1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is useless.
15 And we apostles would all be lying about God—for we have said that God raised Christ from the grave. But that can’t be true if there is no resurrection of the dead.
16 And if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins.
18 In that case, all who have died believing in Christ are lost! 19 And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world.
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Friday, April 06, 2007
Good Friday
I love Easter! I love it because it is an opportunity for us to take a break from the busyness of life to spend some time focusing on the HIGH price that Jesus paid for you and for me. I get so overwhelmed when I think about how Jesus was willing to go through all of the pain and agony of the cross for ME! One of my goals in life is to make sure that I remind myself of that on a daily basis and NEVER get over what God has done and is doing in my life!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Toby Mac meets Chris Farley..
I am a HUGE Toby Mac fan! Check out this video for a good laugh. Several times, I ahve thought about it randomly and just started laughing. Maybe it is so funny to me because I identify with it so well. Check it out:
http://www.tobymac.com/default.aspx
(Scroll down to the featured video)
http://www.tobymac.com/default.aspx
(Scroll down to the featured video)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
It's Gettin, Gettin, Gettin Kind of Hectic...
As the days go by,
...I get more excited about Freedom Church and the future.
...I get more sad about leaving Crosspointe, where I have been for 7 years.
...I fear the unknown even more.
It is a very awkward time to have Lollis or Lee as your last name. I will be posting some specific things that you can help us to pray about. I'm out! It is time to go hang out with some of the greatest students in the entire world!
...I get more excited about Freedom Church and the future.
...I get more sad about leaving Crosspointe, where I have been for 7 years.
...I fear the unknown even more.
It is a very awkward time to have Lollis or Lee as your last name. I will be posting some specific things that you can help us to pray about. I'm out! It is time to go hang out with some of the greatest students in the entire world!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Entertain for a Change
Over the past few weeks, I have had several people make a comment to me that I simply doesn't make sense to me. I understand the comment, I just do not understand why a person would think that way. Here's the comment:
"People shouldn't come to church to be entertained. I guess they were just coming for the show."
I totally agree that Jesus should be all that we need. His Word and His presence should be enough. But here is my issue with that statement.
Entertainment shouldn't matter. But it sometimes does. We would be ridiculous if we didn't acknowledge that we are competing for people's attention. People have very busy lives and will not give their time to something that is irrelevant, pointless, and boring. Things have changed. People will no longer attend church just because they are "supposed to".
Churches should be the most creative places on the planet. God gave us a brain and allows us to use it freely. We have the opportunity to create an atmosphere that is appealing to those that are far from God. However, most of the time we spend little time and energy making it excellent. People tend to make statements like the one above because their churches are lazy.
There are those people out there that think that their attendance only counts when they are miserable at church. They feel like there should be no fun (After all, God demands reverance, right?). I think the opposite of that is true. Church should be fun. It should be a place we desire to go to. We should get out of bed on Sunday mornings longing to go to worship. In fact, I think it is a sin to make church boring. How can we take the most exciting news in all the world and communicate it in a way that people are not interested? That, my friends, is a sin!
You want me to tell you what is exciting? LIFECHANGE. People having an authentic encounter with the Creator of the Universe will create excitement and buzz that no one can contain. People beginning a relationship with Jesus. People getting set free from the chains of sin. People being forgiven.
If I have to do creative things to draw in the people, that's perfectly ok with me. Because I know if we can get them in the door, we can see God do something amazing in their lives. Without a doubt, I am willing to entertain someone, if that means that their life can be changed for an eternity.
"People shouldn't come to church to be entertained. I guess they were just coming for the show."
I totally agree that Jesus should be all that we need. His Word and His presence should be enough. But here is my issue with that statement.
Entertainment shouldn't matter. But it sometimes does. We would be ridiculous if we didn't acknowledge that we are competing for people's attention. People have very busy lives and will not give their time to something that is irrelevant, pointless, and boring. Things have changed. People will no longer attend church just because they are "supposed to".
