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.
Ezra: The Return and Restoration of God’s People One Sentence Memory Line The book of Ezra records how God faithfully restored His people from exile, rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem, and renewed covenant obedience through the leadership of Ezra the scribe. Historical Setting The events of …
The Festival or Feast of Tabernacles, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, is a significant festival observed in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals of ancient Israel, along with Passover and Shavuot (Feast of …
One Sentence Memory Line Jeremiah proclaims God’s righteous judgment on persistent covenant unfaithfulness while revealing a coming new covenant grounded in internal transformation and enduring hope. Historical Setting The ministry of Jeremiah unfolds during one of the most volatile periods in Judah’s history, spanning roughly 627 …
Rebuilding the People of God One Sentence Memory Line The Book of Nehemiah records how God used a faithful leader to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls, restore covenant faithfulness, and renew the spiritual life of His people after exile. Historical Setting Nehemiah takes place during the Persian period …
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. …
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. …
The Book of Judges One Sentence Memory Line The Book of Judges reveals Israel’s repeated cycle of rebellion, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, demonstrating both the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness and the persistent mercy of God. Key Insight Judges illustrates a spiritual pattern that ministers still observe …
The Essenes were a Jewish sect that existed during the first century AD, primarily known from references in historical accounts and the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. They were a distinct religious community that lived in various locations, including Qumran near the Dead Sea. The …
The Festival or Feast of Unleavened Bread in the Old Testament is closely associated with the Passover and is one of the important observances in the Hebrew calendar. It is described in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Exodus (Exodus 12:14-20, Exodus 23:15, and …
God’s Hidden Providence One Sentence Memory Line God sovereignly preserves His covenant people through hidden providence as a Jewish queen risks her life to thwart a genocidal plot within the Persian Empire. Historical Setting The events of Esther occur during the Persian period after the Babylonian …