No Coincidences

Tag: sacrament

Doctrine vs. Practice
I want to go over something I’ve always had a hard time understanding.

What is a doctrine? What are the core doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? What is the difference between a doctrine and a practice?

Doctrines and practices are much different, though they often get confused.

The simplest way I learned to differentiate a doctrine from a practice is this simple rule: A doctrine is eternal, it never changes. Practices can be changed.

According to the First Presidency, there are three guidelines to follow when determining if something is a doctrine or just a practice:
1. Doctrine is eternal, never changing.
2. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve is unified on a doctrinal subject.
3. Doctrines are salvific, it is pertinent to our salvation.
It’s important to remember that these criteria don’t necessarily confirm something is doctrine. Just because the 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve are unified on the subject DOES NOT necessarily make it a doctrine.

Let’s look at a couple examples.

The sacrament that we take each week is a practice. It has changed in multiple ways over time, throughout history. For example, it used to be the practice of the church to use wine for the sacrament. We now use water. This is just one example of how the sacrament has changed over time.

The doctrine associated with the sacrament would be the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is eternal and never changing. It is a doctrine.

Priesthood is a doctrine but who holds it is a practice. The priesthood itself is eternal. It is God’s power on the earth. In 2018 we saw a change in who can hold the priesthood when the required age changed from 12 years to 11 years. Another example is when the sons of Aaron were the only holders of the priesthood before it was opened up to the Gentiles in this dispensation. This makes who holds the priesthood a principle.

I know what you’re thinking. Does that mean women can/should/will one day hold the priesthood independent of any man? I don’t know. I won’t delve into that anymore at this time. I will just say, it will take a revelation from God for that to happen.

In conclusion, I would like to share the 9 basic doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ. These doctrines are:

9 core doctrines:
1. Godhead
2. Plan of Salvation
3. Atonement of Jesus Christ
4. Dispensation, Apostasy, and Restoration
5. Prophets and Revelation
6. Priesthood and Priesthood Keys
7. Ordinances and Covenants
8. Marriage and Family
9. Commandments
July 25, 2024
Talk – How can I show faith in Jesus Christ more in my daily life?
I recently shared Beth’s amazing talk given on the natural man being an enemy to God. That can be read by clicking HERE.

The following week I was asked to give a talk on the topic, “how can I show faith in Jesus Christ more in my daily life?” I thought I’d share that as well. My written talk was more of an outline, but here were my notes.

Introduction

Good morning!

If you were here last week then you saw my wife already introduce us when she spoke. For those that weren’t here, I am Brayden Quackenbush. My wife goes by Beth, and we have a 1-year-old daughter named Ivy.

Brother Patterson commented after Beth spoke last week, quote “Clearly you, like me, have married up.” So of course, the Bishopric has asked me to speak today, more likely for you to see that principle of marrying up in action for yourself as opposed to any spiritual enlightenment I am meant to impart. I hope along with demonstrating the marrying up principle, my talk can also provide some uplifting spiritual content for you today.

Topic – faith

The topic I was asked to speak on today is, “How can I show faith in Jesus Christ more in my daily life?”

Let’s start with the what. What is faith?

Hebrews 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks said QUOTE: “‘Faith without works is dead.’ But ‘Works without faith is even deader.’”

How do we increase our faith?

Read the scriptures every day. Pray every day. Go to church each week. Serve others. Go to the temple.

For those of you that have zoned out – Okay, let’s take a quick pause. I know I’ve lost most of you. You’re thinking, great, he started his talk with 5 things I’ve heard 1 MILLION times. And then you started zoning out. Come back to me for a second. I’ll say it again for those who REALLY zoned out. Come back to me.

I could go on and on with quotes about what faith is and give ideas you’ve heard over and over and over about how to increase your faith and be exemplary latter-day saints. In my time back at church, I’ve learned that personal experiences are powerful. Repetition is good. There’s a reason we hear the same things over and over. Read scriptures, pray daily, go to church, attend the temple. Of course, these things are good and of course these things are important.

How?

