The Work of Shepherds (8)

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. Philippians 1.18

Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937)
“The people are perishing under the ministrations of those who ‘do not deny’ the Cross of Christ. Surely something more than that is needed. God send us ministers who, instead of merely avoiding denial of the Cross shall be on fire with the Cross, whose whole life shall be one burning sacrifice of gratitude to the blessed Saviour who loved them and gave Himself for them!”

Would you describe yourself as “on fire with the Cross”? Would those who know you describe you this way? The Cross is bloody and shameful. The Cross points out our sin and calls us to humility and self-denial. The Cross reminds us that the world will resist the Gospel when we come living and proclaiming it. The Cross is a place of sorrow, suffering, and shame. The Cross is the ultimate symbol of God’s love for lost people. Is the Cross, and bearing it daily, the central issue in our preaching and teaching? The Cross is also the place of glory and salvation. If we want these, we must preach the Cross, live for the Cross, and call people to consider Christ’s work on the Cross. No shepherd should rest until he’s sure that “in every way” the sheep entrusted to His care are bearing and proclaiming the Cross with fire.

Why do you think many pastors minimize the place of the Cross in their preaching these days? Is this wise?

T. M. Moore

Mission Partners Outreach
The Lord calls all His sheep to be His witnesses, but being a witness for Christ doesn’t just happen. The flock of the Lord must be equipped for this calling, and Jesus has set shepherds over the flock to do that work. How can we equip the sheep to live for Christ and be His witnesses? Our Mission Partners Outreach provides the resources and framework for making witness-bearing disciples in your church, and all the training and resources are free. Want to learn how it works? Watch this brief video, then contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.for more information. I’ll be happy to take you through this 6-month training regimen, and help you get it started in your church.

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).