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. husbandry: or, tillage - 1 Corinthians 3:9
The emphasis could be put on any of the words in this sentence and produce a needed message. For it is God's church, God's building, God's kingdom, and the sheep are his sheep. We are laborers—servants—who do his will; who plow, sow, and water at his command, under his instructions, and for his glory.
But the word which carries a most needed bit of rebuke and advice for all who labor in his vineyard is the word together! "We are laborers together with God." There is more than one oarsman on this boat; we must learn to row together. There is more than one farmer in the field; we must be happy to plant where another has plowed, water where another has planted, and rejoice in the privilege of glorifying God together.
There is really no place on the program for the man or woman who cannot rejoice in another's gifts, ministry, or contribution. There is no room for the self-seeker or the person who cannot, with sincerity, promote and encourage the efforts and endeavors (however small or large) of fellow believers. Laborers together is the Word and laborers together is the plan of our Lord.
Lord, let me find your place for me; the contribution you would have me make to bless your church and glorify your name! Give me a broken and humble spirit which recognizes my infirmities and dependence on thee. Enable me to blend in with other laborers in the field, to complement their efforts, and strengthen their arms. I will leave the field soon and the work will continue. Let me hear thee say, "Well done!"
"Sweet the day exceeding sweet,
When the saints together meet;
When the Savior is the theme,
When together they honor him."
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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