Help For Shepherds - Recent changes [en]

Joshua 6

ShepAdmin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:52:09 GMT

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{{What Book is It?
|Book of the Bible=Joshua
}}
{{New Chapter
|Verse Number=2
|Verse Text=The Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with aits king and the valiant warriors.
|Version=NASB
|Commentary=*It is unclear if this is a continuation of Joshua’s conversation with the commander of God’s army (previous chapter) or if Joshua is getting this information from God another way.
**If it is the commander, then this verse equates that person with God, while the man himself does not claim to be God, only a commander of God’s army.
**If it isn’t, then it leaves the conversation with the commander relatively pointless.
}}

===Jericho Prepares to Fall: 3-20===
The way that Jericho is supposed to be taken seems very random, but has a certain amount of logic to it. This was the first city that the people had taken under Joshua’s command, and the first in the Promised Land. It was important that the people followed Joshua and God fully. This was a way so crazy that it was clear the victory came from following what God had told Joshua, not from anything the Israelites did. This would reinforce the people’s belief in God, their confidence in the conquest, and their willingness to follow Joshua.

There is also a practical component to all of this. The Israelites were not warriors and never had been. They needed a win that required they would not have to fight much, but would be dramatic. Sieges are very difficult even for trained armies and by God working this way they avoided a siege, and the people only had a small amount of fighting when the walls fell down (presumably with most of the city’s fighters on them).

{{New Chapter
|Verse Number=16
|Verse Text=At the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city.
|Version=NASB
|Commentary=*The emphasis is that God is responsible for this victory. The people of Israel still had to fight the inhabitants of the city and kill them, but the main obstacle was the walls. Without the walls, the battle was essentially already won.
}}
{{New Chapter
|Verse Number=17-18
|Verse Text=“The city shall be under the ban, it and all that is in it belongs to the Lord; only Rahab the harlot and all who are with her in the house shall live, because she hid the messengers whom we sent. “But as for you, only keep yourselves from the things under the ban, so that you do not covet them and take some of the things under the ban, and make the camp of Israel accursed and bring trouble on it.
|Version=NASB
|Commentary=*This city is being treated as a first fruit of the conquest. The first of every animal, the first of each crop, etc are all given to God in trust that more will come. This is what is happening here as well. The first city is given over wholly to God, which means anything the temple can’t use is destroyed, in faith that more cities will come in which they can live.
*This also deals with other previous commands of how the people of the land are to be destroyed because otherwise they will lead the people of Israel astray. And the rest of Israelite history backs this up, because the survivors were definitely stumbling blocks to Israel and often led them away from God.
*Of course we know that someone did keep treasure for themselves, as [[Joshua 7]] talks about.

}}
{{New Chapter
|Verse Number=19
|Verse Text="But all the silver and gold and articles of bronze and iron are holy to the Lord; they shall go into the treasury of the Lord.”
|Version=NASB
|Commentary=*Bronze and iron are mentioned along with silver and gold because of their value for the time period.
**Israel did not have the means of working in iron at this time as it was just entering the area for the first time with the Philistines.
**The Israelites also did not have any access to copper and tin mines so bronze would have been precious as well.

}}

===Jericho Falls: 20-27===
The destruction of a city was quite usual when a city was conquered, but usually after killing or driving out many of the old inhabitants the conqueror would rebuild with the survivors as subjects. To kill the livestock and leave the cloth, pottery, etc is surprising. To leave the city itself and never rebuild it would have been shocking to the people in the surrounding areas.

This made quite a statement of how completely the Israelites were coming to conquer. This was not a raiding party and what they did to Jericho must have further increased the fear of the Israelites in the people of the land’s eyes.

{{New Chapter
|Verse Number=26
|Verse Text=Then Joshua made them take an oath at that time, saying, “Cursed before the Lord is the man who rises up and builds this city Jericho; with the loss of his firstborn he shall lay its foundation, and with the loss of his youngest son he shall set up its gates.”
|Version=NASB
|Commentary=*Of course we know someone did try to rebuild Jericho eventually and the curse was fulfilled, see [[1 Kings 16|1 Kings 15:34]] for the account.
}}
{{Commentary Base}}

