2 CORINTHIANS 10:3-5
3 For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
REFERENCES: JOHN 18:37-38; EPHESIANS 6:10-17; JOHN 8:32; 1 PETER 5:8-9
Whether we want it or not, information in this present technological age is literally at our fingertips. Unsolicited newsletters pop into our email inboxes. One glaring headline after the next invades our newsfeed. And, somehow, subtle ideas and images that may or may not coincide with our thoughts and beliefs, find their way to our explore pages. With all that information constantly swirling from all directions, sometimes it can be hard to nail down the truth. Whether disguised by layers of conflicting perspectives or just lost completely, the path to truth can often lead to more questions than answers. Foundations that once seemed solid and dependable, become shakier and shakier. With the truth becoming more and more obscure, sometimes there can even be an underlying pressure or temptation to conform to the world’s standards for the sake of “peace.” And in trying to have peace on the surface we compromise true internal and mental peace. Sometimes to get to the truth, we have to disrupt the peace, but one thing is certain and completely unchanging; Jesus is truth. His message is reality. His life is the standard by which all others should be measured, rather than culture’s voice. As Paul teaches us in Corinthians; winning the wars waged in our hearts and minds begins with combating all lies of the enemy with God’s word, the truth, at any and all costs.
Peace if possible, truth at all costs. - Martin Luther
Cognitive dissonance is when our thoughts, beliefs, and values are in conflict with each other, meaning we believe one way but act another. As God calls us into a deeper relationship with him we realize that even when we are doing the right thing if we are not doing the thing God has asked of us we experience dissonance. Jesus came to reveal the truth to the world. He is the cornerstone and foundation upon which everything else is built. When our thoughts, beliefs, and values don’t align with him, we are living a lie. Acting according to our beliefs is futile if our beliefs aren’t based in his reality.
Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” John 18:37 NIV
We can easily get into the habit of complicating the truth, but the word of God spells out the truth clearly for us. We have a responsibility as Christians to not only know that there is truth but to be aware of what truth actually is and live it out. In Ephesians the apostle Paul details for us how we get ready to battle in the “ reality war” we are all a part of, our defense mechanism starts with truth and ends with truth, the word of God. When we know the truth, believe the truth, and live the truth there is freedom.
“You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” John 8:32
Caring for our mental health might often seem like a complex and time-consuming responsibility. Thankfully, the whole story of scripture shows us that just one, simple starting point holds the power to transform so many of our mental struggles: Start by knowing God’s truth. God’s truth is what keeps our lives in alignment with reality, the perfect ways that God intends for us to think, believe, and act. This truth is knowable and accessible because Jesus has come and perfectly revealed God’s truth to us. Plus, Jesus has given us God’s Spirit to guide us into all truth! When our lives correspond to the reality of God’s truth, we can be free from the Devil’s lies and unhelpful falsehoods that rob our peace of mind. As we deepen our knowledge of truth through a relationship with Jesus, we find abundant life and satisfaction for our longings. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and the real hope for our best mental health.
We walk with peace when we walk in the light of the truth. Tear down the devil’s lies with God’s word. Read John 8, choose a verse to memorize from this scripture.
All of you that are already in our database will receive a text this upcoming Thursday from our new text platform. It isn’t spam, it’s really us! This will become a primary way for us to resource, equip, and update you. We encourage you to save this number and opt in for more updates.
VOUS High is youth community of VOUS and we are creating a space for middle schoolers to gather for service every Sunday.
Students will start with worship in the main auditorium and then be dismissed to their junior high space. This will be a moment to connect with other students, hear a message, and then discuss in small groups.
For more information and to RSVP your student, click here
Join us at the annual ILMC Thanksgiving Bash to distribute meal kits and turkeys. Also, bring a chair and cheer on your favorite team at our annual VOUS Bowl.
To serve, click here
Date: Saturday, November 23rd
Time: 9:00AM - 12:30PM
Location: Charles Hadley Park
1350 NW 50th St
Miami, FL 33142
Ready to kick off Thanksgiving with a burst of energy and community? Join us bright and early at Peacock Park for the VOUS 10K Turkey Trot! Whether you're a runner, a walker, or somewhere in between, this is a chance to start your day with some fresh air, great friends, and all-around fun! See you at the starting line!
To sign up for the Turkey Trot, click here
Date: Thursday, November 28th
Time: 6:00AM
Location: Peacock Park
2820 McFarlane Rd.
Miami, FL 33133
On Sunday, December 1st we're bringing our annual Tree Lighting tradition to both our SoMi and Miami Gardens Locations! Sign up to serve and join us for a night of fun! Invite your friends and let's welcome the Christmas season together!
Please note: There will not be a 6PM service at VOUS City. Instead, join us at VOUS Miami Gardens for the 6PM service, followed by the tree lighting celebration.
Date: December 1st
Time: 7:30PM
Location:
VOUS Miami Gardens
17801 NW 2nd Ave
Miami, FL 33169
VOUS SoMi
6767 Sunset Dr
South Miami, FL 33143
To serve, click here
VOUS SoMi
8:45AM / 10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS City
10:30AM / 12:30PM / 6PM
VOUS Miami Gardens
10:30AM / 12:30PM
VOUS Design District
10:30AM / 12:30PM
Church Online
10AM / 5PM Español
Growth Track
After every service or join online at vouschurch.com/growthtrack