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, followed by the temporal or physical creation. 

During the lecture, an old dramatized, and somewhat comedic, recording is played depicting Adam and Eve in the Garden. So where was the Garden of Eden? And what are the purposes of this earth life? These and other questions are dicussed in this lesson.

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 Years, and The Fourth Thousand Years. These works are available at bookstores or on his website skousenlibrary.com. Dr. Skousen brings the events and people of the Old Testament to life and relatable to us today. 

In this episode, listeners will learn key “hook” dates from Adam through Christ, lessons on the spirit vs. temporal creation accounts, Moses’ visions and prophetic experiences, and overviews of major prophets such as Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezekiel, Lehi, and others. He describes important timeline anchors to make it easier for the student to remember, and gives insights into early scriptural manuscripts and restored teachings—offering both historical context and doctrinal interpretation for students of the Old Testament.

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 promote their godless agenda. They feel threatened by religion and particularly the bible - the things they fear most. They openly admit that in the coming struggle, “ideas will be more important than atomic bombs.”

Messages from the Old Testament frighten communists. It strikes down their ideas and propaganda. This is why they devote their time, efforts, energy and resources to attack religion and the bible.

We must understand our own role and perspective in this fight. Not only must we stay in the fight and avoid getting discouraged, we must remember there is a greater intelligence who has a more vested interest in truth than we do. He has been in this fight longer than we have. He is the one who created this - the first free people in modern times. So when we feel discouraged and overwhelmed, we must remember, this cause is in the hands of someone more powerful and more capable than all of us combined. Therefore, we must go forward in faith and confidence to be worthy of the upcoming miracle of victory.

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 the journey of Mary, a Jewish princess, as she receives a celestial message and conceives Jesus, the Son of the Highest.

Experience the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, the magnificent angelic visitations to shepherds, and the profound visit of the wise men. Learn about the perilous escape to Egypt and the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

This presentation not only relates the historical and scriptural details of the Nativity but also reflects on the broader purpose of the Savior's mission. As you listen, let the spirit of peace and goodwill fill your heart, and share this uplifting message with your loved ones, as you experience the Real Story of Christmas.

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 tapestry of God's master plan for all His children.  

From Adam to the Great Flood, to Abraham, Joseph and Moses, you will learn how to remember who, when and what each of these prophetic leaders did, promoting and testifying of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation for all mankind. You will discover the linage of Abraham traced through the ages and into our present day, along with the promise of Abraham and the responsibilities of Priesthood leadership residing on his descendants today.

God is the same and ever-present today, yesterday and forever, demonstrating His unchanging power and love through Old Testament times, and continuing through your lifetime today and the lives of your posterity in the  tomorrows to come.

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 of Joseph's heart, the humble stable, the wonder of shepherds under a bursting sky, and the quiet courage of a family pursued by a jealous king — all brought to life with intimate details and the music of the season.

More than history, this episode becomes a reflection on sacrifice and mercy, drawing threads from scripture and memory into a narrative that invites listeners to experience the birth of our Savior, the Christ child.

The Old Testament prophets saw our day, prior to Christ's return, and describe these events for our learning and preparation. 

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 was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1981.

Section 138 – Revelation to Joseph F. Smith on October 3, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Historical Background: 1918 was the final year in the life of Joseph F. Smith and was one of heartache and sorrow. His eldest son, apostle Hyrum Mack Smith, had a bright future as a leader of the church. But in January, 1918, he died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. Two of his daughters-in-law also died that year, leaving orphaned children. World War I was coming to a close with the miseries of post-war realities, along with a global pandemic of the Spanish Flu. Joseph F. Smith was also gravely ill and would die 6 weeks following the October, 1918 general conference. On the night before this conference, he received a magnificent revelation which he dictated to his son, Joseph Fielding Smith, shortly afterwards. It was then shared and accepted as revelation by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. This revelation was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1981 edition.

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 apostate conspirators within the church, the other was from the gentile mobs outside the church. Once the United States President refused to help the saints, the governors of Missouri and Illinois were emboldened to work together to destroy Joseph Smith. After a failed attempt to kidnap Joseph back to Missouri, Joseph learned that about 200 apostates in Nauvoo conspired together to deliver Joseph to the authorities. This mutiny was led by William Law, second councilor in the First Presidency. They aroused the surrounding communities by publishing outlandish lies in a local paper called the Expositor. Feeling justified by these lies, the Expositor was destroyed by the saints, which further enraged the mobs and conspirators of violating free speech.

Joseph and Hyrum fled Nauvoo with the intent of going into the West, but after Governor Ford of Illinois promised to secure the safety of Joseph while sorting out the charges, and promising to actually stay with Joseph in Carthage, Joseph consented to return, even though he knew he was going “like a lamb to the slaughter.”

The governor hired the Carthage Greys to guard Joseph even though most of the soldiers were made up of the very mob that wanted to kill him. Then, breaking his promise, Governor Ford left Joseph and Hyrum in the hands of the Greys and fled for Nauvoo.

Seeing the obvious setup, the jailor moved his family out of the jail and allowed Joseph and Hyrum to use his bedroom on the upper floor.

Around 5:00 PM, about 100 members of the mob rushed past the “guards” and into the jail, stormed up the stairs and tried to force their way through the bedroom door. A bullet fired at the door penetrated into the face of Hyrum who immediately dropped. Willard Richards, John Taylor and Joseph pressed against the door and struck down the gun barrels forced through the small door opening, with bullets pouring into the room from every direction.

Joseph knew the mob wouldn’t be satisfied until he was dead. Realizing that he might save the lives of his friends, Joseph turned from the door and sprang to the window. He was shot in the back twice from the door and one in the chest from outside. Joseph fell lifeless from the second floor window and struck the cobblestone below. Making certain of his death, four of the mob propped Joseph’s body against the well, raised their rifles and shot Joseph point-blank into his chest. Then someone shouted “Here come the Mormons!” and the entire mob fled like cowards back into the woods.

Section 136 - Historical Background: Within 2 years of the murder of Joseph Smith, the saints knew they would suffer the same fate unless they fled to the west. For many years, the leaders of the church had known that eventually the body of the church would have to make a massive migration to the Rocky Mountains. Practically while fleeing the city, the final finishing touch was completed on their beautiful Nauvoo Temple. Over the next few weeks, as mobs grew restless to drive the saints out, over 5,300 saints, at the risk of their lives, delayed their flight in order to receive their temple endowments. Then, amidst the mobbing, burning and violence of the mobs, the remaining saints crossed the Mississippi River in the freezing winter and into the savagery of the unconquered West. Near what is now Omaha Nebraska, a temporary station was established called Winter Quarters. It was here that Brigham Young received the following revelation.

Recap: The saints are to be organized in companies, as ancient Israel was organized, in 100’s, fifties, and tens, and covenant among themselves and God to obey the commandments. Each company is to prepare themselves for the westward journey, taking a share of the poor and widows. The leading company will cut roads and plant crops on their way for the benefit of those companies who will follow. The Lord assures the saints that their enemies cannot stop them. Just as the Lord saved the Israelites from the Egyptians, so he will save his people in this dispensation. Be honest with one another, be good stewards, be of good cheer with dancing and singing. In times of sorrow, pray unto the Lord. The saints are to be tried to prepare themselves to be faithful for the glory of God. It was needful that Joseph be killed to seal his testimony with his blood. Be faithful, for the kingdom of God has been restored unto you.

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 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.