W. Cleon Skousen Insights
This podcast features insights and teachings from W. Cleon Skousen, a prominent American author, constitutional scholar, and LDS religious figure. Episodes explore his perspectives on the U.S. Constitution, government, and religious topics. The show is produced by The W Cleon Skousen Library, which preserves and shares his work.
Episodes
OT 31 The Last Days of Elijah
Text: 1 Kings chapters 20 - 22; 2 Kings chapters 1 - 2
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 14
BYU Lecture 36: Elijah returns to Trans-Jordan after meeting the Lord at Mt. Sinai. Here, he finds Elisha plowing his field. Elijah gives Elisha his mantel, demonstrating to Elisha his calling as the next prophet. Elisha accepts his calling and follows after Elijah in his final days.
Mea
OT Lesson 30 The Coming of Elijah
Text: 1 Kings chapters 17 - 19
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 13
BYU Lecture 35: At the peak of the apostate administration of king Ahab of Israel and his gentile wife Jezebel, there suddenly appeared at the royal palace in Samaria a man who dared to risk his very life by coming to deliver a cursing message to the king. This man was the prophet Elijah.
Elijah comes suddenly
OT 29 The Struggle Between Reform and Apostasy
Text: 1 Kings chapters 15-16; 2 Chronicles 14-17
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 12
BYU Lecture 34: After 922 BC, Israel history becomes complicated to read and study without understanding the proper labels used in the Old Testament. The nation is now divided into 2 nations; the nation to the north, comprising 10 tribes is referred to as “Israel” while the nation to the south,
AT 28 Solomon’s Rise and Fall: A Golden Age Unraveled
Text: 1 Kings 9-15; 2 Chronicles 7-11
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapters 10-11
BYU Lecture 33: As the temple was being constructed, Solomon fortified his lands and conquered countries, expanding his kingdom into one of the great powers of the region, along with Egypt and Assyria. The tributes, tariffs and taxes brought tremendous wealth into his kingdom. Even Queen of Sheeba, fr
OT 27 Solomon Builds the Great Temple
Text: 1 Kings chapter 4-8
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 9
BYU Lecture 32: Solomon now wants to construct a temple as was instructed by his father David and from the Lord. He reaches out to Hiram, King of Lebanon, who built David’s palace and humbly asks for his help. Hiram responds marvelously and promises to gift Solomon all the lumber and craftsmen needed for the job. Sol
OT 26 The Closing Years of David and the Rise of Solomon
Text: 2 Samuel chapters 15-24; 1 Kings chapters 1-3; 1 Chronicles chapters 28-29
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapters 7-8
BYU Lecture 31: As David declines in life, his son Absalom conspires to kill David and take the throne, assisted by David’s traitorous prime minister Ahithophel. The rebellion becomes so threatening that David abandons Jerusalem to save the city from the ravag
OT 25 The Fall of King David
Text: 2 Samuel chapters 10-14
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 6
BYU Lecture 30 - Now that Israel is united and has conquered the lands as prophesied, spread from the Euphrates River to the Egyptian border, King David spends his time putting down skirmishes from the neighboring Ammonites and Syrians.
While resting in Jerusalem, King David takes a stroll and looks upon Bathsheb
OT 24: The Rise of Israel to Greatness
Text: 2 Samuel chapters 6-9
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 5
BYU Lecture 29: After battling Abner and the northern 10 tribes, King David unites all of Israel and moves the capital city from Hebron to Jerusalem. Peace in Israel, however, is short lived. The Philistines (Canaanites) rally their forces against Israel to attack King David – their Goliath killer. David inquires of
Celebrating Our Constitution
Join W. Cleon Skousen as he walks the room from history to the present, weaving dramatic Founding-era stories with a lawyer’s sober account of how the Constitution’s 248 principles were meant to protect liberty — and how many have been unraveled. Through vivid anecdotes about Jefferson, Adams, and Washington, he reveals the quiet, deliberate choices that created America and the slow shifts that ha
OT 23 David Becomes King of Israel
Text: 2 Samuel chapters 1-4
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 4
BYU Lecture 28: David learns of the death of King Saul and his son Jonathan. Rather than rejoicing from the news that his tormentor Saul was dead, he went into fasting and mourning. David writes a sad song lamenting the passing of Saul, the Lord’s anointed, and of Jonathan, his dear friend. But even with the death o
OT 22 The Fall of King Saul
Text: 1 Samuel chapters 22-31
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 3
BYU Lecture 27: King Saul, bitter and feeling rejected by nearly all he trusted, sought the life of David in a tirade. He calls on the prophet Ahimelech, accusing him of treason for siding with David. Saul has the prophet killed along with 85 temple priests.
