Revelation 2:1-11

“Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus: “The One who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands says this to you. I know what you do. You work hard, and you never give up. I know that you do not accept evil people. You have tested those who say that they are apostles but really are not. You found that they are liars. You continue to serve me. You have suffered troubles for my name, and you have not given up. “But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning. So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do what you did at first. If you do not change, I will come to you. I will take away your lampstand from its place. But there is something you do that is right: You hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I. “Every person who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who wins the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life. This tree is in the garden of God. “Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna: “The One who is the First and the Last says this to you. He is the One who died and came to life again. I know your troubles. I know that you are poor, but really you are rich! I know the bad things that some people say about you. They say they are Jews, but they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue that belongs to Satan. Do not be afraid of what will happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you. You will suffer for ten days. But be faithful, even if you have to die. If you are faithful, I will give you the crown of life. “Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. He who wins the victory will not be hurt by the second death.