But HOW do we really show more faith in Jesus Christ in our daily lives. – This is an interesting question – how? How is so independent of anyone else’s how. How isn’t a hypothetical. It’s an action. Faith is a principle of action. For that reason, I can’t tell YOU how to live with more faith in Jesus Christ. What I can do is tell you what has helped me.

It always benefits me to hear of others’ habits, stories, experiences and how they strengthened their faith. I hope some of my thoughts can help someone here today.

A little background about me – I spent 7 years of my life, from age 18-25 with zero church activity. I was about as far from the church as I could be.

It was wholesome books brought me back. Books that started making me ask the questions – why am I here? Where am I going?

The books that most impacted my journey back to church, and influenced my faith in Jesus Christ were Visions of Glory by John Pontius, Jesus the Christ by James E. Talmage, and of course, the Book of Mormon.

To increase our faith, we must know in whom our faith resides. That is Jesus Christ. This is the first how I suggest, that helped me. President Russell M. Nelson has repeatedly implored us to study the life of Jesus Christ, understand His ministry, understand His life, understand Him. With more of an understanding of Him, more love for Him will naturally develop, and it will become easier to follow Him and act in faith.

What other how’s have helped me in my daily life?

I’ve mentioned I want to focus on faith being a principle of action. If you have faith in Christ, it should move you towards action.

For me, after knowing who my faith resides in, it’s helped to be conscious of what I want to accomplish. Showing more faith in Christ daily needs to be a conscious goal.
1. Daily affirmations
  - The cartoonist behind Dilbert, his name is Scott Adams, he talks about a habit he developed in his early 20s. What he did was, every single day, he wrote 15 times a statement over and over. For example, “I Scott Adams will become a famous cartoonist.” This was before he’d ever written a comic. Most of you have heard of Dilbert. His second affirmation was “I Scott Adams will write a bestselling book.” He also accomplished this goal.
  - Write what you want to accomplish in your relationship with Jesus Christ, your family, or your greatest desire. The act of writing it each day will make it a focus in your life.
  - Examples could be: I will love others. I will be a loving father/mother. I will increase my faith in Jesus Christ. I will bring others unto Jesus Christ. I will return to live with my Heavenly Father.
  - This makes this a focus every single day. How did Scott Adams become a famous cartoonist? Faith. Now he wouldn’t say it, but that’s what he did. He put something out there, he focused on it every single day for years and he made it a reality.
  - Make your faith a focus in your life.
2. This leads to another how – focus on your thoughts.
  - A book I read recently stated that rock is sculpted one chip at a time. Concrete is poured then molded. People are formed one thought at a time.
  - I hope the daily affirmations example shows the power in our thoughts.
  - Guard every thought. Any time a judgmental or unkind thought enters your mind, remove it. Remove impatience. Remove anger. It is possible. Our thoughts are ours to control. Once you control the negative thoughts, move to loving thoughts. Keeping your thoughts focused on God and Jesus Christ as much as possible will help.
  - Matthew 22:37-39 “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.”
3. The third thing that has helped me is to study the scriptures with a purpose.
  - I have a close friend who is not a member of this church. He has read the Book of Mormon multiple times and doesn’t believe it’s divinely inspired. He believes it was written by a man and not translated by a prophet of God. I’ve read the Book of Mormon every day for 4 years alongside an online commentary noting every time I find something from Hugh Nibley or some other LDS scholar that can’t be explained by an uneducated farm boy writing the Book of Mormon. The note in my phone now includes well over 100 notes that can’t be explained by an ignorant farm boy writing the Book of Mormon. Each day I’m excited to find another unexplainable feature of the Book of Mormon. That strategy has worked for me. But I invite you to think about something that can make you interested and excited to read a little scripture each day. By the way, if you’re interested in seeing my list of “proofs” I would love to share them. It strengthens my testimony of this work and of the love Jesus Christ has for us in providing these “proofs” of the divine nature of the Book of Mormon to those who seek them.
4. A fourth, and to me personally, the most important thing that has helped me with my faith is to feel the atonement of Jesus Christ.
  - Can you feel your love and appreciation for Christ and His gospel? Really feel it, inside of you. Feel the emotion of it. For some, your conversion moment may be so long ago that you haven’t thought about it in a long time. Remember what it was like to realize this was true. Think about the comfort it brought you. Remember the feeling of knowing that Christ died for you, and He allowed you all this. Family, love, peace, eternity: It’s because of Him. Close your eyes. Remember that moment. Feel that moment. Do that often.
  - The best time to feel this appreciation for Jesus Christ is during the sacrament, it’s why we partake of the sacrament – to remember Him.
  - You need to feel, truly feel, what Christ has done for you. I’ve had more of a challenge doing this during the sacrament since my daughter Ivy entered my life. Sometimes I miss the quiet time of closing my eyes and thinking about what Christ did for me that day 2000 years ago. But then recently I’ve found an amazing substitute. During the sacrament I’ve found it extremely beneficial to stare at my daughter. I think about not only what Christ did for me, but I remember that He gave her to me, He saved her, and He allows her to be mine forever. If you aren’t brought to the verge of tears every so often when you partake of the sacrament or think about what Christ did for you, you NEED to think about it more. Focus on it and feel it.
  - We’ll be taking the sacrament in a few minutes. I invite you to focus on Christ. Think where you’d be without Him. Think about what He’s done for you eternally. Eternal glory, forgiveness, love, peace for ALL eternity. Have you thought about the word eternity? Forever. That’s what He’s given you. Feel it in your heart and thank Him with all your might, mind, and strength.
5. The fifth important part of my faith has been to repent daily. There is always something to repent for, no matter how good we think we are, we always fall short, and that’s ok. Because of Him.
That concludes my how’s of developing and strengthening faith daily, but I hope you can search out your own.

