Endorsements
When we run into the inevitable bumps and bruises in our relationships, what do we do? Do we assert our rights and try to convince others why and how weve been wrongedor do we turn to Gods Word for guidance? In this wise and down-to-earth book, Brian Noble lays out a Christ-centered framework for effectively working through conflict and, ultimately, experiencing true peace with those around us.
Jim Daly , president of Focus on the Family
Im deeply grateful for Brians love for the gospel and his commitment to promoting biblical peacemaking in the body of Christ! I pray God uses this book to guide many people to step onto the path of peace.
Ken Sande , author of The Peacemaker and founder of Relational Wisdom 360
Winsome as always! Brian is a clear and compelling communicator about how the gospel of Jesus Christ sets us free to face conflicts and tensions in our lives. His practical, insightful, and inspiring book is a great addition to peacemaking and is a must-read for all of us!
Judy Dabler , president of Creative Conciliation
Brian Noble offers a clear pathway for Christians to turn everyday conflict into opportunities for peace. He writes with vulnerability and humility as one who has engaged and embodied reconciliation and has more than just mastered the facts. Readers will be challenged to examine and interpret their personal story through Gods grace and practical principles of peacemaking.
Jim Van Yperen , founder and president of Metanoia Ministries and author of Making Peace: A Guide to Overcoming Church Conflict
Ive known Brian as a peacemaking colleague for years, but I didnt really know him until reading this book. He demonstrates both humility and transparency, with his personal accounts making this book very relatable. To say Brian is passionate about peacemaking cant be overstated, and his passion rings through in these pages. You will find in this book a useful approach to pointing people to true peace. To quote Brian, Peace is possible if, at first, you connect with the Peacemaker himself.
Dwight Schettler , president of Ambassadors of Reconciliation
As long as I have known Brian, he has embodied peacemaking. This book beautifully captures years of his personal and professional reconciliation experience. In a compelling and accessible format, filled with poignant stories and practical advice, Brian skillfully walks anyone experiencing relational tension on a journey back toward connection. The Path of a Peacemaker provides a biblical framework for how lasting peace is established as we examine our own stories in light of the gospel.
Daniel Teater , LPC, MDiv, MAC, CCC, president of Live at Peace Ministries
The Path of a Peacemaker describes Brian Nobles unique approach for resolving conflict. Brian not only imparts ideas with illustrations but also tells his own story, weaving it throughout. In sharing his own weaknesses, Brian exemplifies walking The Path of a Peacemaker . Readers are encouraged to walk the path to Jesus and with him in their conflicts, relying on his justice and mercy. Many will be blessed by this book.
Ted Kober , senior ambassador for Ambassadors of Reconciliation
This book is worth its weight in gold! Brian Noble shares a compassionate journey that can help anyone transform tough problems into positive solutions for genuine, healthy relationships. Each chapter in The Path of a Peacemaker is filled with solid, practical navigation for conflict resolution, as if Jesus were standing in our midst. Brian Noble lays out three bold steps to ascend, reflect, and connect using our life stories and a renewed perspective about God. The Path of a Peacemaker should be on everyones required reading list to better understand how our perspective about God affects the peace we have in everyday relationships.
Judy Steidl , COO of ICC Peace
Title Page
Copyright Page
2019 by Peacemaker Ministries
Published by Baker Books
a division of Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
www.bakerbooks.com
Ebook edition created 2019
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any meansfor example, electronic, photocopy, recordingwithout the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is on file at the Library of Congress, Washington, DC.
ISBN 978-1-4934-1763-6
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the New American Standard Bible (NASB), copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Scripture quotations labeled ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016
Scripture quotations labeled Message are from THE MESSAGE, copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Scripture quotations labeled NIV are from the Holy Bible, New International Version. NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.
Some names and details have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Dedication
To my wife, Tanya, and kids,
who have helped me grow and become
the peacemaker I am today.
To Pastor Kent, who provided me
the time to pursue my passion.
Contents
Cover
Endorsements
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Introduction
Part 1: Tension
1. The World Is One Tense Place
2. Tension Can Be Positive
3. Tension Is Biblical
4. Tension at Its BestJesus!
Part 2: Story
5. Everyone Has a Story
6. Our Stories Are Made of Many Strands
7. Perspective Is Key to Your Story
Part 3: Ascend
8. Finding Gods Perspective on Our Stories
9. Recognizing Gods Presence
10. Understanding Gods Character
12. Living with an Eternal Perspective
13. Embracing Our Calling to Be Peacemakers
Part 4: Reflect
14. Search Me, O Lord
15. The Power of Overlooking
16. Of Logs and Specks
17. The Gospel
Part 5: Connect
18. Practicing Humility
19. Learning to Listen
20. A Path of a Peacemaker Conversation
21. Forgiveness
Part 6: Conclusion
22. What If Things Dont Go as You Hope?
23. Go in Peace
Back Ads
Back Cover
Introduction
G ot conflict? Youre not alone. Whether within your family, your church, your workplace, or your sphere of friends, peace can sometimes be an elusive thing. I know firsthand. The nonprofit organization I direct, Peacemaker Ministries, is immersed in the goal of helping people find peace amid conflict. In that role, I see my share of conflictand reconciliation.
But Ive also got a life of my own. So besides my professional perspective, I have a personal perspective on conflict and peace. Like you and everyone else, I have a storyand mine was once nothing but conflict. Over the years, Ive seen God work in amazing ways. Ive had the privilege of seeing peace come out of conflict not just as someone who leads seminars and workshops and biblical counseling sessions but also as someone whos experienced Gods power in his own life.