Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians saints focuses on the great apostasy and the Second Coming of Christ. Paul foretold that the great apostasy would precede the 2nd coming. Paul also gives excellent advice on how we can prevent personal apostasy.
During Paul’s second missionary journey, he and “his companions found success preaching to the people in Thessalonica, but Jewish leaders forced them out of the city (see Acts 17:1–9). Paul later learned that the Saints in Thessalonica had remained faithful and were sharing the gospel message, even though they faced persecution for doing so (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8).
Brother David L. Beck: “To minister means to love and care for others. It means to attend to their physical and spiritual needs. Put simply, it means to do what the Savior would do if He were here.” (“Your Sacred Duty to Minister,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 56)
Sister Jean B. Bingham: “Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to “count” as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? Through His supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection … “none other has had so profound an influence [on] all who have lived and who will yet live upon the earth” [“The Living Christ,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. But He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today.” (“Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104)
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “Nothing lifts my desire to speak of Christ more than visualizing His return. While we do not know when He will come, the events of His return will be breathtaking! He will come in the clouds of heaven in majesty and glory with all His holy angels. Not just a few angels but all His holy angels. These are not the cherry-cheeked cherubim painted by Raphael, found on our Valentine cards. These are the angels of the centuries, the angels sent to shut the mouths of lions, to open prison doors, to announce His long-awaited birth, to comfort Him in Gethsemane, to assure His disciples at His Ascension, and to open the glorious Restoration of the gospel.
“Can you imagine being caught up to meet Him, whether on this side or the other side of the veil? That is His promise to the righteous. This amazing experience will mark our souls forever.” (“We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 91)
Feebleminded (oligopsuchos) - literally means "small souled." It means "fainthearted, despondent, discouraged.“
Support (antecho") which literally means (1) "cling to, hold fast to something or someone, be devoted to," and then (2) "to be interested in, pay attention to," but as here, in the sense of "giving support, help.“
Quench - GR Extinguish, Hinder, Suppress.
Key Points (from Preach My Gospel)
Nero
"Nero ruled from 54 to 68. During his rule, he focused much of his attention on diplomacy and increasing the cultural capital of the empire. He ordered the building of theatres and promoted athletic games. He also banned the killing of gladiators.
"On the night July 18 to July 19, 64 the Great Fire of Rome erupted. The fire started in densely populated areas like the Suburra, in which had been built the insulae, wooden dwellings, built on three or four floors.
"The fire burned for a week. At the time, the confused population searched for a scapegoat and soon rumors held Nero responsible.
"Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind.
“Some were nailed on crosses; others sewn up in the skins of wild beasts and exposed to the fury of dogs; others, again, smeared over with combustible materials, were used as torches to illuminate the darkness of the night.” (The Great Apostasy, James E. Talmage, p. 68).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “We believe that most religious leaders and followers are sincere believers who love God and understand and serve him to the best of their abilities. We are indebted to the men and women who kept the light of faith and learning alive through the centuries to the present day. We have only to contrast the lesser light that exists among peoples unfamiliar with the names of God and Jesus Christ to realize the great contribution made by Christian teachers through the ages. We honor them as servants of God.” (“Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 85)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent! And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!
“For this glorious purpose, our missionaries teach of the Restoration. They know that some 2,000 years ago, the Lord established His Church. After His Crucifixion and the death of His Apostles, men changed the Church and its doctrine. Then, after generations of spiritual darkness, and as predicted by previous prophets, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored the Church, its doctrine, and its priesthood authority. Because of that Restoration, knowledge and essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation are again available to all people. Ultimately, that exaltation allows each of us to dwell with our families in the presence of God and Jesus Christ forever!” (“Catch the Wave,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 46)
Teaching Thoughts:
During Paul’s second missionary journey, he and “his companions found success preaching to the people in Thessalonica, but Jewish leaders forced them out of the city (see Acts 17:1–9). Paul later learned that the Saints in Thessalonica had remained faithful and were sharing the gospel message, even though they faced persecution for doing so (see 1 Thessalonians 1:6–8).
Brother David L. Beck: “To minister means to love and care for others. It means to attend to their physical and spiritual needs. Put simply, it means to do what the Savior would do if He were here.” (“Your Sacred Duty to Minister,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 56)
Sister Jean B. Bingham: “Sometimes we think we have to do something grand and heroic to “count” as serving our neighbors. Yet simple acts of service can have profound effects on others—as well as on ourselves. What did the Savior do? Through His supernal gifts of the Atonement and Resurrection … “none other has had so profound an influence [on] all who have lived and who will yet live upon the earth” [“The Living Christ,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org]. But He also smiled at, talked with, walked with, listened to, made time for, encouraged, taught, fed, and forgave. He served family and friends, neighbors and strangers alike, and He invited acquaintances and loved ones to enjoy the rich blessings of His gospel. Those “simple” acts of service and love provide a template for our ministering today.” (“Ministering as the Savior Does,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 104)
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “Nothing lifts my desire to speak of Christ more than visualizing His return. While we do not know when He will come, the events of His return will be breathtaking! He will come in the clouds of heaven in majesty and glory with all His holy angels. Not just a few angels but all His holy angels. These are not the cherry-cheeked cherubim painted by Raphael, found on our Valentine cards. These are the angels of the centuries, the angels sent to shut the mouths of lions, to open prison doors, to announce His long-awaited birth, to comfort Him in Gethsemane, to assure His disciples at His Ascension, and to open the glorious Restoration of the gospel.
