Streaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery studies Doctrine and Covenants section 100, a revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in October 1833. The section addresses their concern for their families while away in service and reassures them that the Lord’s hand is over their loved ones. Jeffery draws connections to Christ’s teaching in Matthew 7 about a father giving good gifts to his children, emphasizing that God’s intent is always good—even in times of trial. The counsel continues with instruction to preach the gospel, rely on the Spirit to guide words, and speak with meekness....
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Summary In this episode, Jeffery studies Doctrine & Covenants sections 98 and 99 against the backdrop of current events, including the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel on peacemaking. The scriptures highlight the Lord’s command to renounce war, lift a standard of peace, and forgive liberally—even seventy times seven—while leaving vengeance in His hands. President Nelson’s words, both in General Conference and his recent Time Magazine op-ed, underscore the same truths: anger never persuades, contention drives away the Spirit, and...
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Summary In today’s study session, we began with Mosiah 29 and the sobering reality that it is exceedingly difficult to dethrone an iniquitous king because such rulers surround themselves with guards, companions in sin, and laws crafted to protect their wickedness. This teaching tied directly into Doctrine and Covenants 98, which reminds us that when the wicked rule, the people mourn—but when righteous leaders are upheld, freedom and peace flourish. Jeff emphasized that our Constitution is a remarkable blessing, allowing for the peaceful transfer of power and granting each of us the civil...
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Summary In this study of Doctrine and Covenants 98, Jeffery Downs explores the trials of the Saints in Missouri and the Lord’s call to “fear not” even amid persecution. Drawing from the sacrifices of early Saints—like grinding their dinner plates into plaster for the Kirtland Temple—Jeff emphasizes gratitude, patience, and friendship with God through service and continual communication. With stories from scripture, history, and modern life (including lessons from traffic and Corrie Ten Boom’s testimony of gratitude), this episode demonstrates how all things can work together for...
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Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs guides listeners through Doctrine & Covenants 96 and 97, exploring themes of unity, consecration, prayer, and the building of the Lord’s house amidst persecution. He reflects on the Saints’ struggles to obey the Lord’s command to build temples during times of trial, showing how obedience to God’s commandments brings both refuge and revelation. Drawing on Alma 34, Elder Holland’s message in The Other Prodigal, and Sherri Dew’s teachings on revelation, Jeffery emphasizes the power of turning to the Lord in every...
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Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us through Doctrine and Covenants 95, where the Lord chastens the Saints for neglecting His command to build the Kirtland Temple. Together, we explore what it means to be corrected by a loving God, why the Lord’s “strange act” often feels unusual to the world, and how attending the temple opens us to light that dispels the darkness of noonday. Jeff draws personal connections—from scripture cross-references in Isaiah to everyday experiences like his son’s lost keys—to show that God cares about both the great and the...
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Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery studies Doctrine and Covenants 94–95, focusing on the Lord’s command to build sacred houses and the deeper meaning of sanctification. He reflects on why the Lord requires buildings for worship and instruction, connecting this to the sanctification process found in weekly sacrament meetings and temple worship. Jeffery also explores the importance of chastisement as an expression of the Lord’s love, illustrating how correction realigns priorities and helps disciples grow spiritually. Through historical context and personal...
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Summary In this episode, Jeffery begins the study of Doctrine and Covenants section 94, exploring the Lord’s instructions for building sacred spaces in Kirtland, Ohio. He reflects on why the Lord is concerned with buildings, the divine significance of patterns, and how those patterns apply to our daily lives. Drawing connections between temples, tabernacles, and our personal routines, Jeffery considers how God reveals structure and order not just for His houses, but also for our lives. The episode closes with questions for reflection: What patterns govern your life? And is there a sacred...
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Summary In this episode, Jeffery Downs concludes his study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 93, focusing on verses 49–53. He emphasizes the Lord’s instruction to “pray always,” explores the Lord’s Prayer in both the New Testament and Book of Mormon, and reflects on personal experiences of prayer, forgiveness, and overcoming bitterness. Jeffery also discusses the Lord’s command to Sidney Rigdon, Joseph Smith, Frederick G. Williams, and Newel K. Whitney, highlighting the urgency of “making haste” in spreading the gospel and gaining knowledge. The episode closes with thoughts on...
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Episode Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff explores Doctrine and Covenants 93 with a focus on the Lord’s rebuke of Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith. He examines why Frederick G. Williams in particular was chastised for not teaching his children light and truth, connecting it to his busy life as a physician, community leader, and member of the First Presidency. Jeff then parallels this with biblical accounts—especially Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel—showing how neglecting to guide children spiritually can have lasting consequences. The study...
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In this episode of MyScriptureStreak, Jeff explores the concept of perfection, emphasizing the importance of striving for it through the teachings of Jesus Christ. He discusses how perfection is not about flawlessness but about continuous growth and refinement. The conversation delves into the significance of gospel ordinances, such as baptism and the sacrament, as essential steps in the pursuit of perfection. Downs also shares inspiring stories, including that of Derek Redmond at the Olympics, to illustrate resilience and the importance of support in our spiritual journeys. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to embrace the divine mandate to pursue perfection with faith and trust in Christ's grace.
Takeaways
- Perfectionism is about striving for greatness, not flawlessness.
- The Savior's command to be perfect is a divine directive.
- Ordinances are essential steps in our pursuit of perfection.
- Baptism opens the door to spiritual progression.
- The Holy Ghost is a constant guide in our lives.
- The sacrament allows us to renew our covenants with Christ.
- Perfection is a journey, not a destination.
- Resilience is key in the pursuit of perfection.
- We are not alone in our struggles; Christ walks with us.
- Our divine potential is realized through Christ's grace.
Chapters
00:00 The Pursuit of Perfection
06:13 Ordinances as Steps to Perfection
12:59 The Role of Sacrament in Our Journey
18:55 Lessons from the Olympics
20:41 The Divine Mandate of Perfection
My Scripture Streak is a daily podcast where we discuss the how behind the what of the scriptures. When you read at least a verse, how do you apply it? Let's talk about it together by sending me an email - [email protected] with your insights, application, and experiences.
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