7 Shocking Truths About the Nativity Story That Will Change How You See Christmas
The Nativity story is one of the most cherished narratives in history. Each December, scenes of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus fill churches, homes, and public squares. But how well do you really know this timeless tale? Some details might surprise you and deepen your appreciation for its powerful message. Let’s dive into some of the most unexpected and fascinating aspects of the Nativity story.
The Nativity story is one of the most cherished narratives in history. Each December, scenes of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus fill churches, homes, and public squares. But how well do you really know this timeless tale? Some details might surprise you and deepen your appreciation for its powerful message. Let’s dive into some of the most unexpected and fascinating aspects of the Nativity story.
1. Mary Was Likely a Teenager
It’s surprising to think that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was probably just a teenager when she gave birth. In her time and culture, it was common for young women to marry in their early teens. Imagine the immense faith and courage it took for someone so young to accept her role in such a divine plan. Mary’s willingness to embrace this responsibility makes her story all the more extraordinary. (Luke 1:26-38)
2. Joseph’s Quiet Heroism
Joseph’s role in the Nativity story often gets overshadowed, but his quiet heroism is worth celebrating. When he learned Mary was pregnant, he initially planned to divorce her quietly to protect her from public disgrace. However, an angel appeared to him in a dream, urging him to stay by her side. Joseph’s steadfast faith and humility exemplify strength and devotion, making him an unsung hero of the story. (Matthew 1:18-25)
3. The King of Kings Was Born in a Stable
Jesus, the Messiah and King, was born in one of the humblest settings imaginable—likely a stable or cave. His first bed was a manger, a feeding trough for animals. This astonishing detail defies expectations of grandeur and emphasizes the humility of Christ’s mission. The setting of His birth serves as a powerful reminder that greatness can emerge from the most unassuming places. (Luke 2:6-7)
4. Shepherds Were the First to Hear the News
Shepherds, often considered lowly and marginalized in society, were the first to hear about Jesus’ birth. An angel appeared to them in the fields, proclaiming the good news. This moment highlights the inclusivity of the Nativity story, emphasizing that the message of hope and salvation is for everyone, regardless of social standing. (Luke 2:8-20)
5. The Mystery of the Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem is one of the most debated elements of the Nativity story. Scholars and astronomers have speculated whether it was a comet, a supernova, or a rare planetary alignment. Regardless of its nature, the star’s guiding role symbolizes divine intervention, leading the Magi to Jesus and demonstrating God’s active presence in the world. (Matthew 2:1-2, 9-10)
6. The Wise Men Didn’t Arrive on Christmas Night
Contrary to traditional nativity scenes, the Magi did not visit Jesus on the night of His birth. Their journey from the East likely took months or even years, and they found Jesus in a house rather than a stable. This timeline sheds light on the broader narrative and the dedication of these scholars or astrologers who recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth. (Matthew 2:1-12)
7. The Dark Side of Herod’s Reign
King Herod’s reaction to the news of Jesus’ birth adds a chilling layer to the Nativity story. Consumed by paranoia over losing his throne, Herod ordered the “Massacre of the Innocents,” killing all male children under two in Bethlehem. This tragic event underscores the stark contrast between earthly power and the peaceful mission of Christ’s arrival. (Matthew 2:13-18)
Why These Surprises Matter
Each of these surprising details adds depth and richness to the Nativity story. They remind us of the humility, faith, and divine purpose woven throughout this remarkable event. As you reflect on the familiar scene of the manger this Christmas, consider these lesser-known facets that make the story even more awe-inspiring.
Important Updates on Giving Tuesday | New Building Fund!
Happy Tuesday! I wanted to share a few important updates with all of you.
The season of giving is here, and we certainly have a big project to present to you. I’m happy to announce that we have our sights set on a NEW BUILDING! This is a unique opportunity that I believe the Lord is leading us toward. The location is a five-minute walk from our current location, just across Lynnhaven Pkwy, behind the Dollar Tree. There is a building with a lot of potential for both our current and future ministries.
Current street view of 3133 Magic Hollow Blvd
We’ve started the process of renting 4,000 sq ft on the street-facing first floor of this spacious building. Future plans include a modernized lobby with a full coffee shop. The second floor will be available for a nursery, Sunday school rooms, or even leasing opportunities for Christian businesses. The possibilities are endless.
We Need Your Help!
Our path ahead will involve extensive demolition and renovation. We estimate the costs will be between $30,000 and $40,000 over the next 3 to 6 months. While this might sound like a large number, we know that God is a generous Father, and He is already beginning to pour out resources into the hands of His children to make this project happen. We believe there are kind-hearted business people, Kingdom-minded entrepreneurs, and many everyday soldiers in the Lord’s Army who see the opportunity to respond to the need in front of us. Want to join? As always, all donations are tax-deductible.
