Substitutes and Imitations

"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." 2 Corinthians 11:13-14

I've been thinking a lot about substitutions and imitations for over a week now.  It all started when I made the mistake to whip up mashed potatoes before I realized I had no milk in the refrigerator.  I quickly Googled substitutes for milk, and then diligently searched for an item that I could use that was stashed in the back of the fridge. Interestingly, there are a lot of substitutes for milk.  In fact, there are a lot of substitutions that can be used for many things when it comes to recipes.

Recently I met friends for breakfast at Perkins.  I smiled when one of them asked the waitress, "Can I substitute toast for an English Muffin?"  The answer, "Yes!"

In Sports substitutions are made for injured athletes.  There are substitute teachers, costume jewelry, and false religions.  If we really take a good look around there are a lot of substitutes, imitations and (beware) just plain fakes.

But there is one thing that cannot be substituted:  The Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8-9

And what is the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

Friend, be sure you know what you believe and why you believe it.

Substitutions are great for recipes...

    but there is no substitution for Jesus Christ...

        But that's just me!