Mary sat at the feet of the Lord and HEARD HIS WORD, Her sister, Martha, had many things to do which she believed to be important. She must provide bodily comforts and necessities; and when she complained to the Lord that her sister should LEAVE THE PLACE WHERE HIS WORD WAS HEARD and give more attention to fleshly pursuits, our Lord said, "Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things: ONE THING IS NEEDFUL: Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:39-42). Wise indeed are the persons, who, like Mary, chose to sit, live, and raise their children where they can HEAR HIS WORD. This is the ONE THING NEEDFUL and the one thing that shall not be taken away when all these worldly comforts, treasures, and honors are perished and forgotten. I weep for those who have made the wrong choice and warn those today who may follow their example. Mary sat at Jesus feet and HEARD HIS WORD. Today, where two or three gather in His name, He is there and they hear His word. This is the good part of this earthly journey. I have nothing materially to leave my children, but they were raised hearing His word preached. Which is the good part?
The following is an excerpt from a message preached by John Brine at the ordination of John Ryland in the year 1750. "How may we KNOW that any doctrine is that of the true grace of God? I answer: IF it exalts the glory of the grace of God as the SOLE AND ENTIRE cause of salvation; IF it humbles the creature and EXCLUDES ALL BOASTING; IF it provides for the HONOR of God's holy law and justice; IF it is a solid and sure ground of strong consolation to the saints; and lastly, IF it is a doctrine according to godliness."
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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