7 Reasons Why You Should Attend Revival Meetings
The church is a place of hope, renewal, and spiritual growth, and one of the best ways to experience this is by participating in revival meetings. These gatherings aren't just another event on the church calendar; they are a time for us to come together, refresh our spirits, and reignite our faith. If you’ve been on the fence about attending, here are seven compelling reasons why you should make revival meetings a priority:
A Fresh Encounter with God
Revival meetings are more than just services; they are an opportunity for a fresh encounter with God. When we gather together with open hearts, seeking God’s presence, we often experience Him in new and powerful ways. Revival meetings are designed to break through the routine and help us reconnect deeply with God, reminding us of His love, grace, and power.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” –James 4:8
Spiritual Renewal and Restoration
Life can be draining. We often get so caught up in daily responsibilities and challenges that our spiritual energy runs low. Revival meetings are like a spiritual “reset,” allowing God to replenish our hearts, minds, and souls. Whether you’ve been feeling spiritually dry or simply want to grow closer to God, these meetings can be a source of deep spiritual renewal.
Powerful Worship and Prayer
There’s something incredibly uplifting about coming together with fellow believers to worship and pray. Revival meetings create an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely among us. The songs, prayers, and shared moments of praise have the power to uplift our spirits, break strongholds, and bring peace that surpasses understanding. When we worship together, the burdens we carry can be lifted in God’s presence.
A Chance for Personal Breakthrough
Revival meetings are known for being times when people experience significant personal breakthroughs. Whether you’re struggling with doubts, battling anxiety, facing life’s challenges, or simply longing for more of God, these gatherings provide an opportunity for God to move in your life in miraculous ways. When we gather with an expectation that God will show up, He often does.
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” –Matthew 18:20
Strengthening Community Bonds
Church is not just about the individual; it’s about the collective body of Christ. Revival meetings are an excellent way to strengthen the bonds of fellowship within our church family. As we worship, pray, and seek God together, we grow closer not only to Him but also to one another. These meetings can lead to lasting friendships and a deeper sense of belonging within our church community.
Reviving Your Passion for Ministry
When we are spiritually revived, our passion for serving others often increases. Whether you are actively involved in a ministry or considering how you can serve, attending revival meetings can reignite your desire to share God’s love with those around you. The inspiration and motivation gained during these gatherings can carry over into your personal ministry, enabling you to serve with renewed enthusiasm.
Preparing for a New Season
Revival meetings are often a precursor to new seasons of growth, both personally and for the church as a whole. By attending, you position yourself to receive God’s direction for your life and be a part of the new things He is doing in our church. It’s a time to pray for the future, seek God’s will, and align your heart with His plans.
Join Us and Be Transformed!
Revival meetings are more than a church event; they are an invitation from God to experience His power, grace, and love in a deeper way. Whether you’ve been walking with God for years or are just starting your journey, we encourage you to set aside time to join us. Come expectant, come open, and watch how God transforms your life.
Revival with Dave Johnson Starts tonight and continues Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Please join us!
Columbus Day: Worth Celebrating!
Today is America's 80th official #ColumbusDay! He's a flawed man (just like the rest of us), but he left an indelible legacy of courage, adventure, and exploration.
His name lives on in more ways than you could count. 23 of the 50 United States have a town or city named after Columbus. A university, a great river, our nation's capitol, a Canadian province, a movie studio, a record company, a broadcasting company (CBS), a sportswear company, a space shuttle (which disintegrated on re-entry in 2003), a Los Angeles-class Navy Submarine, and a South American nation share his namesake, Columbia. In fact, our nation was known mainly by the name Columbia in the 1700s. Our unofficial national anthem was "Hail, Columbia"
He quite easily had more of an impact than every single one of his modern critics combined — times a thousand. These are the people we give holidays to, or used to. The people who shaped the world. And say whatever else you want about Columbus, he did more than almost any other single person to shape the world we live in today.
He was a devout Christian who sailed, in part, to fulfill a religious quest. Columbus’s voyages were intense religious missions. He saw them as the fulfillment of a divine plan for his life—and for the soon-coming end of the world. As he put it in 1500, “God made me the messenger of the new heaven and the new earth of which he spoke in the Apocalypse of St. John [Rev. 21:1] after having spoken of it through the mouth of Isaiah; and he showed me the spot where to find it.”
Was Columbus also a deeply flawed man? Could he be brutal and unjust? Yes. Sure, Columbus captured slaves. He executed both Spaniards and Indians under his rule. He took gold. He was by all accounts a bad governor. This was a common flaw of explorers of the era. Many of them were brilliant on their ships but incompetent or downright horrible on solid ground.
There is nothing wrong with acknowledging the flaws of men like Christopher Columbus. Nobody is suggesting that we should honor them as perfect people or worship them as gods. The point of the statues, the monuments, and the holidays is to remember and celebrate the indispensable role they played in establishing the civilization in which we all now live — a civilization that just so happens to be the freest and most prosperous in the history of the world. Columbus, through his navigational brilliance, boldness, courage, vision, and determination, is one of the men we have to thank for that.
Credits: Matt Walsh, Christian History Institute
God is Good! Vanessa is CANCER-FREE!
