No one can read the Bible thoughtfully, prayerfully, from Genesis to Revelation, without being convinced that it is in very truth the Word of God. I. INTERNAL EVIDENCE. 1. The Harmony. This Book as history covers a period of thousands of years. And yet the prophecies of the Old Testament are borne out in the New Testament as though a great general dictating dispatches to the various parts of his army, which were being carried out immediately. The fact that thousands of years elapse between prophecy and fulfilment makes no difference in the faithfulness to detail with which the prophecies are fulfilled. 2. The Simplicity. The reader of the Bible must be impressed with the fact that the very simplicity with which the great events are recorded shows a godly honesty. Human historians gloss over the weaknesses of their heroes. Not so God's Word. In one sentence we read "David was a man after God's own heart." In another, of his frightful sin for which Naaman rebuked him. There is no attempt anywhere to record only the bright side. Human efforts could not have produced a book so sublimely simple. 3. Its Miraculous Preservation. Where can we read a detailed account of the very dawn of creation, except in God's Word? Must the world not be impressed by the fact that here is a book in which the records of the very beginning of the world are preserved for us? Every time a new discovery by excavating expeditions adds another to the manifold evidences of the accuracy of God's Word, Christendom has reason to rejoice. No more 4. Christ's Use of the Bible. convincing evidence of the fact that the Bible is God's Word can be found than the fact that when Christ was upon the earth He used those portions which were already written in His arguments with His enemies. In the great contest with Satan the three temptations were met with just as many quotations from God's Word. Herein lies two proofs that it is God's Word: that Christ thus honored it, and second, that it was effective in defeating the tempter. II. EXTERNAL EVIDENCE. First, Here we find the Bible at work. We see its transforming power among those to whom it is given. This power is too varied to admit of exhaustive treatment in the brief scope of this topic. But we will consider it in its power to convict, to enlighten, to strengthen and to comfort. 1. Its Power to Convict. Wherein lies the preacher's power? Is it in artful elocu tion? Is it in masterful English? Is it in flights of oratory? No. These may please dilettante. But they will never bring conviction to the heart of a hardened sinner. Christ said, "Preach the Gospel." He knew its power to bring conviction. And any honest preacher will recognize that he makes the greatest impression upon sinful hearts when using God's Word. It cannot be quoted too frequently nor too aptly. A young man came to me several years ago and said, "I would like to arrange to come to your church and be baptized this Sunday." I planned as he wished and then out of curiosity asked him, "When did you reach this decision?" "Well," he said, "I attended church last winter" (it was several months previous) "and heard you quote God's Word where it says 'Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in Heaven. But whosover shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my He then told Father which is in Heaven.'" me that for months that thought had kept ringing in his ears until he was driven to do what he knew he should have done long ago, confess and be baptized. 2. To Strengthen. When the sinner is convicted of sin and repents there is yet much to be done. The new life must be strengthened. The evidence of countless millions that the Bible has strengthened them to "hold fast" is sufficient in itself to prove it God's Word. 3. To Enlighten. How often Christians cry out, "Oh! if I only knew what is best to do." The Bible has enlightened so many in such an hour of trial that it is again proven to be God's Word. 4. To Comfort. The pastor in going to the heartbroken and the bereft has no other source of comfort so sure as God's Word. Never does a passage aptly quoted fail to bring "the peace of God which passeth all understanding." III. OUR TREATMENT OF IT. Since God has given us His Word, let us Luther found the beware how we treat it. Bible the dynamic of the Reformation. But before it could act thus, it must be translated and read. To neglect God's Word is both bad policy and a great sin. Bible References. Ps. 40:7; Isa. 34:16; Gal. 3:10; Heb. 6:5; II Tim. 3:15; Rom. 3:2; Eph. 6:17; Deut. 31:11-13; II Kings 23:2; Col. 4:16; Neh. 8:5, 6; Acts 17:11; Deut. 4:2, 12:32; Rev. 22:18, 19; Acts 13:27, 17:2, 18:24; Jno. 12:48; Rom. 2:16; II Cor. 4:2. AUGUST 25. Saving Migrating Lutherans. Jeremiah 33:9-14. By Rev. C. P. Harry. General Truth-Lutherans move from place to place; there are ways by which they may be kept in the church even though they move. Point of Contact-Almost every one has moved. Some know how hard it is to find a new church to which to go after you have moved. There are very clear ways in which any one who moves may find his church. There are ways in which we can all help those who move to find their church and be at home in a new congregation. The Lesson Developed-There are three parties in the moving: the person or family moving, the two pastors, and the two congregations -the old one and the new one. The person or family moving should go to their old pastor and tell him that they are going to move and tell him where they are going to move. He will find out which is the most suitable Lutheran congregation in that place and then he will give a letter of transfer to the