Seek Learning by Faith

February 3, 2006
Address to CES Religious Educators
Jordan Institute of Religion

Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


I express my love to and for you—and the gratitude of the Brethren for the righteous influence you have upon the youth of the Church throughout the world. Thank you for blessing and strengthening the rising generation.

I pray that the Holy Ghost will bless and edify us as we share this special time together.


Companion Principles: Preaching by the Spirit and Learning by Faith

We are admonished repeatedly in the scriptures to preach the truths of the gospel by the power of the Spirit (see D&C 50:14). I believe the vast majority of us as parents and teachers in the Church are aware of this principle and generally strive appropriately to apply it. As important as this principle is, however, it is only one element of a much larger spiritual pattern. We also frequently are taught to seek learning by faith (see D&C 88:118). Preaching by the spirit and learning by faith are companion principles that we should strive to understand and apply concurrently and consistently.

I suspect we emphasize and know much more about a teacher teaching by the Spirit than we do about a learner learning by faith. Clearly, the principles and processes of both teaching and learning are spiritually essential. However, as we look to the future and anticipate the ever more confused and turbulent world in which we will live, I believe it will be essential for all of us to increase our capacity to seek learning by faith. In our personal lives, in our families, and in the Church, we can and will receive the blessings of spiritual strength, direction, and protection as we seek by faith to obtain and apply spiritual knowledge.

Nephi teaches us, “When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth [the message] unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1). Please notice how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. A teacher can explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so with great spiritual power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter.

Brothers and sisters, learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart. Tonight we will focus upon the individual responsibility each of us has to seek learning by faith. We also will consider the implications of this principle for us as teachers.


The Principle of Action: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

The Apostle Paul defined faith as “the substance of things hoped for, [and] the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Alma declared that faith is not a perfect knowledge; rather, if we have faith, we “hope for things which are not seen, [but] are true” (Alma 32:21). Additionally, we learn in the Lectures on Faith that faith is “the first principle in revealed religion, and the foundation of all righteousness” and that it is also “the principle of action in all intelligent beings” (Joseph Smith, comp., Lectures on Faith [1985], 1).

These teachings of Paul and of Alma and from the Lectures on Faith highlight three basic elements of faith: (1) faith as the assurance of things hoped for which are true, (2) faith as the evidence of things not seen, and (3) faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings. I describe these three components of faith in the Savior as simultaneously facing the future, looking to the past, and initiating action in the present.

Faith as the assurance of things hoped for looks to the future. This assurance is founded upon a correct understanding about and trust in God and enables us to “press forward” (2 Nephi 31:20) into uncertain and often challenging situations in the service of the Savior.

For example, Nephi relied upon precisely this type of future-facing spiritual assurance as he returned to Jerusalem to obtain the plates of brass—“not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do. Nevertheless [he] went forth” (1 Nephi 4:6–7).

Faith in Christ is inextricably tied to and results in hope in Christ for our redemption and exaltation. And assurance and hope make it possible for us to walk to the edge of the light and take a few steps into the darkness—expecting and trusting the light to move and illuminate the way (see Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 54). The combination of assurance and hope initiates action in the present.

Faith as the evidence of things not seen looks to the past and confirms our trust in God and our confidence in the truthfulness of things not seen. We stepped into the darkness with assurance and hope, and we received evidence and confirmation as the light in fact moved and provided the illumination we needed. The witness we obtained after the trial of our faith (see Ether 12:6) is evidence that enlarges and strengthens our assurance.

Assurance, action, and evidence influence each other in an ongoing process. This helix is like a coil, and as it spirals upward it expands and grows wider. These three elements of faith—assurance, action, and evidence—are not separate and discrete; rather, they are interrelated and continuous and cycle upward. And the faith that fuels this ongoing process develops and evolves and changes. As we again turn and face forward toward an uncertain future, assurance leads to action and produces evidence, which further increases assurance. Our confidence waxes stronger, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little.

We find a powerful example of the interaction among assurance, action, and evidence as the children of Israel transported the ark of the covenant under the leadership of Joshua (see Joshua 3:7–17). Recall how the Israelites came to the river Jordan and were promised the waters would part, or “stand upon an heap” (Joshua 3:13), and they would be able to cross over on dry ground. Interestingly, the waters did not part as the children of Israel stood on the banks of the river waiting for something to happen; rather, the soles of their feet were wet before the water parted. The faith of the Israelites was manifested in the fact that they walked into the water before it parted. They walked into the river Jordan with a future-facing assurance of things hoped for. As the Israelites moved forward, the water parted, and as they crossed over on dry land, they looked back and beheld the evidence of things not seen. In this episode, faith as assurance led to action and produced the evidence of things not seen which were true.

True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to action. Faith as the principle of action is highlighted in many scriptures with which we are all familiar:

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26; italics added).

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22; italics added).

“But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith” (Alma 32:27; italics added).

And it is faith as the principle of action that is so central to the process of learning and applying spiritual truth.


Learning by Faith: To Act and Not to Be Acted Upon

How is faith as the principle of action in all intelligent beings related to gospel learning? And what does it mean to seek learning by faith?

In the grand division of all of God’s creations, there are things to act and things to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:13–14). As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we have been blessed with the gift of agency—the capacity and power of independent action. Endowed with agency, we are agents, and we primarily are to act and not only to be acted upon— especially as we seek to obtain and apply spiritual knowledge.

Learning by faith and from experience are two of the central features of the Father’s plan of happiness. The Savior preserved moral agency through the Atonement and made it possible for us to act and to learn by faith. Lucifer’s rebellion against the plan sought to destroy the agency of man, and his intent was that we as learners would only be acted upon.

