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Ep. 406: Doctrine & Covenants 138:28-51 What is Your Belief?

Streaking the Scriptures

Release Date: 12/04/2025

Ep. 406: Doctrine & Covenants 138:28-51 What is Your Belief? show art Ep. 406: Doctrine & Covenants 138:28-51 What is Your Belief?

Streaking the Scriptures

🎙️ Introduction Good morning, and welcome back to Streaking the Scriptures. Today we continue our study of Doctrine and Covenants section 138—a section that lifts the veil and lets us glimpse the grandeur of the Lord’s redemptive work on both sides of the veil. Yesterday we explored Joseph F. Smith’s pondering, his searching, and the revelatory “recipe” that opened his understanding. Today, beginning at verse 29, we move into the heart of his vision—how Christ organized messengers among the righteous to preach the gospel to those in darkness. These verses expand our...

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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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🎙️ 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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. Until next time—have a marvelous, fantastic, wonderful day. And as always… Keep streaking the scriptures.  

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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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🎙️ 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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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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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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🎙️ Introduction

Good morning, and welcome back to Streaking the Scriptures. Today we continue our study of Doctrine and Covenants section 138—a section that lifts the veil and lets us glimpse the grandeur of the Lord’s redemptive work on both sides of the veil. Yesterday we explored Joseph F. Smith’s pondering, his searching, and the revelatory “recipe” that opened his understanding.

Today, beginning at verse 29, we move into the heart of his vision—how Christ organized messengers among the righteous to preach the gospel to those in darkness. These verses expand our understanding of life after death, the state of the soul, the justice and mercy of God, and the sweeping scope of the plan of redemption.

Let’s dive in.

📘 Chapters

1. The Eyes of Understanding Opened (00:01.02 – 00:03.20)

Joseph F. Smith wonders how the Savior preached to spirits in prison—then sees the Lord organizing missionaries from among the righteous to teach the gospel beyond the veil.

2. The Gospel Preached to the Dead (00:03.20 – 00:06.06)

The doctrine unfolds: vicarious ordinances, repentance, spirit instruction, and the completeness of the plan of redemption.

3. Agency, Opportunity, and Eternal Justice (00:06.06 – 00:08.23)

The Lord gives everyone every possible chance—here or hereafter—to accept Him and receive eternal life. Not all will choose it, but none will be denied the opportunity.

4. Alma 40 and the State Between Death and Resurrection (00:08.23 – 00:11.20)

Alma outlines the “space” between death and resurrection, the condition of the righteous and wicked, and the nature of paradise and prison.

5. Time: Measured to Men, Not to God (00:11.20 – 00:12.40)

A brief meditation on God’s eternal perspective and our mortal lens.

6. Understanding the Soul’s Condition (00:12.40 – 00:15.02)

Alma teaches that all spirits are taken home to God, and that the state of the soul—happiness or misery—continues until the resurrection.

7. A Resurrection Defined (00:15.02 – 00:17.50)

Clarifying the difference between spiritual “states” before resurrection and the actual reunification of body and spirit.

8. Why Preach the Gospel in This Life? (00:17.50 – 00:18.40)

The gospel brings the best life now—and joy in the life to come.

9. “The Same Spirit”: Alma 34 and Belief Beyond the Veil (00:18.40 – 00:22.10)

Exploring Amulek’s teachings that the same spirit—or belief structure—we cultivate now accompanies us into eternity.

10. Sociality Beyond the Veil (00:22.10 – 00:24.43)

How missionaries beyond the veil teach, persuade, and help spirits understand truth—just as we do here.

11. A Vast Congregation of the Righteous (00:24.43 – 00:27.05)

Seeing Adam, Eve, Abel, Seth, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Elias, Malachi, and many Nephite prophets gathered in anticipation.

12. What Their Presence Teaches Us (00:27.05 – 00:28.43)

The power of righteous legacy, future association, and eternal learning from those who lived before.

13. Spirits in Bondage and the Gift of Liberty (00:28.43 – 00:27.45)

Understanding why the separation of spirit and body is viewed as bondage—and how truth brings freedom.

14. Parallels to Mortal Life: The Columbus Analogy (00:27.45 – 00:28.10)

How false beliefs keep us bound, and truth sets us free.

15. Immortality and Eternal Life: The Father’s Work (00:28.10 – 00:28.43)

Connecting D&C 138 to Moses 1:39 and the joy of God’s plan.

16. Final Reflections: Our Eternal Destiny (00:28.43 – end)

Living now for what we hope to become—and the thrill of future learning, association, and growth.

🎙️ Conclusion

Thank you for studying with me today. This section of scripture does something profound—it lifts our eyes to eternity, sharpens our understanding of God’s mercy, and motivates us to live now in a way that aligns with our eternal identity.

If you’re looking to deepen your consistency in scripture study, in prayer, in Christlike living, or in any spiritual practice, let me invite you to use the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker App. It’s a simple, powerful way to keep your spiritual commitments alive day after day. Even one small action—done consistently—opens the door to revelation, peace, and lifelong discipleship.

You can download the app at MyStreaksApp.com and start your own spiritual streak today.

If you have thoughts or insights from this episode, feel free to email me at jeffery@mystreaksapp.com.

Until we study again—have charity in traffic, live with intention, and as always…
Keep Streaking the Scriptures.