VBPH joined the Richardson family at the Sentara Oncology office to officially ring the bell and declare our sister cancer-free! Our God is so faithful to help us through all our struggles. This victory reminds us of His faithfulness towards His people. Be encouraged today!
Grand Opening Revival in Kempsville!
I am excited to invite you to our baby church's grand opening revival services in Kempsville! This will be a joyous celebration of Pastor Dave & Caitlin's new building and a culmination of years of prayers, outreaches, discipleship, and ministry training. It's also a perfect opportunity to see our vision at work and to impart it to the newest members of the Kempsville congregation!
As a part of our church family, your presence at this event is extremely important. We want to unite as a community and celebrate this milestone together. These special revival services will allow us to thank God for bringing us to this point and look forward to the future with hope and determination.
So, please join us tonight at 6:30 PM then Monday through Wednesday nights at 7:30 PM. Let's come together and make this a memorable day for everyone involved and the budding congregation in the Kempsville Church as they begin this journey together!
Thank you for being a faithful part of our church and your continued support. We look forward to seeing you there!
Many Blessings!
Preaching Trip to S. Africa & Mozambique: PART 1
It Has Begun! Prayers Needed..
Train Ride from Norfolk to DC
Today is the first day of a long journey. I will be in motion (on and off) for the next three days to reach my final destination for the first half of this trip: Cape Town, S. Africa.
I have anxiously anticipated this venture since the tickets were booked months ago. I am caught between the reality of my limitations and the possibilities of the supernatural, empowered by the Holy Spirit. In short, if all I’m bringing is me, it’s not enough to meet the demands of ministry before me. Both churches I’m visiting are thriving centers of revival. My impression of the Cape Town church under Pastor Hector Ortiz is that it is a discipleship and church planting machine, shepherded by a dynamic and effervescent leader. The Maputo church also has a legacy of soul-winning and discipleship since it was planted by some of my personal heroes, Pastor Scott & Kerri Grabowska.
It’s not the travel; some part of me wishes I could be in a new place every day. I suppose my intimidation comes from knowing the weight of the ministry before me these next couple of weeks. My fears stem from the thought of being an unworthy instrument for the task. I especially don’t want to waste the investment of time and resources that have been poured out for this trip. My prayer is that it will be worth it! For the pastors who’ve invited me, the congregations that will receive me, the precious people that need to hear from God, those who’ve given, those who are covering for me in the VB church, and ultimately, for the Kingdom of God!
If you read this while I’m still en route or while I’m still on the ground there, I would urgently ask you to please pray that Jehovah Jireh would provide to me the strength, wisdom, and anointing that I need and could never deserve to fulfill the enormous task ahead.
I feel like one of those random, unremarkable, smooth stones David pulled out of the brook before the battle with Goliath. Unfit and unable on its own to do anything to defeat hell and bring victory to the Kingdom of God. But in the sling of the young shepherd, it was launched with precise direction and sufficient velocity to cause fatal damage to the Philistine champion. The only confidence I have is in the hands of the Master. Lord, strike Your target!
God help me!
Give Now Using Cash App!
Here at The Potter's House, we are always looking for ways to make it easier for our members to give back to our community and support our ministry. That's why we're excited to announce that we are now accepting donations using Cash App. This popular mobile payment app makes it easy to send and receive money from virtually anywhere.
By adding Cash App as a donation option, we are expanding our giving options to include the technology many people use daily. With just a few taps on your phone, you can now make a donation to support The Potter's House wherever you are.
If Cash App is not your thing, we can still receive tithes and offerings via cash, check, or our online giving platform: give.vbph.church
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Download the Cash App on your smartphone and create an account if you haven't already.
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Of Bears And Boys
“Elisha left Jericho and went up to Bethel. As he was walking along the road, a group of boys from the town began mocking and making fun of him. “Go away, baldy!” they chanted. “Go away, baldy!” Elisha turned around and looked at them, and he cursed them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of them.” -2 Kings 2:23-24 NLT
There is a powerful principle here that you shouldn't miss: God is not mocked, you will reap what you sow.
The failure of this scripture is not with the short temper of the prophet, Elisha. But rather, with the parents and teachers of these boys, who never taught hem to have any reverence for God or His prophet. I suspect the reason is because the parents held little regard for the man of God either, and potentially spoke evil of him in the privacy of their homes. Jesus told us that what is whispered in the secret places will be shouted from the rooftops. I think that's what happened in this account.
Be careful to train your children and your new converts to have a healthy dose of honor and respect for the leaders that God has placed in your life. If you don't, you may be setting them up for a horrific attack down the road.
It Is Good to… Learn an Instrument!
One problem I am noticing in churches today is the lack of people striving for music ministry.
David was a remarkable man. He was a shepherd, a warrior, and a king. But he was also a musician. This was a vital part of his faith going back to his days tending the sheep. Without his musical prowess, we might not have this excellent book of Psalms, prayers set to music. David’s encouragement here is: “It is good to give praise to God, accompanied by musical instruments.”
