Ep. 348 Doctrine & Covenants 98:1-9 Befriend the Law
Release Date: 09/08/2025
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....
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
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...
info_outlineSummary
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 our good when we trust God’s laws and His timing.
Just as the Saints found strength in small daily acts of faith, you too can build consistency in your life by starting simple and keeping it going. That’s why Jeff invites you to download the MyStreaks app, a tool designed to help you stay intentional with the daily spiritual and life practices that matter most.
Chapters
[00:00] The Saints in Missouri and the Call to Build
Trials, persecution, and sacrifice around the building of the Lord’s house.
[02:23] The Lord’s Counsel: Fear Not, Give Thanks
Reassurance to persecuted Saints and the surprising command to rejoice.
[04:49] What It Means to Be Called “My Friends”
Friendship with the Lord through continual communication and shared experience.
[07:01] Mosiah 5:13 – Knowing the Master Through Service
Serving God and others deepens our relationship with Him.
[09:31] Overcoming the Natural Man: Fear vs. Faith
Lessons from everyday life about responding with patience and peace.
[12:00] Gratitude in All Things
Corrie Ten Boom’s “thankful for the fleas” story and how trials bring hidden blessings.
[14:26] Romans 8 – All Things Work Together for Good
Finding purpose and growth in suffering when anchored in Christ.
[16:43] Waiting Patiently on the Lord
Prayers are always heard and answered according to God’s will and eternal purposes.
[20:33] Constitutional Law and God’s Law
The Lord’s affirmation of freedom, law, and good citizenship.
[26:22] Why America Has Thrived in Innovation
Civil stability, law, and checks and balances enable growth and creativity.
[29:05] When the Wicked Rule, the People Mourn
The responsibility of citizens to seek righteous leaders.
Conclusion
Section 98 reminds us that while persecution, injustice, or even daily frustrations may feel overwhelming, the Lord commands us to rejoice, fear not, and give thanks. True friendship with Christ comes through service, shared experiences, and deliberate choices to follow Him. The early Saints’ sacrifices remind us that growth comes not in comfort, but in consistent devotion.
And that’s exactly what streaking is about—daily consistency that builds spiritual strength, resilience, and peace. To help you put these truths into action, start your own spiritual streak today with the MyStreaks app. Track simple, intentional actions that bring you closer to God, family, and your goals—one day at a time, every day.