John 3:3-7
"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."’
Additional Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 5:17, 1 Peter 1:23, Titus 3:5
In a society that praises our degrees, status, and careers it’s easy to think that these things will make us feel whole and answer our biggest questions. But like Nicodemus visiting Jesus in the night, we can sense there is something greater and deeper we’re missing. We can be curious but still confused about what we’re looking for and how to get there. The good news is we don’t have to do it alone or in our own strength. Jesus welcomes our questions and meets us where we are when we are willing to come face to face, laying down our doubts and fears before him. Having faith is not about denying facts but believing the truth of who Jesus is. Jesus came to save us, transform us, and make us born again. The decision to believe and fully surrender to him is where new life begins.
There is a transformative power of new life in Jesus. When we are reborn in Him, we examine our hearts, our habits, and our lives through the lens of God’s grace. There is a choice that we all have to make in our walk with Jesus. When we understand that we are made new, everything changes. We begin to see ourselves as He sees us–alive, free, and full of purpose.
Following Jesus isn’t just about making one decision, it’s a daily surrender. When pressure comes, the temptation to slip back into old ways disguises itself as comfort, but true peace is only found in Christ. Like locking the doors of your home at night to guard what’s valuable inside, spiritual boundaries shield your soul from sin. Living as a new creation means guarding what God has given you, setting boundaries, and choosing the light over darkness.
With a buffet full of distractions, the question remains: what are you feeding? We have been crucified with Christ and born again. A redemptive plot we could never earn, but instead have been graced to carry. God through His goodness has made us new, but carrying your old self will forfeit all He is doing inside of you. As Nicodemus yielded to light so shall we. So, change your appetite and no longer feed the things of the old but the things of the new, bringing to fruition the transformative work God has done in you.
“There are believers and deceivers but no in-betweeners”. God wants your full commitment to His promises. Being born again isn’t just a one-time decision–it’s a daily surrender. Take time this week to reflect on where you stand, let go of what’s holding you back, and step boldly into the new life God has for you.
These prayer prompts can guide you in prayers you may need to pray or share with others this week.
Prayer of Surrender:
Jesus, I surrender my life fully to you. I lay down my fears, doubts, and old ways of living. Help me to embrace the new life You have given me and trust in your plan for my life.
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:24-25
Prayer for Spiritual Renewal:
Holy Spirit, renew my heart and mind. Give me the strength to walk in faith, even when I don’t understand. Shape me into a new wineskin that can carry the fullness of your presence and purpose.
Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Prayer to Step Out in Faith:
Father, I choose to trust You even when I can’t see the full picture. Give me the courage to move forward in faith, knowing that You go before me and prepare the way.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
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