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to the Most High. It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning, your faithfulness in the evening, accompanied by a ten-stringed instrument, a harp, and the melody of a lyre.” –Psalms 92:1-3 NLT
Our fellowship was birthed in the Jesus People movement of the late 60s and early 70s. There were many challenges in discipling young hippies, but one challenge they did not have was in music. Everyone seemed to have an acoustic guitar on their back and a tambourine in their purse. So when they were born again, they could immediately put their skills to use on the worship stage.
Fast forward to 2022, I see very few people with a heart to learn instruments or to improve their singing abilities, even fewer young people. Maybe it’s because so much of today’s music is produced and polished by computer programs that when someone does pick up an instrument, it doesn’t sound good at first, and they are discouraged from pursuing it further. I see many churches with “legacy” song-service workers, people who have been in their post faithfully for 15, 20, or 40 years. While it is terrific to have long-term faithfulness, we must also encourage newbies to rise up and take their places in the church.
Worship ministry is so critical to the life of the church. It can cause a service to soar or sink. For this reason, I challenge all of you aged 25 and younger to pick up an instrument or a microphone and allow God to use your life to be a blessing to your congregation.
In my own life, I was always a music lover, but I never seriously tried to play or sing before I was saved. As a new convert, I picked up a bass guitar for the first time when I wandered into a choir practice at church. It was never something I considered until that moment. But learning that instrument led to singing in bands and groups and, later on, picking up an acoustic guitar and learning how to hack some chords into a halfway decent presentation. Today, I play guitar in every song service in our church. What if I had never picked up that instrument?
Don’t let the fear of failure or the initial disappointment of bad-sounding music discourage you from pursuing musical proficiency for the Kingdom. If you are musical, invest in your God-given talent by taking lessons or committing to YouTube instructions. There are far more opportunities now than at any other point in human history. Bless your church, bless your pastor, and bless the Kingdom by becoming a good musician and living right.
One Wicked Queen Can Defeat a Man of God When 400 False Prophets Cannot
H/T Action Bible
Fresh off of a brilliant victory over 400 prophets of Baal,
Elijah’s spirit is shredded by the threatening words of the wicked queen, Jezebel. There are some interesting lessons to be learned here:
1.Don't underestimate the power that women hold over men.
Part of Eve’s curse was that her desire would be for her husband. Twisted by corrupted human nature, much evil has been accomplished by weak men under the carnal influence of domineering women. Elijah successfully overcame a multitude of pagan priests but was reduced to a crust of bread by Jezebel’s threats. Pastors and leaders of the church must be aware that they, too, can be easily manipulated and overcome by Jezebel’s disciples today.
2. Observe the path of the fearful prophet
First, fleeing to Beersheba (the same place Hagar was ostracized to by Abraham).
Next, he leaves his servant; discipleship is cast aside, training ceases, and the future of his ministry is put in doubt.
Then he goes ALONE into the wilderness to throw himself a pity party (no one else is ever invited).
Lastly, Elijah asks the Lord to take his life, surmising that his usefulness for the Kingdom has been sapped. No doubt the enemy is whispering a bevy of lies to his isolated mind.
IT IS NOT GOOD FOR MAN TO BE ALONE!
Fear has the ability to stop the work of a church and leader’s ministry in very short order. But thanks be to God that He is able to restore struggling saints!
Get up and eat!
Preparing for Revival!
True spiritual renewal doesn’t just happen randomly or without cause. Great revivals of history didn’t show up by chance or through happy circumstances. God moved in powerful ways when His people prepared.
"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. –2Ch 7:14 NKJV
We look at the great revivals of history with fondness and anticipation. But, if we want to see what they saw, we must be willing to do what they did. We need to pray like the 120 in the upper room before the Day of Pentecost. We need to rid our lives of worldly lusts and pursuits. We must humble ourselves and realize that this is Jesus’ church, and He is invested in her guaranteed victory. AND we need to organize, outreach, and witness as though Christ were coming back tomorrow!
Here’s a question for you: Who Do you Know that Needs Spiritual Renewal?
The truth is that there are probably at least a few people in your life that need a touch from God in these difficult times. Maybe it's you, your spouse, your parents or kids, your co-workers, or your neighbors. Good news! We've got some special services this week that can turn things around.
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Revival Services are starting Sunday morning with Evangelist Allen Jenkins from Chandler, AZ. We need your help to get the word out this weekend! Here's the agenda:
Saturday's events kick off with a Prayer Meeting at 10 AM. This is our chance to cry out to God for the upcoming week. Please join us! Then, we'll hit the streets with an outreach starting at 11 AM, joined by an impact team from our sister church in Norfolk. We'll then return to the church building for a hot dog cookout starting at 1 PM. After this, we will head back out for Outreach Part 2 beginning at 2 PM, joined by a youth impact team from our other sister church in Newport News. Finally, we'll head back to the building to clean up things and put back together services starting Sunday morning.
We need ALL HANDS ON DECK for this significant Saturday outreach. Please join us for as much as you possibly can. It takes all of us to make revival a success. Please show up and do your part.
With Much Appreciation,
Pastor Adam Dragoon
Why Two Sunday Services?
