208 pages.
"Conflict will always be a reality in a sin-cursed world, certainly from the unbelieving world but even from within the church. Yet Scripture is sufficient to navigate conflict. Josh Howard has provided a very helpful guide to applying the sufficient Word to the various kinds of conflict we might face, all with the goal of growing our own faith and bringing ultimate glory to God."
Dr. Scott Aniol
Executive Vice President and Editor-in-chief of G3 Ministries
Professor of Pastoral Theology, Grace Bible Theological Seminary
"Christians always will have a conflict with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and the Spirit will consistently be striving against the flesh. There are several other types of conflict in which the Christian finds himself obligated to address: heresy, moral issues, conflicts of individual consciences, issues of doctrinal interpretation, etc. JoshHoward has laid out the principles, very clearly giving us biblical advice about how to decide the issues that deserve our attention even in the face of conflict, how to avoid unnecessary engagement, the attitudes with which we should approach the various kinds of disagreements, and biblical encouragement to a deep sense of stewardship of the truth. We must choose our hills well and then defend them with full ardor. This book will help us all be better stewards of divine revelation as well as reflectors of Christ’s compassion and resolution."
Dr. Tom Nettles
Senior Professor, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Author,By His Grace and For His Glory
“If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men”(Rom. 12:8). “Pursue peace with all men” (Heb. 12:14). But we are also commanded to “contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” ( Jude 3)—and the Christian experience is repeatedly pictured as warfare (Eph. 6:10–18; 2 Tim.2:3–4). We seek peace, but we face relentless conflict. Therefore, every Christian must be skilled as both a peacemaker and a warrior.Fulfilling those two seemingly antithetical duties is a difficult balancing act. Josh Howard skillfully shows from Scripture why neither duty should ever eclipse the other, and he gives extremely helpful and practical advice on how to pursue both objectives simultaneously in a sanctified, Christlike manner. This is an important and timely guide for Christians, especially in this era of social media and supercharged public discourse."
Phil Johnson
Executive Director, Grace to You Ministries
Elder at Grace Community Church (Sun Valley, CA)
Contents:
Preface
Foreword
Chapter 1: The Contours of Conflict
We Live in Dark Times
Something New Yet Not Altogether New
To Battle!
This Is Not About Your Shared Fence
Thinking About the End
Chapter 2: Conflict from Within
What We Mean by Conflict
On Being Discerning
Excursus: Eschatology
On Being Careful
On Standing Strong
Excursus: Abortion
On Being Destructive
On Being Resolute
Chapter 3: Conflict from Outside
Yes, But…
Authority Matters
Areas of Authority
The Challenge of Application
Cosmic Authority
Matters of Conscience
Excursus: Alcohol
Case Study: Daniel
Chapter 4: Necessary Conflict
First: Pick a Good Hill
Excursus: Who Will Answer?
Second: Evaluate that Hill
Third: Recognize Where You Stand
Selected Examples
Chapter 5: Principled Conflict
Aiming Carefully
Speaking Clearly
Prophetically Shouting
Remembering What War Sounds Like
Concluding Thoughts
Bibliography
Scripture Index
Primer for Conflict, A is in the following collections: