Could it be this
But it is in the local Bahá'í communities that
the most widespread presentation of the Faith can take place. It is here that
the real pattern of Bahá'í life can be seen. It is here that the power of
Bahá'u'lláh to organize human affairs on a basis of spiritual unity can be most
apparent. Every Local Spiritual Assembly which unitedly strives to grow in
maturity and efficiency and encourages its community to fulfil its destiny as a
foundation stone of Bahá'u'lláh's World Order can add to a growing ground swell
of interest in and eventual recognition of the Cause of God as the sole hope for
mankind.
(The Universal House of Justice, Messages
1963 to 1986, p. 667)
Systematic teaching initiated by individuals
or organized by institutions has always been most effective when the central
message put before the seekers is the station of Bahá'u'lláh and His redeeming
power.
(International Teaching Centre, 1992 May
09, Inviting Seekers to Embrace the Cause)
Effort, activity, unity and constant reliance on
the power of Bahá'u'lláh will assuredly overcome all obstacles.
(The Universal House of Justice, 1983 Sept
01, On Steps to Spiritual Growth)
A sharp distinction between that community and
that people must be made, and resolutely and fearlessly upheld, if we wish to
give due recognition to the transmuting power of the Faith of Bahá'u'lláh, in
its impact on the lives and standards of those who have chosen to enlist under
His banner. Otherwise, the supreme and distinguishing function of His
Revelation, which is none other than the calling into being of a new race of
men, will remain wholly unrecognized and completely obscured." It is the
far-reaching, transformative implications of this distinction which we
especially invite you to contemplate.
(The Universal House of Justice, 1988 Dec
29, Individual Rights and Freedoms, p. 2)
The power released by Bahá'u'lláh works at a
quickening pace, speeding the processes of change which must usher in the new
order He proclaimed. The declining state of society demonstrates it, the global
yearning for new solutions to human problems confirms it. Much is at stake: the
fortunes of humankind hang precariously in the balance. The Bahá'í community
bears grave responsibilities towards the near and far future as movement toward
the Lesser Peace accelerates. Now is the time for the friends to seize new
opportunities to extend the range and influence of the Faith, to reach a new
level of action in expanding the community and fortifying its foundations. It is
indeed time for audacious action undeterred by a fear of mistakes, fired by the
urgency of ministering to the pressing needs of humanity. Will the American
Bahá'í community not see its chance to meet the challenge? Will its members not
once again blaze a trail that can set in motion a myriad victories?
(The Universal House of Justice, 1994 May
19, response to US NSA)
"Difficult and delicate though be our task," he
continues, "the sustaining power of Bahá'u'lláh and of His Divine guidance will
assuredly assist us if we follow steadfastly in His way, and strive to uphold
the integrity of His laws. The light of His redeeming grace, which no earthly
power can obscure, will, if we persevere, illuminate our path, as we steer our
course amid the snares and pitfalls of a troubled age, and will enable us to
discharge our duties in a manner that would redound to the glory and the honour
of His blessed Name."
(The Universal House of Justice, 1998 Dec
16, Traditional practices in Africa)
With the coming of Bahá'u'lláh, spiritual powers
of limitless magnitude are available to the believer, to reinforce his
endeavours to free himself from evil influences Through recourse to prayer,
consultation with the Bahá'í institutions and obedience to their instructions,
and through wholehearted participation in Bahá'í community life, a believer may
partake of the life-giving and healing spirit which has been released to the
world with the coming of the Manifestation.
(The Universal House of Justice, 1998 Dec
16, Traditional practices in Africa)
The powers released by Bahá'u'lláh match the
needs of the times. We may therefore be utterly confident that the new throb of
energy now vibrating throughout the Cause will empower it to meet the oncoming
challenges of assisting, as maturity and resources allow, the development of the
social and economic life of peoples, of collaborating with the forces leading
towards the establishment of order in the world, of influencing the exploitation
and constructive uses of modern technology, and in all these ways enhancing the
prestige and progress of the Faith and uplifting the conditions of the
generality of mankind.
(The Universal House of Justice, Messages
1963 to 1986, p. 576)The powers released by Bahá'u'lláh match the needs of the
times. We may therefore be utterly confident that the new throb o