movers. He should also write to the pastor of the new congregation and give him the address of the family. He should also give the family the new pastor's address. When you have moved, on the very first Sunday you should go to the new church and introduce yourself to the new pastor, giving him the letter of transfer, whether he has called on you or not and whether half the congregation shakes hands with you or not. When he tells you to do so, you will present yourself for formal reception into the congregation. The Luther League should write to the membership committee or the president of the Luther League in the church to which the members are going and suggest a call and friendly reception in the church. When you see new persons in church go up to them and invite them to Luther League, find out where they live and give the address to your pastor. Go to see them and make them welcome. That is the way the congregations can work together to save migrating Lutherans. If you go away to school, tell your pastor where you are going. He will write to the university or student pastor. He in turn will come to see you or let you know where the Lutheran Church is. So that if we all are careful "migrating Lutherans need not be lost to the church." Hints to Leaders--Have some one tell or show how to approach strangers. Have the pastor tell how to get and use a letter of transfer. Why should Lutherans stick to the Lutheran Church when they move? SEPTEMBER 1. Vacation Experiences and Their Lessons. General Truth-In this lesson we have an account of the return of the Twelve Apostles. After Jesus had chosen his disciples and instructed them as to the meaning of His Kingdom, He sent them away, two by two, to go into the cities and towns, and tell of the Messiah for whom the Jews had been waiting for many centuries. The disciples have completed their task and returned to the Master, to give an account of their work. Point of Contact-This is a very interesting insight into the life of Jesus among His disciples. He had given them a work to do for Him. He had given them power to do the The disciples had obeyed instructions, had relied upon their Leader, and had success. Now they return, full of enthusiasm, each one eager to tell of his experiences. work. Lesson Development-When we read that there were so many people thronging about the Saviour and His disciples that they had not even time to eat, we feel that this was not a vacation like some people take. The disciples had been sent on a difficult mission, they had traveled on foot. The Master had commanded them to go on their journey without unnecessary provisions. without a purse or two coats. They were to tell of the Messiah, and to heal the sick, and cast out demons. They had labored, and were tired, and the Master realized this, and wanted "Come," to give them rest, a vacation. the Master said, "into a desert place, and rest a while.' Not into the crowded towns and cities. but into a quiet place, where they might have an opportunity to talk about their work, to rest their bodies, and then return again to work. To many people today vacation means hard work. We sometimes work hard to have a good time. But we can learn from the Master how to take A a vacation, to go to a quiet place and rest. vacation, we can learn from this lesson, is not for the people who never word hard. It is, let us say, the filling of a sandwich, it must have the bread of hard work on either side of it. A vacation should be like this of the Master and His disciples-a rest after hard work, and a preparation for hard work. Hints to Leaders-Use the Third Commandment to point out God's thoughtfulness for us in providing a day of rest. Practical question, "In how far should God be considered in planning for our vacation, and while on a vacation." (See Luke 8:14.) SEPTEMBER 8. The League Helping Church Attendance. Scripture Lesson-Heb. 10:23-25. General Truth-The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to the Jewish Christians. In the eleventh and twelfth chapter the wonderful faith of the Old Testament heroes is recalled, the followers of God who walked by faith and not by sight. The Christians are urged to take these Old Testament heroes as their example. Point of Contact-The writer of the letter is urging these people to live up to their promise, and not backslide. The words can well be applied by each one of us Leaguers to ourselves. for we are not outsiders, but have all pledged ourselves to live after the commandments of our Saviour. Lesson Development-The first call comes to us personally. We have taken something into our grip, which we must hold. When you are playing tennis you cannot hold the racket loosely in your hand, and expect to win the game. So this lesson exhorts us to hold fast to our profession of Christ, for if we do not then our faith will waver, and our aim at life will not be true, and without a true aim we cannot win. The second call is one of consideration for others. We must think of the force of our example on our friends. Have you ever noticed that when one person makes a start the rest of the crowd usually follows? When you are tempted to stay away from church, just remember that we are urged to consider one another, and more than consider, we are to provoke. Provoke in this passage means to urge. "Come on boys" or "Come on girls," spoken by one of a group at church time, may have more influence in getting your companions to church service than the urging of your pastor. The writer of this Epistle had seen the harm people were doing to themselves by staying away from church. These Jewish Christians are urged to keep up their church attendance. