1. Tattoos and Piercing What the Bible says about tattoos and body piercing.

2. Introduction Use caution hereUse caution here The issue is not:The issue is not: –What I like or prefer –What I think about it –My opinion on the matter

3. Only One Verse in the Bible Leviticus 19:28 – You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the Lord.

4. Stop Here? This verse forbids tattoosThis verse forbids tattoos It also forbids body piercingIt also forbids body piercing –Tongue –Navel –Eyebrows –Ears What about ladies (or men) with pierced ears?What about ladies (or men) with pierced ears?

5. PROBLEM! Put this verse in the context of the chapterPut this verse in the context of the chapter What else is forbidden in this chapter of the Bible?What else is forbidden in this chapter of the Bible?

6. Other Prohibitions V. 19 – Don’t mix livestock – not graze on the same fieldV. 19 – Don’t mix livestock – not graze on the same field V. 19 – Don’t sow mixed seed in a fieldV. 19 – Don’t sow mixed seed in a field V. 19 – Don’t wear clothing of mixed fabric – linen & woolV. 19 – Don’t wear clothing of mixed fabric – linen & wool

7. Other Prohibitions V. 23 – Fruit from 1 st 3 years shall be considered “uncircumcised” – not to be eatenV. 23 – Fruit from 1 st 3 years shall be considered “uncircumcised” – not to be eaten V. 24 – 4 th year all goes to GodV. 24 – 4 th year all goes to God V. 24 – 5 th year you can eat the fruitV. 24 – 5 th year you can eat the fruit

8. Other Prohibitions V. 27 – Do not shave around the sides of your headV. 27 – Do not shave around the sides of your head V. 27 – Don’t disfigure the edges of your beardV. 27 – Don’t disfigure the edges of your beard V. 31 – Do not pay attention to mediums and familiar spiritsV. 31 – Do not pay attention to mediums and familiar spirits

9. Other Prohibitions V. 32 – You must rise when a person with gray hair walks into the roomV. 32 – You must rise when a person with gray hair walks into the room This does not exhaust this chapterThis does not exhaust this chapter How much do we violate?How much do we violate?

10. Apply Principles In the NT – the law is given more in principles than in specific rulesIn the NT – the law is given more in principles than in specific rules Our task is to apply the principles to specific situationsOur task is to apply the principles to specific situations

11. Principles to Apply Romans 14 – Areas of Christian libertyRomans 14 – Areas of Christian liberty –We may disagree with the choices other make –We might have a different opinion –These are matters for each individual to decide

12. Principles to Apply InfluenceInfluence Matthew 5:13 – You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.Matthew 5:13 – You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

13. Principles to Apply InfluenceInfluence Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.Matthew 5:14 – You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

14. Principles to Apply First ImpressionFirst Impression –Stereotype –General appearance –Dress – Hair – Personality ConscienceConscience Influence

15. Principles to Apply ConscienceConscience Romans 14:23 – But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.Romans 14:23 – But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin.

16. Principles to Apply ConscienceConscience 1 John 3:20-21 – 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater that our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.1 John 3:20-21 – 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater that our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God.

17. Conclusions: We cannot use the passage in Leviticus 19:28We cannot use the passage in Leviticus 19:28 We must apply the principles of the NTWe must apply the principles of the NT –Influence –First Impression –Conscience