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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 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 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 …
One Sentence Memory Line Paul’s letter to Philemon demonstrates how the gospel transforms relationships by calling believers to practice forgiveness, reconciliation, and brotherly love in Christ. Historical Setting The Epistle to Philemon is one of the shortest books in the New Testament, yet its theological and …
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 Second Thessalonians teaches believers to remain steadfast in persecution, reject deception about the Day of the Lord, and live disciplined lives while awaiting the return of Christ. Historical Setting Second Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul, together with Silvanus and Timothy, …