Revelation 2:5, The Church at Ephesus
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
//This warning was written to the Church at Ephesus, in what is today West Turkey. Repent, or I will remove your lampstand.
By the early second century, Ephesus had garnered a reputation as a great example of Christian faith. It held a position of pre-eminence for centuries, a shining light, a glorious lampstand. One of the great fifth-century church councils even met there (431 CE).
But today, there exists not a single Christian church in Ephesus. The city is a broken-down shadow of what it once was. What happened?
Great point Lee. This makes me think about mainstream Christian churches today and how they are diminishing worldwide. I just read yesterday that the Vatican is operating with a multi-million dollar annual deficit. I can’t help but wonder if there’s a connection with the warning to Ephesus.