Over 2,000 years ago, not too long after Jesus was resurrected from the dead and ascended to heaven, the Church was birthed and exploded as the Gospel (good news of Jesus) began to catch fire. The Church multiplied and grew beyond Jerusalem and it was in the town of Antioch (modern day Turkey) that believers were first called Christians (followers of Christ).

Fast forward to 2014. The Church is still going strong and the message of Christ is still being preached and received around the globe. The persecution against Christians is also picking up the pace as we live in a culture that demands tolerance and hates Christians simply because we believe the Bible. Let me encourage you with the words of Jesus: “If the world hates you, remember they hated me first.”

It’s not popular to be called a “Christian” today in America. So be it. I will forever be unashamed to call myself a Christian because a Christian is a follower of Jesus. Go ahead, call me crazy.

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