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.
In the Old Testament, the celebration of Pentecost, also known as the Feast of Weeks or Shavuot, was an important Jewish festival. It was held on the fiftieth day after the Passover Sabbath and marked the conclusion of the grain harvest. The primary significance of Pentecost …
The Old Testament outlines several festivals or feasts that were observed by the Israelites. Here are the seven main festivals: 1. Passover (Pesach): This festival commemorated the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. It involved the sacrifice and consumption of a lamb, unleavened bread, and bitter …
In Acts 17:18, the Stoics and Epicureans were two philosophical schools that the apostle Paul encountered during his visit to Athens. Here’s a brief description of each: 1. Stoics: The Stoics were followers of the philosophy founded by Zeno of Citium around the 3rd century BCE. …
A Final Call to Covenant Faithfulness One Sentence Memory Line Malachi confronts spiritual complacency and calls God’s people back to covenant faithfulness while pointing forward to the coming messenger who prepares the way of the Lord. Historical Setting Malachi speaks into the quiet disappointment of post-exilic …
One Sentence Memory Line Zechariah calls God’s people to repentance and faith by revealing that restoration, righteousness, and the coming King are secured by the Lord Himself. Historical Setting The book of Zechariah is set during the post-exilic period, around 520 to 518 BC, when the …
Rebuilding What God Restores One Sentence Memory Line Haggai calls God’s people to reorder their priorities, rebuild His house, and trust that obedience restores both worship and blessing. Historical Setting The Book of Haggai is set in the post-exilic period around 520 B.C., during the reign …
Judgment, Purification, and Hope Restored One Sentence Memory Line The book of Zephaniah proclaims the coming Day of the Lord as both devastating judgment and gracious restoration, calling God’s people to humble repentance and confident hope in His saving presence. Historical Setting Zephaniah ministered during the …
Faith in God Amid Troubled Times One Sentence Memory Line Habakkuk teaches that the righteous must trust God’s justice and sovereignty even when His ways seem confusing and His timing delayed. Historical Setting Habakkuk ministered during the late seventh century B.C., at a moment when Judah …
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. …
One Sentence Memory Line Micah confronts covenant unfaithfulness with divine judgment while proclaiming future restoration through a righteous ruler from Bethlehem. Historical Setting Micah ministered during the eighth century BC, overlapping with the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah in Judah. His prophetic voice arose in …