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Henry Mahan

Henry Mahan

4 Sermons

Henry Mahan (August 1926 – May 7, 2019) was an American preacher and pastor whose ministry within the Baptist tradition spanned over five decades, emphasizing the sovereign grace of God and the centrality of Christ in salvation. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to parents whose details are not widely documented, he grew up in a working-class environment that shaped his straightforward approach to faith. Converted at a young age, he began preaching at 21 after limited formal education, relying on practical ministry training and personal biblical study rather than theological seminary credentials. Mahan’s preaching career was anchored at Thirteenth Street Baptist Church in Ashland, Kentucky, where he served as pastor for over 50 years starting in the late 1940s. His sermons, marked by a focus on glorifying Jesus Christ and the free grace of God, drew listeners globally through radio and tape ministries, with recordings later preserved on platforms like SermonIndex.net. A prolific speaker, he traveled widely as an evangelist and conference speaker, delivering messages that exalted Christ’s righteousness and God’s electing love, as seen in works like “The Gospel According to Isaiah” and “With New Testament Eyes.” He also authored commentaries for his congregation, reflecting his pastoral heart. Married to Ramona McClung, with whom he had children—details of whom remain private—he passed away at age 92 in Pikeville, Kentucky.

Sermons
Bio

The Missing Note in Present-Day Preaching

1.2K41:27

ApostasyJOB 42:1MAT 7:21MAT 23:37LUK 7:47LUK 18:9JHN 5:40JHN 10:10

In this sermon, the preacher highlights the importance of preaching in shaping our beliefs and attitudes towards ourselves and others. He emphasizes that our faith and knowledge of God are dependent on the preaching we have heard. However, he points out that there is something missing in present-day preaching - the conviction that some individuals have never truly been lost and in need of salvation. The preacher criticizes the practice of rushing people through baptism and making them church members without ensuring they have truly received new life in Christ. He also highlights the prevalence of empty churches, unread Bibles, and superficial moral reformation, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual transformation.

Plain Talk to My Generation

85527:20

MAT 19:16JHN 17:3

In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of plain preaching to his generation. He emphasizes that no man has the ability to obey the commandments and please God. The preacher also highlights the importance of facing the matter of the Lordship of Jesus Christ and confessing Him as Lord and Master. He cautions against equating America, patriotism, and democracy with Christianity, stating that they are not synonymous and that America is not the kingdom of God. The preacher urges the audience to recognize their sinfulness before God and to listen attentively to his message.

A Return to Plain Preaching

80827:38

LUK 24:27LUK 24:45JHN 5:39JHN 14:6ACT 10:431CO 2:1HEB 10:14

In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of four powerful words that can stimulate an interest in seeking the Lord: life, death, judgment, and eternity. He discusses the significance of each word and how they relate to our spiritual journey. The preacher also poses five important questions that every person should consider, including what creates a real interest in salvation and how the scriptures are opened to a person's understanding. He emphasizes the need to seek the Lord and find answers to these questions, as they ultimately determine our eternal destiny.

What Is It to Preach the Gospel?

PSA 89:7

Henry Mahan passionately preaches about the necessity and dedication to preach the gospel, emphasizing the life and transformation of the apostle Paul as an example. He highlights the importance of preaching the truth about God, man, Christ, and salvation, stressing the beauty and glory of the gospel message. Mahan underscores the humility and guilt felt by preachers, acknowledging that their abilities and gifts are from God, and the urgency to proclaim the gospel with sincerity and boldness, as woe awaits those who neglect it.