Ep. 405: Doctrine & Covenants 138:1-28 - Recipe to Receive Revelation
Streaking the Scriptures
Introduction Welcome back to Streaking the Scriptures! I’m Jeff Downs, and today’s study session is coming to you right in the middle of the day—a little lunchtime lift. Earlier this morning I was blessed to attend an endowment session in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple. Our home temple in Saratoga Springs is temporarily closed for maintenance, so a whole bunch of us just “moved temples” for a couple of weeks. What an incredible blessing it is to live where, even when one temple is closed, you can choose from several others within about 30 minutes. That thought alone sets the tone...
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Ep. 404: Doctrine & Covenants 137 - Be Celestial
Streaking the Scriptures
🎙️ Introduction Honestly, December seems to have arrived in a blink. Time itself is constant, but our experience of it shifts depending on what fills our days—service, discipleship, family, the work of the Lord, everyday life. Some seasons stretch; others accelerate. I’m Jeff Downs, and this is Streaking the Scriptures, where our focus is simple: application. We study to act. We study to grow. We study to come unto Christ through small, consistent choices that change us. Today we’re entering Doctrine and Covenants section 137, a sacred and stunning glimpse into the celestial kingdom...
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Ep. 403: Doctrine & Covenants 136:29-42 Be a Prophet
Streaking the Scriptures
. Until next time—have a marvelous, fantastic, wonderful day. And as always… Keep streaking the scriptures.
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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:...
info_outline🎙️ Introduction
Honestly, December seems to have arrived in a blink. Time itself is constant, but our experience of it shifts depending on what fills our days—service, discipleship, family, the work of the Lord, everyday life. Some seasons stretch; others accelerate.
I’m Jeff Downs, and this is Streaking the Scriptures, where our focus is simple: application. We study to act. We study to grow. We study to come unto Christ through small, consistent choices that change us.
Today we’re entering Doctrine and Covenants section 137, a sacred and stunning glimpse into the celestial kingdom given to Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple. No script. No outline. Just the scriptures, the Spirit, and the impressions that come in real time as we study together.
Let’s get started.
đź“– Time-Coded Chapter Headings
00:00 — Time, Perspective, and the Pace of the Soul
How life’s activity level makes time feel fast or slow, and why intentional spiritual living brings steadiness.
01:10 — The Setting of Section 137: Kirtland Temple Light
A look at the moment, the timing, and why this early revelation matters at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants.
02:30 — Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom: Hope for All God’s Children
Joseph’s vision of his brother and the doctrine that brings comfort to every parent and family.
04:05 — “Permitted to Tarry”: Agency, Accidents, and the Perfect Judge
Reflections on early death, fairness, and Christ’s complete comprehension of every heart.
05:30 — Ordinances, Baptism, and the Gate of the Kingdom
Linking D&C 137 with 2 Nephi 31 and Revelation 21. Why baptism is the covenant gate—and how proxy work completes the pattern.
08:00 — Pearly Gates, Oxen, and Symbolism Across Scripture
The 12 gates in Revelation, the 12 oxen under the baptismal font, and the unified testimony of Christ in all scripture.
10:20 — “Think Celestial”: President Nelson’s Call to Lift Our View
A deep discussion on expanding perspective, receiving revelation, and resisting the narrowing forces of the world.
14:15 — Prayer, Wisdom, and the Danger of the “Shopping List”
Why celestial thinking changes how we pray—and how heaven teaches us when we truly seek.
16:00 — Avoiding Addictions That Steal Agency
How obsession becomes a false god and why spiritual freedom matters in discipleship.
17:40 — Moral Purity, Eternal Identity, and the Covenant Path
Clarity on chastity, covenants, and the blessings of living God’s law in a confused world.
19:05 — Revelation: The Holy Ghost Shows You “All Things What Ye Should Do”
A personal reflection on promptings—following them and the cost of missing them.
21:00 — Tithing, Faith, and the Windows of Heaven
Why obedience expands opportunity in both temporal and spiritual life.
22:20 — The Temple as the Classroom of Eternity
Covenants, revelation, and the power to solve life’s most perplexing problems inside the Lord’s house.
23:45 — The Invitation of Section 137: Widen Your Spiritual Horizon
How this vision expands perspective, anchors hope, and keeps us moving toward Christ.
🎙️ Conclusion
Thank you for spending this time studying with me. Section 137 invites us to lift our eyes, widen our spiritual field of view, and remember what matters eternally. Celestial thinking isn’t abstract—it’s practical, daily, doable, and life-changing.
If you’re ready to turn these impressions into consistent spiritual actions, the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker app is a great companion. Set a streak to study, pray, think celestial, serve, or record spiritual impressions—small, daily actions that draw you closer to Christ. Consistency builds conversion, and streaks help you stay on the path.
If you haven’t yet, download the app, log in, and start a few simple spiritual streaks today. Let it help you live what you learn.
If you have thoughts from today’s study, send them my way at jeffery@mystreaksapp.com.
Until next time—have a marvelous day, practice charity in traffic, and as always…
Keep Streaking the Scriptures.