"The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth"

Last updated on April 5th, 2025 at 10:36 pm

General Conference Applied

S4 E34 – Sunday, March 30, 2025 | “The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth” by Elder Takashi Wada; October 2024 General Conference

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Podcast Episode Outline

Introduction

Bio

“Elder Takashi Wada was sustained as a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2018. At the time of his call, he had been serving as a Gospel Doctrine teacher and director for temporal affairs in the Asia North Area. He served as a member of the Asia North Area Presidency from 2018 to 2024. He is currently serving in the North America West Area.

“Elder Wada has served in a number of Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Utah Salt Lake City North Mission, branch president, bishop, president of the Japan Tokyo South Mission, seminary teacher, ward young single adult adviser, and Gospel Doctrine teacher.

“Elder Wada received a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics in 1990 and a master’s degree in business administration in 1996, both from Brigham Young University. His professional career has included several executive positions for multinational corporations in the United States and Japan as well as the position of director for temporal affairs for the Church in the North America West, Northwest, and Asia North Areas.

“Takashi Wada was born in Nagano, Japan, on February 5, 1965. He married Naomi Ueno in 1994. They are the parents of two children.”
This was Elder Wada’s second general conference address. His most recent address was “Feasting upon the Words of Christ” from the April 2019 General Conference.
- “Two years ago, the Lord touched my dear mother’s heart, which helped her decide to receive the ordinance of baptism. I had waited for that day to take place for almost 35 years. In order for her to make that decision, many members of the Church truly ministered to her as Christ would. One Sunday, she felt she should go to church. She followed the prompting. While she sat on the front row and waited for the sacrament service to begin, a four-year-old boy stood in front of her and looked at her. She greeted him with a smile. The little boy left her presence abruptly and walked back to his own seat, which was on the other side of the row where my mother was seated. This little boy picked up something from his seat and came back and handed my mother a hymnbook and walked back to his seat. My mother noticed a hymnbook was placed on every other chair in the chapel. She could have easily picked one up from the chair next to her. However, she was very impressed with the boy’s innocent act of kindness, which he had learned in his home and at church. It was a tender moment for her. She had a strong impression that God was inviting her to come and follow the Savior. She felt she should be baptized. This little boy did not seek recognition for what he did, but he simply did his best to live the word of God and to love his neighbor. His kindness created an important change of heart in my mother.”
“Elder Takashi Wada shares his conversion story to the Church after growing up Buddhist“
Elder Takashi Wada – LinkedIn Profile

A Consistent Focus on the Words of Jesus Christ

“The words of Christ and the Holy Ghost will direct you to ‘all things what [you] should do.’ Everything! This is an incredible gift from God.” -Elder Wada

“God is our Father in Heaven. We are His spirit children, and we are created after His image. Therefore, each of us, as a child of God, has a divine potential to become like Him.

“We lived with Him as spirits before we came to this earth. Heavenly Father, as our spirit parent, loves us, wants the best for us, and prepared a plan for us to receive His greatest blessings, which are immortality and eternal life. According to the plan, we, as spirit children, would be given agency to choose His plan. By coming to the earth, we would leave God’s presence, forget our premortal life, receive bodies of flesh and bones, gain our own experience, and develop faith. With our bodies of flesh and bones, as natural men we would succumb to temptation, become unclean and distant from God, and not be able to return to His holy presence. Because of Heavenly Father’s infinite love for us, He sent His Firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. Through His sacrifice, the Atonement, Jesus Christ made it possible for us to be redeemed from our sins and be resurrected and receive eternal life.

“I am extremely grateful for these glorious truths—what we call the Father’s plan of salvation, His plan of mercy, or His great plan of happiness. Learning these important truths has helped me know my true identity and the great blessings of exaltation and eternal life God has prepared for us. The prophet Nephi taught us the way: ‘Wherefore, … feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.’ He added, ‘If ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.’ Today I would like to share how the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost helped me find these important peace-giving truths in my teenage years.

The Words of Christ Will Tell You All Things What You Should Do

“Just like Nephi stated in the opening verse of the book of 1 Nephi, I was also ‘born of goodly parents.’ I grew up in Nagano, Japan, in a home where honesty, diligence, and humility were strongly encouraged and conformity to the old customs was strictly followed. My father was a very religious man. I watched him praying in front of the Shinto and Buddhist altars every morning and every night. Even though I had no idea whom he was praying to and what he was praying for, I believed some sort of unseen power or God would be ‘mighty to save’ or help us if we prayed sincerely.

