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.
Book of Jonah: A Ministerial Summary
The Book of Jonah: Mercy Beyond Boundaries One Sentence Memory Line God’s sovereign mercy extends beyond Israel, confronting both rebellious sinners and reluctant servants with His compassionate purpose. Historical Setting The book of Jonah is set during the eighth century BC, a period marked by the …
Books of 1 and 2 Samuel: A Ministerial Summary
1 and 2 Samuel: Rise of Israel’s Monarchy One Sentence Memory Line 1 and 2 Samuel recount how God transitions Israel from tribal leadership under judges to a unified monarchy, revealing both the promise and peril of kingship through the lives of Samuel, Saul, and David. …
Book of Leviticus: A Ministerial Summary
The Book of Leviticus: Holiness Before the Lord One Sentence Memory Line Leviticus teaches Israel how a holy God makes it possible for a sinful people to live in His presence through sacrifice, priesthood, and covenant obedience. Key Insight: The central concern of Leviticus is holiness. …
Book of Joshua: A Ministerial Summary
The Book of Joshua One Sentence Memory Line The book of Joshua records how the Lord fulfilled His promise by bringing Israel into the land of Canaan and calling His people to courageous faith, covenant obedience, and faithful leadership. Historical Setting The events of Joshua take …
Love (Verses About)
Below are Bible verses about love: 1. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record …
Matthew (Saint)
Matthew, also known as Levi, was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and the author of the Gospel of Matthew, the first book in the New Testament of the Bible. His story is found primarily in the New Testament, particularly in the Gospels of …
Book of Esther: A Ministerial Summary
God’s Hidden Providence One Sentence Memory Line God sovereignly preserves His covenant people through hidden providence as a Jewish queen risks her life to thwart a genocidal plot within the Persian Empire. Historical Setting The events of Esther occur during the Persian period after the Babylonian …
Patience (Verses About)
Here are some Bible verses about patience: 1. James 1:2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be …
Book of Ezra: A Ministerial Summary
Ezra: The Return and Restoration of God’s People One Sentence Memory Line The book of Ezra records how God faithfully restored His people from exile, rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem, and renewed covenant obedience through the leadership of Ezra the scribe. Historical Setting The events of …