Consider the question posed by Heavenly Father to Adam in the Garden of Eden, “Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9). Obviously the Father knew where Adam was hiding, but He, nonetheless, asked the question. Why? A wise and loving Father enabled His child to act in the learning process and not merely be acted upon. There was no one-way lecture to a disobedient child, as perhaps many of us might be inclined to deliver. Rather, the Father helped Adam as a learner to act as an agent and appropriately exercise his agency.

Recall how Nephi desired to know about the things his father, Lehi, had seen in the vision of the tree of life. Interestingly, the Spirit of the Lord begins the tutorial with Nephi by asking the following question, “Behold, what desirest thou?” (1 Nephi 11:2). Clearly the Spirit knew what Nephi desired. So why ask the question? The Holy Ghost was helping Nephi to act in the learning process and not simply be acted upon. (I encourage you at a later time to study chapters 11–14 in 1 Nephi and notice how the Spirit both asked questions and encouraged Nephi to “look” as active elements in the learning process.)

From these examples we recognize that as learners, you and I are to act and be doers of the word and not simply hearers who are only acted upon. Are you and I agents who act and seek learning by faith, or are we waiting to be taught and acted upon? Are the students we serve acting and seeking to learn by faith, or are they waiting to be taught and acted upon? Are you and I encouraging and helping those whom we serve to seek learning by faith? You and I and our students are to be anxiously engaged in asking, seeking, and knocking (see 3 Nephi 14:7).

A learner exercising agency by acting in accordance with correct principles opens his or her heart to the Holy Ghost—and invites His teaching, testifying power, and confirming witness. Learning by faith requires spiritual, mental, and physical exertion and not just passive reception. It is in the sincerity and consistency of our faith-inspired action that we indicate to our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, our willingness to learn and receive instruction from the Holy Ghost. Thus, learning by faith involves the exercise of moral agency to act upon the assurance of things hoped for and invites the evidence of things not seen from the only true teacher, the Spirit of the Lord.

Consider how missionaries help investigators to learn by faith. Making and keeping spiritual commitments, such as studying and praying about the Book of Mormon, attending Church meetings, and keeping the commandments, require an investigator to exercise faith and to act. One of the fundamental roles of a missionary is to help an investigator make and honor commitments—to act and learn by faith. Teaching, exhorting, and explaining, as important as they are, can never convey to an investigator a witness of the truthfulness of the restored gospel. Only as an investigator’s faith initiates action and opens the pathway to the heart can the Holy Ghost deliver a confirming witness. Missionaries obviously must learn to teach by the power of the Spirit. Of equal importance, however, is the responsibility missionaries have to help investigators learn by faith.

The learning I am describing reaches far beyond mere cognitive comprehension and the retaining and recalling of information. The type of learning about which I am speaking causes us to put off the natural man (see Mosiah 3:19), to change our hearts (see Mosiah 5:2), and to be converted unto the Lord and to never fall away (see Alma 23:6). Learning by faith requires both “the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34). Learning by faith is the result of the Holy Ghost carrying the power of the word of God both unto and into the heart. Learning by faith cannot be transferred from an instructor to a student through a lecture, a demonstration, or an experiential exercise; rather, a student must exercise faith and act in order to obtain the knowledge for himself or herself.

The young boy Joseph Smith instinctively understood what it meant to seek learning by faith. One of the most well-known episodes in the life of Joseph Smith was his reading of verses about prayer and faith in the book of James in the New Testament (see James 1:5–6). This text inspired Joseph to retire to a grove of trees near his home to pray and to seek for spiritual knowledge. Please note the questions Joseph had formulated in his mind and felt in his heart—and which he took into the grove. He clearly had prepared himself to “ask in faith” (James 1:6) and to act.

“In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? . . .

“My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right . . . and which I should join” (Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 18).

Notice that Joseph’s questions focused not just on what he needed to know but also on what he needed to do. And his very first question centered on action and what was to be done! His prayer was not simply which church is right. His question was which church should he join. Joseph went to the grove to learn by faith. He was determined to act.

Ultimately, the responsibility to learn by faith and apply spiritual truth rests upon each of us individually. This is an increasingly serious and important responsibility in the world in which we do now and will yet live. What, how, and when we learn is supported by— but is not dependent upon—an instructor, a method of presentation, or a specific topic or lesson format.

Truly, one of the great challenges of mortality is to seek learning by faith. The Prophet Joseph Smith best summarizes the learning process and outcomes I am attempting to describe. In response to a request by the Twelve Apostles for instruction, Joseph taught, “The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask it from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching” (History of the Church, 4:425).

And on another occasion, the Prophet Joseph explained that “reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God” (History of the Church, 6:50).


Implications for Us as Teachers

The truths about learning by faith we have discussed thus far have profound implications for us as teachers. Let us now consider together three of these implications.

Implication 1. The Holy Ghost is the only true teacher.

The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and He is the teacher and witness of all truth. Elder James E. Talmage explained: “The office of the Holy Ghost in His ministrations among men is described in scripture. He is a teacher sent from the Father; and unto those who are entitled to His tuition He will reveal all things necessary for the soul’s advancement” (The Articles of Faith, 12th ed. [1924], 162).

We should always remember that the Holy Ghost is the teacher who, through proper invitation, can enter into a learner’s heart. Indeed, you and I have the responsibility to preach the gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter, as a prerequisite for the learning by faith that can be achieved only by and through the Holy Ghost (see D&C 50:14). In this regard, you and I are much like the long, thin strands of glass used to create the fiber-optic cables through which light signals are transmitted over very long distances. Just as the glass in these cables must be pure to conduct the light efficiently and effectively, so we should become and remain worthy conduits through whom the Spirit of the Lord can operate.