David and his army of 600 loyalists continually flee fro
OT 21 Saul's Campaign to Murder David
Text: 1 Samuel 18 - 21
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 2
BYU Lecture 26: David exercises his faith in God and confronts Goliath, killing him with a rock and sling. David suddenly becomes a military hero to the people of Israel. He meets and befriends the crown prince of Israel, Jonathan – son of King Saul. With all the praise for David from the people of Israel, Saul becomes j
OT 20 King Saul and the Rise of David
Text: 1 Samuel 16-17
Supplemental Text: The Fourth Thousand Years chapter 1
BYU Lecture 25: The Jews use different names for some of their scriptural books than do our Bible scriptures. The following reference table shows these differences:
JEWISH KJV Bible
1st Book of Kings 1st Samuel
2nd Book of Kings
OT 19 - Introduction to the Thundering Fourth Thousand Years
Text: The Old Testament Summary
Supplemental Text: Finish up the Third Thousand Years chapters 21-26 from last semester. The Fourth Thousand Years text begins next week.
BYU Lecture 24: This is the "thundering thousand years" from David down to Christ. This is the thousand years of Bible history in which you have all prophets, not the Patriarchs. Programmed learning includes memorizing the “hook d
God's Outlook for America
Join Dr. W. Cleon Skousen on a sweeping, personal journey through the birth of the United States—where battlefield drama, prophetic vision, and a small band of determined leaders collide to forge a Constitution which ultimately bears the hand of God. Through vivid anecdotes—from Yorktown’s storms to the tense debates in Philadelphia—Skousen brings the Founders to life and reveals why the document
OT 18 The Final Year for Moses
Text: Deuteronomy 6-8; 15; 18; 29-30; 34
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapter 20
BYU Lecture 23: Finally, the Lord declares that Israel is now ready to enter Canaan, the Promised Land. Moses is 120 years old and is in the last year of his life. He has also recently lost Aaron and Miriam.
Moses takes the hosts of Israel on a march towards the east of the Dead Sea, avoiding the Anaks.
OT 17 Rebel Not Against the Lord
Text: Numbers 11-14; 20-24; 27
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapters 18-19
BYU Lecture 22: The law of carnal commandments include many different sacrifices and oblations which are discussed. The Lord hates them because as a schoolmaster, the law was not obeyed by Israel with humility or a contrite spirit. These carnal commandments were fulfilled and taken away at the time of Christ.
OT 16 Organizing Israel to March Into Canaan
Text: Exodus 35-40; Leviticus 1: 4; 16; 19
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapter 17
BYU Lecture 21: After taking Israel out of Egypt Moses immediately began teaching the people the Gospel of Jesus Christ so they could witness God and become a people like unto the city of Enoch. But these people were unworthy and unwilling to behold God. Therefore, instead of receiving the Melchizedek
OT 15 Revelations Pour Down from Mt. Sinai
Text: Exodus 19-20; 24; 31-34
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapters 14-16
BYU Lecture 20: After a 2 month journey from Egypt, Moses brings the entire camp of Israel to the base of Mt Sinai. Moses climbs the mount and meets with God, who offers Israel a covenant to make them His chosen people and to do His work throughout the world, if they would be obedient. This is the same covenan
OT 14 The Great Exodus Begins
Text: Exodus 14 - 18
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapter 13
BYU Lecture 19 summary: Today, there are many inaccurate doctrines taught throughout the church regarding the Law of Moses, the Law of the Covenant and the Carnal Commandments. The restored gospel compels us to teach the correct doctrine as restored by the Lord.