Joshua 5

ShepAdmin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 15:42:01 GMT

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	\|Version=NIV		\|Version=NIV
	\|Commentary=*This invasion happened in the fall so the crops were ripe for harvest as the people invaded.		\|Commentary=*This invasion happened in the fall so the crops were ripe for harvest as the people invaded.
		+	}}
		+
		+	===Joshua Meets with God's Commander: 12-15===
		+	{{New Chapter
		+	\|Verse Number=13
		+	\|Verse Text=Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?”
		+	\|Version=NIV
		+	\|Commentary=*Even by the time of Saul, the Israelites only had two swords/spears, [[1Samuel 13\|1 Samuel 13:22]]. We can probably assume that the sight of a drawn sword itself was a cause for concern. As Joshua did not recognize him it was a logical question to ask whose side this man was on.
		+	*It is difficult to actually stick to what the Bible says in this passage. We start assuming that this was an angel, even try to discern a specific “rank” of angel from this. But it simply says “a man.” Regardless of who this person was, he apparently looked like a normal man.
		+	*There are several other examples of speakers from God being called simply “a man”, like [[Genesis 18\|Genesis 18:2]], [[Genesis 32\|Genesis 32:24]].
		+	**The term does not mean this was a normal person, but is used to prolong the question in the reader’s mind about who this person is, and help the reader empathize with the characters uncertainty.
		+	**The reader is expected to arrive at an understanding along with Joshua, about who this person is as the account unfolds. Definitely someone worthy of respect and speaking for God, but much more than that we cannot say.
		+
		+	}}
		+	{{New Chapter
		+	\|Verse Number=14
		+	\|Verse Text=“Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?”
		+	\|Version=NIV
		+	\|Commentary=*If there was anyone who could claim God as being on their side, it would have been Joshua. But even he was denied being told that God was on his side.
		+	*The implication here seems to be that God does not join people’s sides, people join God’s side.
		+	*It is unclear whether this should be read as “the” commander or “a” commander. Either way, this person is presenting himself as being greater than Joshua. Joshua is commander of Israel’s armies, but this man is commander of God’s armies. Similar position, but worlds apart. Joshua recognizes this.
		+	*Joshua is not here calling the man by God’s name, but using the general honorific of “lord” referring to someone much higher in rank and above the person speaking.
		+
	}}		}}
	{{Commentary Base}}		{{Commentary Base}}

Main Page

ShepAdmin — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 00:11:47 GMT

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	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	==Welcome to Help For Shepherds==		==Welcome to Help For Shepherds==
		+	<font color=blue>A lot is happening at Help for Shepherds lately. We just launched a new [[Images]] section with over 200 images for churches and Christian leaders to use for free. We're also working on gathering curriculum to be given away freely, re-enabled user creation and more. </font color=blue>
		+
	We are a Christian site dedicated to sharing resources that can help make a Christian pastor's job easier. We don't want to tell you what to think but to provide resources that can help spur your thinking further onwards. ''The goal of this site is to help out pastors, bottom line.''		We are a Christian site dedicated to sharing resources that can help make a Christian pastor's job easier. We don't want to tell you what to think but to provide resources that can help spur your thinking further onwards. ''The goal of this site is to help out pastors, bottom line.''

File:Fall Barn.jpg

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:49:21 GMT

uploaded a new version of "[[File:Fall Barn.jpg]]"

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Category:Image

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:38:16 GMT

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	This is the category for all substantive images. This is not to be called up by any images that are really for one instance and only one instance, i.e. schematics for events.		This is the category for all substantive images. This is not to be called up by any images that are really for one instance and only one instance, i.e. schematics for events.

-	[[Category:~~Content~~]]	+	[[Category:Supporting Elements]]

Main Page

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:36:04 GMT

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	'''[[Creating the Message]]''' - The message is normally the central part of an American Christian service, whether for adults, youth, or children. We put a lot of time and effort into forming those messages, but sometimes we could use a little help, a jump start. Here you can find everything you need to create a great message. '''Message Ideas''', '''commentary''', even '''Lectionary''' resources, all sermons or messages that other pastors have made and posted.		'''[[Creating the Message]]''' - The message is normally the central part of an American Christian service, whether for adults, youth, or children. We put a lot of time and effort into forming those messages, but sometimes we could use a little help, a jump start. Here you can find everything you need to create a great message. '''Message Ideas''', '''commentary''', even '''Lectionary''' resources, all sermons or messages that other pastors have made and posted.

-	'''[[Supporting Elements\|Supporting Service Elements]]''' - There are a whole host of different elements in a service that can help support the message and the rest of the service, but are often hard to create on a weekly basis. From '''liturgies''' to '''dramas''' and '''experiential learning ideas''' there are a whole host of different ways of supporting a message, we have them all here.	+	'''[[Supporting Elements\|Supporting Service Elements]]''' - There are a whole host of different elements in a service that can help support the message and the rest of the service, but are often hard to create on a weekly basis. From '''liturgies''' to '''dramas''', '''images''' and '''experiential learning ideas''' there are a whole host of different ways of supporting a message, we have them all here.

	'''[[Resources\|Other Resources]]''' - There are tens of thousands of good books out there for pastors, and thousands of websites as well. None of us have the time or the money to check them all out. We don't know all the best resources but we each have the '''books''', '''websites''', conferences, and groups that have helped us a great deal. This is also where you can share '''essays''' on things you have learned about ministry and special situations.		'''[[Resources\|Other Resources]]''' - There are tens of thousands of good books out there for pastors, and thousands of websites as well. None of us have the time or the money to check them all out. We don't know all the best resources but we each have the '''books''', '''websites''', conferences, and groups that have helped us a great deal. This is also where you can share '''essays''' on things you have learned about ministry and special situations.

