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.
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.
The Old Testament outlines several festivals or feasts that were observed by the Israelites. Here are the seven main festivals: 1. Passover (Pesach): This festival commemorated the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It involved the sacrifice and consumption of a lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter …
Covenant Love in the Face of Unfaithfulness One Sentence Memory Line Hosea reveals that God’s covenant love persists even when His people repeatedly break faith, calling them to repentance and restoration. Historical Setting The book of Hosea emerges during the eighth century B.C., a turbulent period …
In the Old Testament, the celebration of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot, was an important Jewish festival. It was held on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath and marked the conclusion of the grain harvest. The primary significance of Pentecost …
One Sentence Memory Line Amos declares that God’s justice exposes religious hypocrisy and demands righteous living rooted in covenant faithfulness. Historical Setting The book of Amos is set during the reigns of Uzziah king of Judah and Jeroboam II king of Israel, around the mid eighth …
Judgment, Purification, and Hope Restored One Sentence Memory Line The book of Zephaniah proclaims the coming Day of the Lord as both devastating judgment and gracious restoration, calling God’s people to humble repentance and confident hope in His saving presence. Historical Setting Zephaniah ministered during the …
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. …
One Sentence Memory Line Ezekiel reveals the holiness of God in judgment and restoration, calling a rebellious people to recognize that the Lord alone is God. Historical Setting The book of Ezekiel emerges from one of the most disorienting seasons in Israel’s history, the Babylonian exile. …
One Sentence Memory Line Joel calls God’s people to repentance in light of present judgment and future restoration, revealing that the Day of the Lord brings both devastation and hope. Historical Setting The historical setting of Joel remains debated, largely because the book provides minimal explicit …
Deuteronomy: Covenant Renewal Before the Promised Land One Sentence Memory Line Deuteronomy records Moses’ final sermons calling Israel to renew their covenant with God by remembering His faithfulness, obeying His law, and trusting Him as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Historical Setting The book …
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 …