I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, of the Lord: or, in the Lord With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. - Ephesians 4:1-3
There are no two churches, preachers, nor Christians who agree on every point of doctrine, every point of church government, discipline and practice, every point of the law and Christian liberty, nor every program, missionary, and effort to be supported. Someday we will all be like Christ, having the perfect understanding, thoughts, and discernment of our Lord; but, until then, each church, pastor, and believer can only walk and act as the Word of God and the Holy Spirit give them light and leadership.
When we sit about in private conversation and criticize one another, write sharp articles and letters, or take shots at one another from the pulpit, we serve the purpose of the enemy of God, reveal our self-righteousness, and seriously damage the unity of believers.
If we love Christ’s church, if we love the servants of God, if we seek only the glory of God and long to see his kingdom prosper in every city where he has established a witness for the gospel of grace, let us refuse to be drawn into this terrible practice of “biting and devouring one another.” Paul warned these critics and examiners of others that “they would be consumed one of another” (Gal. 5:14-15).
Criticism and fault-finding are not of the Spirit of Christ and reveal a poor understanding of our own natures and the grace of God in Christ! “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if you love one another” (Jn. 13:35).
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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