‘Why do you go to church twice on a Sunday? Isn’t once enough?’ In many churches the Sunday evening service is disappearing.
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES ARE HELPFUL PRACTICALLY.
For example, I know of a Christian couple, a nurse and a policeman, who often have to work shifts over the weekend. They started going to a new church which met in a school and just had a morning service. But their shifts clashed with the morning service. Suddenly it hit them that they had not been able to attend a Sunday service for weeks. They concluded that they would have to leave and find a church which met both morning and evening to give them an option.
Two services are helpful evangelistically also. Many non-Christians have to work on Sundays. I had a conversation like this recently. ‘Come to church,’ I said. ‘Well, I have to work through the nights on Saturdays, so it’s a bit difficult for Sunday morning.’ ‘How about Sunday night?’ ‘Well, yes, I suppose I could come on Sunday night.’ So, two services make sense practically.
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES ARE A PATTERN IN SCRIPTURE.
While there is no explicit command in the NT, this is evident in the OT. We find this ‘morning and evening’ pattern explicitly in Psalm 92: ‘It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night.’ As Christians, we meet on Sundays as the day of Christ’s resurrection. It is suggestive that the gospels record resurrection appearances in the morning and the evening (John 20:1, 19).
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES MATCH THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT.
The commandment tells us to ‘Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.’ With the change from the Old Covenant to the New, the Sabbath is changed into the blessing of the Lord’s Day. According to Genesis 1, a day has both a morning and an evening. And despite what has become popular in our evangelical culture, it is still the Lord’s Day, not the Lord’s Morning, which we are to celebrate.
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES ARE THE TRADITION OF THE CHURCH.
As we look back over history, we find that morning and evening worship on Sunday was the norm. In the early fourth century (by the time persecution had receded and the church had a chance to settle), we find the church historian Eusebius describing church practice as follows: ‘It is surely no small sign of God’s power that throughout the whole world in the churches of God at the morning rising of the sun and at evening hours, hymns, praises… are offered to God’ (Commentary on Psalm 64).
During the Middle Ages, morning worship became known as ‘matins’ and evening worship as ‘vespers’. At the time of the Reformation the custom of morning and evening worship was continued in Cranmer’s Book of Common Prayer with its rubrics for Morning Prayer and Evening Prayer. So churches that have dropped the evening service have sharply departed from the normal practice of Christ’s church. Now I’m not mad on tradition, but the question is this: ‘Are we wiser and better Christians than all those who have gone before us or is it because actually we are succumbing to the secular spirit of our age which marginalizes God?’ Have we fallen into just doing the minimum?
And bear in mind that as we think about the pressures of modern life, it is only the last 100 years or so that Saturday has become a generally non-working day. We actually have more leisure time and time for our families than many of our forebears.
BECAUSE TWO ENTHUSIASTIC SERVICES REBUKE SECULARISM.
The meetings of Christians, especially on the Lord’s Day, point forward to the coming Day of the LORD (Hebrews 10:25). The special day, one in seven, always did point forward to God’s kingdom. That is why the Lord Jesus did so many of his miracles on the Sabbath. He didn’t do it simply to upset the Pharisees. He performed those miracles on the Sabbath because it was appropriate. Those miracles were redolent of the power and joy of the coming kingdom. With the resurrection of Jesus on the first day of the week, Sunday speaks of the same thing. It looks forward to the rest and release and joy and fellowship of the world to come, when Jesus returns.
Now secularism sees everything just in terms of this life. But by coming to church on Sunday we are making a statement. We are saying ‘No’ to the view that this life is all. We are saying we are looking forward to Christ’s coming kingdom. And, by having two services on a Sunday, we are saying, ‘This is not a mere duty, we are enthusiastic about this!’
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES OFFER YOU TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO BE ENCOURAGED.
Hebrews 10:25 says that the purpose of meeting together is to build one another up. We are encouraged as we meet with God’s people, pray for one another, share our lives. In particular, our faith is helped under the preaching of the Word. ‘Oh, I can listen to a sermon tape, or do a Bible study at home.’ That is true. But, as Christopher Ash pointed out so ably at this year’s EMA, that is not the same as being together under the Word of God all knowing what we have all heard and therefore looking to help one another obey. How can members of Christ’s body say by their actions ‘I have no need of you’?
And in a society where we have so many ungodly ideas fired at us from the media to lead us astray, we need a double dose of God’s Word to feed our souls and keep us straight. Christians go back into the world, marriages fail and, not always but often, neglecting the evening service is the first sign that something is wrong. Let me say also, some of you are desperate to see your children saved. But if you neglect the evening service you are hardly setting them an example of enthusiasm for the things of Christ. Then you wonder why they are not interested.
But, of course, there is the flip side to encouragement.
BECAUSE TWO SERVICES OFFER YOU TWO OPPORTUNITIES TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS.
