A quick tidbit from David Guzik...Antioch was considered by many the third greatest city in the Empire, behind Rome and Alexandria. The city of Antioch was known for its sophistication and culture, but also for its immorality. In Antioch, they probably first used the term Christians to mock the followers of Jesus. “Antioch was famous for its readiness to jeer and call names; it was known by its witty epigrams.” (Gaebelein) But as the people of Antioch called the followers of Jesus the “Jesus People,” the believers appreciated the title so much that it stuck.
How has the term "Christian" been changed throughout the years?
Is a Christian still viewed in the same light as the early followers of Jesus Christ?
I think that the Christian meaning has been diminished in certain areas. The Christian tag has become cool as long as it's accompanied by the direct views and beliefs of those who claim it. A simple belief in a person known as Jesus does not constitute the claim of being a Christian. Many people believe that Jesus was a man who did good deeds and healed many people. People quickly look over the fact that Jesus is God, that he lived a perfect life, that he was hung on a cross to pay our debt...in full, was resurrected and then ascended into Heaven. It's all about following the biblical Jesus...not the adapted, changed, and man-made Jesus that many have come to believe in. Everybody does not believe in the same Jesus. Listen to the Alpine sermon, "We All Believe in the Same Jesus" ...http://www.alpinechurch.org/downloads/more-downloads/?sermon_id=166.
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