W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Moroni shares a significant sermon by his father, Mormon, focusing on the essential gospel themes of faith, hope, and charity and how these virtues are essential for spiritual growth and salvation. He highlights the enduring nature of charity, the pure love of Christ, as the greatest virtue one can possess. In another epistle by Mormon, this one written directly to Moroni, he discusses the erroneo...

The teachings of Moroni, who has endured 35 years of solitude following the destruction of nearly all the Nephite people at Cumorah. Despite the constant threat from the Lamanites, Moroni remains steadfast in his faith, determined to preserve the sacred records for future generations. Moroni sets forth guidelines for the restoration of the church in the latter days, including the required power an...

The account of Ether, a prophet of God, who emerges amidst a turbulent time in the Jaredite civilization. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne, Ether chooses the path of prophecy, warning his people under the reign of the usurper king, Coriantumur. Ether's relentless call for repentance and faith in God goes unheeded, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The episode explores the pow...

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...

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 befor...

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 rec...

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 th...

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 conse...

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...

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 conclude...

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...

Catastrophic events cause terrible destruction in the Western Hemisphere, attesting to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 details the overwhelming natural disasters that swept across the land, transforming the landscape and causing widespread devastation. As the people of Nephi grapple with the aftermath, they hear the voice of Christ proclaiming the destruction of their citie...

The prophecies of Christ's birth from Samuel the Lamanite begin to unfold. Nephi, son of Helaman, disappears, leaving his son, also named Nephi, in charge of the sacred records. The non-believers, in their fervor to discredit the prophecies, set a deadly ultimatum for the believers. Nephi prays fervently for his people, and the sign is miraculously fulfilled, astonishing everyone as the night rema...

A Lamanite prophet named Samuel appears among the Nephites around 6 BC. His mission is to call the Nephites to repentance amidst their deepening wickedness. Despite being thrown out of the city of Zarahemla, Samuel returns, climbing the city wall and delivers God's warnings and predictions. Samuel boldly prophesies of the coming of Jesus Christ and the devastating consequences for the Nephites if...

In this episode, we recount the poignant journey of Nephi, the son of Helaman, as he returns to Zarahemla after six years of missionary work in the north. Shocked by the rampant wickedness and corruption of the Nephites, Nephi laments the state of his people. Witness Nephi's heartfelt prayer from his garden tower, which draws a curious crowd. Seizing the moment, Nephi passionately calls for repent...

The Nephite society faces political instability following the death of Chief Judge Pahoran, leading to contentious elections and the rise of rebellion. As political factions vie for power, Kishkumen's secretive band of murderers emerges, culminating in the assassination of Pahoran and his successor. Meanwhile, Coriantumr, an apostate Nephite, leads a massive Lamanite army to a surprising victory o...

In this riveting episode, witness the strategic brilliance of Nephite generals Moroni and Lehi as they manage their prisoners and fortify the city of Bountiful. Marvel at the deep bond between Moroni and Lehi, forged through countless battles. Discover the stirring account of the 2,000 stripling warriors, young men of unwavering faith and valor, who step forward to defend their land under the lead...

In Alma chapter 43, we are thrust back into the heart of the Nephite-Lamanite conflict after Alma's poignant instructions to his sons. Outraged by the Nephites' sheltering of Zoramite converts, the Zoramites and Lamanites plot a massive attack on Jershon. The pacifist Ammonite converts are moved to Melech, while Alma, his sons, and other missionaries rally the Nephite spirits for the impending war...

In this compelling episode, Alma addresses his youngest son Corianton, who has returned home in disgrace after a failed mission. Alma's conversation with Corianton is both a chastisement for his sins and an urgent plea for repentance. Alma uses the commendable example of Corianton's brother Shiblon to highlight the contrast in their behaviors. Alma goes on to explain the severity of Corianton's ac...

In this episode, Alma recounts his transformative encounter with an angel nearly 18 years earlier and shares the profound impact it had on his life. He begins with a prophetic oath, urging his eldest son, Helaman, to keep God's commandments and recounting the miraculous events that led to his own conversion. Alma emphasizes the importance of faith, trust in God, and the sacredness of the Nephite r...

Alma 32 - 35 In this episode, we delve into Alma chapter 32, where Alma and his fellow missionaries embark on a vigorous mission to preach the gospel among the Zoramites. Despite their challenges, they find success among the poor who are eager to listen. Alma discovers the humble hearts of the poor and teaches them that they can worship God anywhere, not just in synagogues. Alma shares a powerful...

Alma 30 - 31 The 16th year of the reign of the judges marks a significant period of peace after a devastating war, as the Nephites and the children of Ammon recover and honor the law of Moses. However, this tranquility is shattered in the 17th year by the emergence of Korihor, an eloquent Antichrist who preaches against the coming of Christ and the teachings of the prophets. Korihor's persuasive r...

Alma 23 - 29 In this episode, we delve into the remarkable transformation of the Lamanites under the decree of their king, who declared protection for the missionaries. This decree allowed Ammon, Aaron, and their brethren to preach freely across the land, leading to the extensive conversion of thousands. The Lamanites, once fierce adversaries of the Nephites, embraced the teachings of the gospel a...

Alma 17 - 22 Discover the remarkable journey of the four sons of King Mosiah as they embark on a fourteen-year mission to preach the gospel among the Lamanites. Alma, while traveling from Gideon to Manti, unexpectedly reunites with these old friends and learns of their extraordinary experiences. Through diligent study, prayer, and fasting, the sons of Mosiah have become powerful teachers endowed w...

The dramatic ministry of Alma and Amulek in Ammonihah continues. Their preaching, the attempted martyrdom, casting out and burning of believers. Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and are miraculously  delivered.  Zeezrom’s conversion and healing, and then, as prophesied, the surprise attack of the Lamanites and destruction of the entire city of Ammonihah. Lessons are learned about faithful leadership...