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Coexist?

Bill Fix
02/15/15 - Sunday

  • Ever seen a car similar to this?
  • Coexist Bumper Sticker…
    • Parody versions – Demonstrate popularity of original
    • Meaning:
      • C – Crescent Moon: ISLAM
      • O – Peace symbol
      • E – Male/female symbol or scientific equation
      • X – Star of David: JUDAISM
      • I – Pagan/Wiccan symbol
      • S – Chinese yin yang; Taoism; Confucianism
      • T – Cross: Christianity
    • History
      • Polish graphic designer – contest by The Museum on the Seam for Dialogue, Understanding and Coexistence in Jerusalem
      • Popularized by U2 in 2004, small Indiana company registered TM in 2005 & began suing websites & companies using image without permission
      • Legal battle between IN company and Israeli Museum
      • Now, Coexist is non-profit promoting “social cohesion”
  • Positives?
    • Love and Respect for others – Lev. 19:18; Rom. 13:8-10
    • Support religious freedom, tolerance, understanding, & peace – Heb. 12:14
    • While these mock Coexist images might make valid points, such attitudes will not help us relate to non-Christians, should such a one be interested in studying.
  • Rebuttal – we must love our neighbor, but we cannot compromise the truth.
    • Jn. 3:16 – IN HIM, not in any other.
  • Israel’s example of Coexistence
    • God’s commands
      • Ex. 20:3 – No other gods.
      • Deut. 7:1-4 – No covenants or marriage
    • Israel’s punishment & consequences for disobedience
  • Early church
    • Heb. 6:1-6 – Go on to perfection… don’t backslide to something inferior.
    • 1 Cor. 6:9, 11 – Corinthian Christians converted from idolatry
    • Ax. 17:22-34
  • Application
    • We must coexist with others to have the opportunity to teach. Mt. 28:19-20
    • But know your boundaries. 2 Cor. 6:14-18
    • Heb. 10:23 – Stick to our faith, so we can “coexist” with the Father

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