Churches should be the most creative places on the planet. God gave us a brain and allows us to use it freely. We have the opportunity to create an atmosphere that is appealing to those that are far from God. However, most of the time we spend little time and energy making it excellent. People tend to make statements like the one above because their churches are lazy.
There are those people out there that think that their attendance only counts when they are miserable at church. They feel like there should be no fun (After all, God demands reverance, right?). I think the opposite of that is true. Church should be fun. It should be a place we desire to go to. We should get out of bed on Sunday mornings longing to go to worship. In fact, I think it is a sin to make church boring. How can we take the most exciting news in all the world and communicate it in a way that people are not interested? That, my friends, is a sin!
You want me to tell you what is exciting? LIFECHANGE. People having an authentic encounter with the Creator of the Universe will create excitement and buzz that no one can contain. People beginning a relationship with Jesus. People getting set free from the chains of sin. People being forgiven.
If I have to do creative things to draw in the people, that's perfectly ok with me. Because I know if we can get them in the door, we can see God do something amazing in their lives. Without a doubt, I am willing to entertain someone, if that means that their life can be changed for an eternity.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Just a Loud Noise??
I don't want this verse to describe my life:
Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise; he has missed his opportunity. (Jeremiah 46:17)
This helps confirm to me that God has called me to Acworth. I do not wish to be reduced to only a loud noise. I desire to chase the dreams that God has given me. It is huge. It is scary. It is a God-sized dream. If He doesn't come through, we're sunk. There is no plan B. But I know my God good enough to know that where He calls, He provides. For that reason, I can agree with Howard Schultz. I want to share with you a quote from his book, Pour Your Heart Into It. This is the account of his opportunity to purchase a small coffee chain called Starbucks. Check this out, it describes the thoughts rolling around in my head:
If I don't seize the opportunity, if I don't step out of my comfort zone and risk it all, if I let too much time tick on, my moment will pass. I knew that if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity, I would replay it in my mind for my whole life, wondering: What if? ~ Howard Schultz via Mark Batterson
Pharaoh king of Egypt is only a loud noise; he has missed his opportunity. (Jeremiah 46:17)
This helps confirm to me that God has called me to Acworth. I do not wish to be reduced to only a loud noise. I desire to chase the dreams that God has given me. It is huge. It is scary. It is a God-sized dream. If He doesn't come through, we're sunk. There is no plan B. But I know my God good enough to know that where He calls, He provides. For that reason, I can agree with Howard Schultz. I want to share with you a quote from his book, Pour Your Heart Into It. This is the account of his opportunity to purchase a small coffee chain called Starbucks. Check this out, it describes the thoughts rolling around in my head:
If I don't seize the opportunity, if I don't step out of my comfort zone and risk it all, if I let too much time tick on, my moment will pass. I knew that if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity, I would replay it in my mind for my whole life, wondering: What if? ~ Howard Schultz via Mark Batterson
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Craziness...
3 unexpected meetings + 3 1/2 hours of hospital visits = not much time for posting...
it has been a really crazy day... tonight i have my fantasy baseball draft and Clemson plays in the finals of the NIT...should be a fun night...
check back soon for a very interesting post...
it has been a really crazy day... tonight i have my fantasy baseball draft and Clemson plays in the finals of the NIT...should be a fun night...
check back soon for a very interesting post...
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday...
I am really excited because it is Wednesday. I love Wednesdays because I get to hang out with some of the most incredible Middle Schoolers on the planet.
I especially want the next few weeks to be awesome, especially after I had to announce to them that my family is leaving. We only have limited time together and I plan to make the most of it!! I love you guys and can't wait to spend some time with you. Let's make these next few weeks incredible!
I especially want the next few weeks to be awesome, especially after I had to announce to them that my family is leaving. We only have limited time together and I plan to make the most of it!! I love you guys and can't wait to spend some time with you. Let's make these next few weeks incredible!
I just don't know what to say...
He can't sing. He looks ridiculous. He must go home tonight or I might just throw my remote through my TV.
Tigers headed to NIT Finals...
After getting by Air Force, Clemson will play West Virginia for the NIT Championship. Let's go Tigers!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Random Thoughts....
