Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Words of Christ and the Holy Ghost Will Lead Us to the Truth"

In his inspiring talk, Elder Takashi Wada of the Seventy explores the profound truths of the gospel plan of salvation and the pivotal roles that the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost play in guiding us to these truths. Elder Wada shares personal experiences from his youth in Japan, illustrating how the teachings of Jesus Christ and the influence of the Holy Ghost provided direction, comfort, and a sense of divine identity. Through his testimony, Elder Wada invites us to embrace the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost as guides in our journey towards eternal life.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by sharing a personal experience or testimony of how the words of Christ have provided guidance in your life. Invite class members to reflect on a similar experience they might have had.
Start with a brief overview of the Plan of Salvation, emphasizing how the words of Christ and the Holy Ghost play a role in guiding us through this plan.
Play a short audio clip or read a few verses from the New Testament where Jesus speaks directly to His disciples, then ask class members to share how these words make them feel.
Invite a class member to share a story of when they felt the Holy Ghost guiding them in a decision or trial.
Begin with a prayer, asking for the Holy Ghost to be present and to open the hearts and minds of those in attendance to the truths that will be discussed.

Topics

Understand Our Divine Potential

Elder Wada emphasized that as children of God, we have a divine potential to become like Him. Our premortal life and the Plan of Salvation are central to understanding our true identity and destiny.

God is our Father in Heaven. We are His spirit children, and we are created after His image.

How does knowing you are a child of God influence your daily decisions?
What does it mean to you to have divine potential?
In what ways can understanding the Plan of Salvation bring peace during life's challenges?
How can we help others recognize their divine potential?
What role does faith play in realizing our divine potential?

Embrace the Words of Christ for Guidance

Elder Wada shared how the words of Christ, found in the scriptures, provide comfort and direction. He discovered this personally as a teenager when he first encountered the New Testament.

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

What scriptures have brought you the most comfort and guidance?
How can we better "feast upon the words of Christ" in our daily lives?
What does it mean to you to take Christ's yoke upon you?
How can we encourage others to turn to the scriptures for answers?
In what ways have the words of Christ changed your perspective on a particular situation?

Recognize the Holy Ghost's Guidance

Elder Wada explained how the Holy Ghost can show us all things we should do. He shared his experience with the missionaries and how their prayers helped him recognize the Spirit's influence.

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.

How do you recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your life?
Why is it important to pray with real intent?
What experiences have you had where the Holy Ghost guided you?
How can we cultivate an environment where the Holy Ghost can dwell?
What are some ways to strengthen our relationship with the Holy Ghost?

Trust in Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation

Elder Wada testified of the importance of the Plan of Salvation, which allows us to return to Heavenly Father's presence. This plan is a manifestation of God's love and provides a path to eternal life.

Because He loves us, He prepared the way to return to His presence through His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

How does understanding the Plan of Salvation affect your view of trials and challenges?
What are some key elements of the Plan of Salvation that bring you hope?
How can we share the message of the Plan of Salvation with others?
What does it mean to you to return to Heavenly Father's presence?
How can we better align our lives with the Plan of Salvation?

Live by the Teachings of Jesus Christ

Elder Wada encouraged living by the teachings of Jesus Christ and following the covenant path. This includes baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost, which brings continual guidance and blessings.

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.

What does it mean to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
How does living by Christ's teachings bring peace and direction?
What are some challenges you face in keeping the commandments, and how do you overcome them?
How can we renew our commitment to live by Christ's teachings daily?
What blessings have you experienced by following the covenant path?

Additional Discussion Questions

What role does agency play in Heavenly Father's plan?
How can we seek guidance from the Holy Ghost in our daily lives?
What are some ways we can better understand our true identity as children of God?
How can the words of Christ help us overcome feelings of loneliness or confusion?
What are some practical steps we can take to 'feast upon the words of Christ'?
How can we help others feel the love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
What experiences have strengthened your testimony of the Plan of Salvation?
How can we teach our children about their divine potential and identity?
What are some ways to strengthen our relationship with our Heavenly Father?
How can we better prepare ourselves to receive the guidance of the Holy Ghost?