Why?

The last thing I’d like to talk about is the why. Why do we need to develop more faith? Why does our faith matter?

When this work truly touches your heart, what do you do?

In a book called Faith in the Service of about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the armed forces, a U.S. Air Force Chaplain gave the simple quote: “I am a convert to the gospel, and I am indebted to the missionaries who saved me spiritually.”

Do you consider your membership of this church being spiritually saved?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland when speaking of the Apostle John’s great desire to remain on the earth said:

“The Apostle John asked the Lord if he, John, might remain on the earth beyond the normal span of life for no other purpose than to bring more souls unto God. In granting that wish, the Savior said that this was ‘a greater work’ and a nobler ‘desire’ even than that of desiring to come into the presence of the Lord ‘speedily.’”

From the book Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Like all prophets and apostles, the Prophet Joseph Smith understood the deep meaning of John’s request when he said, ‘After all that has been said, [our] greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.’”

I’ll ask again the question; do you consider your membership to this church as being spiritually and eternally saved? You have been saved by Christ. Then save others. If you saw someone on the roadside bruised and bleeding, would you help them? And yet we’re surrounded by masses of people missing what we have. They’re not physically bruised and bleeding. Worse, they’re spiritually bruised and bleeding. Reach out, share your faith, love, serve, share a Book of Mormon, have a real conversation, invite to church, invite to an activity. Many people don’t want to be saved because they don’t know they’re drowning. That’s fine. You still cast out a life jacket. The world is lonely, the world is sad, the world is divisive, the world is angry, the world is hurt. And we have Jesus Christ in our lives. To whom much is given much is expected. And we, us, you, here in this room, you have been given as much or more than most individuals in all of human history. Think about that for a moment. Billions and billions of God’s children and you live now, in Arizona, in the United States, in a free country, with the saving ordinances of Jesus Christ in your life. You live with a knowledge of God as your father, you live in the dispensation of all times, the fullness, You are peaceful, you are happy. Many of us are prosperous spiritually as well as physically. And more important than all the physical benefits of our existence – you know where you come from, why you’re here, and where you’re going. To whom much is given. Has anyone ever been so blessed as us in this room?

When we feel how truly blessed we are, when this gospel and the love of Jesus Christ touches your heart, what do you do next? You share it.