When the Israelites were finally released by Pharoah, they we
OT 13 Moses Returns to Egypt - Plagues and Miracles
Text: Exodus 7-13
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapter 12
BYU Lecture 18: At the age of 80, Moses crosses the desert back into Egypt. He and his brother Aaron meet with the leaders of Israel with the message from God – liberation! Moses demonstrates his authority from God by displaying the miracles of the staff and leprous hand, just as Jehovah had done with Moses on Mount Sinai. Th
The Easter Story
Written by W. Cleon Skousen and narrated by Francis Urry, this professionally dramatized story of Easter was produced by KSL radio in Salt Lake City and was widely broadcast on radio stations during the 1960's and 1970's.
Journey through the Easter events beginning with the burial of Jesus Christ and concluding with His ascension. In the stillness of pre-dawn Jerusalem, a group of devoted women, i
OT 12 The Rise of the Prophet Moses
Text: Exodus 1-6
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapters 10-11
BYU Lecture 17: Moses, the grandson of Levi, is born. The Israelites had now been in Egypt for 215 years (a total of 430 years since Abraham arrived in Canaan). Moses was born while the Israelites were in slavery due to a previous dynasty change in Egyption leadership. At this time, the Pharoah required the Israelite male
OT 11 Joseph Rescues His Family and Israel Settles in Egypt
This week, we have 2 lectures to keep pace for those following the Come Follow Me schedule.
Text: Genesis 42-50
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapters 6-8
BYU Lecture 14: Joseph marries Asenath and has two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. He prepares Egypt for the upcoming famine by taxing the people by 20%. During the hardship of this famine, Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt desperate for
OT 10: Young Joseph - A Shepherd, a Seer and a Slave
Text: Genesis 37-41
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapter 5
BYU Lecture 13: Joseph spent his youth in Beersheba. He was a devoted son to Jacob and to God. When he witnessed evil doings by his brothers, Joseph faithfully reported it to his father. This created a trusted bond between father and son, but caused hatred between Joseph and his brothers. At the age of 17, Joseph receives re
OT 9 - Let God Prevail
This week, we have 2 lectures to keep pace for those following the Come Follow Me schedule.
Text: Genesis 24-33
Supplemental Text: The Third Thousand Years chapters 1-4
BYU Lecture 11: One of the purposes of a college education is to learn how to think and not to be deceived; what is true and what is false, and what is good and what is evil.
Who are God’s chosen people? Just one word describes the
OT 8 Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?
Text: Genesis 18-23
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 28-32
BYU Lecture 10: Amazingly, Noah witnessed 10 generation of his descendants before he died, Abraham being his 10th generation, at 2,000 BC. The life of Abraham is discussed, including his ordination of the priesthood in his youth by Melchizedek, who is also discussed. Abraham’s father tries to kill Abraham through idol wors
OT 7 - When Prophets Call: Stay Steady in Tumultuous Times
Text: Genesis 12-17; Abraham 1-2
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 23-27
BYU Lecture 9: The church will not save the Constitution – it will be saved by the Elders of Israel. Political education is crucial by the members of the church because the Church itself cannot get involved in the fight.
Stay close to the prophet as the Lord is beginning to hasten His work.
After Noah came to
OT 6 Noah Finds Grace in the Eyes of the Lord
This week, we have 2 lectures to keep pace for those following the Come Follow Me program.
Text: Genesis 6-11; Moses 8
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 20-22
BYU Lecture #7: The Great Universal Flood
Due to the wickedness of the people, similar to the wickedness of today, God cleanses the Human race by using a universal Flood. Noah obeys the Lord and builds an enormous ark, but on
OT 5: The Ministry of Enoch
This week we have combined 2 lectures, #5 for the first 35 minutes and #6 for the next 41 minutes. This is necessary for those following the Come Follow Me study program of the Old Testament.
