Ep. 383: Doctrine & Covenants 124:1-2 The Weak Things of the World: A Missionary’s Beginning
Release Date: 10/29/2025
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_outline🎙️ Episode Summary
In this heartfelt episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeffery Downs welcomes a very special guest—his son, Elder Bowen Downs, who enters the Missionary Training Center (MTC) the next day to begin his full-time missionary service in the Gilbert, Arizona Mission. Together, father and son study Doctrine and Covenants Section 124, exploring the Lord’s message about raising up the “weak things of the world to thrash the nations.”
Elder Downs shares his testimony, insights from Alma 9, and personal missionary experiences—inviting others to church and interviewing a convert. They discuss how the Lord uses humble instruments to accomplish His divine purposes, and what it means to rely on the Spirit in teaching, speaking, and serving.
This intimate conversation between a father and his missionary son beautifully captures the essence of faith, humility, and the power of consistent spiritual practice.
⏱️ Chapters
00:00 – A Special Guest Enters the Studio
Jeffery introduces Elder Bowen Downs, who begins MTC training the next day. The two discuss his call to the Gilbert, Arizona Mission and experiences in the home MTC.
02:00 – Mission Preparation and Alma 9
Elder Downs shares scriptures he’s studied, including Alma 9—a missionary story about repentance and inviting others to baptism. He recounts a class challenge to bring a friend to church and interview a convert.
04:40 – Section 124: Weak Things of the World
Father and son begin reading Doctrine and Covenants 124, discovering how the Lord uses the weak to manifest His wisdom and strength.
06:45 – Why the Lord Chooses the Weak
Elder Downs explains that sending the weak shows God’s strength and faithfulness. They connect this to Ether 12:6 and 1 Corinthians 1:27, exploring how the Lord confounds the mighty through humble servants.
09:10 – Learning to Speak Through the Spirit
Elder Downs describes overcoming his quiet nature through practice and Preach My Gospel training, memorizing key points of the Restoration and Plan of Salvation lessons.
13:35 – God’s Pattern of Using the Humble
The discussion moves to Doctrine and Covenants 35:13—how the Lord calls upon the weak and unlearned to “thrash the nations.” Jeffery explains the biblical meaning of threshing—separating wheat from chaff—as a metaphor for spiritual refinement.
19:20 – Fighting with the Spirit, Not the Fists
Drawing on Elder Downs’s background in karate, Jeffery likens physical fighting to spiritual strength—fighting “manfully” for God with mind, mouth, and heart rather than hands.
21:50 – The Temple and the Cornerstone of Zion
They discuss serving in the temple and the peace found within, relating it to the Lord’s call to build up Zion and polish its cornerstone with refinement “after the similitude of a palace.”
26:30 – Being Led by the Spirit
Elder Downs shares how prayer brings direction, just as Nephi was “led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand” what to do. He reflects on listening to promptings as a missionary.
28:30 – Faith Over Fear: Preparing to Leave Home
Jeffery asks if he’s nervous to leave. Elder Downs replies with confidence and peace, knowing that through the Lord he can do all things.
30:55 – A Missionary’s Testimony
Elder Downs bears testimony of missionary work, prayer, the temple, and the Prophet Joseph Smith, expressing that the Lord is his “best friend” and constant companion.
32:45 – A Father’s Pride and Closing Witness
Jeffery concludes with gratitude for his son’s faith and shares his own testimony of the gospel, the scriptures, and the divine mission of missionaries throughout the world.
🙏 Conclusion
In this special episode, Streaking the Scriptures becomes more than study—it becomes a legacy of faith between father and son. Elder Downs reminds us that even the weak and unlearned can do mighty things through the Spirit of God. His courage to step forward as a missionary shows what daily spiritual consistency can build—a faith strong enough to serve anywhere in the world.