Kindling

Story

Velvet Pews and Golden Bibles

Søren Kierkegaard (paraphrased)

Kierkegaard imagined sitting in a church with velvet pews and stained glass while a minister in a velvet robe opened a gold-gilded Bible and read Jesus’ words about denying oneself, taking up the cross, and following. The contrast is deliberate. It is possible to admire the call of discipleship in beautiful surroundings while remaining carefully insulated from its demands.

How you’d preach it

Prophetic critique of comfortable religion that admires the call of Jesus without obeying it.

  • Discipleship
  • Rest
  • Mission

Kierkegaard

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Nearby

Story

Clarence Jordan was being shown a church’s impressive new facilities. The pastor pointed with pride to a large illuminated cross on…

Discipleship · The Cross · Mission

Jordan

Quote

Mother Teresa said, “If you give what you do not need, it isn’t giving.” The line is short and searching. Much of what passes for…

Generosity · Discipleship · Rest

Teresa

Analogy

Zeal that never inconveniences us, never risks reputation, and never rearranges priorities may be only preference wearing religious…

Discipleship · Rest

Quote

Richard Foster puts it starkly: “in some ways we would prefer to hear Jesus’ call to the soft things rather than the hard.” Whitney…

Discipleship · Rest · Obedience

Foster · Whitney