Faith Baptist Church

Thank you to all who are reading along with the FBC leadership as we blog about a well written book titled "The Peacemaker" by Ken Sande. This week we're discussing chapter 5, and the author describes the typical progression of an idol in the human heart - helping the reader see where conflict originates.

I was particularly challenged by the part of the progression where we start to judge other people for not serving our idols. The author tells how it can be good and right to have expectations of other human beings. The problem comes with this quote from page 108, "But if we are not careful, these expectations can become conditions and standards we use to judge others. Instead of giving people room for independence, disagreement, or failure, we rigidly impose our expectations on them."

In the sovereignty of God, our church is experiencing some conflict as it relates to my imperfect leadership as we attempt to implement a culture of peace. Chapter 4 is titled "Is This Really Worth Fighting For", and it's a question the leadership was asking itself tonight. As it relates to an impassioned pursuit of the unity of God's people, and a devotion to the Biblical instructions for resolving problems - the answer is YES!

As it relates to my reputation as the pastor, my timeline for implementation, my feelings being protected from probing questions, or any of the things that I want that God has not required - the answer is no.

I'm encouraged by these lines from pg 85, "...Lord, I rejoice that this conflict has not happened by accident. You are sovereign and good, so I know that you are working through this situation for your glory and my good."

Leaders of Faith Baptist, God has called us to faith and courage. Let us be diligent to cry out to God for His grace and wisdom. Let us be committed to only moving ahead according to Biblical wisdom, and without doubting. Let's speak the truth in love. May God help us.

Quotations are from: The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande (Baker Books, 3d ed., 2003). Peacemaker® Ministries. www.Peacemaker.net

Another Tuesday, and another chapter of Ken Sande's book The Peacemaker. I continue to take great comfort in knowing that the leadership of Faith Baptist Church is reading this book. The author has put together a tremendous systematic theology on resolving conflicts in a person's life. In chapter three Ken discusses trusting God. It is wonderful to know we serve a God who is both all-powerful, and good. These two sentences from pg 63 are my favorites, "The fact that God is good does not mean that He will insulate us from all suffering. Rather, it means He will be with us in our suffering and accomplish good through it (Isaiah 43:2-3)."

I'm asking God to help the members of Faith Baptist to trust Him in trials and conflicts. Trust in His power. Trust in His goodness. Trust in His wisdom.

Quotations are from: The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict, Ken Sande (Baker Books, 3d ed., 2003). Peacemaker® Ministries. www.Peacemaker.net.