I heard someone say, “I get so weary of trying not to offend people. It seems as if I am forever on guard and upset lest I say something, do something, or have something which offends someone!” Beloved, this ought not to be said about believers. But I can identify with what my friend said; for the one thing I dislike about the ministry, and the one thing that will one day cause me to rejoice when I am no longer involved daily in it is the constant pressure of “trying to be all things to all people” (1 Cor. 9: 19-23). The people of the world are naturally offended by our gospel, by our strong commitment to sovereign grace, and by the fact that we cannot walk with them in their religious and other activities. But the love believers share “doth NOT behave itself unbecomingly, is not self-seeking, is not easily provoked, touchy, fretful, and offended” (1 Cor. 13:5). Am I? Are you a problem-child? A cause for tension, pressure, and sleepless nights? Or are we an encouragement, comfort, and delight to be around? Paul said in Eph. 4:15, “Let us all grow up into him in all things.”
A solemn prayer prayed by George Gillespie during a time of great conflict with those who would compromise the gospel of God: “Lord, send light. Lord, give assistance. Lord, defend thine own cause.”
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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