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W. Cleon Skousen Insights

W. Cleon Skousen Insights

By: The W Cleon Skousen Library
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 Religious and political insights from W. Cleon SkousenCopyright 2020 All rights reserved. Christianity Spirituality World
Episodes
  • D & C 102 - 105 After Much Tribulation Cometh the Blessing

    D & C 102 - 105 After Much Tribulation Cometh the Blessing
    Sep 7 2025
    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 received in vision how Peter presided over councils. Joseph laid out the formation of a Church Council (later named High Council) to assist the First Presidency in the administration of the church. This section, rather than a direct revelation like other sections, is the record or minutes of this meeting. Recap: A High Council will be organized, consisting of 12 High Priests and the First Presidency. Its purpose is to settle disputes that cannot be settled by the Bishop’s Council. A quorum of at least 7 must be present to act. The members of the council were chosen and approved. The accused and the accuser will each be represented by half the council, selected by lot. The president will make the final decision but approval will require a majority of councilors to approve that decision. Section 103 - Historical Background: Joseph was deeply concerned for the saints in Jackson County, now that it was learned they had been completely driven from their homes. In Section 101, Joseph learned that at some point he would be required to lead “the strength of mine house” to Zion in order to “redeem” it. Seeking further understanding, comfort and direction, Joseph received this revelation as he petitioned the Lord. Recap: The Lord will pour out his wrath upon the enemies of His church, but only in his own due time. [26 years later, the Civil War ravished Jackson County until nothing was left standing.] A waiting time is required until (1) the wicked are fully ripe in iniquity, and (2) the slothful saints in Zion receive chastisement and repent sufficiently. If they do not repent, the saints will be subject to the kingdoms of the world and thrown down.In due time, Zion will be redeemed. It is decreed by God, for He will raise a powerful leader like unto Moses to accomplish it. This leader will be Joseph Smith. [Note: Because the saints failed to repent, the accomplishment of this decree was delayed, but will still occur in the future by Joseph Smith in his resurrected state, as promised in his patriarchal blessing.] Joseph is to organize “Zions Camp,” to call up 500 men willing to risk their own lives on a mission of peace and goodwill to restore the fleeing saints to their own lands. If 500 do not heed the Lord’s call, 300 will be accepted. If not 300 men, 100 will have to suffice. If at least 100 men cannot be gathered, the relief expedition will be abandoned. Section 104 - Historical Background: As leaders of the church prepared to leave Kirtland for “Zions Camp,” and not knowing if they would survive and return to Kirtland, concern was given over the pressing debts and temporal affairs of the church they were leaving behind. The saints had failed to live the Law of Consecration properly so they were lacking in resources, especially in building the temple. Joseph turned to the Lord for guidance. Recap: The purpose of the United Order is to be a blessing to the church and a benefit for the poor. But some of the saints are unfaithful, resulting in a cursing rather than a blessing. The innocent will be spared, but the guilty cannot escape God’s wrath. Leaders are to remove transgressors from the Order. Each saint must be held accountable for their stewardship. The rich are to reach out and assist the poor, so that both may benefit and rejoice.The Lord directs the assignment of properties in the United Order according to faithfulness and usefulness. Because the saints in Zion (Missouri) have transgressed the Order and broken their covenants, their United Order with the saints in Kirtland will be dissolved.The Lord clarifies that all properties are His and the saints are stewards only. There shall be two separate treasuries, one for the sacred funds from the people’s tithes for the printing of the scriptures, building of the temple and general works of the church; the other treasury will include proceeds from the properties consecrated to stewards to be used within the needs of the Order.All debts must be paid. The Lord will soften the hearts of their debtors. For this once, the Order is allowed to pledge the properties under stewardship in order to pay off their debts. Section 105 - Historical Background: To answer the Lord’s call to rescue Zion, Joseph could only rally 100 men in Kirtland, while other leaders rallied another 100 men from outlying areas, making Zions Camp only 205 men. From this faithful little group, God will later staff his quorums of Apostles and Seventy. Though the group was small, Joseph could wait no longer to proceed. With clothing and provisions, this small group ...
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • D & C 98 - 101 Trials and Revelations: The Struggle for Zion

