The Apostle Paul has much to say about giving. He calls it a grace (2 Cor. 8:7). He has much to say about liberality and generosity, saying that it “proves the sincerity of your love” for Christ and others (2 Cor. 8:8). And he has a lot to say about the church’s care and support of those who preach the gospel.
I have had very little to say on this subject because this congregation is so generous and gracious to all, especially to God’s preachers, pastors, and missionaries. But the attitude and actions of some (who call themselves men and women of grace) toward young pastors and preachers has come to my attention; and to say the least, I am shocked!
Do you not know that they who preach the gospel are to live off the gospel? (2 Cor. 9:14). Do you not know that when a man studies, prepares messages, preaches the gospel to you, and ministers to you in spiritual matters he is to share in your material gain? (2 Cor. 9:11). Have you no gratitude for that young man who prays for you, teaches your children, and preaches God’s gospel?
I have been a preacher for over 35 years. I know all of the expenses of such a work—cars, tires, gasoline, repairs, books, shirts, shoes, suits, meals, family needs, and such. Even our pagan government does not require a man to go to war at his own expense. I am jealous for the welfare and comfort of my preacher brethren, especially the young ones.
Give them a generous gift, buy them a suit, a shirt, some tires for their cars. Share your garden, your freezer, speak an encouraging word to them. Treat them like servants of the Most High God ought to be treated!
“Inasmuch,” Christ said, “as ye have done it to the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it to me!”
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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