Ep. 354 Doctrine & Covenants 101:65-101 People of God Follow the Law of the Land
Release Date: 09/15/2025
Streaking the Scriptures
📖 Summary In this study, Jeffery reflects on Doctrine and Covenants 103 and its connection to the persecution of the Saints in Missouri. Drawing on scripture from both the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon, he examines the themes of acting versus being acted upon, the filling of the cup of iniquity, and the eternal balance of justice and mercy. He highlights how God chastens His people for growth, calls them to act in righteousness, and prepares them to be a light and means of salvation for others. Ultimately, Jeffery reminds listeners that while the world is filled with...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
Summary In this study session, Jeffery Downs explores Doctrine and Covenants Section 102, which records the organization of the first High Council of the Church in 1834. The episode highlights the Lord’s revealed pattern for councils—how decisions are made, the rights of the accused and accuser, and the role of the presiding authority in seeking revelation when written guidance is insufficient. Jeffery reflects on his own experiences serving in councils, emphasizing their sacred role in repentance, mercy, and guiding individuals back to Christ. He ties these principles to how modern Church...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery continues the study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 101, focusing on the parable of the vineyard, the importance of building the Lord’s “tower” (temple), and the lessons that apply both spiritually and temporally. He highlights the Saints’ struggles, the Lord’s instructions about gathering and land purchases, and the eternal importance of patience, preparation, and order in building Zion. Jeffery draws parallels between historical revelations, the U.S. Constitution as divinely inspired, and modern application in our temporal and spiritual lives. The...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery reflects on a Sunday experience that felt profoundly different—rooted in peace amidst a world that seems to be increasingly divided. Drawing on recent tragic events, he contrasts the world's natural response to violence—war and retaliation—with the Savior’s command to pursue peace, forgiveness, and patience. Through stories from the Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, and the Bible, he emphasizes that true discipleship is about proclaiming peace, seeking the face of the Lord, and humbling ourselves so we may be...
info_outlineStreaking the Scriptures
Summary In this episode, Jeffery reflects on the historical persecution of the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, and draws parallels to the turmoil and contention present in today’s world. He connects the Lord’s counsel in D&C 101 with modern struggles—political violence, the dangers of echo chambers in social media, and the need to actively choose peace over contention. Through exploring verses 1–36, Jeffery emphasizes enduring affliction, receiving chastening with humility, rejecting contention, and striving to become the Lord’s jewels. He highlights that even amidst trials,...
info_outlineStreaking 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_outlineSummary
In this episode, Jeffery continues the study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 101, focusing on the parable of the vineyard, the importance of building the Lord’s “tower” (temple), and the lessons that apply both spiritually and temporally. He highlights the Saints’ struggles, the Lord’s instructions about gathering and land purchases, and the eternal importance of patience, preparation, and order in building Zion. Jeffery draws parallels between historical revelations, the U.S. Constitution as divinely inspired, and modern application in our temporal and spiritual lives. The study closes with reflections on prayer, redress through civil processes, and God’s promises to guide His people in all things.
Chapters
00:00 – The Parable of the Tower and the Temple
Jeffery opens by linking the parable’s tower to the temple as a place of revelation, direction, and guidance from the Lord.
02:27 – Continuing Section 101 Study
Reading verses 65–68, Jeffery discusses the gathering of the wheat and tares, the Lord’s instructions to gather without haste, and the importance of preparation.
04:52 – Purchasing Land and Building Zion
Exploration of how Saints were counseled to purchase land with money, the role of honorable and wise men, and the temporal needs of Zion’s establishment.
07:15 – Money, Stewardship, and Construction
A reflection on the necessity of finances to secure land and build temples, and the caution to proceed with patience, not haste.
09:17 – Efficiency vs. Diligence in God’s Work
Jeffery explains how the Lord’s work emphasizes accuracy and care over rushed efficiency, using temple ordinance record-keeping as an example.
11:18 – Inspired Constitution and Civil Order
Discussion of the U.S. Constitution as divinely established, enabling freedom and the spread of the gospel, and the necessity of wise rulers.
13:42 – Shedding of Blood and Freedom
Cross-references to 1 Nephi 13:13–19, reflecting on the sacrifices made for freedom, the Civil War, and the Lord’s declaration against bondage and slavery.
16:20 – The Widow and the Unjust Judge
Comparison of the Saints to the persistent widow in Christ’s parable, showing how to seek redress through proper civil channels before turning to the Lord.
18:20 – Grace After All We Can Do
Jeffery reminds listeners of the need for diligence, patience, and reliance on Christ’s grace after we do all we can.
20:16 – Zion, Law, and Civil Society
Reflections on the City of Enoch and how Zion’s unity included working through difficulties under law and order.
22:26 – Charity, Peace, and Forgiveness
The Lord desires peace, forgiveness, and mercy, not destruction—teaching us to love others even when beliefs differ.
24:25 – Final Counsel and Application
Closing verses of Section 101 emphasize holding claim on what God appoints, securing land, and trusting His guidance in temporal and spiritual matters.
26:06 – Transition to Section 102
Jeffery previews the upcoming studies in Sections 102–105, inviting listeners to continue the journey.
Conclusion
As Jeffery closes, he reminds us that the Lord’s commandments are never merely temporal—they are spiritual, and He promises to guide us in all things if we listen. Just like the Saints of old who had to be consistent in gathering, building, and enduring trials, we too need daily consistency to draw closer to Him.
That’s what the MyStreaks app is all about—helping you stay consistent in the small, simple actions that build spiritual strength over time. Whether it’s scripture study, prayer, or serving others, keeping track of your streaks keeps your momentum alive. Download the MyStreaks app today, and let your streaks become a modern-day tower guiding you toward the Lord’s will in your life.