What Every Aaronic Priesthood Holder Needs to Understand
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What does it mean to hold the Aaronic Priesthood?
- How can young men fulfill their priesthood duties more effectively?
- What are the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood?
- How does the Aaronic Priesthood help us access the atoning power of Jesus Christ?
- What examples does Holmes give to illustrate the impact of the Aaronic Priesthood?
Topics
Recognize the Sacred Trust of the Aaronic Priesthood
Holmes stresses the importance of recognizing the sacred trust and vital work associated with the Aaronic Priesthood. He emphasizes that young men should understand the significance of their ordained calling and be guided to a spiritual awareness of their responsibilities.
I believe the way we see others significantly impacts their perception of who they are and what they can become.
Young men need to understand "what it means ... to be bearers of the priesthood of God."
- Why is it important for young men to understand the sacredness of their priesthood calling?
- How does recognizing the sacred trust of the Aaronic Priesthood impact one's actions and decisions?
- How can you better understand and appreciate the significance of your Aaronic Priesthood duties?
- What steps can you take to help others recognize their divine potential and responsibilities?
Embrace the Role of the Ministering of Angels
Holmes explains that the ministering of angels is a key aspect of the Aaronic Priesthood. By treasuring up God's word and teaching the gospel, young men can act as authorized messengers, bringing faith in Christ to others through the power of the Holy Ghost.
You are authorized messengers. Through your words and actions, you can bring faith in Christ to the hearts of God’s children.
To them you will be as a ministering angel.
- What does it mean to be an authorized messenger of God?
- How can young men effectively minister to others and build their faith in Christ?
- How can you prepare yourself to teach the gospel and bring faith to others?
- In what ways can you act as a ministering angel in your daily life?
Understand the Preparatory Gospel
Holmes discusses the preparatory gospel, which includes the principles of repentance, baptism, and the remission of sins. He highlights the importance of inviting others to repent and the role of Aaronic Priesthood ordinances in bringing about the remission of sins.
The key of the ministering of angels would be accompanied by the key of the preparatory gospel, "the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins."
The Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament witness and complete our repentance for a remission of sins.
- What is the preparatory gospel, and why is it important?
- How do the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood contribute to the process of repentance and remission of sins?
- How can you invite others to repent and experience the peace of forgiveness?
- What personal experiences have you had with the preparatory gospel that you can share with others?
Follow the Example of John the Baptist
Holmes encourages Aaronic Priesthood holders to follow the example of John the Baptist, who exercised the keys of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel. John’s role was to prepare the way for Christ, and young men today have a similar responsibility.
John was sent as an authorized messenger to bear witness of Christ and invite all to repent and be baptized—that is, he exercised the Aaronic Priesthood keys we have discussed.
The Aaronic Priesthood, with the keys of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel, prepares the way for God’s children to receive, through the Melchizedek Priesthood, the gift of the Holy Ghost.
- How did John the Baptist fulfill his Aaronic Priesthood duties?
- What can we learn from John the Baptist’s example?
- What specific actions can you take to follow the example of John the Baptist in your priesthood service?
- How can you help prepare the way for others to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
Accept the Invitation and Promise
Holmes extends an invitation to young men to put their priesthood duties at the center of their lives. He promises that by doing so, they will feel God's power, understand their divine identity, and help prepare the way for the coming of Christ.
I promise that as you put these sacred duties at the center of your life, you will feel the power of God as never before.
You will understand your identity as a son of God, called with a holy calling to do His work.
- What is the significance of putting priesthood duties at the center of one's life?
- How does fulfilling priesthood duties help one understand their divine identity?
- What changes can you make to prioritize your priesthood duties?
- How have you felt God's power in your life as you have fulfilled your priesthood responsibilities?
