Ep. 375: Doctrine & Covenants 115:5-19 The Name, the Temple, and the Refuge
Release Date: 10/15/2025
Ep. 402: Doctrine & Covenants 136:1-28 Follies and Faux Pas
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction Welcome back to Streaking the Scriptures! Jeff Downs here, grateful to be studying with you—even if it’s a little later in the day than usual. It’s the eve of Thanksgiving in the United States, a moment that invites reflection, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the blessings and freedoms the Lord has given us. Today, we open Doctrine and Covenants section 136—a revelation given through President Brigham Young at Winter Quarters after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The Saints were crossing the Mississippi, driven from Nauvoo, and preparing for a westward...
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Ep. 401: Doctrine & Covenants 135 Joseph Smith the Prophet
Streaking the Scriptures
Podcast Welcome back to another uplifting morning of Streaking the Scriptures. Even if the sun is a little higher than usual, the spirit of morning study is still alive and well. In today’s episode, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants sections 135 and 136—two chapters filled with weight, history, testimony, and deep personal application. Before diving into the text, Jeff shares an experience he had while out on a run—an experience involving a podcast, a message that was good, a delivery that wasn’t, and a moment of honest wrestling about charity, irritation, and how we respond...
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Ep. 400: Doctrine & Covenants 134 Obey, Honor, and Sustain the Law
Streaking the Scriptures
🎙️ Introduction In today’s episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery reflects on a Sabbath filled with joy, family, and spiritual depth. His daughter recently returned from serving in the Birmingham, Alabama Mission, and her homecoming message stirred heartfelt reminders of the power of discipleship. Surrounded by loved ones and lifted by rich discussions in the scriptures, Jeff transitions into a focused study of Doctrine and Covenants Section 134—a declaration on governments, laws, conscience, and the delicate balance between civil authority and divine agency. As always, this...
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Ep. 399: Doctrine & Covenants 133:53-74 Works and Obedience are Necessary
Streaking the Scriptures
INTRODUCTION In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs begins with a joyful milestone—welcoming his daughter home from the Birmingham, Alabama Mission. The warmth of that reunion sets a heartfelt backdrop for a deep and thoughtful study of Doctrine and Covenants 133. With personal reflections, scriptural connections, and honest exploration, Jeff guides listeners through powerful themes of obedience, revelation, and preparation for the Lord’s return. CHAPTERS 00:00 — A Missionary Homecoming & Tender Mercies Jeff opens the episode by sharing the joy and gratitude his...
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Ep. 398: Doctrine & Covenants 133:5-53 The Great Grandeur of God
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction In today’s episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff takes us into Doctrine and Covenants 133—often referred to as “the appendix” to the Doctrine and Covenants. After a rare second start to his recording, he dives into themes of preparation, gathering, repentance, and revelation. Along the way, he reflects on Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s penetrating imagery of “keeping a second residence in Babylon,” considers the parable of the Ten Virgins, and pauses to explore modern prophetic counsel from President Oaks’ recent conference message. The episode becomes a thoughtful...
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Ep. 397: Doctrine & Covenants 133:1-5 Courage, Covenant, and Clean Hands
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff shares a heartfelt reflection on a memorable primary program, the power of sacred music, and the spiritual impressions that followed. A moving moment during the song “My Sacred Grove” sets the tone for a deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants sections 132 and 133, exploring what it means to engage with the doctrine of Christ with humility, faith, and courage. Synopsis & Timecodes 00:00 – Opening & Primary Program Reflection Jeff describes teaching CTR-5 during the primary program and how the closing song, “My...
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Ep. 396: Doctrine & Covenants 132:15-66 Local Authority Having Jurisdiction
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction Section 132 is both glorious and weighty. In this episode, Jeff sets the tone with humility and faith: eternal marriage is a revealed law that lifts, orders, and binds us to Christ—and some parts (especially plural marriage) raise real questions. With scripture in hand and application in view, he explores why covenants must be made and sealed by the Lord’s authority, how proxy ordinances fit the Savior’s doctrine, and what “then shall they be gods” actually points us toward—service, increase, and exaltation through Jesus Christ. Chapters 00:00 – Setting the stage:...
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Ep. 395: Doctrine & Covenants 131 - 132:14 Prepare Your Heart for Understanding
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction As the Prophet Joseph Smith nears the end of his mortal ministry, the revelations become both intensely doctrinal and deeply personal. In this episode of Streaking the Scriptures, we move from Doctrine and Covenants section 130 into sections 131 and 132—some of the most concentrated teachings on eternal marriage, revelation, knowledge, and the sealing power in all of scripture. We start in section 131, where Joseph teaches about the three degrees within the celestial glory, the necessity of the new and everlasting covenant of marriage for exaltation, the “more sure word of...