Staying at home and listening to a sermon is very ‘me’-centered, Sunday is not just about you being encouraged but about you encouraging others. So Sunday nights give you a second opportunity to do that. Perhaps in the morning you have children with you. It is not very easy for you to talk to others and keep an eye on them. But if husband and wife take it in turns to put the children to bed so the other can come out in the evening, now you have the chance to be free to talk and pray with others and actually encourage them.
And even your very presence is an encouragement. When Sunday school teachers, or those who can only get out in the evening, come to an evening service where the congregation is sparse and the singing a bit weak, they won’t be as encouraged as they could be by a big congregation and seeing all their friends.
So, you can see, that although there is no explicit command in Scripture that churches must have a morning and evening service, and it is not a sin to only have one service, nevertheless it makes a lot of practical sense. And this is quite serious. Our needy nation is not going to be turned around and saved by seeing a lot of empty churches on Sunday nights. People are going to be challenged by seeing full churches, and hearing enthusiastic singing and thinking, ‘What’s going on there?’
Christmas Contemplations – Jesus Meets Us in the Mess
As we approach this most beloved of all holy days, I find myself filled with equal parts melancholy and child-like wonder and gratitude. Most of you can relate to the heartache of missing loved ones who have stepped into eternity over the last two years. In our church, we have had to endure the loss of one of our most faithful members as she entered her reward in Glory. But we have also rejoiced mightily this year as we have seen so many miracles, conversions, and little steps of faith that have added up to significant results!
This Christmas, we wanted to wish you all the Merriest of Holidays as we remember the profound imperfection surrounding the circumstances of our Savior's birth. In other words, a perfect God showed up in the middle of a big mess. Think of the issues that most people wouldn't abide:
Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths, the same that shepherds used to clean their sheep.
Mary gave birth to her first son in a borrowed manger after a 100-mile journey, surrounded by barnyard animals.
Mary and Joseph were young. Perhaps not more than fifteen or sixteen years old, unprepared for the duties of parenting.
They were also most likely peasant-class. Having very little wealth or resources to speak of.
Joseph made incredible sacrifices to care for and protect a woman and child that technically did not yet belong to him.
Ostracization and public scorn would have accompanied this young family because of the pregnancy occurring before their wedding day. The community would view Mary as a harlot, Joseph as a coward, and Jesus as illegitimate.
King Herod's paranoia drove him to murderous insanity, forcing our motley crew to flee to a foreign nation for a time. Joseph and Mary would likely have never been outside of a 100-mile radius. Now they would face the danger of a new culture, new food, new language, and new risks every day.
Jesus was also born while his people were suffering under the tyrannical rule of the Roman empire, not exactly a great time of Jewish prosperity.
All of this is to say that our Lord wasn't born into a perfect situation; rather, it was a mess. It was layer upon layer of messes that compounded into a conglomeration of stress and ambiguity regarding the future. And right there, hope for all humanity was born.
This hopeful aspiration still inspires me, that Jesus is not afraid of our messes. Every human life represents layers of confusion, strife, abuse, stress, anxiety, and heartbreak. I am grateful that he doesn't wait for us to clean up our acts before entering the Jerry Springer nightmares of our lives. He comes to us while the mess still remains.
This world is enamored with the idea of perfection, even though it remains insurmountable. Social media glamourizes the perfect smile, the perfect meme, the perfect body, the perfect family, etc. But let’s remember today that the only truly perfect thing in this universe is its Creator. And He did not turn His face from sinful humanity. In fact, He initiated salvation by sending His only Son into the world.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”
I encourage you this Christmas, even if the house of your life is an untidy trash heap, allow the Savior in the front door when he comes a' knocking. You'll be glad you did since the truth is that no one can truly clean up his own life without Emmanuel.
The End of Mandates at VBPH (COVID-19 Update)
Over the last 24 hours, we have heard some very encouraging announcements from the federal Center for Disease Control and Governor Northam. The medical experts have now decided that mask mandates are no longer necessary indoors or outdoors for vaccinated individuals. We've all been anticipating this time when each person can again determine for themselves what mitigation efforts are required. So here at The Potter's House Church, we are happy to announce that we are dropping all blanket COVID requirements. We will no longer be checking temperatures as you enter the front door because we believe you are smart enough to know if you are well enough to attend services. Today, we begin to put the COVID-19 outbreak behind us for good.
In this time of transition back to normal, we will need to exercise the spiritual fruits of patience, lovingkindness, and longsuffering with one another:
Some of us might believe that COVID-19 is still a serious enough threat to warrant continued use of facial masks and social distancing. That is OK.
Some believe that widespread vaccinations are a good enough reason to end personal masking and social distancing. That is OK too.
Some believe that since they have recovered from COVID that they have antibodies and natural immunity to the virus. That is OK.
Some are young and healthy enough that COVID-19 was never a looming threat to their health. That is also OK.
Some love to lick doorknobs. That's OK as well. (Just Kidding)
The point is that over the last year, we have gotten used to removing these critical decisions from individuals by mandating behaviors. That phase is now over. As a church, we leave it up to each person to determine what is best for themselves. As pastor of this congregation, I want to ask you all to be understanding towards one another. Every person can decide how best to handle these essential decisions of health and well-being. Please respect their decision as you want to be respected.
