The Work of Shepherds (8)

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5.6

Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937)
“…when it is said that faith works through love that means that through faith the necessary basis of all Christian work has been obtained in the removal of guilt and the birth of the new man, and that the Spirit of God has been received – the Spirit who works with and through the Christian man for holy living.”

The mark of the Christian, Schaeffer explained, is love. Machen is correct in saying that love is the “necessary basis of all Christian work.” Any ministries, programs, workshops, or activities in our church not motivated by love and devoted to promoting love in those who participate cannot be justified. Our redemption is unto good works (Eph. 2.10), but God’s sheep must be equipped for such a way of life by faithful shepherds (Eph. 4.11, 12). The Spirit has been given to teach and empower us for good works of love, according to the holy and righteous and good Law of God (Rom. 7.12; Ezek. 36.26, 27; Matt. 22.34-40). Good works are not an option for the believer; nor can they be fulfilled by occasional participation in a program of the local church. Good works, in the power of God’s Spirit, are our calling as followers of Christ (Tit. 2.11-14). As shepherds, we must lead and equip God’s sheep for good works in every area of their Personal Mission Fields.

What opportunities for doing good in your community exist for the members of your church? How are you equipping them for these?

T. M. Moore

Growing into Christ
Our Pastor to Pastor series, Growing into Christ, is now available as a free PDF, set up for a series of 28 morning and evening readings, meditations, and prayers. Here is an excellent resource to use in equipping people for good works of love. A free copy awaits you by writing to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Download your copy, or click and drag it into your e-reader. Share it with those you are equipping for good works of love.

The Fellowship of Ailbe is supported through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.All quotations from J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism(Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1923, 1974).