Volume 5 - The Early Church: Becoming a Light in the Darkness Faith Lesson 4: The Mark of the Beast Imagine living in New York City, where, during the past week, you committed your life to Jesus. The only other Christians within this vast city are a few friends who are also recent converts. Yet in spite of the odds, you are determined to share your newfound faith with the surrounding populace. You are convinced that therein lies the answer to the problems plaguing the city: crime, pornography, poverty, drugs, and pollution. Where would you begin? How would you feel? Your situation would be similar to that of the early believers who went to Ephesus, Asia Minor’s New York City. These Christians were few in number and were treated as second-class citizens unless they bore the “mark” of the pagan beliefs embraced by their neighbors. Instead of giving up in the face of such opposition, these believers worked all the harder to make Jesus’ name known and to proclaim his message of salvation. You will be amazed, inspired, and moved as you learn of their determination. And you will be challenged to be more faithful in the “Ephesus” where you live.