This development should not be a reason for division, strife, or gossip. If someone is wearing a mask out of an abundance of caution, respect their decision. If someone isn't wearing a mask, respect their decision. If someone is vaccinated, respect their decision. If someone is not vaccinated for health reasons or personal convictions, respect their decision.
Let's remember the words of the apostle:
"Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." –Rom 13:8 NKJV.
Happy New Year in the Word of God
“A Bible that’s falling apart
usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” – C.H. Spurgeon
The passing of the new year always brings a moment of reflection as we assess where we’ve been over the last year and where we are headed in the next. Many use this moment to institute adjustments to their lives to see positive changes in their future. These resolutions commonly include losing weight, being more organized, making more money, etc. May I recommend a resolution that promises to change your life more than all of these combined?
Daily Bible Reading
Heb 4:12 NKJV - 12 For the word of God [is] living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
The truth is that most believers are woefully illiterate of the Bible. Many wouldn't even know the difference between the Gospel of John or the epistles of John. Take a look at these recent statistics, published on ChristianityToday.com: "Between early 2019 and 2020, the percentage of US adults who say they use the Bible daily dropped from 14 percent to 9 percent, according to the State of the Bible 2020 report released today by the Barna Group and the American Bible Society (ABS). A decrease of 5 percentage points in a single year was unprecedented in the annual survey's 10-year history; between 2011 and 2019, daily Bible readers had basically held steady at an average of 13.7 percent of the population. But the decline continued during the initial months of the coronavirus pandemic, and by June, the percentage of daily Bible users had dropped to 8.5 percent."
It's time to get back to His Word. We want to help!
For the last few years, the Potter's House of Virginia Beach has participated in a corporate daily Bible reading plan. This year we hope that you'll join us if you haven't already done so. The plan we've selected for this year includes a constructive commentary that I've already found to be a blessing. As always, my prayer is to see that you receive direct revelation from God for your life, your future, your family, your finances, and your friendships. The Bible is where we can find God's instruction book for life.
We look forward to reading together in 2021! Click the button below to subscribe to our Bible reading plan in the Youversion Bible App.
“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;”
COVID-19 Update from VBPH (December 11, 2020)
Hello VBPH family! We hope you had a productive and joyful week as we turned our eyes toward the holiday season. We look forward with great anticipation to the coming weeks as Christmas tidings come our way. I wanted to share a few quick thoughts with you as we begin this weekend:
Latest COVID-19 Guidelines
Governor Northam had a press conference yesterday outlining our state's updated recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19. Our church community's bottom line is that the state cannot prohibit our ability to worship freely. However, this does not mean that we will throw caution to the wind. VBPH will continue to have in-person services for those who have not exhibited any fever or flu-like symptoms within the last 14 days. We will continue to require social distancing, mask-wearing, and careful hand-washing while we gather in the building. We continue to take prudent precautions to prevent any spread within our congregation. We encourage anyone who may have an increased risk of illness to stay home and participate in our services via live stream.
This Weekend
Here are the latest announcements regarding our upcoming events:
Our weekly outreach and cleanup team will be tomorrow at 3 PM. Please take careful notice that we are switching to an afternoon meeting, rather than in the morning. We will meet for prayer starting at 2:30 PM.
The annual Norfolk Christmas banquet is taking place tomorrow at 6:30 PM. The physical location is 6820 N Military Hwy., 23518. Please be on time and ready to pay $10/person at the door. This event is for people aged 13 and over.
Our Sunday services will go forward at regular times at 11 AM and 7 PM. Please take the time and effort to invite someone who needs Jesus. We can't wait to see you there!
Thanks for staying connected and involved in winning souls, making disciples, and planting churches.
VBPH Update from Pastor Adam (November 14, 2020)
Greetings from quarantine-land!
It has been two and a half weeks since the Dragoon family retreated from public contact due to a positive COVID test. Thankfully, we only had mild symptoms for a few days and nothing since then. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers as we get through this strange time.
I wanted to reach out with an update in light of the announcements made by our Governor yesterday. The updates published by the state will not affect our services.
“We will continue having in-person services with the current restrictions already in place. Nothing changes.”
For details on the instructions received regarding religious services, please see the statement below, directly from Governor Northam's amended executive order:
“Individuals may attend religious services of more than 25 people subject to the following requirements:
Individuals attending religious services must be at least six feet apart when seated and must practice proper physical distancing at all times. Family members, as defined below, may be seated together.
Mark seating and common areas where attendees may congregate in six-foot increments to maintain physical distancing between persons who are not family members.
Any items used to distribute food or beverages must be disposable, used only once and discarded.
Practice routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently-contacted surfaces must be conducted prior to and following any religious service.
Post signage at the entrance that states that no one with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 is permitted to participate in the religious service.
Post signage to provide public health reminders regarding physical distancing, gatherings, options for high-risk individuals, and staying home if sick.
