Week 1: The Godhead

Song: The First Article of Faith CS. 122

Thought: "The Articles of Faith, our only formal declaration of belief, begin as follows: “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” We have this belief in the Godhead in common with the rest of Christianity, but to us it means something different than to most. We maintain that these three members of the Godhead are three separate and distinct beings and that God the Father is not a spirit but a glorified being with a tangible body, as is His resurrected Son, Jesus Christ. Though separate in identity, They are one in purpose." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks 

Object Lesson: Read the First Article of Faith. Get a candle and light it with a match.  Remind them that the Godhead has three distinct parts.  The candle can represent Heavenly Father.  The flame can represent Jesus Christ, the light of the world.  The oxygen needed for the flame to burn can represent the Holy Ghost, whom we cannot see.  We can see only the effect he has in our lives and the lives of others. (Taken from here under "object lessons)

Video

Lesson Activity: Give each family member a copy of the following image. As you discuss the characteristics of the Godhead color it in!

(Taken from here)

Characteristics

1. God the Father is the father of everyone: “We are the offspring of God” (Acts 17:29) and “Ye are of God, little children.” (See 1 Jn. 4:4.) Color 1s and 20s yellow.

2. You receive the Holy Ghost after you are baptized: “If thou wilt … be baptized … in the name of … Jesus Christ … , ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (See Moses 6:52.) Color 2s and 16s orange.

3. The Holy Ghost is a gift from Heavenly Father: “The Holy Ghost, which … shall dwell in your heart … is thy gift.” (See D&C 8:2–4.) Color 3s and 33s green.

4. Jesus is Heavenly Father’s Son: “Jesus is baptized and the Father acclaims him,” saying, “This is my beloved Son.” (See Matt. 3:17, heading.) Color 4s and 17s blue.

5. God the Father lives in a beautiful and shiny place: “The angels … reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire.” (See D&C 130:6–7.) Color 5s, 22s, and 27s purple.

6. God the Father knows all things: “O how great the holiness of our God! For he knoweth all things.” (See 2 Ne. 9:20.) Color 6s and 23s yellow.

7. Jesus Christ created our earth: “The Father … hath delivered us … into the kingdom of his dear Son: … For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth.” (See Col. 1:12–16) Color 7s, 18s, and 32s purple.

8. Jesus Christ is the perfect example: “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; … For I have given you an example.” (See John 13:13–15.) Color 8s and 29s blue.

9. The Holy Ghost helps you gain a testimony of Jesus Christ: “Ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” (See Moro. 10:7.) Color 9s, 21s, and 34s red.

10. God the Father gave us his Only Begotten Son: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” (See John 3:16.) Color 10s and 25s yellow.

11. Jesus Christ is the God of this earth: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ. … I am the God of … the whole earth.” (See 3 Ne. 11:10–14.) Color 11s, 26s, and 31s red.

12. You lived with Heavenly Father in heaven: “Ye have known him … from the beginning … , because ye have known the Father.” (See 1 Jn. 2:13.) Color 12s green.

13. The Holy Ghost helps you to know the truth: “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (See Moro. 10:5.) Color 13s, 19s, and 35s blue.

14. You belong to Jesus’ church: “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (See D&C 115:4.) Color 14s, 24s, and 30s green.

15. The Holy Ghost can guide you: “If ye will … receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (See 2 Ne. 32:5.) Color 15s and 28s orange.

This weeks challenge: Find other examples in life of things that are in groups we refer to as "one" and point them out to our family members. Examples: The US government has 3 branches; The bishopric has 3 members; The First Presidency has 3 members; etc.