and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,

The Loveless Church

“To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

“I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.