Comments on: Jesus the Ecumenical Separatist

By: Riley

Riley — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 05:03:05 +0000

Spurgeon was part of a Baptist Union which included a number of Arminian preachers. He only separated over the authority of Scripture.

By: Frank

Frank — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 20:26:35 +0000

Brother Murray, having read this article I must agree with many of the priniples set forth. If, however, it is true that the separatist risks not communicating the gospel, (hiding the gospel) then how do you explain the ministry of a C.H. Spurgeon, who not only was a separatist but even a secondary separatist. His ministry was large and was anything but “bridge-building.” I’m sorry but I cannot buy this idea that separatists (reasonable) risk not communicating the gospel when I don’t find that principle anywhere in scripture and have not seen it played out by any of the separatists that I personally know. (or know thru Sermon Audio)
Neither do I see separatists as being inconsistant with eating and drinking with sinners. Jesus did not cooperate in ministry with the Pharisees or the unconverted that he ate and drank with or preached to. And the synagogues that our Lord and the apostle Paul preached in, proved to be anything but ecumenical when we consider how they reacted to their preaching. I would’nt call it very ecumenical to go into a synagogue (or a church for that matter) and contend with or correct the teachers of that place.(as Jesus did) I would simply love to take the pulpit at a Crystal Cathedral and preach the closed ended exclusivity of Christ and the biblical Gospel as being the one true way to the Father thereby debunking Robert Schuller’s open-ended gospel, though I would probably be treated the way Jesus and Paul were once I was done. His and Paul’s teaching, in or out of the synagogue left no room for any implied ecclesiastical or ministerial associations.
Yes Jesus ate and drank with sinners. But he was also separate from sinners. Heb. 7:26

By: David Murray

David Murray — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:06:03 +0000

The Billy Graham question is easy. No.

The other questions are difficult to work out in practice. The existence of weaker brothers implies that some are stronger. Does 2 Kings 5:18 have any bearing? Has to be done within context of close accountability.

By: Timothy A. Williams

Timothy A. Williams — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:45:34 +0000

Dr. Murray: I have read this a couple of times because of the grave importance of this matter, as both ancient and modern times have demonstrated. There are many points with which I agree. However, I wouldn’t mind a clarification on a couple of matters. From my standpoint, there seems to be a double standard assumed that may be subjectively applied to those whom God ‘has given’ greater ministry and those whom God has not. Would that make it OK for Billy Graham to have done what he has done, seeing that he had an international ministry and could influence others? On what biblical basis can you this supported? Who has the wisdom to know when this standard can be applied? Thank you for your consideration of these questions, I look forward to your reply. TAW

By: David Murray

David Murray — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 12:05:30 +0000

I’m going to have to pass on this for the time being Robert.

By: Robert

Robert — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 07:37:02 +0000

Our plan is to release the first online edition in the new year. However it would be good to have things done by December.

The piece is well written and would fit as a magazine article well. I feel that the point of separation and union is vague. I think it was John Murray’s opinion in his day to fellowship on basis of reformed theology. Your points at the beginning are good. I can’t help thinking they become less critical towards the end.

It’s also an interest to challenge us on what factors on where we should worship. Is that something you can add? I think Jesus was above many issues surrounding fellowship. Maybe I’m wrong there. But this article is thought provoking and it would be great to inform the church moreand increase discussion. I believe the goal of the church is union and not separation.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:53:53 +0000

Robert, it depends how much adaptation would be required. I’ve not got much white space in my calendar over the next month or so.

By: Robert

Robert — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 14:48:20 +0000

Would you be interested in doing an adaptation of this for our new online magazine? It is a subject I believe would be greatly appreciated by more discussion and spiritual light.

By: JESUS THE ECUMENICAL SEPARATIST | thinkGOSPEL blog

JESUS THE ECUMENICAL SEPARATIST | thinkGOSPEL blog — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 14:01:55 +0000

[...] HeadHeartHand Blog [...]

By: David Murray

David Murray — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:41:37 +0000

Thanks for your input, David. Yes, we need to get down to specifics more. However, sometimes, esp in Scotland, attempts to unite can leave us more divided than ever! We so much need the Holy Spirit to work.