But brothers and sisters, we must be careful to remember in our service that we are conduits and channels; we are not the light. “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matthew 10:20). It is never about me and it is never about you. In fact, anything you or I do as an instructor that knowingly and intentionally draws attention to self—in the messages we present, in the methods we use, or in our personal demeanor—is a form of priestcraft that inhibits the teaching effectiveness of the Holy Ghost. “Doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way? And if it be by some other way it is not of God” (D&C 50:17–18).

Implication 2. We are most effective as instructors when we encourage and facilitate learning by faith.

We are all familiar with the adage that giving a man a fish feeds him for one meal. Teaching the man to fish, on the other hand, feeds him for a lifetime. As gospel instructors, you and I are not in the business of distributing fish; rather, our work is to help individuals learn to “fish” and to become spiritually self-reliant. This important objective is best accomplished as we encourage and facilitate learners acting in accordance with correct principles—as we help them to learn by doing. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God” (John 7:17).

Please notice this implication in practice in the counsel given to Junius F. Wells by Brigham Young as Brother Wells was called in 1875 to organize the young men of the Church:

“At your meetings you should begin at the top of the roll and call upon as many members as there is time for to bear their testimonies and at the next meeting begin where you left off and call upon others, so that all shall take part and get into the practice of standing up and saying something. Many may think they haven’t any testimony to bear, but get them to stand up and they will find the Lord will give them utterance to many truths they had not thought of before. More people have obtained a testimony while standing up trying to bear it than down on their knees praying for it” (in Junius F. Wells, “Historic Sketch of the YMMIA,” Improvement Era, June 1925, 715).

President Boyd K. Packer has given similar counsel in our day:

“Oh, if I could teach you this one principle. A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it! Somewhere in your quest for spiritual knowledge, there is that ‘leap of faith,’ as the philosophers call it. It is the moment when you have gone to the edge of the light and stepped into the darkness to discover that the way is lighted ahead for just a footstep or two. ‘The spirit of man, ‘ as the scripture says, indeed ‘is the candle of the Lord.’ (Prov. 20:27.)

“It is one thing to receive a witness from what you have read or what another has said; and that is a necessary beginning. It is quite another to have the Spirit confirm to you in your bosom that what you have testified is true. Can you not see that it will be supplied as you share it? As you give that which you have, there is a replacement, with increase!” (Ensign, Jan. 1983, 54–55).

I have observed a common characteristic among the instructors who have had the greatest influence in my life. They have helped me to seek learning by faith. They refused to give me easy answers to hard questions. In fact, they did not give me any answers at all. Rather, they pointed the way and helped me take the steps to find my own answers. I certainly did not always appreciate this approach, but experience has enabled me to understand that an answer given by another person usually is not remembered for very long, if remembered at all. But an answer we discover or obtain through the exercise of faith, typically, is retained for a lifetime. The most important learnings of life are caught—not taught.

The spiritual understanding you and I have been blessed to receive, and which has been confirmed as true in our hearts, simply cannot be given to another person. The tuition of diligence and learning by faith must be paid to obtain and personally “own” such knowledge. Only in this way can what is known in the mind be transformed into what is felt in the heart. Only in this way can a person move beyond relying upon the spiritual knowledge and experience of others and claim those blessings for himself or herself. Only in this way can we be spiritually prepared for what is coming. We are to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118).

Implication 3. An instructor’s faith is strengthened as he or she helps others seek learning by faith.

The Holy Ghost, who can “teach [us] all things, and bring all things to [our] remembrance” (John 14:26), is eager to help us learn as we act and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Interestingly, this divine learning assistance is perhaps never more apparent than when we are teaching, either at home or in Church assignments. As Paul made clear to the Romans, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?” (Romans 2:21).

Please notice in the following verses from the Doctrine and Covenants how teaching diligently invites heavenly grace and instruction:

“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.

“Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand” (D&C 88:77–78; italics added).

Consider that the blessings described in these scriptures are intended specifically for the teacher: “Teach . . . diligently and my grace shall attend you”—that you, the teacher, may be instructed!

The same principle is evident in verse 122 from the same section of the Doctrine and Covenants:

“Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege” (D&C 88:122; italics added).

As all speak and as all listen in a dignified and orderly way, all are edified. The individual and collective exercise of faith in the Savior invites instruction and strength from the Spirit of the Lord.


Seek Learning by Faith: A Recent Example

All of us were blessed by the challenge from the First Presidency last August to read the Book of Mormon by the end of 2005. In extending the challenge, President Gordon B. Hinckley promised that faithfully observing this simple reading program would bring into our lives and into our homes “an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God” (“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6).

Please note how this inspired challenge is a classic example of learning by faith. First, you and I were not commanded, coerced, or required to read. Rather, we were invited to exercise our agency as agents and act in accordance with correct principles. President Hinckley, as an inspired teacher, encouraged us to act and not just be acted upon. Each of us, ultimately, had to decide if and how we would respond to the challenge—and if we would endure to the end of the task.

Second, in proffering the invitation to read and to act, President Hinckley was encouraging each of us to seek learning by faith. No new study materials were distributed to members of the Church, and no additional lessons, classes, or programs were created by the Church. Each of us had our copy of the Book of Mormon—and a pathway into our heart opened wider through the exercise of our faith in the Savior as we responded to the First Presidency challenge. Thus, we were prepared to receive instruction from the only true teacher, the Holy Ghost.

