APOSTLE PAUL COULD GET DOWN-TO-EARTH when he wanted to.
He could get abstract, puzzling, and weird as well.
But when he finished a letter he wrote to Christians in what is now northern Greece, he gave them advice that seems to me would work well in just about any local church.
“Dear family, I want to ask you to respect the leaders among you. They work long and hard with you, teaching you and taking care of you. They represent the Leader.
For all the work they do, give them a lot of respect, a lot of love. And keep the peace.
Dear family, when people get out of line, call them on it. Comfort the discouraged. Lend a hand to the weak. Show your patience to everyone.
Don’t let anyone retaliate when someone does them wrong. Show your good behavior to each other and to everyone else.
Live in a spirit of joy.
Never stop talking to God.
Whatever happens, go ahead and thank God. Remember this: God is in control of your life because of Jesus the Messiah.
Don’t hit the brakes when the Spirit starts to move” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-19, Casual English Bible).
Casual English Bible
Leader’s guide & atlas for 1 , 2 Thessalonians
Atlas of maps for 1, 2 Thessalonians
Bible Gateway
Awesome paraphrase, Steve!!
Thanks, Steve.