“Can you imagine being caught up to meet Him, whether on this side or the other side of the veil? That is His promise to the righteous. This amazing experience will mark our souls forever.” (“We Talk of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2020, 91)
Feebleminded (oligopsuchos) - literally means "small souled." It means "fainthearted, despondent, discouraged.“
Support (antecho") which literally means (1) "cling to, hold fast to something or someone, be devoted to," and then (2) "to be interested in, pay attention to," but as here, in the sense of "giving support, help.“
Quench - GR Extinguish, Hinder, Suppress.
Key Points (from Preach My Gospel)
- The Church of Jesus Christ is built on the foundation of apostles and prophets (see Ephesians 2:19–20; 4:11–14). These leaders have divine priesthood authority. Through revelation they direct the affairs of the Church. They maintain doctrinal purity, authorize the administration of ordinances, and call and confer the priesthood authority upon others.
- People rejected and killed Jesus Christ and the Apostles (see Matthew 24:9; 1 Nephi 11:32–34; 2 Nephi 27:5).
- Even before the death of the Apostles, many conflicts concerning doctrine arose. The Roman Empire, which at first had persecuted the Christians, later adopted Christianity. Important religious questions were settled by councils. The simple doctrine and ordinances taught by the Savior were debated and changed to conform to worldly philosophies (see Isaiah 24:5). They physically changed the scriptures, removing plain and precious doctrine from them (see 1 Nephi 13:26–40). They created creeds, or statements of belief, based on false and changed doctrine (see Joseph Smith—History 1:19). Because of pride, some aspired to positions of influence (see 3 John 1:9–10). People accepted these false ideas and gave honor to false teachers who taught pleasing doctrines rather than divine truth (see 2 Timothy 4:3–4).
- Throughout history, many people have sincerely believed false creeds and doctrines. They have worshipped according to the light they possessed and have received answers to their prayers. Yet they are “kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12).
- Therefore, a restoration, not a reformation, was required. Priesthood authority did not continue in an unbroken line of succession from the Apostle Peter. To reform is to change what already exists; to restore is to bring back something in its original form. Thus, restoration of priesthood authority through divine messengers was the only possible way to overcome the Great Apostasy. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-1-the-message-of-the-restoration-of-the-gospel-of-jesus-christ)
Nero
"Nero ruled from 54 to 68. During his rule, he focused much of his attention on diplomacy and increasing the cultural capital of the empire. He ordered the building of theatres and promoted athletic games. He also banned the killing of gladiators.
"On the night July 18 to July 19, 64 the Great Fire of Rome erupted. The fire started in densely populated areas like the Suburra, in which had been built the insulae, wooden dwellings, built on three or four floors.
"The fire burned for a week. At the time, the confused population searched for a scapegoat and soon rumors held Nero responsible.
"Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind.
“Some were nailed on crosses; others sewn up in the skins of wild beasts and exposed to the fury of dogs; others, again, smeared over with combustible materials, were used as torches to illuminate the darkness of the night.” (The Great Apostasy, James E. Talmage, p. 68).
President Dallin H. Oaks: “We believe that most religious leaders and followers are sincere believers who love God and understand and serve him to the best of their abilities. We are indebted to the men and women who kept the light of faith and learning alive through the centuries to the present day. We have only to contrast the lesser light that exists among peoples unfamiliar with the names of God and Jesus Christ to realize the great contribution made by Christian teachers through the ages. We honor them as servants of God.” (“Apostasy and Restoration,” Ensign, May 1995, 85)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Our living God is a loving God! He wants His children to know Him and Jesus Christ, whom He has sent! And He wants His children to gain immortality and eternal life!
“For this glorious purpose, our missionaries teach of the Restoration. They know that some 2,000 years ago, the Lord established His Church. After His Crucifixion and the death of His Apostles, men changed the Church and its doctrine. Then, after generations of spiritual darkness, and as predicted by previous prophets, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ restored the Church, its doctrine, and its priesthood authority. Because of that Restoration, knowledge and essential ordinances for salvation and exaltation are again available to all people. Ultimately, that exaltation allows each of us to dwell with our families in the presence of God and Jesus Christ forever!” (“Catch the Wave,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 46)
Teaching Thoughts:
- Look for lists (1 Thessalonians 5, 2 Thessalonians 3) as you study the scriptures.
- Use Preach My Gospel to prepare a mini-lesson on the apostasy.
- Pair and share – one individual prepares a mini-lesson on the apostasy and the other prepares one on the restoration.
- What advice did Paul give that will help you be prepared for the second coming of Jesus Christ?