In the parable of the prodigal son, as told by our Lord, there are two lost sons, not just one! The prodigal was flagrantly wicked, ungrateful, a reckless run-away, lost through hot passion and wild living. He asked for his inheritance from his father because he did not want to wait for it. The other son was morally obedient and well-pleased with himself, even to the point of boasting of his works and obedience to his father. Yet he was as truly spiritually dead and lost as his wayward brother. While the younger son's sinful nature took him down the path of lust and drunkenness to the hog pen, the evil nature of the elder son led him to walk in pride, self-righteousness, and envy to the temple of the Pharisees to worship the god of human merit and free-will. How base and ungodly both of these sons! Which is in the most danger of eternal condemnation? Which will most likely repent and sue for mercy? Neither, if left to themselves; but we observe which of the lost sons God, was pleased to save!
“Let not conscience make you linger,
Nor of fitness fondly dream;
All the fitness he requireth
Is to feel your need of him!”
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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