W. Cleon Skousen Insights

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 follow God’s commandments and cursed are those who don’t. The Elders are to gather together and God will declare His law clarifying His will. Joseph is to receive housing and Edward Partridge is to be ordained a Bishop, the first bishop of the church, to administer full time the temporal affairs of the church.  Section 42 - Historical Background: The early members pooled their property in an attempt to mimic “all things in common” as described in Acts, also known as Christian Communism. This counterfeit to God’s Law of Consecration became so contentious that Joseph approached the Lord to seek the true meaning of “all things in common.” This section became known as “The Law” and was one of the first revelations to be published.  * Recap: The strength of God’s church is in the obedience of its members. The first priority of the Elders is to do missionary work, two by two, as ordained by authority and then guided by the Sprit. Living the ten commandments is emphasized. The Law of Consecration is explained. Other laws of God are discussed, such as the law of work, healing, government, morality and judgement.  Section 43 - Historical Background: Shortly after Joseph arrives in Kirtland, a woman by the name of Hubble announced herself as a prophetess who impresses some of the Elders, including Sidney Rigdon. Joseph declares her an imposter but some remained impressed by her. Joseph approached the Lord concerning the discord.  * Recap: The Lord reminds the church there is none other authorized to transmit the will of the Lord than Joseph until the Lord announces a successor. The Elders are to be obedient, teach and edify one another so they may be sent forth to preach in righteousness.  Section 44 - Historical Background: The church was rapidly growing and the Lord knew that great opposition was also rapidly growing. It was revealed to Joseph to prepare the saints for the upcoming crisis by assembling all the Elders in a conference for strength and instruction.          * Recap: The Elders must be gathered from all areas to hold a June conference in Kirtland, where the Lord promises to pour out His spirit. Missionary work must be accelerated and many will be converted. These must be organized according to the laws of the land. Care must be given to those who are poor and needy.

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 Sidney Rigdon are interrupted during the translation of the bible and the Book of Moses to focus on moving the church headquarters to Ohio. Each family is to choose for themselves according to their own best judgement.  Section 38 - Historical Background: The church holds its 3rd and last conference in Fayette, New York. As part of the conference, Joseph wanted to provide answers to the Saints’ questions why the Lord was requiring them to sell their farms and homes and move to Ohio. Joseph asks the Lord and with Sidney Rigdon as scribe, he receives this revelation.  * Recap: The Lord reminds the Saints that it is He, and not Joseph Smith, who leads His church. The Lord protects the righteous who will always overcome, and He chains the wicked who will be doomed. Fear not, for the plot of the wicked will fail. He enters into a covenant with the church to provide a land of promise and inheritance, as long as the saints are faithful and obedient. There must be unity among the saints, organize themselves and gather in Ohio for safety.  Section 39 - Historical Background: Immediately after the church conference in Fayette, a 40-year-long Baptist minister named James Covel was so moved that he committed to Joseph that he would obey any commandment given him. Joseph inquired of the Lord what He desired from Covel.  * Recap: Only those who receive the Lord’s church can receive Him. Now is the time to accept His Gospel, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost and embark in gathering the saints in Ohio. Preach with a loud voice, baptize and give them the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Section 40 - Historical Background: Despite the solemn promise and covenant to follow God’s command (see section 39), James Covel deliberately refused and turned his back on the Lord and His saints. When Joseph learned of Covel’s blatant rejection, he asked the Lord for instructions.    * Recap: Though the original covenant and heart of James Covel was right before the Lord, the adversary destroyed his conviction and therefore by breaking his promise Covel lost everything the Lord had promised him. Joseph is not to concern himself with James Covel any longer for the Lord will deal with him.

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, including Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Joanna, among others, embark on a poignant mission to anoint the body of Jesus with sweet spices. Their story unfolds with dramatic encounters at the tomb, where they are greeted by angelic figures announcing Jesus' resurrection. Powerful moments of disbelief, followed by a wonderous realization by Jesus’ closest followers, including Mary and the apostles, the emotional transitions from fear and sorrow to amazement and renewal of faith as the resurrected Christ appears first to Mary and later to the broader group of disciples. The moving account of Jesus’ 40-day ministry after His resurrection, filled with miraculous appearances and profound teachings. Culminating in Jesus’ ascension, the saints launch and ignite a global Christian movement of faith, testimony and hope.

