JOHN 14:15-17, 25-27 (ESV)
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be[b] in you. “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Additional scripture references: Hebrews 13:5, Genesis 2:7
We know the Father, we worship the Son, but how much do we really know about the Holy Spirit? Jesus walked by the power of the Holy Spirit. At the beginning of His ministry, during His baptism, God’s Spirit came down from heaven and rested on Him as Dove, symbolizing the proclamation of the Father which affirms “This is my Son, whom I Love; with him I am well pleased”. At first glance, we might not understand the significance of the descendence of the Holy Spirit on Jesus who was, and is, perfect. However, as we lean into scripture we see a reflection of a triune God who works in and through the ones He loves by the work of his Holy Spirit. When His work on earth had finished, as Jesus ascended into heaven, He left us with a gift; the gift being the very Spirit of God who resides in us. Christianity is more than philosophy, it is supernatural. And the Holy Spirit is the person who activates this supernatural power and change in us. We may be aware of His presence in the trinity, but often, we can treat the Holy Spirit as a supporting character; although it is solely through Him that we may come to know Jesus.
The same power that raised Jesus to life, now lives inside of us.
While He walked the earth, Jesus often spoke apocalyptically stating the Kingdom of God was near, and even had come to earth. Many at the time had been confused by what he said because from a natural point of view, nothing had changed. However, Jesus was speaking of the ushering in of a new era and new earth to be impacted and influenced by the power of the Holy Spirit.
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. - Matthew 9:35 (ESV)
Jesus promised that He will never leave us nor forsake us. God’s guidance is always inside of us in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Book of Genesis says: “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” In creating mankind, God infused us with his essence. However, daily life presents the temptation to turn away from our Heavenly Father. Thankfully, through Jesus’ sacrifice we all have the opportunity to be supernaturally transformed into a new creation by the Spirit of Truth.
The Holy Spirit is the facet of God that is inside of us. Throughout the Bible, the Holy Spirit is represented by icons or symbols. The Holy Spirit came down in the form of a dove at Jesus’s baptism. The mighty wind symbolized the mighty work of God’s spirit. Reminiscent of fire, the Spirit purifies and refines us from the inside out, empowering us to carry out the Lord’s work. Just as oil has numerous functions on Earth, the Holy Spirit functions in a number of important ways in our lives and on the earth.
Learn more about the Holy Spirit that dwells inside of each of us by studying the New Testament: Book Of Acts.
Visit https://www.vouschurch.com/icon for resources to learn more about the Holy Spirit, and how He connects us to the Lord.
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