At least once a week, I like to create a random list of things running through my head. Here we go:
1. Words cannot express how sad I am about leaving Crosspointe. It is going to be a difficult month!
2. God is teaching me A LOT lately!
3. In case you are wondering, I am cheering for Georgetown in the Final Four. I picked them to win it all. Let's go Hoyas!!
4. I am glad that everyone finally knows about us leaving. It is a relief to be able to talk openly about it.
5. I am pretty sure Acie Law's(Texas A&M) dad is Snoop Dogg.
6. Is there anything better in sports than March Madness?
7. It be Ohio St. and FL for the Nat'l Championship. That would be strange since those teams just played in the football Nat'l Championship.
8. Last Wednesday was one of the hardest days of my entire life.
9. I forgot to mention this last week but I finally got a Wii. It is amazing! Video gaming just went to a whole new level!
10. My family is amazing! I love them like crazy!!
11. I really hope that Clemson wins the NIT. I know it is just the NIT, but it is a start!
12. I have way more questions than answers about the upcoming months in my life.
13. To be really honest, I am excited/scared/sad all at the same time.
14. My fantasy baseball draft is this week.
15. "Most God ordained dreams die because we aren't willing to something that seems illogical." ~ Mark Batterson
I'm going to crash. This should be a busy week. I'm out!
1. Words cannot express how sad I am about leaving Crosspointe. It is going to be a difficult month!
2. God is teaching me A LOT lately!
3. In case you are wondering, I am cheering for Georgetown in the Final Four. I picked them to win it all. Let's go Hoyas!!
4. I am glad that everyone finally knows about us leaving. It is a relief to be able to talk openly about it.
5. I am pretty sure Acie Law's(Texas A&M) dad is Snoop Dogg.
6. Is there anything better in sports than March Madness?
7. It be Ohio St. and FL for the Nat'l Championship. That would be strange since those teams just played in the football Nat'l Championship.
8. Last Wednesday was one of the hardest days of my entire life.
9. I forgot to mention this last week but I finally got a Wii. It is amazing! Video gaming just went to a whole new level!
10. My family is amazing! I love them like crazy!!
11. I really hope that Clemson wins the NIT. I know it is just the NIT, but it is a start!
12. I have way more questions than answers about the upcoming months in my life.
13. To be really honest, I am excited/scared/sad all at the same time.
14. My fantasy baseball draft is this week.
15. "Most God ordained dreams die because we aren't willing to something that seems illogical." ~ Mark Batterson
I'm going to crash. This should be a busy week. I'm out!
Friday, March 23, 2007
Still can't believe it...
It is so hard for me to believe that this time is here. I knew it was coming and I even thought I was prepared for it. It is still the hardest thing that I have ever done. Thanks so much for all the calls, cards, emails, etc. It has been so encouraging! Joni and I love you guys more than you could ever imagine!
I am excited because Joni and I are going out tonight. We really need some time away because this week has been emotionally draining.
I am excited because Joni and I are going out tonight. We really need some time away because this week has been emotionally draining.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
That's my story and I'm stickin' to it...
Before you read this, I want you to know that this will be the longest post you will ever read from me. However, I wanted to share my heart and what is going on in the life of my family. So, here is the HUGE announcement:
About two years ago, God began to place an idea and a dream in the hearts and minds of JR Lee and myself. At first, it was nothing more than that. Just a thought and a dream. As time moved on, we began to think about and pray about it more and more. Both of us had opportunities to go different places that would be appealing to any Student Pastor but every time, God said no. This was instrumental in the process by helping us to seek what God’s plan was for us long term.
God began to confirm in our hearts that his plan for us was to plant a new church. This was hard for us to believe because neither of us had ever started a church or served in any other capacity than student ministry. We both love student ministry and really cannot imagine doing anything else. However we know that God has called JR to be the Lead Pastor and me to serve as the Associate Pastor. We began to meet and discuss this calling on our lives with Pastor Steve and Perry. They were 100% supportive.
