This week’s News & Views examines the role Emperor Constantine I played in ending the Roman persecution of Christians. He forged the agreement in 313 AD that gave freedom of worship to Christians, returned confiscated property, and permitted the organization of local churches. For nearly 300 years, persecution and martyrdom had been part of church history. Constantine converted to Christianity and financially supported Christian churches. He was baptized shortly before his death in 337 AD. Forty three years later Christianity would be recognized as the official religion of the Empire. Historians continue to debate the sincerity of Constantine’s conversion, but there is no debate about its impact…Christianity grew rapidly. Yet there was a dark side to this growth. Since Christianity was now the accepted religion, the motive of many who “converted” was less than sincere faith. Eventually there were a lot of members and clergy who did not know Jesus in a personal relationship. They had religion, but not salvation. The centuries to come would usher in a time when Roman Christianity dominated Europe, but Biblical Christianity would nearly disappear. This period is often referred to as the dark ages. It would take the Reformation initiated by Martin Luther (1483-1546) and others to begin turning the tide. I always think of this history when I hear people complain about the challenges believers face in our modern America. While our changing society can be scary, it is equally true that much of our Christianity over the past decades was more social than sincere. Both the Bible and history tell us that Biblical Christianity is often strongest when it is not the “accepted religion” of the state or culture. Maybe we should complain less and instead join the apostle Paul in boldly declaring, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NIV). To be more direct – evangelism is more important than politics. For this reason, I dedicate today’s blog not to Constantine I but to the blessed gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now to the News & Views:

Tim Tebow struggled in his first preseason game with the New England Patriots, but he did ok in the locker room after the game. According to a tweet from Washington Post reporter Kent Babb – “In the Pats locker room, a camera guy has a mishap and yells, ‘Jesus Christ!’ Tebow, in earshot, looks at the guy and says: ‘He loves you.’” Way to go Tebow…he set a good example for all of us. Let’s follow Tebow’s example this week and look for opportunities to let people know God really does love them.

More than 100 people gathered at FBC Sunday night with their cell phones for the “Call ‘Em All Bash” to call 1,000 families and invite them to Sunday School this coming Sunday. We had a great time! I spoke to one couple who told me they wanted to renew their vows and asked if I would officiate. A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who showed up and made calls. Below are some photographs from the evening.

Something is going to happen in the sermon Sunday you’ve never seen in a sermon before…so don’t miss it.

Because I know you enjoy a good laugh, here are some more dumb athlete quotes:

• ”Ball handling and dribbling are my strongest weaknesses.” – Former NBA player David Thompson
• ”I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.” – New Orleans Saints RB George Rogers when asked about the upcoming season.
• ”The sun has been there for 500, 600 years.” – MLB All-Star Mike Cameron
• ”They shouldn’t throw at me. I’m the father of five or six kids.” – MLB player Tito Fuentes after getting hit by a pitch.
• ”It’s a humbling thing being humble.” – Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett
• ”Ninety percent of the game is half mental.” – former professional MLB player Jim Wohlford
• ”My sister’s expecting a baby, and I don’t know if I’m going to be an uncle or an aunt.” – Former NBA player Chuck Nevitt

Pastor Steve Hogg