“Like other teenagers, I experienced many hardships. I struggled, thinking that life was unfair and had lots of ups and downs. I felt lost, not having a sense of direction in my life. Life seemed so fleeting because it would end when I died. Life without knowing the plan of salvation was confusing.

“Not long after I started to learn English in junior high school, all the students in our school received a copy of the New Testament. Though we had barely begun our study of English, our teacher told us we should study English by reading it. I opened it and reviewed its contents. The words in the New Testament were extremely difficult for me. The words in Japanese were equally difficult. However, I was drawn to a list of statements and questions of the soul that had been included just before the biblical text in this Gideon Bible—questions about feeling lonely, lacking confidence, being confused, facing life’s trials, and so on. Each item on the list was followed by a reference to verses and pages in the New Testament. I was especially drawn to the statement ‘When you are weary.’ The reference led me to open Matthew 11:28–30, in which Jesus said to His disciples:

“‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

“‘Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

“‘For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

The Gideons International – About Us
What lists has the Church made available? What lists could I make? These “lists” could be my focus areas each time I read The Book of Mormon (i.e., like this year I’m studying The Book of Mormon looking for precepts by which I can abide).
President Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?“, October 2017 General Conference: “Something powerful happens when a child of God seeks to know more about Him and His Beloved Son. Nowhere are those truths taught more clearly and powerfully than in the Book of Mormon.

“Since President Monson’s challenge six months ago, I have tried to follow his counsel. Among other things, I’ve made lists of what the Book of Mormon is, what it affirms, what it refutes, what it fulfills, what it clarifies, and what it reveals. Looking at the Book of Mormon through these lenses has been an insightful and inspiring exercise! I recommend it to each of you.”

“This was the first time I remember reading the words of Jesus Christ. Though I did not understand all the words He said, His words comforted me, lifted my soul, and gave me hope. The more I read His words, the more I felt like I should try the virtue of His words. I had never felt like I felt that day. I felt I was loved. I felt that Jesus Christ was someone I knew.

“As I continued studying, I felt as though He were speaking directly to me when He said, ‘Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.’

“His words filled my heart, even though I could not describe my feelings well at that time. Although Jesus Christ lived many centuries ago in a land unfamiliar to me, I thought I could trust His words with all my heart. I hoped someday in the future I might learn more about Jesus Christ.

President Dallin H. Oaks, “The Teachings of Jesus Christ“, April 2023 General Conference: “We believe in Christ. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we worship Him and follow His teachings in the scriptures.

“Before the Fall, our Heavenly Father spoke directly to Adam and Eve. Thereafter, the Father introduced His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Redeemer and gave us the command to ‘hear Him.’ From this direction we conclude that the scriptural records of words spoken by ‘God’ or the ‘Lord’ are almost always the words of Jehovah, our risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

“We are given the scriptures to direct our lives. As the prophet Nephi taught us, we should ‘feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.'”
Elder Richard G. Scott, “The Power of Scripture“, October 2011 General Conference: “The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.

“Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.”
“A Bible! A Bible!: How Latter-day Revelation Helps Us Understand the Scriptures and the Savior” by Robert J. Matthews
Elder Takashi Wada, “Journey to a Land of Promise—Obtaining Charity“, BYU Devotional, October 15, 2024: “As I think about Lehi’s circumstances, I am able to connect his experience to my own opportunity when I first received the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by being baptized and had begun understanding that I was a child of God and that I can become like God. I was only fifteen years old when I began learning the gospel from missionaries. In order to commit to be baptized and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, I felt that I would have to discontinue some of the traditions and practices that were deeply rooted in Buddhism and Shintoism. To my family, joining the Church and becoming a follower of Jesus Christ seemed so foreign. They must have thought I was simply a rebellious teenage boy.

“Instead, I hoped that living the gospel of Jesus Christ might help me honor my father and mother better, and I hoped that they might eventually appreciate the truths I had found. This was a confusing situation for a young boy, but I was so comforted by the words of Jesus Christ, and I found much joy and peace by adhering to His message. What gave me courage were the words of Jesus Christ when He said:

“‘Every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.’