Don’t be discouraged by the world we live in today. Even Christ was rejected by many. Many are called and few are chosen could also apply to the masses that don’t want to come unto Christ. It is still our sacred duty and loving responsibility to share it.

I hope that we can strengthen our faith in Christ through righteous habits. Make it a conscious decision. Guard our thoughts. Study with purpose. Feel the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Repent daily. These have helped me. I hope we all can find our own ways to show more faith in Jesus Christ. And when we do, and our faith is strengthened, strengthen others.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
June 2, 2022
A Scripture as important to Latter-day Saints as it would be to the Ancient Jews

One of my favorite scriptures of all time is 2 Nephi 25:26 which reads:

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophesies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”

A common criticism that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receives from other sects of Christianity, often Protestant groups, is that the Church teaches works as a form of salvation taking precedence over faith.

As I read the Book of Mormon with this criticism in mind, I’m struck by how clearly the Book of Mormon teaches this principle – that faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is (as far as I know, open to correction) the only church with an explanation on how faith in Jesus Christ alone can result in being saved.

Saved, or immortality, is different from Eternal life and salvation. All of God’s children who choose to be saved, will be saved, for He loves us all. You can be saved by simply having faith in Jesus Christ, no works needed. To attain all that the Father has to give, eternal life and salvation in His Kingdom for eternity, you must follow Him, and do what He asks of you. For without works faith is dead (James 2:26).

Sometimes I think the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints would be benefitted immensely by reading verses 26 and 27 of 2 Nephi chapter 25 every single day. I think if we each did this, it would help us to re-orient ourselves and never lose sight of what is most important – faith in the Lord, or Savior, Jesus Christ.

The below scripture is what I am referring to in the title of this post. This scripture is as important to latter-day saints today as it was to the ancient Jews:

Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.”
2 Nephi 25:27

I believe this scripture to be extremely important to latter-day saints. The ancient Jews lost sight of Jesus Christ. They looked to the law for salvation.

I bear my testimony that I do not believe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has lost sight of Jesus Christ. His name is the name of our church, His prophet has implored us to use His name, our leaders preach of Jesus Christ, prophesy of Jesus Christ, teach of Jesus Christ, emphasize Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints points us to Jesus Christ.

It is we, the members, I think, that need to read verse 27 often. What is the law without Jesus Christ? I fear that sometimes church members become focused on the wrong things. Temple attendance for temple attendance’s sake. Church service because it’s their duty. Serving in church callings to keep up appearance as a faithful latter-day saint. Partaking of the sacrament in a rote, mindless manner, not considering what it really means.

I know I am at fault when it comes to some of the things I’ve just listed. Sometimes I lose sight of Jesus Christ. Sometimes I lose sight of what this is all really about.

I’ve been back in church activity for 5 years now. My first couple years of returned church activity were so Christ focused. They were Christ focused because it was all I had. He was all I had. He was my strength, and He was everything. I felt His forgiveness so potently because I’d so recently experienced it with such power. As my church activity has steadied and become consistent, I’ve found myself relying on church activities, social events, friendships, and making my appearance as a faithful member. These things aren’t necessarily bad, but they can be. If they distract from Jesus Christ, they distract from the point. If I get distracted from Jesus Christ, I am missing the mark.

What is the law without faith in He who the law points to?

I think we could all benefit from a consistent study of verse 2 Nephi 25:27.

Why do we do what we do? Is it for love? Is it to serve Jesus Christ? Is it to remember Jesus Christ, worship Jesus Christ, thank Jesus Christ?

When is the last time you thought about all your sins and what Jesus Christ did for you at Gethsemane and on the cross? For me, it’s been far too long since I’ve been brought to tears considering that event. I’m glad I’m writing this because in doing exactly that, remembering what He’s done for me, and feeling it in my heart, tears are inevitable.

Remember why we go to church, the temple, and serve. It’s for Him. Not because we have to but because we want to. Not because it will get us into heaven but because we love Him. Salvation is through Jesus Christ. If we go to the temple 5 days a week without Him in mind, we are wasting our time.