Individuals attending religious services must wear cloth face coverings in accordance with Amended Executive Order 63, Order of Public Health Emergency Five.
The second big update I have for you is the announcement of our upcoming revival services with Evangelist Tony Chase. Every time Pastor Chase comes, he brings a dynamic spirit of conviction, repentance, and encouragement. I want to ask you now to pray and fast in preparation for what God will do in these upcoming services.
We can't wait to join you in-person once again. Until that time, we pray for your physical and spiritual well being. Many blessings!
Spooky COVID-19 Update from VBPH (Oct 30, 2020)
Hello, from Pastor Adam and the Dragoon family coming to you from quarantine land. Unfortunately, we received a positive COVID for our youngest daughter this week, forcing us into sequestration for the next couple of weeks. The good news is that we only have a few mild symptoms in the house for now (scratchy throats and runny noses).
“We would genuinely appreciate your prayers as we work through this time.”
We have been considering how to handle in-person church services for the next few weeks since we also have a few other families in quarantine at present. At this time, we believe it is crucial to keep our doors open for those who want to join us for in-person services. Additionally, we think it is essential to keep our congregation safe from any further viral spread. So, regarding our upcoming weekend services, we want to leave the ultimate decision in your hands, with a few guidelines for you to follow. In-Person Services WILL continue to occur in our building with a live sermon piped in from the Dragoon chateau. We will temporarily tighten our entry requirements to minimize COVID contractions:
Everyone must agree to wear a facial covering at all times while in the building.
Please do not attend if you have had any trace of illness within the last 48 hours, including sore throat, elevated temperature, cough, runny nose, or other common cold symptoms.
Please do not attend if you have been in close pro-longed contact with anyone who has had common cold symptoms within the last 48 hours.
No eating or drinking in the building, except for bottled water.
Please keep physical contact to a minimum.
The maximum body temperature accepted at the front door will be 99.5°.
Thankfully, we have a few of our core families that plan to be there to support our in-person services this weekend, including the Smales, Soests, and Zapatas. They will be ensuring that the doors are open to our church family and our community. We realize that there will probably be a lower attendance than usual, so prepare your heart for a more intimate setting.
We will continue to stream our services to our online platforms for those currently under quarantine or unable to meet the guidelines above. Please join us at our Online Church Platform, on Facebook Live, or YouTube.
Here's a list of upcoming events for this weekend:
New Members / New Converts Class on ZOOM, starting at 7:30 PM tonight. Use this link to join.
Saturday Outreach & Cleanup tomorrow morning prayer at 10:30 AM, going out at 11:00 AM.
Saturday night outreach to trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood: Answer your door and share the Good News! Our outreach team will be delivering flyers to you, so you'll be ready.
Sunday services at 11:00 AM & 7:00 PM, with prayer meetings one hour before.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support during this time. Our God is still deserving of continuous praise and service. Make sure to get out and vote!
Pastor Adam Dragoon
Sharing An Important Opportunity to Give
I hope this Labor Day finds you blessed. I wanted to take the opportunity to share this very worthy cause with you today.
When Taya and I became missionaries to Bulgaria in 2005, the first thing we did was to attend a winter Bible conference in Brasov, Romania. One of the first smiling faces we met there was Ionutz (Pronounced Yo-NOOTS, this is the Romanian transliteration of the name John). He was a vibrant young disciple from Bucharest, married to Monica Sandru. They were an amazing couple that we instantly connected with, and would later become pioneer pastors in Bucharest.
This couple profoundly impacted our lives and we count them as dear friends to this day. In 2008, we invited Pastor Ionutz to preach in our church in Bulgaria and he brought his young family with him, only about a two-hour drive from Bucharest. The weekend revival was helpful to us, Pastor Ionut preached with It was on the late car ride home from that revival in which Ionut, Monica, and three-year-old Eric were involved in a tragic car accident. Ionut was badly injured and had bleeding in his brain that caused severe damage. Thankfully, he survived the trauma but was in a coma for nearly a whole year. When he finally did come out, he did recover his awareness of his surroundings and his memories but wasn't able to walk or talk the same as before. Monica had to step up and become a full-time caregiver, as well as working to support the family. For twelve years now, they have learned to adjust their lives to this new reality. This family is a precious gift to the Kingdom of God and an example of unshakable faith in the midst of tragedy.
The last time we met them during an impact team in 2012, we saw the same warm, generous smiles that greeted us years before. We love them more than words can express. Now, twelve years later, we decided to host this fundraiser because this couple needs to purchase a wheelchair van to transport them outside of their home. You cannot imagine the difficulty they have getting him in and out of their current vehicle. I would deeply appreciate it if you would consider donating towards this goal and help us reach the expected cost of $20,000. We have already received $886 in the last few days from generous people like you. We hope you can pitch in as well. Even a $10 or $20 donation would help them immensely. Thank you!
When you click the button below, you will see our fundraiser page on our church’s website, vbph.org.
If you can’t give at this time, please help us by forwarding this message to people who may be able to help or sharing on your social media. Thank you so much for your consideration!
