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.

Section 133 received Nov 3, 1831 in Hiram Ohio

Historical background - By November, 1831, Joseph had compiled many of the Lord’s revelations which would eventually become a Book of Commandments, later known as the Doctrine and Covenants. On November 1, 1831, the Lord revealed a “Proclamation” to the world which became the preface to the Book of Commandments, or section 1. Two days later, on November 3, 1831, the Lord revealed an appendix to the Book of Commandments, or section 133 which is a prophetic declaration of what must occur prior to the second coming of Christ.  

Section 134 declared and adopted Aug 17, 1835 in Kirtland Ohio

Historical Background – On August 17, 1835, the church held a conference in Kirtland, Ohio to accept the Book of Commandments as scriptural revelations from God. Also, due to the political turmoil and abuses of power, especially the disregarding of constitutional rights and privileges that should have been afforded the saints, it was felt necessary that a statement of beliefs in Governmental laws should be included in the Book of Commandments. Joseph Smith was in Canada at this time and was not present at the conference. Therefore, Oliver Cowdery wrote section 134 outlining the role and purposes of earthly government. This was presented to the saints and it was accepted to be included in the Book of Commandments but as a declaration and not a revelation. When Joseph returned and reviewed the document, he allowed it to stand as is because the saints had already voted their approval during the conference.

Revelation Dates: February 1843 – July 1843

Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 129 - Historical Background: One of the saints in England, converted by Heber C. Kimball, was a faithful man named William Clayton. Three years after his baptism, Clayton moved his family from England to Nauvoo and in 1842 became a secretary and scribe to the Prophet Joseph. Over the next two years, William Clayton was present and recorded significant revelations, instructions and sermons given by Joseph, including the following three sections of inspired instruction. 

Section 130 - Historical Background: Orson Hyde gave a talk at a meeting attended by Joseph Smith. Afterwards, Joseph made some corrections to the talk and answered questions from the group. Several brethren, including Wilford Woodruff, took extensive notes which became  section 130.

Section 131 - Historical Background: A small group of people went with Joseph to Ramus, Illinois and a discussion with the Prophet was held. The apostles carefully recorded these notes of gospel gems which became section 131.

Section 132 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith learned the doctrine of plural marriage gradually. He first became acquainted with it early in his prophetic career as he translated the gold plates. Under the reign of Lehi’s son Jacob, the people began to practice polygamy, justifying their immoral behavior on prophets of old, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Soloman. Here, the Lord declared polygamy as a sin unless the Lord had commanded it. As early as 1831, while Joseph was revising the Old Testament, he again came across the accounts of ancient prophets being commanded to practice polygamy. Joseph asked the Lord about it. What he received was such a shock that Joseph didn’t dare record it. The most frightening part was the declaration that Joseph himself would be called upon to introduce this doctrine to the whole church. Joseph carried this burden for over a decade, when on July 12, 1843, at the request of his brother Hyrum, Joseph finally dictated the revelation, known today as section 132. Through the years, this revelation had haunted Joseph Smith. Even after dictating the revelation, it wasn’t made public until after Joseph’s martyrdom 11 months later. It was finally published to the saints in 1852.

Revelation Dates: March 1841 – September, 1842

Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 125 - Historical Background: As the saints from around the world gathered to Nauvoo, many of them settled on the west side of the Mississippi River (Iowa) where the land was more affordable. Two stakes were organized there. With the increasing emphasis on the gathering place in Nauvoo, the question was raised whether the saints in the Iowa Territory should relocate to Nauvoo. Joseph inquired of the Lord.

Section 126 - Historical Background: Brigham Young was baptized a member of the church in 1832 and has been one of the chief supports of Joseph. For 9 years he served many missions including the eastern states, Canada and England. Joseph predicted in 1832, “A time will come when Brother Brigham will preside over this Church.” Upon Brigham’s return from his successful mission to England in 1841, he reported, “Through the mercy of God we have gained many friends, established churches in almost every noted town and city in Great Britain, baptized between seven and eight thousand souls, printed 5,000 Books of Mormon, 3,000 hymn books, 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star, and 50,000 tracts.” Joesph received this revelation for Brigham in his own home.  

Section 127 - Historical Background: After Joseph’s escape from Missouri into Illinois, Missouri Governor Boggs petitioned the Illinois Governor to arrest Joseph and extradite him back to Missouri for trial. To Joseph’s surprise, and alarm, the Illinois Governor granted this request of extradition. Joseph’s only protection was to stay out of sight until the sheriff, sent from Missouri, became discouraged and returned home. This section is an epistle to the saints by Joseph Smith while in hiding, explaining why he would be out of sight for a while. 

Section 128 - Historical Background: Five days following section 127, Joseph sends this new epistle to the saints, expounding further instructions on the ordinance to baptize their dead. These baptisms were occurring in the Mississippi River until the baptismal font within the unfinished temple could be completed and dedicated. Joseph was anxious to share all the sacred ordinances to be performed inside the temple, but began with baptisms for the dead. Only 6 others, all of whom were apostles, had received their temple endowment earlier in May, in the upper room of the improvised temple of Joseph’s store. This was necessary because the temple was only about half completed. 

Revelation Date: January 19, 1841

Revelation Place: Nauvoo, Illinois

Section 124 - Historical Background: It had been 2 years since receiving the prior revelation and much had happened during that time:

- Joseph had finally been freed from Liberty jail by a sympathetic sheriff (who was then killed by the angry mob for allowing Joseph to escape).

- Joseph fled to Illinois and the saints purchased thousands of acres of unimproved land in Commerce, Illinois for settlements. It was a swampy and mosquito infested wilderness. Many saints suffered from malaria as they drained the swamps and worked the land.

- Two notable deaths had occurred – Bishop Edward Partridge (resulting from persecution injuries) and Joseph Smith, Sr.

- Joseph had gone to Washington DC to seek redress from President Martin Van Buren, who refused to help them. In his own words, Van Buran’s refusal was made for his own personal, political gain.

- The Governor of Illinois signed charters allowing the Saint's new city to be established, self-governed and allowed an independent military body formed from within to protect itself. Hence the city Commerce is renamed Nauvoo, a Hebrew word meaning a place of rest and beauty, and a militia, called the “Nauvoo Legion,” is organized. 

Joseph felt a great sense of urgency in completing the Lord's and fulfilling his calling. Joseph receives this revelation as a result of his pleadings, which is the longest revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.