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together," the writer says, and then he asks that they urge others to attend the church services. You all know the influence of a crowd, the group spirit. It would be a great thing if each League would be so faithful in church attendance that we might hear the remark made in our churches, "Oh, that is our Luther League crowd, they are always at services." Hints to Leaders-Refer to Lesson on Vacation Experiences and point out that the disciples were sent out two by two, to strengthen each other; also refer to the fact that Christ worked with and through a group by means of the twelve disciples. SEPTEMBER 15. Moses, the Great Leader of Israel. By Mrs. William Katz. Scripture Lesson-Ex. 3:1-10. General Truth-We have here the account of the calling of Moses, the great leader of the children of Israel. The Bible gives us a more extended account of the life of Moses than of any of the Old Testament heroes. Beginning the circumstances and dangers surrounding his infant days, and the rescue from the bulrushes by the daughter of Pharaoh, to the day of his death alone upon the mountain, of which the Bible says, "but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day," the story of Moses's life and work is full of interest. He led Point of Contact-The life of Moses seems to have been one of ups and downs. the children of Israel triumphantly through the Red Sea, and then was oppressed and despondent because of their murmurings against him on account of lack of food in the wilderness. He went up into the mountain to receive the law from God. When he returned he found the children of Israel had set up the golden calf. He had moments of great faith and keen vision. and then often periods of discouragement. a fit of anger he struck the rock, when God had commanded him to speak to the rock. For this he was not permitted to enter the promised land, but could only view it from the mountain top. It is because of this struggle of Moses with himself that makes his character appeal -to us. He had a great work to do, a work which be felt was too big for him, and it was only when he relied upon God that he was a success. In Lesson Development-Moses had fled from Egypt after having slain an Egyptian who had struck one of the children of Israel. For forty years he lived the life of a shepherd. God was And at last, in preparing him for a work. God's good time, the call came to him to go back to Egypt, as the leader of the children of Israel. One man to array himself against the nation. "Who am I," Moses asked God. "that I should go unto Pharaoh," and he received the answer, "Certainly I will be with thee." God had prepared him for his work, had given him his call, and promised to be with him. If you will read the story of Moses' leading of the children of Israel you will notice that when he relied upon God being with him he was successful. When he tried to work with his own powers only he was a failure. God works today in the same manner. He prepares leaders, and then sends them forward with His strength. He 'does not ask that we work for Him with our own powers, but in His might. Hints to Leaders-The strength of Moses was not his own but God's, and he was a successful leader only when he worked with God's strength. Each Leaguer should be a leader, not by his own strength, but through God's power. SEPTEMBER 22. "One, Holy Christian Church." Scripture Lesson-John 10:15 (R. V.) General Truth--Our text is taken from the Parable of the Good Shepherd. Christ is trying to make clear the relationship between Himself and His followers. He uses as an illustration something which was very familiar to all who heard Him-the relationship between the shepherd and his sheep. Point of Contact-Christ says, "I am the good shepherd; and I know mine own, and mine own know me, even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep." If we are asked to do something for a person, it makes a great difference to us whether or not we know that person. Suppose one of your companions would say to you, "John would like you to go over and help him this evening." If you know John well, you will likely say, "Oh, all right, I will help him." But if you do not know John, you are apt to say, "Oh, I am pretty busy myself, guess I cannot go this evening. Tell him to ask some one else." He The Lesson says Developed-Christ But how well knows His sheep, He knows us. does He know us? "Even as the Father knoweth me, and I know the Father." Ah, that is a little different than the knowledge we have of our friends. No matter how close we get to our friends, our knowledge is never so intimate as is God's knowledge of us. God's knowledge of us is entire, He knows everything about us. He knows our thoughts, which our friends do not know. He knows us better than we know God is so wonourselves. But let us think. derful, so great, so perfect, can He care for us when He knows us so well? Yes, He does, for He says that He lays down His life for His sheep. This is the proof that Christ gives to us that He is our shepherd. He laid down His life for us, and by His death He became our Saviour. And this is the basis of our Christian Church: Christ the Shepherd giving His life for His sheep. Christ knows each one of us, He knows our need of some one to bear our guilt, and He, as the Great Shepherd, has His Church is the laid down His life for us. great sheepfold. in which are gathered all the sheep of His flock. Hints to Leaders-Hymn-"I Love Thy Zion, Lord." SEPTEMBER 29. The Bible, the Word of God. By Mrs. William Katz. Scripture Lesson-II Tim. 3:14-17. General