Without Jesus Christ, all of it: temple worship, baptism, sacrament, service; it’s all for naught. All these things point to Him. Without Him as our focus all the items listed above are dead works.

This is the misconception of other faiths, that we go to the temple to substitute for Jesus Christ. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. We go to the temple because of Jesus Christ.

I think every once in a while, it’s important we re-center our focus and remember what it’s all about.

I hope and pray that we continue to steadfastly talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, and bring others unto Christ, that we always remember to what source we may look for a remission of our sins.

August 5, 2021
Organized Religion
What do you think the point of organized religion is?

I had an obvious realization recently, only recently. The point of organized religion is to bring you closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. If organized religion doesn’t bring you closer to God, then why do it? I think it’s why we see so many people disenfranchised with organized religion. In their hearts and souls, they know and hope what organized religion will bring – closeness with God. When it doesn’t do that (and in fact sometimes does the opposite) they move away from it.

The second point of organized religion: to bring us peace.

This second part isn’t as simple as “I belong to a church so I am happy and peaceful.” We know that Christianity is not always comfortable. This peace is bigger than worldly comfort. This peace is the knowledge that you are right with God. This peace is more eternal than this life.

Why don’t organized religions do these two things? Some do, and I’m not discounting those who come closer to God and find peace in any faith. My point stands, that a lot of people have moved away from organized religion. Why? Why don’t most organized churches bring us closer to God or bring us peace? They don’t have the proper authority from heaven to do so.

God, through revelation has told us exactly what we need to do to come closer to Him and to have peace:
1. Faith in Jesus Christ
  - Start by simply believing in Jesus Christ. Believe He was born, believe He lived, believe He is the son of God, believe He died for you and your sins.
2. Repentance
  - Once you believe, be better. Don’t take for granted the suffering Christ went through for you. Pray to God and ask forgiveness for the mistakes you have made and continue to make.
3. Baptism
  - Religion has corrupted this simple principle. All God asks is you make a symbolic gesture to show that you have faith in Him, faith in Jesus Christ, and will remember them. Then use that show of faith to change and be better. God has asked us to be baptized. Follow His commandments and be baptized.
4. Gift of the Holy Ghost
  - The world is ever distracting and evil. God has given us someone to provide strength. The Holy Ghost is one with God and Jesus Christ and can be with us always.
  - I have the perfect example to help illustrate the important role the Holy Ghost plays. I received a text from a friend one afternoon while I was working telling me his dad had passed away. My friend didn’t want me to find out over social media, so he texted me. When I read it I initially thought selfishly. I was at work. There wasn’t anything I could do. I wanted to kneel and pray and cry. But as I was sitting there something happened. As clear as if a person whispered in my ear, I heard and felt a message. Clear as day I knew important things. This was my friend. He was hurting. Clear as day, “go to your friend.” I’m not affectionate, it’s hard for me, ask my wife. Beth knows that better than anyone. It’s not in my nature to want to go comfort and cry with a friend. That seems hard and vulnerable. But in that very important moment I know the Holy Ghost came to me and directed me. I know it was important for me, and I believe it was important for my friend. The Holy Ghost did that. I know that because I’ve worked so hard to be able to hear when the Holy Ghost speaks to me. I have so many examples of that. I could go on for days about the important moments that the Holy Ghost guided me.
After the Holy Ghost, the final step: endure to the end. Take the sacrament each week to renew your covenants from baptism. Repent every day. Remember Jesus Christ every day. That’s it. That brings you closer to God. I know because it has for me.

People don’t change overnight. I know to many it seemed like I changed overnight. I didn’t. It was years of slowly changing habits, changing thoughts. Many saw first-hand who I used to be but didn’t see the slow, gradual change to who I am now. I always told myself I was “good.” What good was me telling myself I was good if my actions and my selfishness said otherwise? Four years ago, if I received the text I mentioned above I would have said “I’m sorry” and “let me know if you need anything.” Today, I’m different. I’m different because of Jesus Christ.