In recent weeks I have been greatly impressed by the testimonies of so many members concerning their recent experiences reading the Book of Mormon. Important and timely spiritual lessons have been learned, lives have been changed for the better, and the promised blessings have been received. The Book of Mormon, a willing heart, and the Holy Ghost—it really is that simple. My faith and the faith of the other Brethren have been strengthened as we have responded to President Hinckley’s invitation and as we have observed so many of you acting and learning by faith.

As I stated earlier, the responsibility to seek learning by faith rests upon each of us individually, and this obligation will become increasingly important as the world in which we live grows more confused and troubled. Learning by faith is essential to our personal spiritual development and for the growth of the Church in these latter days. May each of us truly hunger and thirst after righteousness and be filled with the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 12:6)—that we might seek learning by faith.

I witness that Jesus is the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Eternal Father. He is our Savior and Redeemer. I testify that as we learn of Him, listen to His words, and walk in the meekness of His Spirit (see D&C 19:23), we will be blessed with spiritual strength, protection, and peace.

As a servant of the Lord, I invoke this blessing upon each of you: even that your desire and capacity to seek learning by faith—and to appropriately help others to seek learning by faith—will increase and improve. This blessing will be a source of great treasures of spiritual knowledge in your personal life, for your family, and to those whom you instruct and serve. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.

My Big Brother's Mission

I remember the day my brother left
The tears that filled my eyes
The respect I had for the things he taught
Made it hard to say goodbye

I told him I loved him and wished him well,
And watched him walk out the door.
I was confused about the things I felt,
For I had not felt them before.

Soon my tears turned to smiles as I waited each day
To hear about my brother’s success.
He said many listened but others did not.
So pray and wish me your best.

We prayed for my brother to find all the people
Who would truly follow him.
But as many would follow and heed on his words
Would unknowingly fall back to sin.

Being just a young boy I asked my brother,
“Why these people could not understand?”
He gently replied in his soft loving voice,
“They don’t understand who I am.”

My brother continued to teach all the people
Though their hatred for him ever grew.
Then they stopped him, and beat him, and bound him with cords
And questioned “What should we do?”

They took him before a court to be judged
By people with hearts full of lies.
They testified against my big brother.
As a sentence they condemned him to die.

I could not understand this decision they made.
Why must my big brother die?
I ran to my father to comfort me,
Only to see a tear in his eye.

I fought through the tears to question why
My big brother must suffer this way.
With love and affection my father said,
“To allow you to come back some day.”

A long time has passed but I cannot forget
The way in which my brother died.
He was nailed to a cross and lifted up
As a suffering silhouette in the sky.

My father then took me aside in his arms
With a stern voice but ever too soft.
He asked me to show my brother my love
And begin in the place he left off.

Anonymous

生命中沒有巧合

有一個小男孩跟他的父親走在山中，
A son and his father were walking on the mountains.

小男孩不小心趺倒了，忍不住痛的大叫了一聲" 哇......喔"
Suddenly， his son falls， hurts himself and screams: "AAAhhhhhhhhhhh!!!"

但是令他吃驚的是，他聽到了一個聲音從山中的某處傳出來，重覆他的聲音"哇.....喔"
To his surprise， he hears the voice repeating，somewhere in themountain: "AAAhhhhhh!!!"

他很好奇的大聲問"你是誰?"
Curious， he yells: "Who are you?"

結果他得到的答案也是 "你是誰?"
He receives the answer: "Who are you?"

小男孩生氣了，大聲地吼著"膽小鬼"
Angered at the response， he screams: "Coward!"

這一次得到的答案也是 "膽小鬼"
He receives the answer: "Coward!"

他很好奇的問他父親 "到底怎麼回事啊???"
He looks to his father and asks: "What's going on?"

父親笑笑的跟兒子說 "兒子啊， 注意聽喔"
The father smiles and says: "My son， pay attention."

父親大吼了一聲 " 我欽佩你"
And then he screams to the mountain: "I admire you!"

結果另一個聲音傳回來的也是 "我欽佩你"
The voice answers: "I admire you!"

同樣的，父親再一次大聲的說 "你是冠軍"
Again the man screams: "You are a champion!"

這個聲音也回答 "你是冠軍"
The voice answers: "You are a champion!"

小男孩感到非常的訝異，但又不解。
The boy is surprised， but does not understand.

此時父親向小男孩解釋說 "一般人們稱這是回音，但實際上這是'生命'"
Then the father explains: "People call this ECHO, but really this is LIFE.

你所說的做的每一件事最後都會回應到妳身上。
It gives you back everything you say or do.

我們的生命就是很簡單的回應我們所做過的事。
Our life is simply a reflection of our actions.

如果你要這個世界有更多的愛，那麼你就要在你的心中創造更多的愛。
If you want more love in the world, create more love in your heart.

如果你要你的團隊更優秀，那麼你也要先讓你自己更優秀。
If you want more competence in your team, improve your competence.

這樣的關係可以套用在每一件事上，在生命中的每一件事；
This relationship applies to everything, in all aspects of life；

生命，會回應給你每一件你曾做過的事。
Life will give you back everything you have given to it.

生命中沒有巧合，它就是你的反射!
YOUR LIFE IS NOT A COINCIDENCE. IT'S A REFLECTION OF YOU!

Forwarded by Yvonne Man

What is a Mormon?

