John 3:1-8
Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing, if God were not with him.” Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Additional Scripture References: Matthew 11:28-30, John 1:12-13, John 6:35
Imagine searching for something without knowing what it looks like…impossible, right? When it comes to our life, that’s what happens when we search for hope, peace, and purpose in all the wrong places. Even when you think you are searching in the right places, for example hitting your goals, or keeping your New Year’s resolutions, you soon realize that also can leave you feeling empty. Much like Nicodemus who could’ve been considered an influencer in 2025. He had wealth, power, and influence, yet he still felt empty and confused. His curiosity, though, led him to Jesus and it was when he truly found what he was seeking. And that is because real transformation isn’t about what we accomplish, but who we become in Christ.
Why not let your curiosity lead you to Christ?
Like Nicodemus, many of us believe striving for perfection will fulfill us, but Jesus reminds us we don’t need more rules, effort, or self-help. What we need is surrender. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior and surrender our lives to Him, we are born again. Being born again is not about improving ourselves, but allowing the Spirit of God to make us new.
Ever felt as if you have more questions than you do answers? Nicodemus did too, he came to Jesus at night and in the dark, full of questions and doubts. Instead of turning him away, Jesus welcomed him. This was the perfect opportunity for him to show up as he was and believe. While Nicodemus couldn’t wrap his head around the idea of being “born again”, Jesus reminds us that having faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting the One who does. Jesus invites us to step into the light and believe, even when we’re still figuring things out.
Nicodemus approached Jesus with a statement, but Jesus knew he had questions. Jesus is not offended by our questions or doubts. He is here to clarify them. May we allow our curiosity to draw us near to Christ. Peace, hope, purpose, and the thing we are all striving for at the beginning of the year, are not found in a thing or in doing something, but found in a person. Peace, hope, and purpose are found through conversion and surrender to Jesus. As we surrender to him may we step boldly into a relationship with Him.
As you begin this new year, reflect on where you’ve been striving to find fulfillment or your identity. Bring your questions, doubts, and curiosity to Jesus. Let this be the year you step out of the darkness and fully surrender to His light. Go public with your faith–share your story, invite someone to church, and trust God with the next step in your journey.
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