Ep. 393: Doctrine & Covenants 129 Detect the Truth
Release Date: 11/10/2025
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...
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Ep. 392: Doctrine & Covenants 128:10-25 The Great, Great, Work of God
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary This episode of Streaking the Scriptures continues Jeff’s study of Doctrine and Covenants 128, beginning in verse 10. The discussion emphasizes application—how the doctrine revealed by Joseph Smith directly affects modern discipleship. Jeff reflects on the symbolism of baptism, the binding power of the priesthood, the welding link with ancestors, and the ongoing restoration that connects dispensations through sacred ordinances. He highlights the prophetic enthusiasm of Joseph Smith, the majesty of section 128’s closing verses, and the personal responsibility to carry forward the...
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Ep. 391: Doctrine & Covenants 128:1-9 Recorded on Earth, Recorded in Heaven
Streaking the Scriptures
Summary The episode explores Doctrine and Covenants 128, emphasizing the spiritual weight Joseph Smith placed on baptism for the dead and the sacred responsibility of keeping accurate records. You highlight how recurring spiritual impressions often signal the Holy Ghost inviting deeper study and action. Through examples—from Nauvoo temple decisions to the brother of Jared’s problem-solving—you illustrate how revelation often arrives through disciplined pondering and faithful preparation. The discussion then centers on record-keeping as a divinely mandated principle. Joseph Smith’s...
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Ep. 390: Doctrine & Covenants 127:6-12 The Family
Streaking the Scriptures
SUMMARY This episode begins with a powerful impression—a moment on a morning run when Elder Rasband’s recent general conference message connected directly to your ongoing study of Doctrine and Covenants 127. That impression opened the door to a deeper examination of The Family: A Proclamation to the World. In this study, you move fluidly between scripture, prophetic teaching, and personal application, anchoring everything in the eternal doctrine of family and the home-centered pattern the Lord restored. The tone is reflective, doctrinally focused, and oriented toward action—toward...
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Ep. 389: Doctrine & Covenants 127:1-5 Finding Peace in Deep Water
Streaking the Scriptures
🎙️ Episode In this reflective episode of Streaking the Scriptures, Jeff Downs begins with a simple yet profound moment — waking up “just a little off.” From that relatable human feeling, Jeff invites listeners into Doctrine and Covenants Section 127, where the Prophet Joseph Smith writes an epistle from hiding during persecution. Through Joseph’s words — “deep water is what I am wont to swim in” — Jeff explores endurance, trust, and the refining purpose of trials. Drawing parallels with Nephi’s psalm (2 Nephi 4) and Paul’s teachings in 2 Corinthians 6, Jeff uncovers a...
info_outlineSummary
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 7, and 1 John 4, you teach that discerning truth is a personal responsibility grounded in doctrine, conscience, and sincere intent. You conclude with an invitation to judge righteously, seek confirmation from God, and stay anchored in Christ.
Chapters
00:00 – The swift passing of life and the perception of time
01:05 – Introduction to the week’s study: Doctrine & Covenants 129–132
02:00 – Approaching the Prophet’s martyrdom and dense final revelations
02:27 – Three grand keys for discerning heavenly messengers
04:55 – Modern deception and the relevance of D&C 129 today
06:34 – The resurrected Christ: physical proof and perfected state
08:56 – Spirits of just men made perfect and their constraints
10:30 – Applying discernment to digital, social, and spiritual messages
11:07 – Stewardship and personal revelation within proper bounds
13:25 – Online claims, source integrity, and divine confirmation
15:11 – Joseph Smith’s early persecution and the necessity of personal conviction
17:30 – Standing firm in truth despite opposition
19:53 – “I knew it, and God knew it”: the prophet’s unwavering testimony
21:57 – Moroni 7: judging good from evil through intent and works
24:27 – Real intent versus grudging obedience
26:52 – Continuous enticement to evil and responsibility to discern
27:45 – The Spirit of Christ and judgment as plain as day vs night
28:49 – Scriptural cross-reference: 1 John 4 on testing spirits
30:43 – Final reflections: judge righteously, verify truth, follow Christ
Conclusion
Section 129 reminds us that discerning truth is not passive—it is an active, personal responsibility. True messengers can be known, true revelation confirms stewardship, and true impressions align with Christ. The scriptures teach clear principles for judging good from evil, whether the test comes through an angel, a thought, a digital message, or a spiritual prompting. As you continue your daily spiritual practices, intentional consistency strengthens your ability to recognize truth and reject deception.
If you want to support that daily consistency, the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker app can help you stay anchored in the small spiritual actions that keep you connected to heaven. Tracking simple spiritual streaks keeps your heart in tune and your discernment clear.
Until we study again—keep charity in your heart, stay close to the Savior, and keep streaking the scriptures.