What’s important? I know why I’m here. I know where I come from. I know where I’m going. This brings peace.
April 1, 2021
Letter to a Sinner

I write this with as much humility as possible. Fully knowing and understanding my weaknesses have given me perspective. It is my faults and errors that make me feel like I can write this letter.

I remember when I came back to church I was asked to not take the sacrament for three weeks. It was one of the more difficult things I had to do, although it doesn’t sound like much. I think it was the moment I realized I had changed. Something that in the past might not have affected me too much, really hurt. It was difficult coming back and immediately feeling like maybe I’m not enough. Maybe I could have gone the route of resentment. Instead I realized how much I didn’t want to have to go through that again.

I don’t in any way imply I’m better than someone who can’t take the sacrament and does feel resentment. We all have our own paths. Mine was of being completely away, coming back, and realizing I deserved my three weeks. Some are never officially away so that state of probation seems unfair or not right. I understand that.

This is my letter to the sinner. A reminder, that includes all of us. This is the sinner who has made mistakes. This particular sinner might come from a perfect family and part of their struggle is feeling like they don’t fit in in the one place they should feel welcome. This sinner might feel judged by the very people that should love them the most. It doesn’t matter if those family, friends, and caring loved ones are right or wrong. It matters how the sinner interprets things. We all live our own experiences and encounter the world in different ways. We must, to the best our abilities, see the world in perfect light and perfect truth.

Here is my letter to a hypothetical sinner:

You will never be like the “perfect” people you see around you. You won’t. Your path has been set. Your path has been set partly by different “luck,” different experiences. Partly by your choices. My life was set by very bad choices. But now that I’ve come out of the other side, my joy is greater than I could have ever imagined. You won’t be “perfect”, but you’ll be who Heavenly Father sees you can be. You won’t be “better” than those who never made the mistakes you made, but you might be stronger. Your path will lead you somewhere wholly different. And if you decide you want to come through to the other side: to truly know your Savior, to know forgiveness, to know what being welcomed home feels like even if you don’t think you’ll ever deserve it – if you come to that other side with that relationship with your Savior, your testimony will be welded in steel, as hard as diamond. You’ll have gone through the refiner’s fire and come out united with He who gives all strength. This is no excuse to continue to sin. You know the light. You’ve seen and felt the light. I knew the light and I turned from it. I hope to help anyone not make the same mistake.

You will make mistakes. You will sin. But no matter what, you have to remember Jesus Christ. Because while the world will judge you and you’ll have to struggle with that, He will judge you with a perfect love and comprehension. Remember that those around you are trying to judge you with love. They’re trying to love you righteously. Jesus Christ doesn’t try. He is perfect love. Don’t forget it. Don’t forget that those around you whose points of view you can’t understand, they’re trying to be like Jesus Christ. They may be falling short. But that’s not for you to judge. Just as they can’t judge you, you can’t judge their intentions or efforts. Just love and do your best.

I’m sorry you have to go through trials. But do not lose sight of Jesus Christ. Do not. He is the only person true peace can come from. Whatever you do, whatever mistakes you make, do not forget HIM. He won’t forget you. I promise.

At this point I must apologize. Throughout this letter I’ve referred to you as “the sinner.” I know that phrase hurt the whole way through. I know it because I’ve felt it. I did it throughout the whole letter to get to this point. I want to remind you, “sinner” is not who you are. It will never be who you are. We all sin but that’s not what God and Jesus Christ see in us. No matter how many mistakes we make. No matter how many slip ups or downright wrong things you do, you are not a sinner. You are a child of Heavenly Father. You are growing. You are learning. I reiterate something I said earlier, this does not excuse your sin. Sin is wrong, you know that. Christ will see your sin. What means much more to Him is your repentance. He doesn’t see who you were but who you will be.

“God cares a lot more about who we are and who we are becoming than about who we once were. He cares that we keep trying.”
Elder Dale G. Renlund in April 2015 Conference talk “Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying”

March 25, 2021