Ep. 401: Doctrine & Covenants 135 Joseph Smith the Prophet
Release Date: 11/25/2025
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...
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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...
info_outlinePodcast
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 when something pricks us the wrong way. That reflection becomes a powerful doorway into understanding the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the resilience of the Saints, and the Savior’s pattern of seeking the one.
Together, you’ll explore how these sections speak to courage, divine purpose, faithfulness, and the heart-softening gift of charity—even when you’re provoked.
Let’s begin.
Chapters
00:00 – A Late Morning Start & A Running-Trail Insight
Jeff sets the scene with a personal story from his morning run, describing how a podcast message struck him wrong and why it stirred something in his heart.
03:00 – Introducing Sections 135 & 136: Power Chapters in a Painful Moment
A transition into the historical context—Nauvoo, persecution, and the devastating news of Joseph and Hyrum’s martyrdom.
05:15 – Reading Section 135 in Full
Jeff reads the entire section without interruption, allowing its testimony and tone to stand on their own.
13:30 – What the Saints Must Have Felt
A reflection on grief, faith, shock, and the seeming contradiction of a prophet of God being taken by violence.
15:00 – The Lord’s Work Moves Forward
How the Church, by divine design, continued despite the loss—and what that truth offers us in our own trials.
16:00 – “A Conscience Void of Offense”: Personal Application
Jeff explores how Joseph’s words invite us to examine our own discipleship and integrity.
17:00 – The Lost Sheep & the Call to Care for the One
Turning to Luke 15, Jeff connects the Savior’s parable to the earlier story about charity, irritation, and how we reach those in need.
20:00 – Separating Doctrine From Delivery
An honest discussion about distinguishing eternal principles from imperfect presentation and avoiding comparison in discipleship.
24:00 – Programs, People, and Why Both Matter
Jeff reflects on social gatherings, fellowship, and the purpose behind activities, planning, and service within the Lord’s kingdom.
29:00 – Details, Atmosphere, and the Spirit’s Influence
Why even “small things” like planning a ward activity or temple details contribute to lifting hearts and strengthening faith.
31:30 – Charity as the Key
Tying the episode together with Ether’s teaching on charity, Hyrum’s final scripture, and our call to be faithful and true.
Conclusion
As you close this episode, take with you the steady conviction of Joseph and Hyrum—their courage, their clarity of conscience, and their unwavering devotion to the Lord’s will. Their lives remind us that discipleship is not a passive path; it’s a daily choosing, a daily becoming, a daily softening of the heart toward God and His children.
If today’s study stirred something in you—a desire to build charity, to strengthen consistency, or to keep your spiritual habits simple and steady—you’ll find real power in making those moments into streaks. The MyStreaks – Streak Tracker app is designed exactly for that purpose. It helps you stay consistent in scripture study, prayer, acts of service, or any faith-centered practice you want to anchor into your life. Track your spiritual streaks, receive encouragement, join groups, and let small, daily actions shape the disciple you’re becoming.
Until we study the scriptures together again, keep building charity, keep choosing faith—and as always, keep streaking the scriptures.