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 to the Spirit. Therefore he is to remain home and ponder upon his situation. Peter is called on a mission to the Lamanites with Oliver Cowdery, who will be the senior in the companionship. John was called on a mission to declare the gospel within the area and was counselled not to fear man. Section 31 - Historical Background: Thomas B Marsh was a recent convert from Massachusetts who was baptized in August 1830 by David Whitmer. In September he attended the conference in Fayette and received this personal revelation from Joseph. Recap: The Lord is pleased with the dedication of Thomas B Marsh and he is promised blessings for him and his family. He is called on a mission to people whose hearts will be opened by God. Branches of the church will be established by Thomas. He is not assigned to a specific area but is to follow the Spirit where to go and preach. Section 32 - Historical Background: Parley P Pratt was a former minister who read the Book of Mormon and knew it was true. He was baptized in early September, 1830. He immediately went to his brother Orson who immediately accepted the gospel. Within a month Parley received this revelation along with Ziba Peterson. Recap: Parley was called on a mission to the Lamanites along with Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer. Ziba Peterson was also called to join them. They are reassured that God will be in their midst. Section 33 - Historical Background: Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet were mediocre members and lacked in zeal, yet asked for this revelation pertaining to their purpose. Recap: Ezra and Northrop are called to preach. The Lord encourages them go forth and open their mouths. Faith, repentance, baptism by water and fire constitutes the rock of the restored church. They are to use the Book of Mormon as their manual. Section 34 - Historical Background: At the age of 19, Orson Pratt was introduced to the gospel by his brother Parley. He immediately embraced the doctrine and was baptized. He traveled to Fayette to meet the Prophet Joseph and received this revelation. Recap: Christ is a light which the wicked don’t comprehend. Orson is called to preach to the wicked before Christ comes again, which will be quickly. Section 35 - Historical Background: Sidney Rigdon was a Baptist minister who became discouraged and moved to the Campbellite church. He was introduced to the Book of Mormon and after 2 weeks was baptized. After meeting Joseph he received this personal revelation, including the commandment to be Joseph’s scribe. As a result of Sidney’s fulfillment of this revelation, we have much of the recorded Doctrine and Covenants. Recap: Sidney Rigdon, like John the Baptist, has prepared the way for the Lord. God calls upon the weak and unlearned to respond to His call. The Lord testifies to Sidney of the prophetic calling of Joseph. Sidney is to watch over Joseph and support him. He is commanded to be Joseph’s scribe and forsake him not. Section 36 - Historical Background: Edward Partridge arrived in Fayette with Sidney Rigdon and wanted to meet Joseph to decide for himself if he was a prophet. When Sidney introduced him the spirit immediately confirmed to Edward that Joseph was indeed a prophet of God. Edward desired immediate baptism but Joseph needed rest and baptized him the following day. Sidney asked Joseph for the Lord’s guidance and the following revelation was given for Edward (see Section 35 for Sidney’s revelation). Recap: Sidney Rigdon is instructed to lay hands upon Edward and confirm him a member and give him the gift of the Holy Ghost. Edward is then called to preach the Gospel, as are all those who desire to be sent forth with a singleness of heart.

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 gospel doctrines. It is the foundation upon which all truth rests..." So what is the meaning of the Atonement? And why is the Atonement even necessary? At the young age of 17, Brother Skousen embarks on his mission to England with these questions in mind. With the guidance of his mission president, Apostle John A. Widtsoe, and after decades of scriptural study, he discovers the answers to these profound questions. Presented in a simple and beautiful manner, Dr. Skousen lays out the findings of his lifelong search in this popular address given at a mission conference in Dallas, Texas. He presents the answers to the Meaning of the Atonement, why it is necessary, the source of God's power and the key to understanding how the Atonement can become a reality in your own personal life and why it is so vital to your personal salvation and exaltation.