One of the big questions that we had was where. At first, we felt that God was calling us to Greenville, SC. We felt that way for more than a year. However, within 3 days, all of the doors there were slammed shut. Within that same time period, God began to open new doors in Acworth, GA. I really feel that the opportunity in Greenville presented itself so that God could move me out of my comfort zone. It was easy for me to say that I would go to Greenville because it is my hometown and all of our family lives there. However, I knew that it was God’s plan for us to make the move to Acworth, which is 30 minutes north of Atlanta.
The next question was when. As we have prayed through this process, this has been the toughest part. We had originally planned to leave in January. We were hoping that Crosspointe would have a pastor by then. We were hoping for a new Pastor because we knew that would be a better time for us to leave. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. God has confirmed to us that the time is now. This dream and vision has consumed us. It is all we think about. It is all we dream about. It keeps us awake at night.
Therefore, we announced to the students last night that we are resigning our positions here at Crosspointe to follow this dream that the Lord has given us. We will announce to the church on Sunday. We will be at the church through April 29. We desire to help with the transition to ensure that ministry continues in both the High School and Middle School Ministries. After spending 7 years of my life here, I care deeply about what happens to the Middle School Ministry after I am gone.
There are tons of emotions running through my head today.
-I am excited about the future. God is going to do something so big that it is going to blow our minds. I constantly dream about what it is going to be like in a year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.
-I am scared to death. Where is the funding for this plant going to come from? Is my house going to sell quick enough? Is my family going to have food to eat? Are the students at Crosspointe going to be ok? Am I going to be able to function in a role that I have never served in before?
-I am deeply saddened. Crosspointe has been my life for 7 years. Some of my best friends in the entire world are here. The greatest Middle and High School students in the world live here. I am going to miss them all. It is going to be really hard to leave here. That's all I will say about that right now because the tears will start to flow.
Obviously, we are learning more and more about trusting God. I am learning more and more that He is sovereign and trustworthy. I still have a long way to go!
What can you do? Pray, Pray, Pray. To quote the great theologian MC Hammer, “You got to pray just to make it today!”
Look for more information and thoughts about this whole process on a daily basis. I am so excited that I can now write about this because I want you to know my heart and the journey that God is taking us on.
About two years ago, God began to place an idea and a dream in the hearts and minds of JR Lee and myself. At first, it was nothing more than that. Just a thought and a dream. As time moved on, we began to think about and pray about it more and more. Both of us had opportunities to go different places that would be appealing to any Student Pastor but every time, God said no. This was instrumental in the process by helping us to seek what God’s plan was for us long term.
God began to confirm in our hearts that his plan for us was to plant a new church. This was hard for us to believe because neither of us had ever started a church or served in any other capacity than student ministry. We both love student ministry and really cannot imagine doing anything else. However we know that God has called JR to be the Lead Pastor and me to serve as the Associate Pastor. We began to meet and discuss this calling on our lives with Pastor Steve and Perry. They were 100% supportive.
One of the big questions that we had was where. At first, we felt that God was calling us to Greenville, SC. We felt that way for more than a year. However, within 3 days, all of the doors there were slammed shut. Within that same time period, God began to open new doors in Acworth, GA. I really feel that the opportunity in Greenville presented itself so that God could move me out of my comfort zone. It was easy for me to say that I would go to Greenville because it is my hometown and all of our family lives there. However, I knew that it was God’s plan for us to make the move to Acworth, which is 30 minutes north of Atlanta.
The next question was when. As we have prayed through this process, this has been the toughest part. We had originally planned to leave in January. We were hoping that Crosspointe would have a pastor by then. We were hoping for a new Pastor because we knew that would be a better time for us to leave. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. God has confirmed to us that the time is now. This dream and vision has consumed us. It is all we think about. It is all we dream about. It keeps us awake at night.
Therefore, we announced to the students last night that we are resigning our positions here at Crosspointe to follow this dream that the Lord has given us. We will announce to the church on Sunday. We will be at the church through April 29. We desire to help with the transition to ensure that ministry continues in both the High School and Middle School Ministries. After spending 7 years of my life here, I care deeply about what happens to the Middle School Ministry after I am gone.
