Struggles of the early Christian church

Paul is speaking here of being unified in the faith Ephesians 4:1-15

I have just been reading the letters in the New Testament which Peter and John sent to the early church members, or saints. It must have been a saddening experience for them to see other men vying to take over the leadership of the congregations of saints. These men had decided that they knew more, and were better able to direct the church, than the apostles whom the Savior had called to lead His people. 

The apostles Peter and John had been with the Savior in His ministry. Even after His death and resurrection, they regularly received revelation from Him on how He wanted His church to be lead. (see Peter receiving revelation to take the teachings of Christ to the gentiles; Acts 10:1-48 and 11:1-18) These were great men who could personally testify of the divine mission of the Savior.  

As the early church began to grow, there appeared men who John called "antichrists". I can see why he called them "antichrists", since their goal was to as get people to follow them instead of Christ. These prideful men wanted power. They wanted to control people. To do this they made up appealing "beliefs", and then tried to get the early saints to follow them instead of their leaders who followed the Savior's direction. 

Should Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Try to Convert People?

Go Ye Therefore (Go Ye Therefore, and Teach All Nations), by Harry Anderson      Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–20

If you believe that churches are just groups of people who agree on how they see God and how they interpret the scriptures, then I would say that it would be arrogant to try to convert others to your way of thinking. Since the religious revivals in the early 1800's when Protestant preachers strove to win people over to their sect, there has even been an unspoken agreement that Christians should confine their proselyting efforts to the "heathen" nations.

Now, let's look at another perspective from another time. When our Savior ministered on the earth, He set up an organization to help the early converts to Christianity maintain their faith and serve each other. He gave power to teach, heal, and lead to his twelve Apostles. The Lord did not

How is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Organized?

How is the Church Organized? https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/topics/priesthood?lang=eng

I like how this video explains how the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the same now as it was when Jesus Christ set up His church when He lived upon the earth. All Church organization is to support and help families.

How is a Prophet Chosen?

https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/president-nelson-press-conference-recap?cid=HP_TU_16-1-2018_dPAD_fMNWS_xLIDyL1-A_

People wonder how the new Prophet is chosen. Some envision men who work their way up through the ranks, campaign for votes, and eventually triumph becoming the Prophet. True, this would be man's way of achieving something he wants, but it is not God's way. Throughout time, God has chosen the man He wants to be the Prophet at a particular time. He prepares that man, tests him, then at the right moment, that man becomes the Prophet. Think of Moses', and Samuel's years of preparation and testing before they were given the responsibility of leading the Lord's people. 

How Could I Believe in Prophets?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-04-15-we-need-living-prophets?lang=eng&_r=1

When I was in my mid-teens, I met a girl who was a a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. There was something different about her and her family; a sense of strength, peace, and love. After asking her many questions about her faith, she suggested that I talk to the missionaries. I did and had many, many questions for them.

One thing that I believed was that God must speak with someone. I had always assumed that at least the Pope talked with God. I was very surprised and disappointed to learn that he doesn't even claim to receive direct revelation from God.

Can Members Express Dissatisfaction with Church Leadership?

After reading some of the comments from this small dissident group who would not sustain the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ at General Conference last weekend, I felt I should write more. If you have heard anything about them, you probably have some questions. If you have been around a bit you are probably wondering if more is really going on here, and you would be right. 

Can Members Disagree with Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Some people think that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are controlled by their leaders; that we are kept in "lock step" and denied the opportunity to express our individual opinions. If this were true, I'd sure be in trouble since I have lots and lots of opinions on about everything!  But what about the people who where shouting their dissenting vote yesterday in General Conference?