What’s On My Bookshelf…

     

     

     

          Can you tell I’ve been busy? I highly recommend all of these books! They all hold a perspective that will teach you, stretch you and give you insights into your faith and the nature of God! If you have any questions about any of these books, feel free to e-mail me at TimKurek@gmail.com!

“The Day I Killed Jesus”… Update

        I just wanted to thank everyone for ALL the e-mails inquiring about my new book! Work has slowed because of school and my preparations for my upcoming move to Texas, but I am still tackling it piece by piece. The one question I have been getting more than any other in these e-mails is,

        “Are you ever going to post any previews to your book on Uriah?”

        So I decided that tonight I would post the tentative “Intro Hook”. I know it will probably evolve from what it is right now, but I thought I would go ahead! Be kind haha, it’s a very rough draft and will be going massive revision before I even submit it to my publishing agent… This is merely a preview. Comments are welcome!

The Day I Killed Jesus: Facing the Cross Unmasked in the Postmodern World

© Timothy Kurek 2008

        “For a long time I was a prisoner of the church and the true knowledge of God eluded me. I went whenever my parents made me go, and participated in all of the programs and fundraisers, youth group events and student ministries that our church had to offer. In so doing I entirely missed the heart of the faith I was so radically “living” for. When I was old enough I made my escape and never wanted to look back. The barbed wire fences and dank prison cells of religion repelled me. Soon I discovered that I wasn’t alone. I ran so far that I ended up meeting Jesus, and what He offered me was unlike anything I had heard while I was held captive. He called to me, but I wasn’t ready. I hated His perfection, but inside I knew it wasn’t because I hated Him, it was because I didn’t feel worthy enough to accept what He was offering me. A chance for life. A chance for freedom. A chance for peace. And before accepting those things, I knew I would have to accept something much more sobering. I was terrified of what acknowledging the truth would mean, the truth that the blood of Jesus was on my hands. This is the story of how I got to that day… The Day I Killed Jesus.”

© Timothy Kurek 2008

To contact: timkurek@gmail.com

 

 

Oh No, I’m Reading Emergents!!! EEEK!

          Many of you who read this blog regularly know that I am not very “religious”. The traditions and standards that the man made church have tried to impose on me all my life have done nothing but push me in the opposite direction, so I ran and in so doing ran to Jesus in a way I never could have before. I believe in a balanced conservative gospel where the depravity of man and the total grace and love of God are both embraced, and I will not budge on humanities utter need for salvation and Jesus.

         BUT… That does not mean I can not read and learn from people who have differing beliefs. The emergent church is liberal and universalizes orthodoxy that should not be altered, and I can not in good conscience fully embrace their “radical” viewpoint that I believe is rooted in a desire for glorified unaccountability.

          Two writers that have caught a lot of heat are Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne. Both embody the emergent movement to a T… But they have written several books each that have gotten a lot of critical acclaim.

           I decided to read a few of their books and while I don’t agree with everything they say, I have found that they have a few really good things to say. For the discerning Christian these two books are definitely worth a read, and I encourage you to check them both out!

 

 

 

 

First Video Blog!

          Alrighty, it’s short, and rough, but this was more of a test than anything… I am stoked it worked! Also know this is more of a talk than a “message”… I will be doing more soon!

BEWARE OF BIBLE MAN!!!!

You have GOT to check out my friend’s blog!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS AWESOME!!!!!

http://nakedpastor.com/archives/1935

Question… “What is Church to You?”

          I am curious to know what everyone thinks church “is”… Is this picture accurate? Is church competition? Is church politics? Is church a Bank? The book unChristian says that 85% of the “unsaved” perceive us to be hypocritical, too political, too focused on competition with other churches, and to money driven… What is church to you?

          I would like for this to turn into a discussion, but either way, just think about what church means to you!

          … Oh yeah, what does church mean to me?

Video to watch… Please watch it!

Hey guys,

          I just wanted to know what you guys think of this video… Please watch it and comment. It has to do with Oprah and her new online church… Well she calls it a class, but its really a church.

TWITTER!

          Just wanted to let everyone know I am officially on twitter.com! It’s a cool way to keep up with friends via text messages and it’s AWESOME! Thanks Pam Case for turning me on to it.

Here is how it works…

          -Go to www.twitter.com and sign up.

          -Set up your phone to receive text messages and find me on there. Search for “timkurek”and press follow. Then I will follow you and we will get each others updates.

           This has made Myspace seem boring for me and I encourage all of you to check it out.  I can’t wait to use this application with the UC college group, so we can stay connected throughout the week! 

Now this is fundraising!

          I am following the blogs from Mars Hill’s many multi-site pastors underneath Mark Driscoll… And something caught my eye from their downtown Seattle location.

          I really wish that every church was as committed to sponsoring such incredible events for their local ministries… I really wish I could go to this concert!

Happy Belated Birthday Mr. Feeny!

          I have been saved for almost 10 years and in that entire time no man apart from Jesus has encouraged or instructed me more than Mr. George Feeny… Yesterday he turned 81…. OKAY well the actor who played Mr. Feeny turned 81! And I know he was a fictional character but I love him and who can judge me for loving a lovable old man from my favorite tv sitcom growing up? NO ONE! Anyways I digress….

          Yesterday Mr. Feeny turned 81 and while I celebrated his birthday alone with a nice dinner and a crisp Dr. Pepper, I know I wasn’t alone…

Happy Birthday Mr. Feeny!