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 reflective study of Doctrine and Covenants 124:23–33, Jeffery Downs explores the Lord’s commandment to build a house in His name—a house for the weary traveler, a place of holiness and rest. Jeff draws a parallel between the Lord’s house and our own homes and hearts, asking if they are places where the Spirit can dwell and weary souls can rejuvenate.
Through stories of deep cleaning his home with Jami and tender memories of his late mother, Jeff examines what it means to maintain spiritual and physical cleanliness, not as a one-time act but as a continual process of repentance, balance, and order. Drawing from Alma 7:20–21, he reminds listeners that God “does not dwell in unholy temples” and invites us to make our lives worthy dwelling places for the Spirit.
The episode culminates in a message about balance—between distraction and devotion, work and worship, grief and renewal—and ends with a powerful reflection on the doctrine of baptisms for the dead, as the Lord reveals its eternal purpose in restoring what was lost.
⏱️ Chapters
(00:00) – Introduction and review of D&C 124: individuals who stood by the Prophet and the blessings they received
(01:30) – The Lord’s shift in focus: a house for boarding and worship
(02:10) – Is my home a “house worthy of all acceptation”? A reflection on holiness and hospitality
(03:30) – Cross-reference to Alma 7:20–21: God does not dwell in unholy temples
(04:20) – The lesson of cleanliness and “maintaining” it—what temple cleaning teaches us
(05:40) – Repentance as the spiritual act of maintaining cleanliness
(06:30) – Studying without distraction and creating a home for contemplation
(08:40) – Thoughts on technology, attention, and being present
(09:40) – Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s writings on balance
(11:00) – The power and necessity of balance in our homes and lives
(12:30) – A personal story: Jeff’s mother’s grief and regaining balance after loss
(15:30) – How helping others restore order can awaken healing and hope
(17:00) – Our homes as sanctuaries for weary travelers—including ourselves
(17:45) – The Lord’s call to build His house and restore priesthood ordinances
(19:00) – Introduction to baptisms for the dead and the eternal balance of redemption
(19:45) – Closing thoughts: seeking balance, heeding promptings, and keeping charity in traffic
🕊️ Conclusion
Every day offers a chance to bring your home, heart, and habits back into balance. Just as the Lord commanded His Saints to build a house “worthy of all acceptation,” we can build lives where His Spirit can dwell.
One of the most powerful ways to do that is through streaking—intentional daily actions that align our behavior with our beliefs. Whether it’s studying the scriptures, showing charity, or keeping your home in order, a streak keeps you consistent in the things that matter most.
📱 Download the MyStreaks App today to start your own spiritual and personal streaks. Keep your streaks alive, your spirit strong, and your heart open to the gentle promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Until next time—keep charity in traffic, and keep streaking the scriptures.