An Editorial on Mormons
Santa Clarita, CA Newspaper
Editor, Paul Allen

I have heard and seen enough!
I have lived in the West all my life. I have worked around them. They have worked for me and I for them. When I was young, I dated their daughters. When I got married they came to my wedding. Now that I have daughters of my own, some of their boys have dated my daughters. I would be privileged if one of them were to be my son-in-law.

I'm talking about the Mormons.

They are some of the most honest, hard-working people I have ever known. They are spiritual, probably more than most other so-called religious people I have encountered. They study the Bible and teach from it as much as any Christian church ever has. They serve their religion without pay in every conceivable capacity. None of their leaders, teachers, counselors, Bishops or music directors receive one dime for the hours of labor they put in. The Mormons have a non-paid ministry -- a fact not generally known. I have heard many times from the pulpits of others how evil and non-Christian they are and that they will not go to heaven. I decided recently to attend one of their services near my home to see for myself.

What a surprise! What I heard and saw was just the opposite from what the religious ministers of the day were telling me. I found a very simple service with no fanfare. I found a people with a great sense of humor and a well-balanced spiritual side. There was no loud music. Just a simple service, with the members themselves giving the several short sermons.

They urge their youth to be morally clean and live a good life. They teach the gospel of Christ, as they understand it. The name of their church is "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." Does that sound like a non-Christian church to you? I asked them many questions about what they teach and why. I got answers that in most cases were from the New Testament. Their ideas and doctrines did not seem too far fetched for my understanding. When I read their "Book of Mormon" I was also very surprised to find just the opposite from what I had been told I would find.

Then I went to another church's pastor to ask him some of the same questions about doctrine. To my surprise, when he found out that I was in some way investigating the Mormons, he became hostile. He referred to them as a non-Christian cult. I received what sounded to me like evil propaganda against those people. He stated bluntly that they were not Christian and that they did not fit into the Christian mold. He also told me that they don't really believe the Bible. He gave me a pile of anti-Mormon >> literature. He began to rant that the Mormons were not telling me the truth about what they stand for. He didn't want to hear anything good about them.

At first I was surprised and then again, I wasn't I began to wonder. I have never known of a cult that supports the Boy Scouts of America. According to the Boy Scouts, over a third of all the Boy Scout troops in the United States are Mormon.

What cult do you know of that has a welfare system second to none in this country? They have farms, canneries and cattle ranches to help take care of the unfortunate ones who might be down and out and in need of a little help. The Mormon Church has donated millions to welfare causes around the world without a word of credit. They have donated thousands to help re-build Baptist churches that were burned a few years ago. They have donated tons of medical supplies to countries ravaged by earthquakes. You never see them on TV begging for money.

What cult do you know of that instills in its members to obey the law, pay their taxes, serve in the military if asked and be a good Christian by living high moral standards?

Did you know that hundreds of thousands of Mormon youth get up before high school starts in the morning to attend a religious training class? They have basketball and softball leagues and supervised youth dances every month. They are recruited by the FBI, the State Department and every police department in the country because they are trustworthy. They are taught not to drink nor take drugs. They are in the Secret Service - those who protect the President. They serve in high leadership positions from both parties in Congress and in the US Senate, and have been governors of several states other than Utah. They serve with distinction and honor.

If you have Mormons living near, you will probably find them to be your best friends and neighbors. They are Christians who try to live what they preach. They are not perfect and they are the first to admit this. I have known some of them who could not live their religion, just like many of us. The rhetoric which is spread around against them is nothing more than evil propaganda founded in untruths. (Others) had successfully demonized them to the point that the general public has no idea what they actually believe and teach. If you really want to know the truth, go see for yourself. You, also, will be surprised. When I first moved here some 25 years ago there were five Mormon wards in Santa Clarita. Now there are 15. They must be doing something right.

---------------------------------------------
Breathe deeply,
Serve selflessly,
Dance hysterically,
Smile sincerely,
Give innocently,
Sing completely,
Laugh abruptly,
Stretch daily,
Forgive immediately,
And love unconditionally.

Forwarded by Lucille Mok

體諒你身邊最愛的人

事情發生在美國的一所大學。
在快下課時教授對同學們說 "我和大家做個遊戲，誰願意配合我一下。"
一女生走上台來。
教授說 "請在黑板上寫下你難以割捨的二十個人的名字。"
女生照做了。有她的鄰居、朋友、親人等等。
教授說 "請你劃掉一個這?面你認為最不重要的人。"
女生劃掉了一個她鄰居的名字。
教授又說 "請你再劃掉一個。"
女生又劃掉了一個她的同事。
教授再說 "請你再劃掉一個。"
一生中最重要的人
女生又劃掉了一個。 ...... 最後，黑板上只剩下了三個人，她的父母、丈夫和孩子。
教室非常安靜，同學們靜靜的看著教授，感覺這似乎已不再是一個遊戲了。
教授平靜的說 "請再劃掉一個。"
女生遲疑著，艱難的做著選擇...... 她舉起粉筆，劃掉了父母的名字。
"請再劃掉一個。"身邊又傳來了教授的聲音。
她驚呆了，顫巍巍地舉起粉筆緩慢而堅決的又劃掉了兒子的名字。
緊接著，她哇的一聲哭了，樣子非常痛苦。
教授等她平靜了一下，問道 "和你最親的人應該是你的父母和你的孩子，因為父母是養育的人，孩子是你親生的，而丈夫是可以重新再尋找的，為什麼丈夫反倒是你最難割捨的人呢？"
同學們靜靜地看著她，等待著她的回答。
女生平靜而又緩慢地說道 "隨著時間的推移，父母會先我而去，孩子長大成人後肯定也會離我而去，真正陪伴我度過一生的只有 我的丈夫。"

forwarded by Kitty Yiu

晨霧, 一個迷離, 夢幻, 淒美的寧靜心世界......

