Satan is the original knockoff aficionado. His cheap version of Truth has been around since the beginning of time. It’s an evil mixture of knowledge and pride. The slick and subtle lies of Hell are laced with the sweetness of the truths of Heaven. Satan’s imitation resembles the original because he lived with the Father. (Ezekial 28:14-17)
Islam originated from Ishmael; Israel from Isaac and both from Abraham. These two boys were raised side by side.They ate the same food, played the same games, slept under the same roof and learned the same traditions. Ishmael and Isaac shared the same father and learned about the same Father.
It shouldn’t surprise us that Ishmael became angry and resentful when he and his mother were cast out. The Bible states that he’d be a “wild man; his hand will be against every man; and every man’s hand against him” (Genesis 16:11-12). Ishmael’s knowledge of Truth became twisted with his mother’s Egyptian influence.
The foundational similarities between the Muslim religion and Judaism are a distorted mirror image of each other. Their origins are so tightly knitted together, that the lines of separation have blurred. Isaac and Ishmael were planted in truth. But, Ishmael was grown in deception. The Muslims are a knockoff version of Judaism.
Similarities between the Muslim and Jewish religions:
1. Worship the same God
2. Descendents of Abraham
3. Males are circumcised according to Abrahamic law
4. Both cultures are of Semitic origin
5. Jerusalem is their Holy City
6. Both stress good works over faith.
7. They share many advances in medicine; philosophy; law; literature and poetry.
8. There are extremists and peacemakers on both sides.
http://www.lookisrael.com/files/muslimsqa.php
http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/60/144.html
I find it interesting and prophetic, that, at the end of Abraham’s life, Isaac AND Ishmael came together and buried him. (Genesis 25:8-10) At the end of our days, they’ll come together again…
Baal worship looked very much like the Hebrew worship of God, because the Israelites had mingled the Truth of God with just enough lies to be confused. When Elijah showed up on the scene at Mount Carmel, the first question he asked was, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him.” The people didn’t say a word. It was as if they were confused at why Elijah was making a big deal about it. (1 Kings 18:21)
Similarities between worship of Baal and GOD (1 Kings 18:21-39):
1. Both had an altar with wood
2. Both had bullocks, cut in pieces and laid on the wood
3. Both worshippers dance in praise.
4. Both worshippers prophesy.
5. Both worshippers have an evening offering of sacrifice.
Differences:
1. Elijah built his altar with 12 stones, in the NAME OF THE LORD.
That’s where the Truth is: twelve rocks and the name. It’s a petty detail; right? Why split hairs over something so minute? It’s almost exactly the same and you can hardly notice the difference.
An earth-shattering detail that separates Truth from Knockoff.
The true God and Father of the Old Testament revealed Himself as Jesus, the Christ in the New Testament. It is a plain and simple Truth; not to be adulterated by lies. (2 Corinthians 11:2-4) However, in today’s world, we find many distortions of the gospel. Most are easily identified and intellectually discarded. We reject the Trinity, infant baptism and Mary worship without hesitation. But, it’s the pretty little lies all dressed up like Pentecost that is our siren’s call.
The deceiver of our souls will use Truth, with a viable and convincing twist. Perhaps, a man that professes to be a oneness, Apostolic preacher or the use of secular Christianity’s philosophy (false doctrine) as teaching and outreach in our churches. I’ve heard, “I know it’s not the truth, but …” too many times to count.
A knockoff gospel will have the appearance of Truth with a sound so sweet and genuine, that even the very elect of our faith will be deceived. (Matthew 24:23-25) The signs, wonders, and miracles will be cheap replicas of the real thing! The people will be deceived, but not God. (Matthew 7:22-23)
Don’t buy into the cheap imitation of Christ. It costs too much and won’t last as long.
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