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 Colossians Colossians proclaims the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ over creation, the church, and the believer’s new life. Historical Setting The Epistle to the Colossians was written by the Apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment, around A.D. 60 to …
One Sentence Memory Line Philippians teaches that enduring joy and steadfast unity flow from a Christ centered life that humbly follows the example of Jesus in service, suffering, and gospel mission. Historical Setting The Epistle to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he …
One Sentence Memory Line Ephesians proclaims the eternal plan of God to unite all things in Christ and calls the Church to live as a holy, unified people who display the wisdom and glory of God to the world. Historical Setting The Epistle to the Ephesians …
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 …
One Sentence Memory Line Second Corinthians reveals how authentic Christian ministry is marked not by worldly power or prestige, but by sacrificial service, suffering, reconciliation, and the transforming grace of God working through weakness. Historical Setting Second Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to the …
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 …
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 Book of Acts: The Gospel Expands Through the Early Church One Sentence Memory Line The Book of Acts records how the risen Christ continued His work through the Holy Spirit as the gospel spread from Jerusalem to the nations through the witness of the early …
The synoptic gospels are the first three books of the New Testament of the Christian Bible: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They are called synoptic because they share a similar structure, content, and even wording in many places, suggesting that they were written using similar sources and …
The Gospel of John One Sentence Memory Line The Gospel of John presents Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God who reveals the Father and gives eternal life to all who believe in Him. Key Insight John writes with a clear evangelistic purpose: readers are …