“For me, following the Savior by being baptized became my application of leaving my own Jerusalem and becoming ‘a new creature’ in Christ. Even though at that time my parents did not like the choice I had made, over time they supported my decision to follow the Savior. More than thirty years later, my mother chose to follow the Savior by being baptized and becoming a member of the Church.”

The Holy Ghost Will Show You All Things What You Should Do

“That someday came only a few years later. I met very dedicated, young, full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And I soon met a small group of kind and joyful Latter-day Saints striving to follow Jesus Christ. Despite it taking me a while to fully trust them, I came to see in the restored gospel what I yearned for when I studied the New Testament—the words of Jesus Christ and the hope and peace that come from them.

“A particularly sacred experience was when the missionaries taught me to pray. I learned that we should address God by name. When we pray, we should speak from our hearts, express our gratitude, and share our hopes and desires. Once we have said all that we want to say, we end our prayer by saying, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.’ We do this because Jesus commanded us to pray in His name. Praying to Heavenly Father helped me know who He is and my relationship with Him—that I was His beloved spirit son. I learned that because Heavenly Father knows and loves me, He would speak to me personally, uniquely, and in ways I would understand through the Holy Ghost.

“There was a time when I really could not recognize the Holy Ghost. I misunderstood, thinking that all I had to do was follow the steps of prayer and something dramatic would happen. One day, during a lesson with the missionaries, I stepped out of the lesson to take a break. I was still confused about what I should do with my life if the restored gospel of Jesus Christ really was true.

“As I was about to return to the room where the missionaries were waiting, I heard the voice of one of the missionaries. I heard my name. Instead of opening the door, I listened to the voice on the other side of the door. I was stunned. They were simply praying to Heavenly Father. The one saying the prayer was pleading to God that He would hear my prayer. Though his Japanese was not fluent, hearing his sincere prayer softened my heart. I wondered why they cared about me so much. Then I realized that their prayer in my behalf was a reflection of Heavenly Father and the Savior’s love for me. That love gave me hope, and afterward I did ask God in faith and with real intent. When I did, I felt a joyful and peaceful feeling that I was indeed a child of God and that I had a divine potential and destiny. The plan of salvation sank deep into my heart.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “Fathers“, April 2016 General Conference: “I am encouraged by a story that appeared in the New Era some years ago. The author recounted the following:

“‘When I was young, our little family lived in a one-bedroom apartment on the second floor. I slept on the couch in the living room. …

“‘My dad, a steelworker, left home very early for work each day. Every morning he would … tuck the covers around me and stop for a minute. I would be half-dreaming when I could sense my dad standing beside the couch, looking at me. As I slowly awoke, I became embarrassed to have him there. I tried to pretend I was still asleep. … I became aware that as he stood beside my bed he was praying with all his attention, energy, and focus—for me.

“‘Each morning my dad prayed for me. He prayed that I would have a good day, that I would be safe, that I would learn and prepare for the future. And since he could not be with me until evening, he prayed for the teachers and my friends that I would be with that day. …

“‘At first, I didn’t really understand what my dad was doing those mornings when he prayed for me. But as I got older, I came to sense his love and interest in me and everything I was doing. It is one of my favorite memories. It wasn’t until years later, after I was married, had children of my own, and would go into their rooms while they were asleep and pray for them that I understood completely how my father felt about me.'”
“Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion” by Gregory Boyle: “Names are important. After all, the main occupation of most gang members most of the time is the writing of their names on walls. I recall … my first day of teaching at Loyola High School in Los Angeles in 1979. … With my arms filled with books, … I walk to my first class. I stop in the doorway of a veteran teacher, Donna Wanland. She’s at her desk, reading the morning Times.

“‘It’s my first day of teaching,’ I say to her. ‘Give me some advice.’

“She doesn’t turn from her paper but holds out her right hand, displaying two fingers.

“‘Two things,’ she says. ‘One: know all their names by tomorrow. Two: It’s more important that they know you than that they know what ya know.’

“Good advice. I followed it and I think it served me in good stead.”

“President Russell M. Nelson has said, ‘The way you think about who you … are affects … every decision you will ever make.’ It is so true for me. The decision to follow the Savior Jesus Christ by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost blessed my life more than I ever imagined. As we enter into the baptismal covenant with God, we promise that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, keep the commandments of God, and serve Him for the remainder of our lives. Our Heavenly Father, in turn, promises us that we can always have His Spirit to be with us—the continued guidance from the Holy Ghost.

