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.
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 …
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.
One Sentence Memory Line: Barabbas stands as a living illustration of substitution, the guilty released while the innocent Christ is condemned. Identity and Background The name Barabbas likely means “son of the father,” derived from Aramaic roots. This is not a small irony but a theological …
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 …
Brief The Nicolaitans are mentioned twice in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Revelation. The references are found in Revelation 2:6 and Revelation 2:15. However, the exact nature of the Nicolaitans’ teachings is not explicitly described in the text, and there is some ambiguity …
In the first century AD, several Jewish sects or parties are mentioned in the Bible. Apart from the Pharisees and the Sadducees, the following groups are also referenced: 1. Essenes: The Essenes were a Jewish sect that lived in communal settings, such as the famous community …
Bible verses that are often used at funerals to provide comfort and hope to those in mourning: Psalm 23:1-4 (The Lord is my shepherd…) Psalm 46:1-2 (God is our refuge and strength…) Psalm 73:26 (My flesh and my heart may fail…) John 14:1-3 (Let not your …
Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a prominent figure in the New Testament of the Bible. He was a dedicated companion and co-worker of the apostle Paul, actively participating in Paul’s missionary journeys and ministry efforts. Silas is mentioned in several passages in the New Testament, …
The Gospel of Matthew mentions over 70 individuals, including Jesus Christ, His genealogical ancestors like Abraham and David, His earthly parents Mary and Joseph, prophets such as Isaiah, apostles like Peter and James, and key political figures including Herod and Pontius Pilate. This complete list helps readers trace Jesus’ lineage, understand His early life, and identify all those involved in His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection.