晨霧(Early Mist)-看後令人很舒服呀!記得開喇叭
http://myweb.hinet.net/home15/rachel0712/mist.htm

Do also click the DSL at the end.

I do hope all you enjoy to see and listen to the music in it.

Best wishes,

Veronica Kwok
28.12.2005

潘曉輝見證 (1988 我在運動場協助執拾鐵餅，標槍插中了我的頭)

一九八八年，我在運動場協助執拾「鐵餅」，那時我正唸中一。當在蹲下來的時候，突然聽到右面有一把很悽厲的女聲，在我嘗試轉頭望過去時，我感覺到我的頭被一些東西撞上，接下來的景像十分恐怖，我發覺有一支東西在我頭?搖下搖下，那時我還不懂得害怕，直到我感到有些暖的液體流到面上，那時我還以為是被同學愚弄，向我擲暖水蛋，或是被雀鳥的糞便擊中，救援人員要鋸斷我頭上的標槍，才能弄我上救護車，但那時他們沒有電鋸，只有用人手鋸，在這過程中，標槍搖擺著，所以我頭上的洞可不小呢！我被標槍插中了，當時我躺在草地上，看著藍天白雲，臭著青草的氣味，就暈倒了。當我醒過來時，已經過了二十三天了，其中在心切治療病房住了十七天，在腦科病房住了幾天，那時我半身癱瘓，平常人慣常的動作我也不能做，當我的腳從床上放到地上時，我還是感到自己的半邊身躺在床上，我的身體就像分開了兩部份，那感覺十分難，我一醒過來，就有一隊醫護人員衝進來。

二、重新學習

那時我首先要重新學習講說話，過程十分困難，因此，你能夠講說話、聽到聲音和明白我所說的話，是應該感恩的，?M後要學的是「坐」，原來要坐好，你要用超過一百片骨頭和肌肉，再加上腦部的控制，在學習過程中，我多年滑倒在地上，於是醫護人員就用繩把我綁在椅子上，幫助我學習，那時我的記憶力、精神和身體狀況都不對勁，那時我面前身體的缺憾，十分絕望，事實上，我能夠全完康復的機會十分渺茫，我們現在可以在這?見面，算是奇蹟，因為據當時的救護人員說，我的呼吸和心跳已經停頓，只是靠他們的急救和機器的輔助。大家可想而知，原本是蹦蹦跳跳，夏天時常去游泳，冬天時常去打籃球的「波牛」，突然連自己的身體也控制不了，去X所也要人幫助，不能夠自己拿水來喝，我心是多麼難受。

三、面對歧視

到了後期，可以回到學校了，心?期待著快樂的校園生活，怎料會被一些頑皮的同學取笑，當年傳媒稱我「輝仔」，但他們叫我「跛仔」、「龜仔」等等，有一次被同學愚弄，我們分組做功課，功課完成後，他們竟然不寫我的名字在功課上。我常常被別人誤解，我兩隻眼的左邊視力都喪失了，這帶給我很多麻煩，我現在左手配戴了手架，協助我左手的控制，加上手筋變緊了，所以有時左手會抽起來，走在街上的時候，我可能碰到柱子，不?祖煽N碰到人，被人大罵一頓，或是被人當作是色魔，有些人被我碰過之後就摸摸身上的衣袋，看看有沒有東西不見了，有一次，我不自覺地纏上了一位女士的手袋，她凶神惡煞地看著我，以為我要搶她手袋，有一次過馬路非常危險，我只聽?>引擎聲從左面傳來，於是往左一看，一輛計程車差點就撞上的膝蓋了。在一次，我在巴士的走廊上跌倒了，但一直沒有人理會我，當時是上學時間，車上大部分都是中學生，他們都趕著上學，跨過我就算了，最後由一對公公婆婆扶起我。那時，我的自尊心和尊嚴都沒有了，我的青少年階段就這樣過去了。我也被傳媒追迫和誹謗，別人也信以為真，指著我罵。這十多年的確面對過不少的困難，你可能會問：「既然這麼辛苦，為什麼還要生存下去呢？生命是為了什麼呢？」那時我在醫院常常問：「我的身體變成這樣，我還可以做什麼呢？」我想來想去也想不通，直到我想起一件事。

