The Pastoral Grind

(Originally written for The Baldwin Bulletin: Pastor's Column March 29, 2023) “‘…I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked…Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me…He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22) I recently completed a sermon series through the letters or sermons to the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. If it’s been a while since you’ve heard those preached or read them for yourself, there is some weighty material in these. Varying from 4 to 12 verses in length, each begins with a description