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Ep. 394: Doctrine & Covenants 130 Charity in Traffic & Other Eternal Streaks
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary A candid, early-morning study on sleep, uncertainty, and charity leads into Doctrine & Covenants 130 with practical application. You reflect on D&C 88’s counsel to “retire to thy bed early” and “arise early,” then explore how the “same sociality” continues beyond the veil, why devices like the Urim and Thummim symbolize ordered, revelatory learning, and how obedience and diligent, daily effort (“streaks”) expand intelligence that rises with us. The thread through it all: clothe yourself “with the bond of charity”—yes, even in traffic—and trust the...
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Ep. 393: Doctrine & Covenants 129 Detect the Truth
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary The episode introduces the theme of time passing quickly and anchors the study in Doctrine and Covenants 129. The discussion centers on Joseph Smith’s instruction for discerning ministering beings—resurrected angels, spirits of just men made perfect, and counterfeit messengers. You connect these keys of discernment to modern challenges, especially the prevalence of deception, misinformation, and misplaced spiritual authority. You explore how true revelation aligns with stewardship, how to verify sources, and how to confirm truth through the Spirit. Drawing from 3 Nephi 11, Moroni...
info_outlineEpisode Summary
In this reflective episode, Jeff explores Doctrine and Covenants Section 115—a revelation that establishes the name of the Church, commands the Saints to build the temple in Far West, and emphasizes Zion’s stakes as places of defense and refuge. Speaking extemporaneously, Jeff weaves together scripture, personal insights, and historical context to show how the Lord’s instructions reveal patterns of discipleship, preparation, and holiness. He also draws connections to the power of temples, the purpose of Church organization, and the spiritual principle of avoiding debt—both temporal and spiritual.
Chapters with Timecodes
(00:01) — Setting the Scene
Jeff records from Jami’s office, reflecting on missionary plaques and family milestones as he prepares to send off another missionary. He welcomes listeners and continues the study in Section 115, focusing on the significance of the Church’s name.
(02:14) — The Name of the Church
Jeff discusses why the Lord specified “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” drawing parallels to 3 Nephi 27. He explains that while it may seem a side note, the name is central—it declares ownership and divine authority.
(04:22) — Arise and Shine Forth
Reading verses 5–6, Jeff highlights the Lord’s command to “arise and shine forth,” seeing it as a call for members to be a standard to the nations. The imagery of Zion and her stakes as “defense and refuge” comes alive through reflection and application.
(08:16) — Stakes as Refuges
Jeff unpacks the metaphor of stakes as spiritual strongholds. He likens modern distractions—social media, contention, worldly noise—to storms, and emphasizes how the stake structure provides peace and protection through ordinances and community.
(12:26) — Grace, Imperfection, and Leadership
He reminds listeners that imperfection in leaders and members alike requires grace, patience, and understanding. The Church, though led by imperfect people, is divinely guided.
(14:33) — The Prophetic Pattern
Turning to Amos 3:7 and Doctrine and Covenants 1:38, Jeff outlines the pattern that God always reveals His will through prophets, both ancient and modern. He connects this to the principle that stakes and wards receive local revelation through key holders.
(17:51) — Prophets and Seers
Referencing Mosiah 8:16–18, Jeff teaches that seers reveal hidden things and prepare us for what’s to come. He draws a direct line between prophetic revelation and spiritual refuge in Zion.
(19:59) — Wrath Without Mixture
Exploring verses 6–8, Jeff examines what it means for the Lord’s wrath to be “poured out without mixture.” He teaches that this represents the natural consequence of refusing to repent and heed divine guidance.
(22:09) — The Savior’s Invitation to Repent
Jeff recalls 3 Nephi 8–10—the darkness before Christ’s appearance in the Americas—and Christ’s lament: “How oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens.” The Lord’s arm of mercy is always extended.
(25:31) — Temples and Independence
The Lord commands the Saints to build the temple at Far West, beginning July 4th—a day symbolizing freedom. Jeff connects this to spiritual freedom gained through temple worship and obedience.
(27:33) — Debt and Responsibility
Reflecting on verses 13–14, Jeff considers the Lord’s command that Joseph, Sidney, and Hyrum not go into debt for temple building. He applies this to modern financial stewardship and the wisdom of living within our means.
(29:31) — Personal Application
Jeff shares his and Jami’s experiences learning to manage debt, drawing a link between financial independence and the ability to serve God freely. He previews a follow-up story for the next episode and closes with gratitude for the study.
Conclusion
Jeff concludes with a heartfelt reflection: Zion’s stakes are not just geographical—they are spiritual places of refuge, learning, and peace. Through temples, prophets, and personal revelation, the Lord continues to gather His people and prepare them for His coming. The invitation remains the same: repent, build holiness, and live free from bondage—both financial and spiritual.
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