But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. - 2 Corinthians 4:7
The gospel of Christ is called a treasure in that it contains rich truth; is has rich blessings, such as redemption, complete forgiveness, sanctification, and justification; it consists of rich promises (precious promises) of his care, compassion, and future glory; it shows forth the riches of God’s grace in Christ.
This treasure is in earthen vessels, meaning the ministers to whom God entrusts this gospel and by whom you hear it. They are weak and frail creatures, subject to like passions and infirmities as other men (James 5:17). God makes the most unlikely to be his instrument of grace that he might have all the glory (I Cor. 1:26-29).
The package must not rival the gift inside. The box containing the perfect diamond must not draw attention away from the gem. Let us receive the treasure—Christ Jesus—in whatever vessel God sends him to us, grateful for its presence and for its service to us, but laying it aside that our full attention, appreciation, and glorifying might be in him!
Actually, the weaker the vessel, the stronger his power appears to be; and, the frailer the vessel, the easier it is to admire and cherish the treasure. Wise is the preacher who quickly learns his role as a cardboard box, not only expendable but expected to be used up and sacrificed for the greater glory of Christ. Wise is the receiver of the gift who knows and appreciates the duties of the box.
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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