There are tons of emotions running through my head today.
-I am excited about the future. God is going to do something so big that it is going to blow our minds. I constantly dream about what it is going to be like in a year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.
-I am scared to death. Where is the funding for this plant going to come from? Is my house going to sell quick enough? Is my family going to have food to eat? Are the students at Crosspointe going to be ok? Am I going to be able to function in a role that I have never served in before?
-I am deeply saddened. Crosspointe has been my life for 7 years. Some of my best friends in the entire world are here. The greatest Middle and High School students in the world live here. I am going to miss them all. It is going to be really hard to leave here. That's all I will say about that right now because the tears will start to flow.
Obviously, we are learning more and more about trusting God. I am learning more and more that He is sovereign and trustworthy. I still have a long way to go!
What can you do? Pray, Pray, Pray. To quote the great theologian MC Hammer, “You got to pray just to make it today!”
Look for more information and thoughts about this whole process on a daily basis. I am so excited that I can now write about this because I want you to know my heart and the journey that God is taking us on.
Not the big announcement...
No, this is not the big announcement that I promised. I will post that in a few minutes. These are just a couple of random thoughts:
1. I am so excited that Clemson is going to the Final 4 in the NIT tournament. Now, I know a lot of you haters will say it is the "Not Invited Tourney" and stuff like that. I hear you. But it is a start. Nevertheless, I am proud of the Tigers. Great win over the 'Cuse last night. We just need to bring the championship home!
2. I thought it was interesting that Steven Furtick, Pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, had the #1 blog in all the world the other day. Not just the top blog among preachers, but the #1 blog period. Pretty impressive for a guy who has only been a pastor for a year. God is doing crazy things there. They are running 1700 people after one year and beginning a second campus. Congratulations, Steven.
3. It cannot be possible that Sanjaya is STILL on American Idol. I seriously do not know how much longer I can take it! This is reassuring me that even I could be the next American Idol!
4. I am excited because one of my best friends in the entire world is now blogging. Chad was my roommate in college. He is the Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Mauldin, SC. It will be good for us to be able to do a little better job keeping up with one another. I'm sure he has lots of funny stories about me, but that's ok. That goes both ways. Check his blog out!
1. I am so excited that Clemson is going to the Final 4 in the NIT tournament. Now, I know a lot of you haters will say it is the "Not Invited Tourney" and stuff like that. I hear you. But it is a start. Nevertheless, I am proud of the Tigers. Great win over the 'Cuse last night. We just need to bring the championship home!
2. I thought it was interesting that Steven Furtick, Pastor at Elevation Church in Charlotte, had the #1 blog in all the world the other day. Not just the top blog among preachers, but the #1 blog period. Pretty impressive for a guy who has only been a pastor for a year. God is doing crazy things there. They are running 1700 people after one year and beginning a second campus. Congratulations, Steven.
3. It cannot be possible that Sanjaya is STILL on American Idol. I seriously do not know how much longer I can take it! This is reassuring me that even I could be the next American Idol!
4. I am excited because one of my best friends in the entire world is now blogging. Chad was my roommate in college. He is the Pastor at New Hope Baptist Church in Mauldin, SC. It will be good for us to be able to do a little better job keeping up with one another. I'm sure he has lots of funny stories about me, but that's ok. That goes both ways. Check his blog out!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Tonight and Tomorrow...
This is one of the saddest days of my life...
Check back tomorrow for a HUGE announcement!
Check back tomorrow for a HUGE announcement!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Hillsong
I love music! I do not know if there has been a bigger understatement than that. This song by Hillsong United continues to rock my world:
Majesty
your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed but alive in Your hands
Singing Majesty
Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the beauty of Your Majesty
Majesty
your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed but alive in Your hands
Singing Majesty
Majesty
Forever I am changed by Your love
In the beauty of Your Majesty
Friday, March 16, 2007
Busted Bracket...
This year I filled out 6 different brackets. After round 1, they are pretty much jacked up. We'll see what happens!
Thursday, March 15, 2007
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