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Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3

The Godhead

"Lesson 1: The Godhead," Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3, 1

OBJECTIVE

Each young man will understand how Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are separate beings, yet one in mind, power, wisdom, and purpose.

PREPARATION

SUGGESTED LESSON DEVELOPMENT

The Godhead Is Composed of Three Distinct Individuals

Situation and discussion

Explain that two missionaries were teaching a minister of another faith about the Church and the basic doctrines. As they were teaching him about the Godhead and the separate beings-Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost-the minister asked them for a Book of Mormon. He asked them to read Mosiah 15:1-4.

Have the young men read this passage.

The minister said that it sounded as if these verses said that Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father were the same person.

Let the young men discuss this briefly. Then point out that there was confusion about this point during the Apostasy of the early Christian church. A council of church leaders concluded that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are different manifestations of the same being. Most of the Christian churches today are confused about the nature of the Godhead. Explain that this lesson will help them better understand the true nature of the Godhead.

Scriptures and discussion

Read and discuss the vision of the Prophet Joseph Smith recorded in Joseph Smith-History 1:11-20.

Explain that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings, but they are unified with one purpose. They are trying to save and exalt each of us. Have the young men read and mark John 17:20-23.

Invite the young men to discuss this idea. Help them see that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one in purpose-unified in what they are doing. Explain that the will of Heavenly Father is the will of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost. Because other churches do not accept modern revelation about the oneness of the Godhead, these churches are confused and believe that Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are one spirit.

Scriptures and discussion

Explain that Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 gives us a description of the physical natures of the members of the Godhead. Have one of the young men read this verse as the others mark it in their scriptures.

Have the young men read Doctrine and Covenants 131:7-8.

Help the young men understand that the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit and does not have a physical body of flesh and bones. Remind the young men that a spirit looks like a body and is composed of matter.

Read Ether 3:6-17.

Explain that before Jesus Christ was born on earth, he had a spirit only. Before he was born, he appeared to the brother of Jared. The brother of Jared was surprised he could see the Savior. Jesus Christ showed his spirit, which looked like the physical body he would receive on earth.

Scriptures and discussion

Explain that the scriptural accounts of Jesus Christ's baptism show plainly that the members of the Godhead are separate individuals. Have one of the young men read Matthew 3:16-17.

Explain that Jesus Christ instructed his disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." Have a young man read Matthew 28:19.

Chalkboard discussion

List the young men's answers on the chalkboard. Answers might include-

Responsibilities and Unity of the Godhead

Scriptures and chalkboard discussion

Have the young men silently read Moses 1:39.

Bring out that the members of the Godhead all work together to help us obtain eternal life. Explain that although they work together, they have separate roles.

Write God the Father, Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost on the chalkboard. Leave room to write comments under each heading.

Discuss the following points, and summarize them on the chalkboard under God the Father:

Bring out that Jesus Christ is-

Have one of the young men read John 14:28 to help answer this question.

Help the young men understand that this scripture shows the close relationship between Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that Jesus Christ understood that Heavenly Father was greater than he. Jesus Christ was willing to give all glory to Heavenly Father.

Have the young men read and mark John 14:16-17 and John 15:26.

Be sure to bring out and write on the chalkboard that the Holy Ghost is-

Help the young men understand that though the other members of the Godhead may also perform these duties, the primary responsibility rests with the Holy Ghost.

Read and discuss the great prayer Jesus Christ offered to Heavenly Father as recorded in John 17. Help the young men understand that in this scripture Jesus Christ is praying that we all might be united in love as he and Heavenly Father are.

Conclusion

Testimony

Share your testimony of the reality of the three members of the Godhead. Testify of their love for each young man and their desire that each young man obtain eternal life. Express how wonderful it would be if we all loved each other as much as Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each other.

Challenge

Challenge the young men to feel Heavenly Father's presence as they pray to him in the name of Jesus Christ. Challenge them to strive to be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.

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