“Brethren, pray for us” is a frequent plea made by those who preach the gospel, as Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 3:1. But Paul’s main concern (and ours should be) was not so much for himself nor for the safety and welfare of the ministers themselves, but for the success and glory of the gospel he preached.
When we urge you to pray for us and for our brethren and for our missionaries, of course we should pray for their general health, support, and safety; but our chief concern is (1) that the word of God may be preached far and wide, (2) that effectual doors may be opened for the preaching of Christ, and (3) that our gospel may be glorified and triumph in other places as it has in you.
In thought and in prayer, may our priorities be in proper order! The minister is but a voice; the glory of Christ and his gospel is our aim! Ministers come and go, voices are raised up and silenced; but the gospel is glorified when men receive it, believe it, and walk in truth and holiness before our God.
“Brethren, pray for us” that our Lord may be glorified in our efforts.
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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