Ep. 398: Doctrine & Covenants 133:5-53 The Great Grandeur of God
Release Date: 11/19/2025
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_outlineIntroduction
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 journey from ancient prophecy to present-day discipleship—layered with questions of where we place our devotion, how we prioritize the Lord, and what it means to prepare for the Bridegroom with full lamps and willing hearts.
Chapters
00:00 – A False Start and a Fresh Take
Jeff recounts restarting the episode after getting sidetracked searching for a Maxwell quote. He re-centers the session, welcomes listeners, and re-orients to D&C 133.
02:20 – The Call to Solemn Assemblies
Exploring verses 6–7, Jeff reflects on the Lord’s invitation for sacred gatherings, personal devotion, and calling upon His name—considering how such practices could transform our lives and our world.
03:50 – “Go Ye Out of Babylon”
The narrative turns to the familiar message to flee Babylon and gather to Zion. Jeff begins to explore missionary work, spiritual separation from the world, and the urgency in the Savior’s call.
04:34 – The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Jeff links the text to the Savior’s parable and discusses revelation as a blend of memory, imagery, and inspiration. He draws on modern parallels from President Oaks’ conference message on preparation and spiritual maintenance.
09:36 – Spiritual Babylon and the Maxwell Quote Quest
Jeff finally introduces the Neal A. Maxwell quote he couldn’t find earlier—powerfully illustrating how we often “keep a second residence in Babylon.” He shares personal reflections on prioritizing spiritual nourishment first each morning.
13:44 – Looking Forward, Not Back
Using Lot’s wife as the backdrop, Jeff emphasizes the danger of spiritual backward-looking. He traces scriptural footnotes through Genesis and Luke, highlighting the Lord’s call to move forward with faith.
15:37 – Prophecies of the Second Coming
Jeff reads through verses describing the gathering of Israel, the great deep receding, earth being restored, and the Savior standing upon Zion. He shares insights on how early Saints may have struggled to imagine such prophecies and how we now see them unfolding globally.
20:13 – Ephraim, Judah, and Worldwide Conversion
Jeff notes modern missionary work’s astonishing reach, referencing recent conference statistics and speaking about temples and covenant paths as signs of the Lord hastening His work.
22:35 – A Fiery Description of the Lord’s Return
The imagery intensifies—melting fire, trembling nations, mountains flowing down. Jeff ponders why the Savior expresses such fierce language and suggests it reflects divine heartbreak when His children reject their potential.
24:49 – What Does the Lord Want Us to See?
Jeff slows down to ask the central devotional question: What is the Lord trying to teach us through these verses? He describes how the overarching message reveals the Lord’s perfect foreknowledge and boundless preparation for His people.
26:17 – The Certainty of the Gathering
Reading through prophecies of Christ’s triumphant return, Jeff reflects on the kingdom being prepared, the gospel reaching every nation, and the imagery of dyed garments and the winepress.
28:05 – Judgment, Mercy, and Missed Potential
Jeff considers the emotional tone of the Savior’s words—particularly His anger toward those who obstruct or diminish others’ spiritual progress.
29:30 – Closing Thoughts and a Pause Point
The episode pauses at verse 53. Jeff ends with gratitude for the majesty of God’s unfolding work and an invitation to forgive, let go of offenses, and reflect more of Christ’s light.
Conclusion
Thank you for joining this powerful study of Doctrine and Covenants 133. As Jeff highlights throughout the episode, the Lord calls us to prepare, to watch, to flee spiritual Babylon, and to place Him first—not just in grand gestures, but in small, steady choices. Those daily moments of devotion—prayer, scripture study, repentance, kindness—become the oil in our lamps.
If you want a simple way to keep those spiritual practices alive day after day, the MyStreaks Streak Tracker app is a wonderful companion on the covenant path. Set the spiritual actions you want to keep consistent, track your progress, build momentum, and let your streaks strengthen your preparation for the Bridegroom. Whether it’s scripture study, prayer, ministering outreach, or simple acts of devotion, consistency creates transformation.
Until next time, may your lamp stay bright, your heart stay steady, and your streaks keep you anchored in the Savior. And as always—keep streaking the Scriptures.