四、經歷死亡

在我昏迷期，我感受不到地心吸力，好像在一個空間上飄浮，那空間很恐怖，漆黑一片，伸手不見五指，在那環境當中，我感到絕望、無助、憂慮、徬徨，我心想：「這次應該是大件事了！」我意識到死亡，我看見這個世界，但這個世界的人看不見我，我心想：「既然要離開世界了，究竟誰是神？」小時候，我的家人是拜偶像的，我就讀於天主教小學和基督教中學，在那空間中，我大叫：「神啊，我不知道你是誰，但如果你是真的話，你就救救我吧！」結果沒有回應，我繼續在那空間?飄浮，過了一段時間，我看見很遠的地?>有一點光，我就向那光飄去，去到的時候，才發現它是一個洞，我立時就穿過去，去了另一個空間，那是一個很光，很美，很舒服的地方，但我仍然有一個問題，就是究竟我會往哪?去，我不知道我正在往天堂還是地獄，於是我心想：「不如找人問路吧！」我看見遠處有一個人影，我飛了過去，在過程中，我有幾樣發現：一、愈接近他，我就愈感覺到溫暖、被接納和平安。
二、我發現那空間的所有光都是從他發出來的。
三、我發現原來他比我大得很，我就像一隻螞蟻站在人的身旁那樣，我接近他的時候，他在我面前大得像一堵牆，但我知道那是靈體。這些好像聖經所說的，神就是光，神是個靈，我開始體驗到聖經記載的真實。小時候，我以為看見上帝就必定是已經死了，那時我心想：「十三歲就死？不是早了點嗎？」於?O我問上帝：「上帝啊，這是否就是我的結局？」在祂回答我這個問題之前，我在心?問了兩個問題，祂都回答了我，第一個問題是：「你是誰？」祂回答：「我就是你要找的神了！」我再問祂：「你是誰？」祂回答：「我的名叫耶和華。」我那時知道耶和華是聖經所說的神，我知道祂是誰了，就放膽開口問了那個問題，然後在我面前有很多圖畫快速飄過，但我看得很清楚，那些是我受傷前的生活片段，我還知道圖畫中自己的思想和感受，祂對我說：「未！你還要回去，你還有事要做。」我原本還想留在那?，因為那地方實在?>好了，但祂這句話就像一個軍官對一個士兵下命令，痗}始向後移，回到現實，感到地心吸力，發現自己躺在床上。

五、活出真義

這經歷讓我明白到，人死後仍會有靈魂，這個世界是有神的，祂就是聖經所說的耶和華上帝，此外，我也經驗到神是光和靈，和啟示錄所說的──人死後要看見在生時的經歷，我還知道，我們的生死是由上帝掌管的，回想起這件事，我知道雖然我遇上很多困難，但神仍然看顧著我，祂要我回到世上做點事，我相信我今天仍然活在世上是有意義的，我相信每個人在世上生存都是有功能的。我回到世上來，身體很軟弱，有一大班基督徒常常來探望我，有失明的，有正在面對公開試的，我在他們身上看見無私的愛心，這愛是從上帝那?來的。我也漸漸發現上帝是聽禱告的，每次我有困難，流淚禱告的時候，神就給我支持，甚至有時「差派」人來幫助我，鼓勵我，我愈來愈發覺這個信仰是很真實的，是很重要的。

六、凡事謝恩

幸福並不是必然，我在醫院?住了差不多半年，見過不少古怪的病症，見到很多病人沒有人來探望他們，所以我們要珍惜身邊的家人和朋友，也要珍惜自己的身體，我學習到知足常樂，中國人常常說這句話，其實聖經早就告訴我們這個道理了：「只要有衣有食，就?>知足。」(提前六8)我們都有衣有食，這幾年我有機會到中國大陸的遍遠山區作一些義務工作，我看見他們乏衣服和食物。保羅說：「我並不是因缺乏說這 話，我無論在甚麼景況都可以知足，這是我已經學會了。」(腓四11)知足是需要學習的，感謝神讓我漸漸學習到知足，保羅也說：「不但如此，就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。」(羅五3)這並不困難，只要你把自己的觀點角度調校就做o到了，讓我給你一個實例，?痦{在站在這?，雙腳是有點痛的，因為骨骼已經磨損了，但我仍然很快樂，因為我可以站起來與大家分享，我曾經只能躺在床上，也曾經要坐輪椅，我很珍惜自己能站起來。此外，我也珍惜痛的感覺，因為我的左手是沒有感覺的，曾經受傷流血也不察覺，所以痛的感覺是很重要的，我看過一則新聞，說有一個小孩子吸吮手指，後來竟把手指吃掉了，經過研究後，發現他原來並沒痛的感覺，所以你們的感覺都是有其功用的，例如冷和肚子餓。所以我們要珍惜每一樣東西。我也學習到「凡事謝恩」，我為到我身體能站立而感恩，在生活中的大部分時間，我都只能用單手，我是以單手控制電腦的，我也用單手打領帶、綁鞋帶、剪指甲，我視覺上的困難也帶來很多不便，但為我為我的視力感恩，這「凡事謝恩」的態度是從何而來的呢？這是一個很有趣和吊詭的問題。

今天的主題是「保守我生命」，聖經說我們有身體和靈魂，我們的靈魂在死後仍然存在，這是真實的，有病人死去多個小時甚至多天後還能活過來，這些病人的經歷和我的很相似，他們知道死後靈魂的存在，就更加珍惜生命，也改變了人生觀，他們會為死後而作打?漶A我們很多時為現世計劃，但我們很少為死後而計劃，這是很重要的，聖經說若我們跟從神，相信耶穌，就會有永恆的生命，永遠與神一起，所以，我們要保守我們的靈魂，箴?>說：「你要保守你心，勝過保守一切，因為一生的果效，是由心發出。」(箴四23)我們要保守我們的心，就要「一無掛慮，只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝，將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安，必在基督耶穌裡，保守你們的心懷意念。」(腓四6-7)首先，你要相信神，盼望大家擁有喜樂和豐盛的生命，因為耶穌說：「我來了，是要叫羊得生命，並且得的更豐盛。」(約十10)我們很多時會被以往的成功或失敗影響，但聖經教導我們要「忘記背後，努力面前的，向著標竿直跑，要得神在基督耶穌裡從上面召我來得的獎賞。」(腓三13-14)原來神早已揀選了我們，而且已為我們準備了禮物，我們是否願意接受這禮物呢？

願大家能得著這豐盛的生命，願神祝福大家。

Forwarded by Kitty YIU

No God...No Peace Know God...Know Peace

I have read a great article forwarded from my friend, Misheky Tsang. I have the same thought as the reader. I do know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the best church in the world. Sometimes, I thought if the church was not the best, I would not be a full-time missionary for the Church for 2 years. Before I served as a missionary, I have gradurated from university. I could start to earn money in my career but I just saved a little money and went to the mission field. I never regret to be a servant for my Lord Jesus Christ. I love the work because I have learnt how to give unconditional love to the strangers and exercise faith in the God. From the 2-year experience, I learn how to transfer the wonderful knowledge to my career. I love my job because I work with the wonderful and faithful staff. All of them is the church members. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is so amazing and wonderful. It gives me an eternal vision. Therefore, I will share with you by quoting the whole article here.