Truth---Our lesson is taken from the Second Epistle of Paul to one of his helpers, Timothy. Paul had been working for thirtythree years preaching to the Gentiles. His letters to his assistants contain frequent references to the happiness that he finds in serving the Master. There is one verse in this Epistle that is very interesting, as it shows the influence of home training. Paul mentions that he remembers the faith of Lois, the grandmother of Timothy, and the faith of Eunice, the mother of Timothy. Point of Contact-The Bible is the Christian's textbook. When we undertake a study of any subject we must first of all have a textbook. The person who knows his textbook is the one who makes a success. And the successful person in any occupation keeps his textbook at hand, even after having mastered the subject. Many expert stenographers keep their textbook in their desks, and frequently refer to their first principles. So it is with our Bibles, they are our Textbooks for our spiritual life, and we should never outgrow them. The Lesson Developed-Paul urges Timothy to continue in the things which he has learned. Paul mentions that from a child Timothy has known the Holy Scriptures. And then Paul gives, we may say, a recommendation for the Holy Scriptures. Just as a textbook will contain a preface, giving a description of the contents, so Paul in these few verses tells of the sources of the Scriptures, and the benefits that will result from their use. First of all he says that the Scriptures are able to make Timothy wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. So this is a book which gives a wisdom greater than any other, because it is a wisdom for eternity. Next Paul mentions the authority for this great Textbook. It is "given by inspiration of God." He proceeds to give a list of the benefits that will result from its use. It is "profitable," he says, "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." "For doctrine," or teaching, that we may know in what we believe. "For reproof, for correction," that the errors of life may be shown to us, and we can give no excuse for sin. "For instruction in righteousness." The Bible has a specialty for righteousness. You may use other books for moral training, but you will not have the best unless you use the Bible. Finally, Paul gives the purpose for the use of the Scriptures, "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished with all good works." Right in every respect. Right in thought; right in words, right in actions. Right in relation to God and right in relation to companions. Hints to Leaders-John 5:39. Hymns -"Lord Thy Word Abideth," "Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Thy Word." JUNIOR. AUGUST 25. Making Our Country, God's Country. By Mrs. M. Haller Frey. Scripture Lesson--Prov. 14:34. General Truth-When we forget God, disaster is bound to follow. When a nation puts God in the background, ruin and sorrow and reproach will be the result. Point of Contact-All around us we hear of doing our bit for our country, and each boy or girl can help in some way if they will, but don't forget that the biggest bit to be done lies in each heart-a resolve to grow up to be a good citizen of our country, upright and true as steel with a firm determination to do your bit toward making our country really God's country. Lesson "Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people." It is well for us to pause in these troublous times to ask ourselves whether sin has not brought all this confusion and disquiet upon the nations at war. How we love our country, her heroes and her traditions, her great schools and her achievements, freedom to worship as we please and one God in whose sight all men are equal. Who does not love and honor the stars and stripes of our dear old flag, which dishonor has never stained and under whose folds we are protected? But there is another aspect to all this thrill and stirring of our emotions when we speak of our country. What of the future? All these material things will pass away sometimes and so we, the people of this nation, must build a foundation which will outlast all things. Every boy and girl may have a share in the building which is going on day by day. The material we are using are free to all, sincerity and faith, strong character, good judgment, clean morals and unwavering faith in the great Master Builder, Jesus Christ. This is the only way that our country may be God's country. Ver Hints-Essays on "True Patriotism." bal answers to "What Are Some of the Blessings Our Country Enjoys?" Poster-American flag, church, homes, hospital, library, Statue of Liberty on card, below print "This flag of our country invites you to see, how we can make our country God's country," below the time of meeting. Invitation-Small white correspondence cards with flag seals pasted at top-invitation written in red and blue. Have the children write short essays on the history of our country, or how to make our country bettergive some recognition for the best. was a teacher and that He sent His disciples forth to teach. Suggestions for Leader's Talk-In September the school bells begin to ring, not only in America but all around the world. Some of the school bells are drums and some of them are bugles, but they call the children to school-the little brown children in India, the little black children in Africa, the Indian children, and all the others. The school bells are ringing in many lands because missionaries have obeyed our Saviour's command to teach all nations. Assign to different members topics for papers or talks. Only a few facts on these topics can be given