Hebrews 11: 6-7 NIV
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith.
Additional Scripture References: Romans 10:9; Matthew 24:37; Genesis 6:11-12; Genesis 6:8; Genesis 6:14-16; Psalm 111:10;
Noah faced a true test of faith and obedience when God asked him to build an ark in a place without rain. Noah could have doubted, but instead sought the Lord righteously, and followed His instructions fearfully. Committed to his call, he put aside the fear of man and the corrupted environment around him. What seemed impossible and ludicrous to the people of that time became possible because of a man who believed, sought, and feared God. Like Noah, we need to put God above it all, allowing our belief to lead us to hear and obey him.
Seek God above all things
Noah didn’t have South Beach, dating apps, or a 24-hour news cycle — wasn’t it easier for him to believe and have faith? The truth is Noah lived in a time of deep corruption, filled with people fixated on finding pleasure for themselves. Sound familiar?
But Noah decided to be different. He not only believed in God but he sought Him. Noah approached God and in His presence heard His voice. Even if it didn’t make sense to others he decided God was above all the doubts and fears. Noah’s obedience to God saved his family. When we take our faith from thought to action, God is pleased with us.
We have been taught Fear vs Faith. But what if Noah is showing us it's both? Faith in God AND Fear of God are what motivate us to be the men and women that He has called us to be. It must have been challenging to follow what seemed to be an impossible calling, but through Noah’s obedience and proximity to the Lord, we see a difference between Holy Fear and Manly Fear. Noah feared God instead of man’s opinion, and when we do the same we are able to move in faith and fulfill God’s call.
Noah stands as a true example of faith that pleases God. By believing and seeking God continually, Noah was able to be obedient despite challenges and ultimately fulfill his calling. The church is the present-day Ark. God is using it to save and guide His people towards eternal life. No matter where you are today, God’s promises rise above it all. Whether working towards believing, putting faith into action, or persevering in faithfulness we are all contributing to what God is building. Believe, but also seek. Hear, but also obey.
Take time this week to reflect on what areas of your life you’re operating in fear of man not fear of God. Share with a trusted friend and commit to putting God first.
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.We would love to come around you for the following life events:
+ Marriages
+ Births
+ Deaths
+ Hospitalizations/Illness
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
Saying yes to Jesus marks a brand new beginning. Baptism is your next step. It's how you go public with your faith and celebrate the new life God has given you. The past is behind you, and a fresh future is ahead. This is your moment. We are having baptisms this Sunday, July 27th, across all of our locations, and on the beach.
To sign up for baptisms, please click here.
This back-to-school season, we have the opportunity to show up for our city in a meaningful way. On Saturday, August 2, we’re hosting a Back to School Bash at the Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center, located inside Charles Hadley Park. It’s a chance to serve local families by distributing backpacks filled with school supplies and making sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to start the year with confidence.
Donate - Fill backpacks for families in need for the school year. You can purchase supplies locally and bring to a VOUS Location or donate online.
Serve - Help host our annual Back To School Bash for families in our community — distribute backpacks, check-in guests, and serve our city during a morning of fun and games.
When: Saturday, August 2nd
Where: Samuel K. Johnson Youth Center
Address: 4900 NW 12th Ave, Miami, FL 33127
Team Rally: 10:20AM
Starting Sunday, August 3rd, we will be moving to brand new service times at all of our locations!
VOUS SoMi
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:00AM / 12:00PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
VOUS Design District
8:30AM / 10:00AM / 12:00PM
The countdown is on! If you're ready to take your next step in ministry, leadership, or higher education, now is the time to apply. VOUS College application deadline is July 31st for both our degree-seeking and leadership programs. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a life-changing semester. Start your journey at vouscollege.com/apply.
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack