PETER DREAMS A DIFFERENT CHURCH
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered for his “I Have a Dream” speech about equality among racial diversity. What holds us back from King’s dream still today, and how can you help?
NOTES AND NEXT STEPS
Acts 10:9-23 + Message 3 from the series “Dreamer”
Why is the church segregated?
“There is someone I love, even though I don’t approve of what he does. There is someone I accept, though some of his thoughts and actions revolt me. There is someone I forgive, though he hurts the people I love the most. That person is _______ .” — C.S. Lewis
Peter loved himself. Jesus loved Peter.
“Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Acts 10:14
A church that dreams of diversity and does not fear it.
“I’m the one you’re looking for.” (Acts 10:21
SPIRITUAL NEXT STEPS
- Search online for “Martin Luther King I have a dream speech.” Listen. Absorb. Pray about your role in our church and community to help improve diversity.
- Reflect on and discuss the quote from C.S. Lewis and what it means to fear oneself. Also, in what way does this help to fear God?
- Read more of the story in chapters 10 and 11 of the book of Acts. How did the church respond to Peter’s new approach to diversity?
- Make a list of at least 5 groups that the church might consider “unclean” today. Suggest some solutions to this segregation. Bring it all together by one word that represents all solutions. Write it down on a sticky note and keep it visible in your home for 30 days.
- Do something to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in a way you haven’t before.