here. When the Teacher Says "Be Noisy"--In China all the children study aloud. If they get too quiet the teacher touches them up with a long rod so they will make more noise. If they are quiet he thinks they must be in mischief. They must memorize all their lesson. Many Chinese students can recite the entire New Testament and they do not think it a hard task to learn one of the Gospels. When they recite their lessons they turn their backs to the teacher. School Bells in Africa-The school bells in Africa are drums. The children know just what the different drum beats mean. In Liberia where our mission is there is a heathen school for boys called the Devil Bush. The schoolmaster is called the Devil Doctor. The boys there are not taught to read or to write, but are taught many wicked things and many forms of witchcraft. Our missionaries have established Christian schools in Africa in which the boys and girls are taught to read and write. The girls are taught to sew and cook and wash and iron, while the boys learn carpentry and other trades. Best of all they are taught about the Lord Jesus Christ and the way of salvation. Kindergartens in Japan-Thirty-three years ago the first kindergarten was opened in Japan. Now there are one hundred and eighty, scattered all over the Empire, with eight thousand Japanese tots in attendance. We have four Lutheran kindergartens in Japan. The dear little ones go from these kindergartens into heathen homes. Their parents are amazed to hear them say: "Oh, no, I'm not afraid in the dark any more because my heavenly Father is with me." They see them bow their little heads as they say: "Father, we thank Thee for our food." Many parents who would never come to our churches are led there by their children who go to our kindergartens. Invite the pastor or some church officer to make a ten minute talk "Our Mission Schools." on Service-Some of our Leagues should support a scholar in one of our mission schools. Leaders should write Mission Board Secretaries for definite information about this. SEPTEMBER 8. Faithfulness in Work. By Jane M. Truxal. Scripture Lesson-Eccles. 9:10. General Truth-God never goes to the lazy or idle when He needs men for His service. When God wants a worker He calls a worker. When He wants work done He goes to those who already are at work. Point of Contact-A little girl, asked to sew a button on her grandfather's coat, did it unwillingly and carelessly, thinking the stitches on the wrong side would not show, but when the grandfather had his picture taken his coat lapel turned back and the stitches showed in the picture. The little girl was very sorry, and determined that after that she would do her work right. The Story-Once there was a very great_and wise King of the Jews, whose name was Solomon, and who was a son of the good King David. Besides doing many good things for his kingdom, such as erecting public buildings, making good roads, building a water system for Jerusalem, erecting the Temple and building up the commercial trade, he wrote books, containing many wise and beautiful sayings. One of these books is called "Ecclesiastes, or The Preacher," and it is from that book that our lesson is taken today. It was necessary in Solomon's time, just as it is today, to urge people to be faithful in their work. Solomon says we must work now, for after we die there will be no time nor opportunity to work, and God has so much work for His people to do that we must not get tired or lazy, but just keep on working with all our might. Some people never find any work to do. They do not look for it, but it is all about us. We should do our work, our home tasks and our school work and our church work with all our might. If boys and girls do not work when they are young they will not like to work when they grow up, and whoever amounts to anything who does not work? Then there is the Lord's work, and oh, how hard we should work at that so as to do all we can while we live here in this world. There are so many orphans to be cared for; so many crippled and blind children; so many old folks to be given homes; so many poor people to be helped; so many strangers among us; so many boys and girls and young men and women going wrong because no one is looking after them and telling them about Jesus, and so many heathen who have not yet heard about Christ. Oh, how much of our time and our money we ought t give to these. So, whatever we find to do, let us do it with our might. Let us never say. when asked to do church work, that we do not have time. To the Leader-Have ten Juniors answer the following question concerning the persons mentioned below: "What was doing when the Lord called him?" Moses was busy with his flocks at Horeb. Ex., 3rd chap. Saul was busy searching for his father's lost beasts. I Sam., 9th chap. David was busy caring for his father's sheep. I Sam. 16:11-12. Elisha was busy plowing with twelve yoke of oxen. I Kings 19:19. Nehemiah was busy bearing the king's cup. Neh. 2:1. Amos was busy following the flocks. Amos 1:1. Peter and Andrew were casting their net into the sea. Matt. 4:18-19. James and John were busy mending their nets. Matt. 4:21. Matthew was busy collecting the taxes. Matt. 9:9. Saul (or Paul) was busy persecuting the friends of Jesus. Acts 9:1-6. SEPTEMBER 15. Who Were the People of Samaria? Scripture Lesson-John 4:39-42. General Truth-God finds something good in even the lowliest, and can save even the most wretched outcast. Jesus thought it worth while to teach the woman of Samaria the way of life. and won many converts among the people of Samaria through this woman. Point of Contact-Jesus taught that even |