The Work of Shepherds (8)

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 1 Timothy 1.3, 4

Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937)
“The growth of ignorance in the Church is the logical and inevitable result of the false notion that Christianity is a life and not also a doctrine; if Christianity is not a doctrine then of course teaching is not necessary. But whatever be the causes for the growth of ignorance in the Church, the evil must be remedied. It must be remedied primarily by the renewal of Christian education in the family, but also by the use of whatever other educational agencies the Church can find. Christian education is the chief business of the hour for every earnest Christian man.”

The “chief business of the hour”? Do we know many Christian men who would say that overcoming their ignorance of doctrine and being more fully instructed in Christ is the “chief business” of their lives? And why is that? How has it come about that the men of the church are so zealous for work, avocations, and who knows what else, yet have little inclination and less time to devote to the work of knowing Jesus and living for Him? Paul expected Timothy to redress this situation in Ephesus. The Lord expects the same of us. Many winds of false doctrine are wafting over the church today, teaching people to think mostly about themselves and their needs, and not to get too exercised about good works and such matters. “It’s all grace, friends.” Indeed – grace for salvation unto good works of love and witness. As shepherds, let us lead and equip His flock for every good work of service, witness, and love, by leading them to Jesus and teaching them to live there.

Are the Christian education ministries of your church equipping your men to live and bear witness for Christ? How’s it going?

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.

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).