	'''[[Dreams\|Our Dreams Page]]''' - This isn't actually a page for anything that is built yet, but a place to see some of the dreams and wishes for this site eventually. If you think something would be great, feel free to add that to the dreams page and maybe someone else will build it.		'''[[Dreams\|Our Dreams Page]]''' - This isn't actually a page for anything that is built yet, but a place to see some of the dreams and wishes for this site eventually. If you think something would be great, feel free to add that to the dreams page and maybe someone else will build it.

Supporting Elements

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:34:52 GMT

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	'''[[Experiential Learning]]''' – Games and illustrations are good. But if we can not just entertain but teach and transform that is so much better. Here is a collection of meaningful events and ideas that help people learn through doing. After all, if a game or activity is going to happen anyway it might as well not just illustrate a point, but teach it as well.		'''[[Experiential Learning]]''' – Games and illustrations are good. But if we can not just entertain but teach and transform that is so much better. Here is a collection of meaningful events and ideas that help people learn through doing. After all, if a game or activity is going to happen anyway it might as well not just illustrate a point, but teach it as well.
		+
		+	'''[[Images]]''' - - One of the most expensive areas for churches to get into is images. To be legal, they often cost a great deal. But there are also many photographers, artists, and designers who are willing to share their work with others. These images are provided free under Creative Commons License, so use them all you want without making money from them or claiming them to be anything other than the artist's who made them.

	'''[[Liturgy]]''' - Most of our services don't have scripts, and are unique for each service and each church. Liturgy are scripts for those special events and times where it is more important to tap into the sacred and the Church than it is to be unique. Liturgy can range from baptism liturgy or Advent ceremonies to Wedding scripts and arrangements for membership.		'''[[Liturgy]]''' - Most of our services don't have scripts, and are unique for each service and each church. Liturgy are scripts for those special events and times where it is more important to tap into the sacred and the Church than it is to be unique. Liturgy can range from baptism liturgy or Advent ceremonies to Wedding scripts and arrangements for membership.

	[[Category:Portal]]		[[Category:Portal]]

Dreams

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:31:38 GMT

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	===Discussion Forums===		===Discussion Forums===
	We had discussion forums up and running but unfortunately they were a haven for spam more than a haven or prayer and support and so were shut down. Also, there was an issue when upgrading our software that conflicted with the forum software.		We had discussion forums up and running but unfortunately they were a haven for spam more than a haven or prayer and support and so were shut down. Also, there was an issue when upgrading our software that conflicted with the forum software.
-
-	~~===[[Images]]===~~
-	One of the most expensive areas for churches to get into is images. To be legal, they often cost a great deal. But there are also many photographers, artists, and designers who are willing to share their work with others. These images will be under Creative Commons License, where the copyright stays with the maker, but people can use and modify it within non-profit settings. '''This is being developed at the moment.'''

	===Media Hosting===		===Media Hosting===

Images

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:31:17 GMT

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-	[[~~Resources~~\|Back to ~~Resources~~]]	+	[[Supporting Elements\|Back to Supporting Elements]]

	More and more we are becoming a visual culture. The written word still has power, but people are expecting to see as well as hear anymore. Unfortunately, many of us simply do ot have the resources, the skills, or the time to develop images for service in our churches. We can swipe them off the internet, but most pictures we take that way are illegal, removed and used without the creator's permission. This section of the site strives to help with that. Please note that not all images on this site need to be on this page, only those that would be usable for more purposes.		More and more we are becoming a visual culture. The written word still has power, but people are expecting to see as well as hear anymore. Unfortunately, many of us simply do ot have the resources, the skills, or the time to develop images for service in our churches. We can swipe them off the internet, but most pictures we take that way are illegal, removed and used without the creator's permission. This section of the site strives to help with that. Please note that not all images on this site need to be on this page, only those that would be usable for more purposes.

MediaWiki:Sidebar

ShepAdmin — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:28:34 GMT

File:Yellow Rose 2.JPG

ShepAdmin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:37:53 GMT

uploaded "[[File:Yellow Rose 2.JPG]]" {{Image Gallery |Artist/Photographer=Bob Thomas |Occasion=General |Topic=Rose, Flower |Description=A yellow rose |Group=Landscape }}

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File:Forest Road.jpg

ShepAdmin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:07:32 GMT

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	\|Topic=Road, Forest		\|Topic=Road, Forest
	\|Description=A dirt road extending into a forest.		\|Description=A dirt road extending into a forest.
-	\|Group=~~Landscape~~	+	\|Group=Nature
	}}		}}

File:Forest Road.jpg

ShepAdmin — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 21:06:50 GMT

uploaded "[[File:Forest Road.jpg]]" {{Image Gallery |Artist/Photographer=Bob Thomas |Occasion=General |Topic=Road, Forest |Description=A dirt road extending into a forest. |Group=Landscape }}

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