W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Ether 6 - 11 Journey of Faith and Trials: The Jaredites' Epic Voyage and Legacy

Now that the Jaredites have light to illuminate their vessels, they embark on their arduous 344-day voyage across the oceon to the promised land. They face fierce winds and monstrous waves that test their faith and resilience. Despite the treacherous conditions, the Jaredites remain steadfast, singing praises to the Lord for His continuous blessings.

Upon reaching the promised land, the Jaredites quickly multiply and establish a thriving society. Yet, as time progresses, internal conflicts and the allure of power lead to political upheaval and the rise of secret combinations, threatening the very fabric of their civilization.

Moroni gives latter-day readers a stern warning regarding secret combinations, for the Lord has promised that any nation that upholds these murdurous combinations will be destroyed. 

Ether 1 - 5 The Jaredite Journey to the Promissed Land

Moroni abridges the writings of Ether and the history of the Jaredites, drawn from the 24 gold plates discovered by the people of King Limhi. Moroni, by commandment from God, seals up the sacred writings and revelations received by the brother of Jared. This sealed portion of the gold plates will not be revealed until some future time when members of His church have repented and become clean before Him.

Beginning at the tower of Babel, God leads Jared, his brother and their friends and families to America, the Promissed Land. Eight barges are built to carry these chosen people across the ocean to the promissed land of America.

The brother of Jared, filled with incredible faith, sees the finger of the Lord and is then priviledged to see the Spirit body of Jesus Christ. 

In Chapter 5, Moroni addresses himself to the future translator of the plates, Joseph Smith. 

The Untold Story of Thanksgiving: From Communism to Prosperity

Delve into the often-overlooked history of the early settlers who initially practiced a form of communism that led to widespread starvation and hardship. Discover how the shift to free enterprise transformed their lives, replacing scarcity with abundance, and learn why this transition is the true reason behind the Thanksgiving celebration.

Explore the gripping adventures of John Smith, the harsh realities faced by the Jamestown settlers, and the ultimate triumph of the Pilgrims at Plymouth. This 30-minute audio selection is a journey through the pivotal moments that shaped America's foundation and offers valuable lessons on the principles of hard work and perseverance.

Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this episode provides a deeper understanding of Thanksgiving's significance, making it an ideal listen during the holiday season.

Mormon 7-9 Mormon's Last Words: A Message for the Ages

Mormon confronts the collapse of the Nephite civilization and speaks to the future Lamanites of the latter days, telling them who they really are and their need to repent and lay down their weapons of war. In his final writing he pleads that they will read this record of the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible, and accept Jesus Christ by baptism and receive the Holy Ghost.

Moroni finishes the record as commanded by his father Mormon. He laments the destruction of the Nephites and his solitude, but commits his determination to preserve the sacred writings amidst the destruction. Moroni offers a poignant reflection on the condition of the world in the latter days, foreseeing widespread disbelief, pride, moral decay and the works of darkness. He urges future generations who receive this record, to seek God with unshaken firmness, and to work out one's own exaltaion through Jesus Christ.

Mormon 1 - 6 The Final Stand of the Nephites

We learn the brief, yet remarkable biography of prophet Mormon. As he recounts his life experiences, we witness the early signs of his greatness when he was just a boy. Chosen by the Nephite historian Ammaron, Mormon is given charge of the sacred records.

Amidst a backdrop of wars, political upheaval, and spiritual corruption, we follow Mormon's journey from a young observer to the commander of the Nephite armies. As the Nephites face relentless battles against the Lamanites, Mormon continues to plead with the Nephites to repent and look to God for their hope and for their success. Despite moments of victory, the pervasive wickedness among the Nephites leads to devastating consequences as the entire Nephite nation is destroyed.

3 Nephi 27- 4 Nephi The Savior's Final Appearance to the Disciples and a Gospel-Centered Society is Born

The Savior appears in America once again, this time to His disciples. He commands them to call the newly organized church in His name. The 12 disciples are granted their desires and 3 of them are given power over death. Christ bears His testimony of the Father and the Plan of Salvation and then departs, ascending into heaven.

The people repent and become a righteous nation, living the law of consecration and rejoicing in the fullness of the Gospel, which lasts for nearly 200 years before contention and evil creep back into society. Eventually wickedness grows to the point that it prevails and evil abounds, making it necessary for the sacred records to be buried and hidden for preservation.

3 Nephi 20 - 26 The Second Day: Christ’s Ministry and the Gathering of Israel

As the second day of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites begins, the scene opens with a multitude engaged in solemn prayer. Jesus, with tender feelings for the survivors of the great destruction, commands them to cease their active prayers but continue praying in their hearts. He then miraculously provides bread and wine for a sacramental service, explaining the significance of these elements to the people.

Jesus speaks of the gathering of Israel in the latter days, reminding the people of Isaiah's prophecies. He outlines two scenarios for the Gentiles: one of destruction if they abandon the Lord, and another of blessings if they repent. Jesus emphasizes the importance of repentance, declaring that the Gentiles can be numbered among the house of Israel and receive blessings if they turn to Him.

Jesus quotes Isaiah and Malachi, prophesying the eventual triumph and gathering of Israel. He describes the establishment of a new Jerusalem and the blessings awaiting the righteous. The Nephites are commanded to write down His teachings, and Jesus expounds all scriptures to them, ensuring they understand the gospel and the future events leading to His second coming.

3 Nephi 17 - 19 A Divine Encounter: Jesus Ministers to the Nephites

Jesus acknowledges the multitude's lingering questions and instructs them to ponder and pray until his return. Despite his urgency to minister to the lost tribes, Jesus lengthens his stay to heal the sick and bless the children, displaying profound compassion. The Nephites witness miraculous healings and angelic visitations. Jesus introduces the sacrament, emphasizing its significance. He concludes by empowering his disciples with the Holy Ghost and ascends into heaven, leaving the Nephites in awe of the divine manifestations they witnessed.

The Constitutional Crisis: Wake Up America!

Today we are faced with the phenomenon of political schizophrenia plaguing the nation, as demonstrated by the contradictory choices of electing a president for national interests and a Congress based on local interests.

We'll explore the critical warnings from the Founding Fathers and the historical analysis by Alexis de Tocqueville, highlighting the risks of prosperity leading to constitutional ignorance. The episode meticulously examines the violations of constitutional authority by various federal agencies, executive orders, and legislative actions, calling for a re-evaluation and possible amendments to restore constitutional integrity.

Join us in this comprehensive overview that emphasizes the importance of education, involvement, and remedial actions to safeguard America's legacy of freedom and prosperity. This episode is a clarion call for unity, awareness, and proactive measures to address the constitutional challenges facing the nation today.

3 Nephi 12 - 16 The Sermon on the Mount Given to the Nephites

We begin this episode with a popular speech by W. Cleon Skousen on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, as he discusses to the group the deep, beautiful insights of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus on or near that very location.

Following Dr. Skousen's remarks, we continue with 3 Nephi chapter 12 as Jesus Christ delivers the Sermon on the Mount to the Nephites. This sermon, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, holds unique significance and clarity in the Book of Mormon as Jesus addresses both his disciples and the great multitude gathered at the temple in Bountiful.