Text: Moses 7
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 17-19
BYU Lecture #5: The Children of Adam and Eve Reject God
Brother Skousen recaps the Fall along with its effects on the world. Adam and Eve
OT 4 - Atonement of Christ - Keystone to the Entire Plan of Salvation
BYU Lecture #4 - Why was the Atonement necessary?
Text: Genesis 5; Moses 6
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 10-16 and Appendix: Atonement
Probably no subject in scripture has aroused more questions or provoked more wonderment than the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Join W. Cleon Skousen in a live university lecture that unfolds like an epic journey from the beginning, starting with in
OT 3 - Why the Fall of Adam and Eve was Difficult to Achieve
BYU Lecture #3: The Fall and Eviction from the Garden
Text: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 6-9
After Adam and Eve’s arrival in the Garden, the Fall became a tremendous challenge, as it is on every Earth created for mankind. Essential as the Fall is, our first parents were required to deliberately and voluntarily take that step to bring about mortality.
In
OT 2- The Lord Created All Things Spiritually Before Temporally
BYU Lecture #2 - The Creation; The Garden; Adam and Eve
Text: Genesis 1-2; Moses 2-3; Abraham 4-5
Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years - Chapters 3-5
In this 2nd University lecture, we learn that Moses has a second opportunity to inquire of the Lord. This time he learns the importance of the Human race. He is taught from "the beginning" which was actually the spiritual creation of the earth, f
OT 1 - Getting Acquainted with the Amazing Old Testament
Biblical Text: Moses 1 and Abraham 3
College Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 1 and 2
W. Cleon Skousen narrates a series of lectures on the Old Testament that were recorded decades earlier at the university and recently recovered. He recounts his return to BYU at the request of President David O. McKay, and writing three Old Testament textbooks, namely The First 2,000 Years, The Third Thousand
Communist Attack on the Bible
In the great battle to take over the world, America is the number one target. Enemies of America, enemies of the Bible, enemies of goodness are almost always atheist, amoral, ruthless and power hungry.
Knowledge is the only defense against our enemy’s deception. We must do our own homework and research to discover truth. Communists lie, cheat, misrepresent and do whatever is in their power to prom
The Real Story of Christmas
Narrated by the renowned Francis Urey and originally produced in the 1960s, this production unveils chapters of the historical account of the first Christmas that modern day pageants frequently omit.
Performed for a time at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, discover the story of Zacharias and his divine encounter with the angel Gabriel, leading to the miraculous birth of John the Baptist. Follow th
Personal Discovery of the Old Testament
The beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ comes alive in the Old Testament. The backbone of learning the Gospel in the Old Testament begins with a historical understanding, which W. Cleon Skousen lays out masterfully by helping the student learn the easy hook dates of critical learning. Weaving these hook dates among the major players in the Old Testament pulls together the storyline and fasinating
The Christmas Story
The Christmas Story as only W. Cleon Skousen can tell so beautifully and personally. Experience the birth of Christ as a living, human story from the hush of a temple’s incense in Jerusalem to the bright surprise of angelic visitations, weaving the lives of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph into a vivid journey toward Bethlehem.
Witness the shock of sudden revelation, the breaking and healing
The Old Testament Predicts Our Day
The Old Testament prophets saw our day, prior to Christ's return, and describe these events for our learning and preparation.
D & C 137 - 138 The Redemption of the Dead
Section 137 – Given on January 21, 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio.
Historical Background: The Kirtland temple was nearing completion. In preparation for its dedication, Joseph Smith, along with other leaders of the church in Kirtland and Missouri, gathered in the upper-west room of the temple. A spiritual manifestation was received by Joseph and an extract of the vision is contained in Section 137 which w
D & C 135 - 136 Joseph and Hyrum Seal Their Testimony with Their Blood
Section 135 - Historical Background: John Taylor and Willard Richards were witnesses to the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. John Taylor was shot several times and fell to the floor but saved his life by rolling under the bed. He was assigned to write the official declaration of the church concerning the assassination.