    D & C 98 - 101 Trials and Revelations: The Struggle for Zion
    Aug 31 2025
    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 the Lord knew what was happening, and revealed to the Prophet this revelation containing principles of peace, comfort and forgiveness. Recap: The Lord has heard the prayers of his people and they will be granted. Have patience. Trust in the Lord. Obey the laws of the land. Their rights are inalienable, yet when the wicked rule, the people mourn. Forsake evil and cleave to good. Renounce war and proclaim peace. The saints in Kirtland must repent. The principles of persecution and retaliation are outlined. Section 99 - Historical Background: This revelation is out of sequence and was actually given in August 1832, not 1833. The revelation was on behalf of John Murdock, one of Joseph’s most faithful servants. John’s wife died giving birth to twins, who were adopted by Joseph and Emma. Recap: John Murdock is called on a mission to the eastern states. He is promised power. Those who accept John accept the Lord, and those who reject John also reject the Lord. John is encouraged to continue preaching the gospel for his entire life. Section 100 – Oct 12, 1833 - Historical Background: After organizing the Kirtland Stake and getting the Kirtland temple construction organized, Joseph and Sidney went on a mission to Upper Canada. They were accompanied by a new convert named Freeman Nickerson from Perrysburg, New York, who was returning home and invited Joseph and Sidney to ride with him as they journeyed north. After arriving in Perrysburg, Joseph became deeply anxious about his family back in Kirtland and inquired of the Lord. Recap: Joseph and Sidney’s families are well and are in the care of the Savior while they are on their mission. As to this mission, they are promised great success. They are told to fear not, for God will fill their mouths and they cannot be confounded. Be meek and the Holy Ghost will bear record of the truth. Sidney is called to be a spokesman for Joseph, who is to be the revelator. Meanwhile, back in Missouri, the Lord says Zion will be chastened for a season. In due time, God will raise up a people pure in heart to redeem Zion. Section 101 – Dec 16, 1833 - Historical Background: In Section 97, the Lord declares that if Zion obeyed God's commandments (including building a temple) they would prosper, otherwise they will face affliction, sword, vengeance and fire. The saints transgressed and failed by their lackluster efforts to build a temple. In July, 1833, a large Missouri mob demanded the saints cease from all religious labors in Jackson County. Three days later they destroyed the church printing press, burned the building and tarred and feathered 2 church leaders. In October and November, the mob raided branches of the church demolishing homes, and in one branch “amid the shrieks and screams of women and children, whipped and beat in a savage and brutal manner, several of the men.” A church member and two mob members were killed. The 2,500 saints in Zion were fleeing for their lives. In December, Joseph received the awful news and reached out to the Lord asking why He would allow this persecution and when He would redeem Zion. Recap: The saints were driven out of Zion because of their transgressions, and must now endure their chastening. But God will be merciful. “Be still, and know that I am God.” The righteous and pure in heart will return to redeem Zion and build the New Jerusalem. A time frame was not given. Meanwhile, gather together in stakes and live the gospel principles. Christ will appear to all and the wicked will be consumed. The millennial period will begin and Zion will be built, Satan will be bound, and all history will be revealed.Those saints driven from Zion are transgressors and need to be chastened. The Lord gives a parable of a vineyard, whose servants refused to build a tower (temple), and therefore the enemy came undetected and destroyed the vineyard.The House of Israel must continue to be gathered and the Saints must gather in stakes to be strengthened. Lands must be purchased in Zion.Those who were scattered must seek redress by the law to uphold their inalienable rights. This was the purpose of establishing the Constitution, by the hands of wise men raised up by God. If government leaders do not give heed to these laws, God will be displeased and in His fierce anger, will vex them along with the nation.The day will come that the Lord’s people will hold claim to Zion and will return, build and prosper there.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • D & C 94 - 97 Foundations of Faith: The Urgent Call for Zion's Temple

    D & C 94 - 97 Foundations of Faith: The Urgent Call for Zion's Temple
    Aug 24 2025

    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 Missouri were not worthy to build a temple on the dedicated lot in Zion, the Lord would build an interim temple in Kirtland. There were keys to be restored and endowments to be performed. Time was of the essence. Therefore, on May 6, 1833, Joseph received this revelation.

    • Recap: The Kirtland saints are to begin laying out plans for the building of a temple. 3 lots are to be purchased for the project to build the temple, a printing house, and a residence for Hyrum Smith. The dimensions of the temple and printing shop are given. But they are commanded to not begin construction until the Lord gives approval. The Lord promises to come personally to the finished, dedicated temple as long as it remains clean and sacred.

    Section 95 - Historical Background: In December, 1832, the Lord had given divine directions for the building of houses of worship and for the school of the prophets. For over 6 months now, the Kirtland saints had not complied with this commandment. The Lord reprimands the saints for their lackluster effort in this matter.

    • Recap: The Lord loves those whom He chastens. The saints have sinned by neglecting the building of the house of the Lord. Consequently, those who have been called and qualified to preach the gospel, go out unprepared and walk in the darkness at noon day. The Lord promises the saints that if they keep His commandments, He will give them power to build the temple, and He provides the temple dimensions and purposes.

    Section 96 - Historical Background: The day following the receipt of Section 95, a council of high priests discussed the purchasing of the lots commanded by the Lord. A property owned by Pete French, referred to as the French farm, was to be purchased. However, they couldn’t decide how it should then be managed. Joseph, along with this council of High Priests, appeal to the Lord for help.

    • Recap: The French farm will be administered by Bishop Newell K. Whitney. The farm is to be divided into lots, a portion for the temple, the printing house and various consecrated inheritances. The Lord then commanded John Johnson be admitted to the United Order and be provided a place of residence.

    Section 97 - Historical Background: By the summer of 1833, Jackson County was becoming a stage of crisis. Meanwhile, the work in Kirtland was progressing and the temple cornerstone had been laid. Joseph was very concerned for the saints in Missouri and inquired of the Lord for their sakes. By this time, due to severe persecution, the saints in Zion had been forced to sign an agreement to vacate Jackson County under a predetermined timeline (which was ultimately violated by the mobs).

    • Recap: Threatening circumstances have caused the leaders of the church in Zion to become humble and meek. This state of humility allows the Lord to show mercy towards them. The Lord wants to bless His people but needs them to be honest, with broken hearts and contrite spirits. The saints are commanded to quickly build a modest temple, similar in design to what is being built in Kirtland, through the tithing of the saints. The Lord promises to visit this temple in glory, to be seen by all the pure in heart, as long as it is undefiled and worthy. But the Lord forewarns the people that if they do not do what they have been commanded, they will be visited with sore afflictions, plagues, and with sword and vengeance. [Note: All this could have been avoided had the saints repented quickly and had the zeal to build the temple as commanded.]
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    37 mins
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