Someone wrote to me recently and asked, “What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?” I replied, “I do not know, but it really does not matter what it was; the important thing is who gave it and why he gave it.”
The Heavenly Father gave the thorn, and it was given for Paul’s spiritual good and well-being. The Lord’s answer to Paul’s prayer that the thorn be removed was satisfactory to Paul. “My grace is sufficient for thee!”
Our Lord has a purpose for ever trial I encounter, and he will fulfill that purpose for my good and his glory. I believe I have learned this: his grace, his gospel, and his strength are more manifest, more glorified, and more appreciated in my weakness and during trial. When I have nothing to say, nothing to contribute, nothing in which to find comfort or joy, I will look more to him and find all I need. Then, if infirmities and trials serve to make me look more to my Lord and have less confidence in and concern for this flesh, then I rejoice in infirmities!
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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