The Struggle For Unity and Harmony: Lessons From the Early Church

Written for individuals interested in discovering how followers of Christ went about working out what it meant to be the Church, presented an effective witness in times of persecution and possible martyrdom, and integrated into their fellowship individuals who brought with them customs and traditions different from what Jesus had taught.Described as earthen by its chief architect and champion, the church is an assembly of followers of Christ drawn from all walks and stations in life. Paul contended that, as it was God's purpose to unify all Creation in Christ, that the Church and followers of Christ had special functions and responsibilities in that task.The Church was to function as the storehouse of the Gospel and its people God's primary instrument for spreading the Gospel.

Dr. Charles E. Smith is a retired licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor.Committed to theology and psychology as two sides of the coin of truth, Dr. Smith has published books on the Single-Parent Family, Commitment, Self-Esteem, the Beatitudes, Loss, and the Prayer of St. Francis.His experience includes being a Pastor, Interim Pastor, and Chaplain. He has taught on all levels from grammar school to graduate school, and has extensive experience as a conference leader, presenting a variety of subjects ranging from self-esteem to divorce and aftercare. Several times a grandfather, Dr. Smith lives with his wife, Norma, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, where they are active in their community and the First United Methodist Church.