The Work of Shepherds (6)

For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures…1 Corinthians 15.3, 4

Christianity and Liberalism
J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937)
“From the beginning, the Christian gospel, as indeed the name ‘gospel’ or ‘good news’ implies, consisted in an account of something that had happened. And from the beginning, the meaning of the happening was set forth; and when the meaning of the happening was set forth then there was Christian doctrine. ‘Christ died’ – that is history; ‘Christ died for our sins” – that is doctrine. Without these two elements, joined in an absolutely indissoluble union, there is no Christianity.”

It is fashionable among some Christians these days to minimize the importance of doctrine in favor of personal experience of the risen Christ. But without sound doctrine, we have no basis for hoping that any true personal experience can be realized. And if the doctrine is faulty, the experience cannot be genuine, for we shall be seeking something other than what the apostles taught us to seek. It is the duty of shepherds to keep a close watch over both themselves and the doctrine informing those in their care (1 Tim. 4.16). Where sound doctrine is wanting, false doctrine will inevitably creep in, leading the Lord’s sheep not to green pastures, but to barren wastes, incapable of sustaining life.

Why do you think so that many believers today want nothing to do with doctrine?

Fan into Flame
Our book, Fan into Flame, is a handbook on the work of pastors and shepherds. It explains the context and calling of the shepherd, as well as the tools available to us for this work; and it provides useful tools for assessment and planning to improve in the Lord’s calling. This is an excellent resource for leadership training or personal growth into Christ. Order your copy by clicking here. Or contact me about our Pastoral Hope Initiative, during which series of assessments we walk men through this handbook and various other resources. We have waived the fee for this service, so watch this brief video, then drop me a line at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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).