The effort to destroy the Prophet came from two directions: One was from the a
The Real Story of Thanksgiving: From Communism to Capitalism
Often overlooked and unappreciated, the history of the early settlers who initially practiced a form of communism that led to widespread starvation and hardship. The miraculous shift to free enterprise transformed their lives, replacing scarcity with abundance. This life-saving transition is the real reason behind the Thanksgiving celebration.
Learn the adventures of John Smith, the harsh realitie
D & C 133 - 134 Prepare for the Second Coming of Christ
Section 133 received Nov 3, 1831 in Hiram Ohio
Historical background - By November, 1831, Joseph had compiled many of the Lord’s revelations which would eventually become a Book of Commandments, later known as the Doctrine and Covenants. On November 1, 1831, the Lord revealed a “Proclamation” to the world which became the preface to the Book of Commandments, or section 1. Two days later, on Novemb
D & C 129 - 132 My House is a House of Order and Not a House of Confusion
Revelation Dates: February 1843 – July 1843
Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois
Section 129 - Historical Background: One of the saints in England, converted by Heber C. Kimball, was a faithful man named William Clayton. Three years after his baptism, Clayton moved his family from England to Nauvoo and in 1842 became a secretary and scribe to the Prophet Joseph. Over the next two years, William Cla
D & C 125 - 128 A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead
Revelation Dates: March 1841 – September, 1842
Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois
Section 125 - Historical Background: As the saints from around the world gathered to Nauvoo, many of them settled on the west side of the Mississippi River (Iowa) where the land was more affordable. Two stakes were organized there. With the increasing emphasis on the gathering place in Nauvoo, the question was raise
D & C 124 Let This House Be Built That I May Reveal Mine Ordinances
Revelation Date: January 19, 1841
Revelation Place: Nauvoo, Illinois
Section 124 - Historical Background: It had been 2 years since receiving the prior revelation and much had happened during that time:
- Joseph had finally been freed from Liberty jail by a sympathetic sheriff (who was then killed by the angry mob for allowing Joseph to escape).
- Joseph fled to Illinois and the saints purchased t
D & C 121 - 123 O God, Where Art Thou?
Revelation Date: March, 1839
Revelation Place: Liberty Jail, Missouri
Section 121 - Historical Background: By March 20, 1839, Joseph Smith had reached the lowest depths of utter despair. The physical dimensions of the restored church had been shattered. The saints had been forced to abandon their homes and property in the depths of winter, fleeing over the entire width of Missouri to escape the mu
D & C 115 - 120 Your Sacrifice Will be More Sacred than Your Increase
Revelation Dates: April – July, 1838
Revelation Places: Farr West, Missouri
Section 115 - Historical Background: The first General Conference of the church in Missouri was held at Farr West on April 6, 1838. Joseph had arrived a few weeks prior to the conference, having fled Kirtland with the saints and traveling nearly 900 miles to Farr West. Following this exodus and enduring the apostasy of man
D & C 111 - 114 Purify Your Hearts Before Me
Revelation Dates: August 1836 – April 1838
Revelation Places: Salem, Massachusetts; Kirtland, Ohio; Farr West, Missouri
Section 111 - Historical Background: In the summer of 1836, a member from Massachusetts by the name of Jonathan Burgess, came to Joseph regarding a sister member in Salem, Massachusetts who was now deceased. He explained that prior to her death she intended to give the church a l
D & C 109 - 110 The Kirtland Temple - A Place of Holiness
Revelation Dates: March 27, 1836 – April 3, 1836
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 109 - Historical Background: In December 1832, the Lord commanded the saints of Kirtland to build a temple. At that time, there were only about 100 members living in Kirtland, who lacked money, lands or knowledge to accomplish the task. Yet, at the completion and dedication of the temple in March, 1836, ther
D & C 106 - 108 The Holy Order of the Son of God
Revelation Dates: November 1834 – December 1835
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 106 - Historical Background: It had been 5 months since the return from Zions Camp. Joseph was engaged in the building of the Temple in Kirtland, along with visiting and strengthening each branch in the area. The previous month of March, Joseph had visited the town of Freedom, baptizing 30-40 people there, in
