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Charlie Dates
@CharlieDates
Husband to @KirstieDates | Father of TheDatesRoyals | Senior Pastor @Salem_Chicago @ProgressChicago | Grace got me.
Chicago
Joined December 2011
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    The more I read scripture, the less any system of theology appears perfect. My hope is not in a theology, but in a Divine person who alone died for my sins and was raised. There won’t be a theology test to get into heaven. There will be a relationship test. #JesusIsOurOnlyHope
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    I’m often asked, ‘Is it wrong?’ The better question for the maturing Christian is, ‘Is it wise?’ If we choose the wise, the wrong will have no influence over us.
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    To be exclusively politically conservative or liberal (at all times) is to at once be Biblically unfaithful. Let’s not take the bait. Neither party fully reps the Kingdom of God. They both need the voice of The Church.
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    I hope you took some time to read, listen to, and learn from The Rev. Dr. Martin L. King, Jr today. We are the better because God sent him our way.
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    Every leader who declared Trump to be the only choice for Christians, who touted policy over personality should now give account for the compromised theology which led to those conclusions. It’s an historical theology and an accompanying refusal to disown their arrogance.
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    Here is one piece that I wished would have been said during episode 1 of #TheBlackChurchPBS special.
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    Friends, there is no way to Biblically justify the separation of parents from children ‘as an application to enforce the law.’ Shame on anyone who would misuse the Bible for their political advantage. Some things have not changed.
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    I read again this week the accusation that Black people who believe the Bible have ascribed to whiteness. Those who say such must not know that Black people have long affirmed the authority of scripture. Dismissing the authority of scripture is more European than anything.
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    The Bible doesn’t say that love is God. It says God is love. Seems to suggest that our definitions of love are to be defined by God, not the other way around.
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    You don’t have to agree with someone to love them. We don’t have to affirm another’s choices in order to affirm their dignity. I don’t have to share your convictions, and yet I can respect you. *Love always costs the giver more than the recipient.
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    I think one of the many benefits of young people attending a multi-generational church is watching elderly Christians face the challenges of old age with confidence. Theirs is a certainty in the face of change that both humbles and inspires.
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    Never think that you are losing power when you humble yourself. That’s not how life works. You do the most powerful work when you exercise humility.
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    ‘People have no trouble choosing heaven over hell, but they have a hard time choosing heaven over earth.’ - @deaninserra Wow! Preach, man!
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    To all who studied at a white evangelical school, in case no one told you: Cyril of Alexandria, Augustine of Hippo, Origin, and Athanasius were African men. Our best exegetical practices and formulation of Christian doctrine started not in Europe, but Africa. #BlackHistoryMonth