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.
One Sentence Memory Line The Epistle to Titus teaches that sound doctrine must produce godly leadership, healthy churches, and transformed lives that reflect the grace of God. Historical Setting The Epistle to Titus was written by the Apostle Paul to his trusted co-worker Titus, whom Paul …
The Epistle to the Romans One Sentence Memory Line Romans explains how God justifies sinners by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and forms a new covenant people who live transformed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. Historical Setting The Epistle to the Romans …
The Second Epistle of Peter One Sentence Memory Line Second Peter warns believers about false teachers, urges growth in Christian virtue, and affirms the certainty of Christ’s return and final judgment. Historical Setting The Second Epistle of Peter was written near the end of the apostle …
One Sentence Memory Line Paul’s final letter urges Timothy to guard the gospel, endure suffering for Christ, and faithfully pass the truth to the next generation of believers. Historical Setting Second Timothy is widely understood to be the final letter written by the Apostle Paul shortly …
1, 2, and 3 John: Truth, Love, and Faithful Fellowship One Sentence Memory Line The letters of 1, 2, and 3 John call believers to walk in truth and love while guarding the church from false teaching about the person of Jesus Christ. Historical Setting The …
One Sentence Memory Line 1 Thessalonians encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, love, and hope while awaiting the return of Jesus Christ. Historical Setting The First Epistle to the Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 50 or 51, making it one of …
1. “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25 2. “Look at the birds of …
The First Epistle to the Corinthians One Sentence Memory Line First Corinthians reveals how the gospel of Jesus Christ corrects division, restores holiness, and forms a unified church grounded in love and resurrection hope. Historical Setting The city of Corinth was one of the most influential …
One Sentence Memory Line Galatians proclaims that sinners are justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works of the law, and that true Christian freedom results in a Spirit empowered life of holiness and love. Historical Setting The Epistle to the Galatians was written …
The New Testament is the second part of the Christian Bible and is composed of 27 books. Here is a list of the books of the New Testament in the traditional order: 1. Matthew 2. Mark 3. Luke 4. John 5. Acts 6. Romans 7. 1 …