“[INVITATION] I invite you to have faith in the message Nephi taught us—that the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost will direct you to ‘all things what [you] should do.’ [PROMISE] Everything! This is an incredible gift from God.

What is the speaker inviting me to do?

In my own words: Have faith that the words of Christ will tell you all things that you should do in all areas of your life.

Why does it matter, or why is it important? (Doctrines, Principles, Christlike Attributes)

Christlike Attribute: “I have faith to accomplish what Christ wants me to do. (Moroni 7:33)” (Faith)
- “[33] And Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.”

What’s in it for us? (Promises)

“Feasting upon the words of Christ will bring life-sustaining revelation, reaffirm our true identity and worth before God as His child, and lead our friends unto Christ and everlasting life.” -Elder Wada, “Feasting upon the Words of Christ“, April 2019 General Conference

How will we take action? (Directives, Personal Revelation)

Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Reflection and Resolution“, BYU Devotional, January 7, 1990: “When I first started medical school, we were taught that one must not touch the heart, for if one did, it would stop beating. But later I pondered the scripture that tells us that ‘all kingdoms have a law given; . . . and unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions’ (D&C 88:36, 38). I also pondered the scripture that certifies ‘when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated’ (D&C 130:21).

“With these scriptures in mind, I concentrated on the ‘kingdom’ of and the blessings of the beating heart. I knew that the function of even this vital organ was predicated upon law. I reasoned that if laws applicable could be understood and controlled, perhaps they could be harnessed ultimately for the healing of the sick.

“To me, this meant that if we worked, studied, and asked the proper questions in our scientific experiments, we would be blessed to learn the laws that govern the beating of the heart. …

“Hundreds of thousands of open-heart operations are now performed throughout the world every year, thereby extending life for many. But you should know that it was through understanding gained from study of the scriptures, and ‘likening’ them to this area of my interest, that I was able to make the advances I did in the field of heart surgery. …

“Liken the scriptures to the kingdoms that pertain to your own studies. Quietly effect a warm fusion of your faith with your scholarship. Then you will have power, even the power of God, which will bless you and enlighten your way. …

“Maintain your motivation and perseverance to do work of worth. It will be a measure of your individual righteousness. No matter what your career may be, the long hours of sacrifice and effort required to achieve excellence are really worth it.

“Meanwhile, in your quest for personal righteousness, go periodically to the mountain of the Lord’s house—his holy temple. There, learn of him. Covenant with him. There and wherever you are, pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of his Son. Merge your faith with your scholarship to give a spiritual depth of focus to all of your righteous desires.”
Mitch: Just as President Nelson concentrated on the “‘kingdom’ of and the blessings of the beating heart,” I will concentrate on the “‘kingdom’ of and the blessings of international taxation.” I testify that “the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost will direct you to ‘all things what [you] should do.'” I was directed to start the General Conference Applied Podcast in July 2023. I was directed to seek for a cohost for the General Conference Applied Podcast in January 2025. Clay was directed to join me as the cohost for the General Conference in January 2025. Clay was directed to share the quote about Elder John A. Widtsoe thinking about his chemistry questions in the temple. This quote opened my eyes to see this quote from President Nelson and will transform my professional life.

“Brothers and sisters, I am grateful for our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. Because He loves us, He prepared the way to return to His presence through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Knowing this incredible plan will help us know we are children of God and we can become like Him. I am grateful for this important truth. I bear you my witness that the words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost will lead us to receive eternal life. I know these things are true. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

What will you do?

How will you take action on the invitations extended in this General Conference address?

Conclusion

The focus of our next podcast episode will be the October 2024 General Conference address that was delivered by Elder Rubén V. Alliaud and was entitled “Sons and Daughters of God.”

As we conclude this episode, we would invite you to refer to the podcast episode details for each podcast episode where we have provided important information for connecting with us and further supporting the General Conference Applied Podcast. The best ways to help us are to like and subscribe to the podcast and to share it with others.

Please remember that General Conference Applied is meant to be a supplement for your review of General Conference Addresses. We promise that you will get more out of each General Conference Applied episode when you study the General Conference address first.

Thank you for joining us in this effort to become doers of the word and to take action on general conference invitations.

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