'Saw this sign at a Church and liked it:

No God...No Peace
Know God...Know Peace

Sometime ago in a local newspaper in Provo, Utah, there was an ongoing series of articles written by individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church members to leave the Church. In response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a local member wrote this rebuttal:-----------------

Editor:
I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even
with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the...

Gathering of the House of Israel; The return of the Ten Tribes and their mission;
The return of the Jews to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple;
The building of temples and what to do with them; The mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; The method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah, in the flood; The origin of the American Indian; The complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal mother but not a mortal father; The explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; The complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); The restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; The belief in eternal marriage and the family,
and the knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; That teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.

Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I
will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be
able to motivate 50,000 youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their
homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach without salary.

It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors, students, lawyers,
doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go and pick apples at
6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for two hours of more than 150,000 men. Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is assured for children who die before eight years of age.

Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings solace, comfort to the soul, peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain; the absolute need for a Redeemer and the marvelous plan conceived and executed by Jesus Christ the Savior?

Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that and also that has the organization
and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church. For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormon - even if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses - for, after all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to do all the chores on earth?

Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't get
sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there. No, sir. A
Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it, and only
perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect that it
should not even be here on earth!

So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this imperfect letter knows about another Church that teaches and does as much for mankind as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go to the cannery is coming up.

Also, "they" want my last son - the fifth one - to go away for two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again, and it is our side that must build the new chapel.

And also, someone the other day had the gall of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come back, they said, you can volunteer as a temple worker. Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no charge!"...

Do you think you can help me to find another church?

Thomas D. Clark

I'm special

I'm special. In all the world there is nobody like me. Since the begining of time, there has never been another person like me. Nobody has my smile. Nobody has my eyes, my nose, my hair, my hands, my voice. I'm special. No one can be found who has my handwriting. Nobody anywhere has my tastes -- for food or music or art. No one sees things just as I do. In all of time there has been no one who laughs like me, no one who cries like me. And what makes me laugh and cry will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else, ever.

No one reacts to any situation just as I would react. I'm special. I���m the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities. Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I���m good at, but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the symphony sound when all are played together.

I���m special. I���m rare and as in all rarity, there is great value. Because of my great rare value, I need not attempt to imitate others. I will accept ��� yes, celebrate my differences.

I���m special. And I���m beginning to realize it���s no accident that I���m special. I���m beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose. He must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I. Out of all the billions of applicants, only one is qualified, only one has the right combination of what it takes.

That one is me, Because ��� I���m special.

Anonymous

Turning to the Savior in Adversity

In our premortal existence we shouted for joy at the prospect of coming to earth, where we would obtain a physical body, gain experience, and be tested. Part of this testing experience, we knew, would be afflictions of body and spirit.Everyone struggles with adversity: illness, accidents, death of loved ones, and trials of all kinds that sometimes leave us wondering if we have the strength to carry on. President Brigham Young assures us, however, that ���every vicissitude we pass through is necessary for experience and example, and for preparation to enjoy that reward which is for the faithful��� (Teaching of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 262).As we look heavenward for understanding and help, we can find comfort in knowing that a loving Father will not leave us alone in our hour of need (see D&C 24:8). Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, speaking in October 1998 general conference, reported on his experience and thoughts following his third heart attack, which required bypass surgery. During the time he was lying in a hospital bed and later convalescing at home, he pondered the meaning of life and the eternities. As he endured physical pain, he also thought of the deeper pain and anguish of the soul. He came to realize how important many types of caregivers are to the healing process: doctors, nurses, therapists, a loving spouse, parents, children, and friends. ���The Lord is the ultimate caregiver,��� he reflected. ���We must surrender ourselves to the Lord. In doing so, we give up whatever is causing our pain and turn everything over to Him��� (���Healing Soul and Body,��� ENSIGN, Nov. 1998, 16).In surrendering ourselves to the Lord, we need to actively seek His assistance. Prayer and fasting, scriptures study, temple attendance, priesthood and patriarchal blessings, assistance from home teachers and visiting teachers, counsel from parents or priesthood leaders are all effective ways of exercising faith in Jesus Christ, learning His will, and receive His blessing. As we seek the Lord���s help, we need to recognize that He may not always remove our trials. But He will always help us find the strength to endure them.In the most sublime manifestation of love, the Savior took upon Himself the burden of our sins and infirmities, that through the power of His Atonement we can find healing and happiness.Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified: ���Safety, peace, joy, and security are found only in the life and mission of Jesus Christ, the Son of Almighty God���.���Does that mean we will not have turmoil or personal problems or sickness or family challenges or employment difficulties? Not at all. But it does mean that if our faith is anchored securely in our testimonies of Christ, we will be able to cope with whatever adversity comes our way���.If we keep the eye of faith focused on Christ, we gain a broader view and an eternal perspective, and with that we can understand adversity from within the context of Heavenly Father���s eternal plan for all of His children��� (���When shall these things be?��� ENSIGN, Dec. 1996, 61).