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.
All below verses are provided from the English Standard Version (ESV): Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Psalm 23:3: He …
Judgment and Divine Justice One Sentence Memory Line Nahum declares that the Lord will decisively judge Nineveh, revealing His justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness to defend His people. Historical Setting The book of Nahum is set in the seventh century B.C., during the height of Assyrian dominance. …
Mary, the mother of Jesus, holds a significant place in the New Testament (NT) as a central figure in the story of Jesus’ birth and early life. While the NT doesn’t provide an extensive biography of Mary, it does offer several key passages that provide insight …
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 …
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 …
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.
Caiaphas stands as one of the most theologically significant figures in the passion narrative, though his role is often understood only in moral or historical terms. He functioned as high priest during the earthly ministry of Jesus, occupying a position of religious authority that carried both …
Name(s): Peter, Apostle, Simon Peter (also known as Cephas) * Birth: Around the early 1st century * Death: Tradition holds that he was martyred in Rome, possibly crucified upside down during the reign of Emperor Nero, around 64-67 AD. * Occupation: Fisherman 1. Call to Discipleship …
Herod the Great was a prominent figure mentioned in the New Testament, known for his role in the birth narrative of Jesus Christ. He was a king of Judea and ruled from 37 BC until his death in 4 BC. Below is a biography of Herod …
