Tammi Terrell and Marvin Gaye’s duet, “Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing” was remade by Aretha Franklin. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the Queen of Soul, but there ain’t nothing like the real thing. I so enjoy the original duet and the ebb and flow between Tammi and Marvin. Aretha’s version does not give me the sameenergy. I want the real thing.

Ray Charles did a remake too–Coke used it for one of their commercial some years back. My sentiments were the same. Much like how I agree Pepsi and Coke can’t be compared because I think Pepsi is the real deal, Ray’s version of “Aint Nothing Like the Real Thing” was not the real deal. On the rare occasion when I decide to have a Pepsi, Coke can’t take its place. I can’t help thinking about the precious original duet.

Some churches also look authentic on the outside, but when you “taste” what they’re doing, you might find it is not the real thing.

Some churches also look authentic on the outside, but when you “taste” what they’re doing, you might find it is not the real thing. That was the case of the church in Laodicea. Christ’s admonition to them speaks to us today.