Leviticus 17-18 Leviticus 17:1-7 Why did the Israelites have to slay all domestic animals, even those intended only for food, at the tabernacle altar? “That no blood should be offered to idols, God commanded every animal used for food or sacrifice to be slain at the door of the tabernacle. I Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Colossians 3:17 Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Leviticus 17:7 “After whom they have gone a whoring” Don’t be unfaithful to your spouse! Jehovah was the husband Israel was the wife The concept that Israel went “a whoring” after false gods was a common one in the scriptures and continued the metaphor that Jehovah was the husband to whom Israel was married. When Israel looked to false gods, she was unfaithful to the marriage relationship and thus was playing the part of a prostitute, or harlot.

In New Testament times, the same figurative imagery was used when the church of Jesus Christ was depicted as the bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 19:7-8; 21:2, 9). Leviticus 18 “Purity in all sexual relationships!” Leviticus 18:2-5 The prohibition of incest and similar sensual abominations.

Leviticus 18:6 “Uncover their nakedness” A Hebrew euphemism for sexual intercourse, and thus all kinds of incestuous relationships were forbidden including: 1. with a mother 2. with a step-mother 3. with a sister or half sister 4. with a granddaughter 5. the daughter of either son or daughter 6. with an aunt, the sister of either father or mother 7. with the wife of an uncle on the father’s side 8. with a daughter-in-law 9. with a sister-in-law, or brother’s wife 10. with a woman and her daughter, or a woman and her grand-daughter 11. with two sisters at the same time (Keil and Delitzsdh, Commentary, 1:2:412)

Leviticus 18:21 “pass through the fire to Molech” This was the first time this idol is mentioned. Molech signified king or governor. It was likely that this idol represented the sun. There are several opinions concerning it’s meaning: 1. Human semen was offered on the fire to the idol. 2. Children were made burnt-offerings to him. 3. Children passed through the fire or fires with some being burned alive to the idol.

Leviticus 18:22 “homosexuality” Leviticus 18:23 “bestiality” These very abominations of the Canaanites caused them to be cast out of the promised land Israel was about to inherit. What specifics has God given today in terms of remaining morally clean? Alma 39:5 “Top three sins in order” 1. Denying the Holy Ghost 2. Murder 3. Sexual sin (it is not in very good company)

What can you do as a couple and still be clean. How far is to far What can you do as a couple and still be clean? How far is to far? What will you teach your children about staying morally clean? What about “French kissing?” What did President Kimball say about French kissing?

“Chain-saw hands” What are you doing now that works for you? Does anything go in marriage? Alma 18:17 Whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do. What has the Lord said relative to morality? Moroni 9:9 Jacob 2:28 Doctrine & Covenants 59:6

Sexual Purity “The sacred powers of procreation are to be between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (The Family: A Proclamation to the World). (For the Strength of the Youth, 26-27) 1. Do not have any sexual relations before marriage. 2. Do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. 3. Do not participate in passionate kissing. 4. Don’t lie on top of another person. 5. Don’t touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. 6. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. 7. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body. 8. Don’t participate in talk or activities that arouse sexual feelings.

We often ignore page 28 in “For the Strength of the Youth:” Homosexual activity is a serious sin. If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and bishop. They will help you. Victims of rape, incest, or other sexual abuse are not guilty of sin. If you have been a victim of any of these crimes, know that you are innocent and that God loves you. Seek your Bishop’s counsel immediately so he can help guide you through the process of emotional healing.

If you are tempted to commit sexual transgressions, seek help from your parents, your bishop, and friends you can trust. Pray to the Lord, who will help you resist temptation and overcome appropriate thoughts and feelings. If you have committed sexual transgressions, begin the process of repentance now so you can find inner peace and have the full companionship of the Spirit. Seek the Lord’s forgiveness. Talk with your bishop. He will help you obtain the forgiveness available to those who truly repent. Genesis 39:1-12, Doctrine & Covenants 38:42

The Constitution of the High Council What Repentant Sinners Must confess to Church Leaders President Marion G. Romney stated that we need only to confess those sins to our Church leaders that may affect our standing in the Church. He explained: Where one’s transgressions are of such a nature as would, un-repented of, put in jeopardy his right to membership or fellowship in the Church of Jesus Christ, full and effective confession would, in my judgment, require confession by the repentant sinner to his bishop or other proper presiding Church officer – not that the Church officer could forgive the sin (this power rests in the Lord himself and those only to whom he specifically delegates it) but rather that the Church, acting through its duly appointed officers, might with full knowledge of the facts take such action with respect to Church discipline as the circumstances merit.

President Brigham Young stated: I believe in coming out and being plain and honest, with that which should be made public, and in keeping to yourselves that which should be kept… If you have sinned against the people, confess to them. If you have sinned against a family or a neighborhood, go to them and confess. If you have sinned against your Ward, confess to your Ward. If you have sinned against one individual, take that person by yourselves and make your confession to him. And if you have sinned against your God, or against yourselves, confess to God, and keep the matter to yourselves, for I do not want to know anything about it…

For the sins you commit against yourselves and your God, unless repented of and forgiven, the Lord will hold his private council and judge you according to the degree of guilt that is upon you; and if you sin against others, he will make that public, and you will have to hear it… Keep you follies that do not concern others to yourselves, and keep your private wickedness as still as possible… We wish to see people honestly confess as they should and what they should (Journal of Discourses 8:362).

Joseph Smith declared that Church councils or courts were to be conducted according to an ancient pattern which had been “shown to him by vision.” “Jerusalem was the seat of the Church Council in ancient days,” said the Prophet, “the apostle, Peter, was the president of the council and held the keys of the Kingdom of God on earth.” To clarify the matter of guilt, the Prophet added; It was not the order of heaven in ancient councils to pled for and against the guilty as in our judicial courts (so called) but that every counselor when he arose to speak, should speak precisely according to evidence and according to the teaching of the Spirit of the Lord, that no counselor should attempt to screen the guilty when his guilt was manifest (Kirtland Council Minute Book, 30).

If the member in question holds the Melchizedek Priesthood, the Stake President must determine whether the bishopric or the Stake Presidency will proceed with the disciplinary council. In general, the Bishopric will proceed, unless excommunication appears to be a likely decision.

Doctrine and Covenants 102:2 “Why Church Discipline?” 1. To preserve the good name of the Church. 2. To help the sinner repent so that they can continue to progress. 3. To restore blessings!

Grounds for Church Discipline: A. Deliberate disobedience to the rule of the Church B. Moral transgressions Murder Adultery Fornication Homosexuality Incest Child molestation Plural Marriage Embezzling of church funds Cruelty to spouse or children

Not Grounds Inactivity Membership in another Church. Name removed from church records. Breaking the Word of Wisdom Types of Courts Bishops High Council First Presidency Twelve Apostles Types of Decisions No action Formal probation Dis-fellowship Excommunication