D & C 102 - 105 After Much Tribulation Cometh the Blessing
Revelation Dates: February – June, 1834
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio and Fishing River, Missouri
Section 102 - Historical Background: With the rapidly increasing membership of the church, Joseph needed help in administration. A meeting was called consisting of 62 brethren, and Joseph taught about the ancient councils and how they were operated under Moses and Peter, among others. Joseph had r
D & C 98 - 101 Trials and Revelations: The Struggle for Zion
Revelation Dates: August – December, 1833
Revelation Places: Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York
Section 98 – Aug 6, 1833 - Historical Background: Persecution was increasing in Missouri and Joseph was concerned for the saints, seeking help from the Lord. Joseph was 800 miles away in Kirtland and had not yet heard of the extreme violence and destruction of property, including the printing press. But th
D & C 94 - 97 Foundations of Faith: The Urgent Call for Zion's Temple
Revelation Dates: May – August, 1833
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 94 - Historical Background: Ever since January, 1833, Joseph Smith had been warning the church leaders in Jackson County, Missouri to stop disputing and quarrelling among themselves. Their sinful behavior was putting the whole cause of Zion at risk. As they did not repent, the threats of mobs increased. If the saints in
D & C 93 The Glory of God is Intelligence: Your Exaltation in Light and Truth
Revelation Date: May 6, 1833
Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 93 - Historical Background: Many of the saints had migrated from Kirtland to Jackson County, Missouri, but there were still about 150 families remaining in Kirtland, Ohio. Still, the Lord wanted to establish a Stake there and organize the building of a temple. In anticipation of this, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith one of the
D & C 89 - 92 The Word of Wisdom: A Revelation for Health and Holiness
Revelation Dates: February 27 – March 15, 1833
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 89 - Historical Background: In a small upstairs room in Bishop Whitney’s store, around 22 Elders gathered tightly together to attend the School of the Prophets. The purpose of the school was to learn the mysteries of God and sacred truths in preparation for their ministry. During the meeting, the Elders would
D & C 88 Organize Yourselves, Prepare Every Needful Thing, Establish a House of God
Revelation Dates: December 27, 1832 – January 3, 1833
Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 88 - Historical Background: Just 2 days after receiving section 87, containing the prophecies of war and terrible destruction, the Lord sends this new revelation (or series of revelations) containing words of peace. Joseph refers this revelation as an olive leaf. About a year earlier, in section 71, Jose
D & C 85 - 87 Stand in Holy Places and Be Not Moved
Revelation Dates: November – December, 1832
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 85 - Historical Background: Since receiving the previous section 84, Joseph had continued with the revision of the bible. Disturbing reports from the saints in Missouri reached Joseph, apparently related to the failure of vital points of obedience under the Law of Consecration. Influenced by the Spirit of the Lor
D & C 84 The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
Revelation Date: September 22 – 23, 1832
Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 84 - Historical Background: In the summer months of 1832, Joseph and Sidney moved their residence to Kirtland, Ohio. They resumed revising the Bible and getting the first edition of the Evening and Morning Star published. By Fall, the missionaries sent to the Eastern states began returning from their missions and rep
D & C 81 - 83 Where Much is Given, Much is Required
Revelation Dates: March – April, 1832
Revelation Places: Hiram Ohio and Jackson County, Missouri
Section 81 - Historical Background: This revelation was given originally to a relatively unknown person named Jesse Gause, to be a counsellor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood. However, Gause was unfaithful so he was replaced by Fredrick G. Williams. This Presidency was a forerun
D & C 77 - 80 I Will Lead You Along
Revelation Dates: March, 1832
Revelation Places: Hiram, Ohio
Section 77 - Historical Background: As Joseph Smith resumed revising the Bible, he came to the book of Revelation. Rather than translating or revising the revelation of John, Joseph was only allowed to inquire specific questions from the revelation.
