Ep. 396: Doctrine & Covenants 132:15-66 Local Authority Having Jurisdiction

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: Reverent approach to Section 132; acknowledging questions and trusting God's higher ways. 02:22 – vv.15–17: Time-only vs. eternal: Civil marriage, angels as ministering servants, why authority and sealing matter beyond death. 04:00 – Bishop's perspective: "Time-only" ceremonies and the yearning for relationships to continue past mortality. 06:01 – Why mortality matters: Abraham 3, proving, laws, and blessings—orientation to an "eternal weight of glory." 09:00 – Proxy ordinances: How baptisms/sealings for the dead reconcile "neither marry nor are given in marriage." 11:20 – Matthew 22 linkage: "Given in marriage" explained; necessity of earthly ordinances for the dead by proxy. 15:27 – Family-centered doctrine: President Oaks' conference insights on temple marriage, hope, and growth in the spirit world. 18:13 – Law → Blessing (D&C 130): Irrevocable laws; order in God's house; the Spirit of promise. 22:57 – Receiving harder laws: Timing, readiness, and why revealed law is merciful, not punitive. 25:23 – v.19, the long promise: First resurrection, thrones, dominions, and "continuation of the seeds forever and ever." 27:26 – Parenting aside: Humor and the "no innocent blood" clause amid family life. 30:08 – Gifts of the Father: The Lord's desire to give good gifts; asking, seeking, knocking. 32:21 – v.20: "Then shall they be gods": Elevation through Christ; not pulling God down—He lifts us up. 34:22 – 3 Nephi 27: Christ lifted up to draw all to Him; the gospel in action. 36:42 – Power to serve: Exaltation framed as consecrated responsibility, not domination. 39:06 – Strait gate, narrow way: Knowing the way—Christ Himself—and abiding His law. 41:33 – Serious warnings: Blasphemy, murder, discipline in mortality, hope in resurrection. 43:49 – Abraham and the law: Plural marriage contextualized; "local authority having jurisdiction" analogy → God is the Lawgiver. 48:13 – Order and keys: David/Solomon, where sin entered, and why keys/prophetic authorization matter. 53:05 – Adultery & sealing power: Bound on earth and in heaven; justice, mercy, and order. 56:06 – A marriage principle: Forgiveness inside covenants—allowing your spouse to progress. 58:28 – "Ruler" = responsibility: Language re-read through discipleship and stewardship. 1:04:58 – Law of the priesthood: Sarah/Hagar, consent, and the purpose to "bear the souls of men." 1:06:56 – Testimony and takeaway: God's laws are salvific; Christ lifts, binds, and saves. Conclusion Section 132 doesn't shrink the soul—it stretches it. Eternal marriage, sealing, and the law of the priesthood are all about being lifted by Christ into real increase, real service, and real joy. Where something feels hard, the Lord invites us to seek, ask, and be taught. Where something feels heavy, He offers the yoke and the keys that make it possible. The straight and narrow is not narrow-hearted; it's precise, merciful, and powerful in Him. If you want to turn today's insights into daily discipleship, track a simple, consistent covenant-keeping streak with the MyStreaks – Streak Tracker app. Set a streak like "Study a sealing scripture daily," "Pray for my spouse by name," or "Temple preparation step." Tiny actions, kept consistently, open the way for big blessings. Download MyStreaks on your phone, join a group, and let the app cheer you on—one day, one verse, one covenant-centered action at a time. Keep streaking the Scriptures!