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 parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16 challenges believers to practice wise stewardship, faithful living, and eternal perspective. Jesus uses a surprising story of a worldly steward to teach His disciples how to handle resources with integrity and spiritual foresight.
Heaven is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing the abode of God, the ultimate goal for believers, and the domain of divine authority. This article compiles significant mentions of heaven from the Old and New Testaments, using the English Standard Version (ESV). Old Testament …
Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” In what ways can we be a light to those around us? How does this verse challenge our daily actions and decisions? What does it …
Some Christians may mistakenly believe they must obey the Old Testament law because they misunderstand how the Old and New Covenants relate to one another. The laws given in the Old Testament were part of the Old Covenant, a specific agreement between God and Israel that laid out moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, a New Covenant was established. This New Covenant fulfilled the Old Covenant’s requirements, making the Old Testament law a foundation rather than an ongoing obligation for Christians.
The Ten Commandments, or Decalogue, serve as the cornerstone of the Mosaic Law, symbolizing God’s covenantal principles for His people. They are not merely rules but embody a theological framework for understanding divine-human and human-human relationships. Examining their implications and their sequential order reveals a …
List of New Testament verses that mention worshiping God, along with their citations: Matthew 2:2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 4:10 “Then Jesus said …
Numbers 6:24-26 “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Psalm 5:12 “For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you …
The Apostle Paul, also known as Saint Paul or Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. His life and ministry are extensively documented in the New Testament of the Bible. Born in Tarsus, a city in modern-day Turkey, around 5 AD, …
Pontius Pilate is a significant figure in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the accounts of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. He was the Roman governor or prefect of the province of Judea from approximately 26 AD to 36 AD. Below is …
Below, you will find 25 verses from the Bible that speak about happiness. Please note: while there is a difference, the use of the word “joy” is similar to happiness. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your …