Recap: Some of the symbols used by John are explained:
Sea of glass: The sanctified Ear
Secret to America’s Strength
Many Americans today often fail to realize the supreme importance which the Founding Fathers originally attached to the role of religion in the structure of the unique civilization which they hoped would emerge as the first free people in modern times.
This speech uses extensive references to a booklet written by Dr. W. Cleon Skousen with the same title as the speech, Secret to America's Strength.
D & C 76 Unveiling the Kingdoms of Heaven
Revelation Date: February 16, 1832
Revelation Place: Hiram, Ohio
Section 76 - Historical Background: Having returned to Hiram Ohio from the church conference held in Amherst Ohio, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resumed the revision of the New Testament. When they came to John 5: 28-29, the original KJV read, “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall
D & C 71 - 75 No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper
Revelation Dates: December 1831 – January 1832
Revelation Places: Ohio (Kirtland, Hiram and Amherst)
Section 71 - Historical Background: Joseph was engaged in translating the bible with Sidney Rigdon as scribe, but was interrupted by the Lord due to a wave of bitter feelings toward the church, partially because of a series of articles published in the Ohio Star newspaper, written by apostate Ezra
D & C 67 - 70 Book of Commandments - A Divine Work Worth the Riches of the World
Revelation Dates: November 1 – 12, 1831
Revelation Places: Hiram and Kirtland Ohio
Section 67 - Historical Background: It was time to compile the revelations received through Joseph Smith thus far and print them in a Book of Commandments. Joseph called a special church conference and after the meeting convened, the Lord revealed the Preface to the Book of Commandments which is now section 1 of the
D & C 64 - 66 Divine Directions for Righteousness and the Need for Forgiveness
Revelation Dates: September – October 1831
Revelation Places: Various places in Ohio
Section 64 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith was living on the Morley farm which was now being sold for monies to purchase land in Missouri. John Johnson offered Joseph and Emma to share his home in Hiram, Ohio which they gratefully accepted. Meanwhile, a company of brethren were preparing to go to Missouri, a
D & C 60 - 63 God is with the Faithful - Always!
Revelation Dates: August 1831
Revelation Places: Jackson County, Missouri; Banks of the Missouri River; Kirtland Ohio
Section 60 - Historical Background: After being in Jackson County, Missouri for only 3 weeks, Joseph Smith and other church leaders had accomplished much, including holding a church conference, the settlement of newly arriving saints, identified the site of the New Jerusalem and de
D & C 58 - 59 The Lord's Will Concerning Zion
Revelation Dates: August 1-7, 1831
Revelation Places: Jackson County, Missouri
Section 58 - Historical Background: In a previous revelation, contained in section 57, the Lord set up the prospect for a Zion society. To achieve the promises from a Zion society the saints were required to achieve sufficient righteousness. However, the Lord knew what would ultimately happen and tried to prepare the sa
D & C 51 - 57 The Law of Consecration, for Faithful, Just, and Wise Stewards
Revelation Dates: May – July 1831
Revelation Places: Ohio and Missouri
Section 51 - Historical Background: As the many converts from New York came to Kirtland Ohio, Bishop Partridge had been assigned to organize and care for them according to the law of consecration, described in section 42. Needing assistance from the Lord, the bishop asked Joseph to seek further guidance from the Lord.
