Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. - Ecclesiastes 1:2
Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
We know exactly what Solomon, the Preacher, is speaking of in this scripture. He is talking about human wisdom, pleasure, our great works and accomplishments, natural beauty, clothes, and all that is associated with this natural life. Put it all together, possess it all, and it will prove to be just so much vanity.
How wise is the person who has the grace to look upon the fashion of this world as it is (fading away) and who can put all these things where they belong (in the background) to be used and not abused and adored, as temporary blessings soon to vanish away. Clothes can be a curse; beauty, a time-consuming burden; talent can be a distraction from worship; knowledge and learning can be dreadful snares to rob the church of the simplicity of Christ and his gospel. I beseech all of us to remember the pit from which we came, the grace that made us to differ, and the fact that we are strangers and pilgrims in a world that is the enemy of God and marked for destruction. Let us be careful to set our affection on things above, not on the things (vanity) of the earth. “Naked (ugly and wrinkled) I came out of my mother's womb, and naked (ugly and wrinkled) I shall return.” All that this flesh has worn, done, been, and attained will matter not at all. What will matter is if that naked flesh covers “a new heart” and “a new creature” in Christ Jesus! God grant it and the grace that accompanies such a transaction!
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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