A salesman boarded an airplane and sat next to a pastor. They did not know one another; so after they were in the air, the salesman spoke, “How do you do?” The pastor replied, “Fine, thank you; and how are you?” The salesman said, “I am in the jewelry business.” The pastor thought for a moment of the scripture in Mal. 3:17,”In the day when I make up my jewels, I will spare them,” and replied, “Yes, and I am too.” The salesman said, “I am in business with my father.” The pastor answered, “And so am I.” The salesman added, “We only deal in the very best jewels.” The pastor said, “Our jewels are perfect.” The salesman said, “My father trusts me with much of his business, and I am on my way to a meeting with my Father.” The Pastor replied, “I don't know exactly when, but I have a meeting with my Father soon.” The salesman sighed and settled back in the seat to take a rest with these words, “I hope I can give a good report.” The pastor thoughtfully added, “I certainly hope I can, too!”
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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