Recap: T
D & C 49 - 50 That Which is of God is Light
Revelation Dates: May 1831
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 49 - Historical Background: A man named Leman Copley was a recent convert from a religious group called the Shakers, or the Shaking Quakers. He was so excited about the gospel that he wanted to present it to his former church members located near Cleveland, Ohio. The founder of the Shakers was a woman named Ann Lee, who had once
D & C 46 - 48 Seek Ye the Best Gifts
Revelation Dates: March 8, 1831
Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 46 - Historical Background: New converts were now pouring into Kirtland, Ohio. Many had preconceived ideas from their former churches how weekly services should be held. Joseph inquires of the Lord how He wants it done.
Recap: The elders attending the meeting should preside and conduct the meeting according to the Spirit.
D & C 45 Despite Troubling Times - God's Promises Shall be Fulfilled
Revelation Date: March 7, 1831
Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 45 - Historical Background: The Lord was well aware of the perils that were pouring out upon the Saints. Joseph lamented, “Many false reports, lies, and foolish stories were published and circulated in every direction, to prevent people from investigating the work.” During these times of slander and abuse, the Lord provided re
D & C 41 - 44 God's Law to Govern God's People
Revelation Dates: February 1831
Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio
Section 41 - Historical Background: Arriving in Kirtland Ohio, Joseph found many of the saints practicing “strange notions” brought with the new converts from their previous church backgrounds. As these false precepts and traditions were creeping in among the church, Joseph asked the Lord what to do.
Recap: Blessed are they who foll
D & C 37 - 40 Fear Not - Hear My Voice and Follow Me.
Revelation Dates: December 1830-January 1831
Revelation Place: Fayette, New York
Section 37 - Historical Background: Sidney Rigdon had been told earlier that new scriptures would be coming. As Joseph’s scribe, they received the book of Moses. The Lord then interrupts the translation and commands that the headquarters of the church be moved from Fayette, New York to Ohio.
Recap: Joseph Smith and S
D & C 30 - 36 Personal Revelations for New Converts
Section 30 - Historical Background: Following the second conference of the Church at Fayette, the Lord provided revelations to several new converts who were anxious to know what God would have them do. This revelation was to three of the Whitmer brothers, David, Peter Jr. and John.
Recap: David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses, is admonished for fearing man more than God and for not giving heed
A Personal Search for the Meaning of the Atonement
In one of the most exhaustive, scripture based presentations on the Atonement, respected gospel scholar W. Cleon Skousen opens our understanding of the majesty and breadth of Jesus' sacrifice and how we can apply the principles of the Atonement in our lives.
As stated by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, "The doctrine of the Atonement embraces, sustains, supports, and gives life and force to all other gosp
D & C 29 Christ Will Gather and Protect His People
Section 29 - Historical Background: After Joseph and Emma arrived in Fayette from Harmony, the saints were anxious for the upcoming second conference of the church. Many of the new members had questions. Six elders were in the presence of Joseph when he received this new magnificent revelation. This was not a revelation of simple concepts like received in previous revelations, but was instead a c
D & C 27 - 28 Sacramental Wine and the Keys to Revelation
Section 27 - Historical Background: It had been four months since the organization of the church and the saints had been partaking of the sacrament using bread and wine. After the baptism of Emma Smith along with others, a meeting was held for the confirmation to take place followed by the partaking of the sacrament. However, there was no wine available for the sacrament so Joseph set out to obtai
D & C 23 - 26 Inspiration and Trials - Seek for Things of a Better World
Section 23 - Historical Background: Shortly after the organization of the church, probably between April 6 to 11, 1830, Joseph was approached by five faithful men desiring to know their respective duties in the new church. These five individuals included Joseph’s father, Joseph Smith Sr, two brothers, Hyrum and Samuel Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Knight, Sr. Joseph inquired of the Lord and rec
D & C 20 - 22 The Rise of the Church of Jesus Christ
Section 20 - Historical Background: Following the first vision to the young boy Joseph Smith, God gradually proceeded to work towards the establishment of his church. The angel Moroni was sent to Joseph, then to the hidden gold plates to be translated and published as the Book of Mormon; the Aaronic Priesthood was restored followed by the Melchizedek priesthood. This section lays the foundation fo
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