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The early Christian understanding of discipleship emerged from deep Jewish roots, where receiving and passing on godly teaching was highly valued. In Jewish culture, being chosen as a disciple by a respected rabbi was considered the highest honor - comparable to being a first-round NFL draft pick, though even that analogy falls short. This cultural context explains why Jesus's disciples immediately left everything to follow Him when called.
The Purpose of the Church
Three key elements define the church's purpose:
- God's glory
- Making disciples
- Preserving and blessing communities (both local and worldwide)
The Church at Ephesus: A Case Study
The church at Ephesus received extraordinary spiritual investment. Paul spent three years there "warning everyone night and day with tears" (Acts 20:31). Other notable leaders who ministered there included Apollos, Priscilla, Aquila, Silas, Luke, Timothy, and John.
Ephesus held strategic importance as:
- A major Roman Empire seaport
- An international trade hub
- A center of pagan worship, including one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- A key location for spreading the gospel throughout Asia
Christ's Evaluation of Ephesus
In Revelation 2:1-7, Jesus commends the Ephesian church for:
- Their works and patient endurance
- Testing and exposing false apostles
- Maintaining sound doctrine
- Refusing to tolerate evil
- Rejecting the Nicolaitans' false teachings
However, Jesus had one serious charge against them: "You have abandoned the love you had at first" (Revelation 2:4). Despite their doctrinally sound teaching and moral behavior, they had lost their passionate devotion to Christ Himself.
The Warning and Call to Repentance
Jesus's response was decisive: "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent" (Revelation 2:5).
This warns us that even influential churches can lose their way when they forget their primary purpose. True Christianity requires:
- Genuine repentance
- Transformational change
- Spiritual regeneration
- Experiencing God's power
The power of God is found in the cross - Christ's willing death as the perfect sacrifice and His victory over death through resurrection. Churches must maintain this focus on the gospel's transforming power rather than offering mere religious respectability without genuine change.