Crew Leader

Introduction (2 minutes)

Use the Zoom chat feature to keep everyone connected. As people join in, ask for their first and last name, email address, and where they are tuning in from. Save the chat as an attendance record.

Reflect

Ask Crew members to share their favorite points from the talk. What phrase or moment did they relate to the most?

Icebreaker: Reflection or Conversation Starter or Virtual Icebreaker (5 minutes)

For your icebreaker, choose from the options below. Have Crew members unmute themselves to share.

Conversation Starters (Choose One)
  • What's something you did this week that you feel proud of?
  • What did you eat for breakfast?
  • Name the best book you’ve ever read.
  • What’s your morning routine?
  • What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  • If your life was a story, what would the title be?
Virtual Icebreakers (5 minutes)

Preaching Game - Choose random items and allow individuals to find ways to encourage others using that item. (Pick 2-3 volunteers)

Show-and-Tell - Pick an object in your home that has significance for you, something with a funny story behind it, anything unique, or something you've used to simply pass the time.

Crew Discussion

Seven: The Root of the Problem

Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson

Continuing the Conversation
Last Crew's Call to Action

God calls for us to forgive while maintaining boundaries necessary to steward and nurture our souls. This week, lean in to the wisdom of Solomon and study the book of Proverbs to help you develop tools for cultivating Godly relationships while asking God for the courage to forgive. Don’t forget to check out additional resources at https://www.vouschurch.com/care.

Scripture

REVELATION 3:1-6

“And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

“‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Wake up, and strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your works complete in the sight of my God. 3 Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come against you. 4 Yet you have still a few names in Sardis, people who have not soiled their garments, and they will walk with me in white, for they are worthy. 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.


REFERENCES: JAMES 1:22, JOHN 15:-11

Main Idea

Trees are meant to grow, produce and branch out. But in order to do so they must be well rooted. A tree that bears no fruit defeats its purpose. In the same way as followers of Christ we must be rooted in Him to produce good fruits and ultimately branch out these good fruits to those around us. We can’t just look “Christian,” we must actually live out what His word says. And to do so, we must abide in Him, who is the vine. If our faith isn’t challenged by the values of the world, our works can become dead. Ultimately, the challenges we face allow us to connect to the source of all that is good.


Fruit without God is empty

1. Rotting away from the Vine

Jesus makes it clear that those who are not united in Him resemble a branch that has been removed from the root. Drawing our lives to Christ and building a relationship with Him is the same way a branch draws its life from the root of its vineyard and becomes fruitful.

Abiding in Christ, opens our hearts to receive the fruits of the Spirit
Blessings cannot sustain you, connection with God does
When we detach ourselves from God’s presence, we will attach ourselves to the temporary pleasures

When you lose your source, what was once a movement becomes a monument

How does being disconnected from God’s source show up in your life? Your work? In the church?

2. Rooted in the Vine

As Jesus gave His correction to the church of Sardis, He reminded them to remember and keep what they had already heard. Jesus’ instructions are simple yet powerful. Sometimes we don't need a new word, but rather a renewed conviction to obey the word we’ve already received. Today, He calls us to remember the Gospel and action out our love for God and others.

It’s Jesus’ job to do the healing and saving; it’s our job to have a relationship with Him
Being rooted requires us to be doers of God’s word
Root yourself in the word of God and the community of the Church

I am the true Vine…if you look to me, I can give you the direction you need

How can we keep adding fuel to the fire of our ministry and our relationship with Jesus?

Summary

The church of Sardis is an example of what can happen when we're not rooted in Christ. We can easily drift from what we are called to do and be deceived by our circumstances. Jesus warns us that he can remove His protection and provision if we're not careful. We must be proactive as followers of Jesus by continually building His church and developing the fruit of the spirit. It is a lifetime process to be obedient to God. His blessings for us must be guarded and protected until the day we get to spend eternity with our Lord and savior.

Call To Action

Show your love to God and his people by serving your community this month. It is a time for Thanksgiving for provision and blessings Jesus has entrusted you with. Find a few ways you can serve and give back.

Here's some examples to start:

  • Sign up to serve at Thanksgiving Bash
  • Donate supplies to help a family in need

Announcements

Baptisms | March 26th, 2023

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park
Baptism Start Time: 9:00AM

1200 S Crandon Blvd Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Pavilion #: C15 (near Lighthouse Compound)

VOUS SoMi

Baptism Start Time: After every service (10AM, 12PM + 6PM)

6767 Sunset Dr.

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Baptism Start Time: After the 11AM Service

77  NE 40th St

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Crew SZN 2 Starts on May 8th

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10AM / 12PM / 6PM


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11AM


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