Biblical Overview and Reference
This section of the Manual is devoted to the careful reading, understanding, and faithful handling of Scripture. It equips ministers to approach the Bible with clarity, reverence, and responsibility by attending to its historical setting, literary form, and theological message. The goal is not speculation, but sound interpretation that honors the intent of the biblical authors and serves the Church faithfully.
Whether preparing sermons, teaching Bible studies, or responding to difficult questions, this section provides a stable foundation for interpreting God’s Word accurately and wisely.
This section focuses on how Scripture is read and understood. Formal doctrinal conclusions and systematic theology are addressed within the Doctrine and Theology section of the Manual.
What You Will Find Here
- Guidance for interpreting Scripture in its historical, cultural, and literary context
- Background material that clarifies and illuminates biblical passages
- Structured summaries of the Old and New Testaments
- Topical Scripture collections for teaching, preaching, and study
Scriptural Structure
- Summary of the Old Testament
- Old Testament People, Topics, and Facts
- Old Testament Festivals and Feasts
- Summary of the New Testament
- New Testament People, Topics, and Facts
- Bible Verses About
Use this section as a reference as you study Scripture, prepare messages, and guide others toward a deeper and more faithful understanding of God’s Word.
Bargaining (Verses About)
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly address the concept of bargaining in the way we might think of it in modern terms, there are verses that touch upon principles related to negotiation, fair dealings, and seeking wisdom in decision-making. Here are 25 Bible verses from both the …
Mary (Mother of Jesus)
Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in the New Testament (NT) as a central figure in the story of Jesus’ birth and early life. While the NT doesn’t provide an extensive biography of Mary, it does offer several key passages that provide insight …
Happiness (Verses About)
Below, you will find 25 verses from the Bible that speak about happiness. Please note: while there is a difference, the use of the word “joy” is similar to happiness. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your …
Stephen (Early Church Deacon)
Stephen was a significant figure in the early Christian church, mentioned in the New Testament. He is best known for being the first Christian martyr, and his story is recorded in the book of Acts. Here is a biography of Stephen with relevant scriptural citations: 1. …
10 Plagues God Brought Upon Egypt
The Ten Plagues of Egypt, as described in the Book of Exodus in the Bible, were a series of divine punishments brought upon Egypt by God through Moses. Here is a list of the plagues along with their corresponding scriptural citations: 1. Water Turned into …
Paul (Apostle)
The Apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. His life and ministry are extensively documented in the New Testament of the Bible. Born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey, around 5 AD, …
Funerals (Verses About)
Bible verses that are often used at funerals to provide comfort and hope to those in mourning: Psalm 23:1-4 (The Lord is my shepherd…) Psalm 46:1-2 (God is our refuge and strength…) Psalm 73:26 (My flesh and my heart may fail…) John 14:1-3 (Let not your …
Luke (Saint)
Luke, often referred to as Saint Luke or Luke the Evangelist, is one of the prominent figures in the New Testament. He is renowned for being the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Not much is known about his early …
John the Baptist
John the Baptist, also known as John the Baptizer, is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He is considered a prophet and a forerunner to Jesus Christ, preparing the way for His ministry. The primary accounts of John’s life and ministry are …