Well, it's official. Saw it on CNN, so you know it's true. Diet Coke is the #2 selling soft drink in the US of A! When over 25 years ago we were told that someday it would pass Pepsi, we thought it was hype, but now it has become reality. diet Coke, note the small "d," has passed Pepsi. When brought to market, Coke was afraid it may fail, and bring disgrace to the iconic brand Coke, so they gave it a small d initially, so in case it did it wouldn't tarnish the name Coke. They already had a horrible tasting, but best selling diet cola named TAB, but chose the name to distance itself from Coke. Certain names are never compromised. A name above all names in the soft drink world.
But as Pepsi ran their challenges, and both their sales increased, diet Coke took over in certain markets. They used to compare the take over to Houston, where Dr. Pepper, the official soft drink of Texas, outsold Pepsi, and watched as diet Coke did the same. Never showing the fear they had internally in case it failed, but claiming all the credit for victory when it succeeded. Humility among victors is seldom seen, and totally absent here. But as the total soft drink market shrinks, and diet Coke's grows, they have a proven formula for success. And where is TAB today? Making a comeback, just don't look for that vile tasting drink in our fridge.
The Pepsi Challenge was a good thing for both companies, as every time Pepsi ran one, Coke sales increased, too. Coke's response, if there wasn't a champion, there would be no challengers! And many would try, but like the ads proclaimed, Coke is it! And now diet, or should I say Diet Coke is too, #2! Not a diet formulation of 7x, the recipe for Coca Cola, but its own formula, changed, or improved many times over the years. And like Coke found out with New Coke, not the capital N, don't mess with the original! And so we have Classic Coke!
In case you haven't noticed, there are many out there to steal your joy via cults, lies, and their false teachings. Who challenge the deity of Jesus. Some deny the deity of Jesus Christ, even though they use His name in their name. Blasphemy! The Jesus in their title is not the one in the Bible. And they know it, but will lie and tell you different. Beware of kids on ten speeds, spreading this false doctrine. Who by the way, are prohibited from drinking Coke. Some deny the existence of heaven, telling their followers when you die, you die. But animals have souls. And denying the deity of Jesus. Openly, and not even claiming to be Christians. No love shown, as they will even excommunicate their own children if they break any of their rules. Now that's love, but not God's love, or any other I know.
For you see there is a challenger for the souls of men, Satan. And he doesn't care how he does it, just so you don't acknowledge Jesus. Whether it is full denial, full worship of him, falling unsuspectingly to his lies, or just using his favorite tactic, getting you to wait, he is out to destroy lives, and keep people from heaven. Subtleness is his game, and destruction is his end. Don't fall for it. Nothing he has to offer can ever compare to Jesus! Seek the real champion of Good Friday, and the first to be resurrected. For we who believe will be resurrected like Him. Choose anything else, and it means death. Choose Jesus, the real thing. Not a diet savior, He paid it all. No need to settle for a substitute, when you can have the real thing.
Satan too knows that if Jesus wasn't the champion, he wouldn't be a challenger. And since the time he was expelled from heaven, has been challenging God and God's people, sometimes winning. But God ultimately wins, and no challenge will ever challenge Him. Seek Jesus today, resist the devil and he will flee. Some challenger, huh? Jesus Christ-the king! Join His kingdom of believers today, and when the challenge comes, you know who wins. More filling, tastes great. For over 2000 years, the true champion. Let God be God, and all others liars!
Bet you never heard that on CNN? Capital J in Jesus, small d in devil. Never confuse the two. Classic love from the son of God. Maybe, just maybe, there is something to this man Jesus after all.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com