This week we have combined 2 lectures, #5 for the first 35 minutes and #6 for the next 41 minutes. This is necessary for those following the Come Follow Me study program of the Old Testament.

Text: Moses 7

Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 17-19

BYU Lecture #5: The Children of Adam and Eve Reject God

Brother Skousen recaps the Fall along with its effects on the world. Adam and Eve were not abandoned, but were taught many things for their survival, including the Atonement of Christ and Plan of Salvation. Their children and grandchildren are not receptive to these spiritual teachings and they reject God. Instead, they accept and follow the more enticing words of Satan.  The tragic events of Cain and Abel are discussed. Seth is then born as an answer to prayer. He is a faithful servant of the Lord.

Enoch is introduced.

BYU Lecture #6: Enoch is Called by God

Enoch is born, called to be a prophet as a youth, and is miraculously healed from his stuttering speech. Over a 365 year period, Enoch prepares the church to live the laws of God, including the Law of Consecration, and to become sanctified as a people. They become eligible spiritually to see the Lord. The Law of Consecration is clarified and beautifully explained. It is compared with its ugly counterfeit called communism, whose objective is the same but their methodology is evil and anti-Christ. The Lord's Law of Consecration is based on love and free agency, whereas communism is based on corruption, worldly power and compulsion.

BYU Lecture #4 - Why was the Atonement necessary?

Text: Genesis 5; Moses 6

Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 10-16 and Appendix: Atonement

Probably no subject in scripture has aroused more questions or provoked more wonderment than the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Join W. Cleon Skousen in a live university lecture that unfolds like an epic journey from the beginning, starting with intelligence to spiritual creation, progression, and mortality; The critical moments in the Plan of Salvation, from the Garden of Gethsemane, the cruel cross and finally the literal resurrection. Learn how mercy is the key to overcome damning justice of the law. Skousen weaves personal experiences, scriptural insight, and theological discovery to reveal this beautiful, yet ‘lost doctrine’ of the church. 

BYU Lecture #3: The Fall and Eviction from the Garden

Text: Genesis 3-4; Moses 4-5

Supplemental Text: The First 2,000 Years chapters 6-9

After Adam and Eve’s arrival in the Garden, the Fall became a tremendous challenge, as it is on every Earth created for mankind. Essential as the Fall is, our first parents were required to deliberately and voluntarily take that step to bring about mortality.

In this episode, Dr Skousen teaches a profound appreciation for the role of agency and the consequence of choice. Having chosen to disobey God, Adam and Eve are evicted from the Garden and begin human history at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. The Plan of Salvation takes on great significance as Christ and His sacrifice is introduced. This episode turns doctrine into living drama, inviting listeners to witness the human emotions, difficult decisions, and eternal consequences that affect you and your family today.

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.