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The Holy War in Antioch: How to Fight With Brothers - Micheal Foster
50 minutes Posted Nov 5, 2026 at 10:30 pm.
-41 and draws six principles for fighting well in the church. Peace is not the same as quiet, ordinary correction keeps small things small, our loyalties and fears shape how we see a fight, good things have to be rightly ordered, some resolutions stay messy until heaven, and not every quarrel is yours to settle. Along the way: why he doesn't want fans, why the church needs more no's, and why you should never take a pound of flesh when an ounce will do.
Acts 15:36-41: Paul and Barnabas part ways over John Mark
Why Michael is back at a CREC-adjacent event (and a Norm Macdonald story)
Six principles from Acts 15 on how to fight with brothers
1. Conflict is a normal, necessary part of the Christian life: peace vs. quiet
Some conflicts need more than one conversation: rules of engagement in the church
3. Family, friendships, money and fear intensify our fights (Barnabas and Mark)
Cool-kids-table Christianity: "I don't want fans. I want to be your brother."
4. Good things in the wrong order: why the church needs more no's
5. Messy resolutions: never take a pound of flesh when an ounce will do
6. Not every conflict deserves your attention (Proverbs 26:17)
Encouragement for the weary: stand and fight where you must
Introduction and Prayer
Conflict in Acts 15
Personal Anecdotes and Humor
Departure from CREC
Engaging in Conflict
Understanding Conflict
Confrontation and Peace
Navigating Complex Conflicts
The Role of Relationships
Prioritizing Good Things
Messy Resolutions
Handling Disputes Wisely
Conclusion and Encouragement
Final Prayer and Blessing
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Show notes
How do you fight with a brother without burning the whole thing down? ⚔️
 
Live from Fight Laugh Feast 2026: Holy Wars, Pastor Michael Foster of East River Church takes up the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts
 
In this episode:
 
About Michael Foster:
Michael Foster is the senior pastor of East River Church in Batavia, Ohio, just outside Cincinnati, and the co-author with Bnonn Tennant of It's Good to Be a Man: A Handbook for Godly Masculinity (Canon Press). He is a graduate of Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
East River Church: https://eastriverchurch.org
It's Good to Be a Man: https://www.itsgoodtobeaman.com
Michael on X: https://x.com/thisisfoster
 
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