JAMB UTME - Christian Religious Studies - 2000

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In this context, the branch referred to by Jesus is metaphorical and represents a believer or follower of Him. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus frequently used agricultural metaphors to describe the relationship between God and His people, with Himself often being the vine or the tree and believers being the branches. In John 15:5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Therefore, the branches that bear fruit represent believers who have a deep relationship with Jesus and are producing good works or "fruit." By saying that He would prune every branch that bears fruit, Jesus is indicating that He will discipline and refine His followers to make them even more fruitful and effective in their ministry.

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In the context of the Bible, this statement was made by the prophet Nathan to King David, and it was meant to expose David's sin of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband Uriah. Nathan told David a parable about a rich man who took the only lamb of a poor man to feed his guests, which angered David and made him say that the rich man should be punished. At this point, Nathan told David, "You are the man," meaning that David was the rich man in the story and had committed the same sin of taking what belonged to someone else. This statement made David realize his sin and he confessed and repented. Therefore, the correct answer is that David confessed and asked for forgiveness.

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When Bartimaeus wanted Jesus to heal him, he persistently cried out for help. Bartimaeus was a blind beggar who was sitting by the roadside when he heard that Jesus was passing by. He immediately began to cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" Despite being told to be quiet by the people around him, Bartimaeus continued to cry out even louder. When Jesus heard him, He stopped and asked that Bartimaeus be brought to Him. Bartimaeus expressed his faith in Jesus, and Jesus healed him, saying that his faith had made him well. This story shows that persistent faith and trust in Jesus can lead to healing and restoration.

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This statement was made by Pilate's wife during Jesus' trial. Pilate's wife had a dream in which she suffered greatly because of Jesus. She believed that Jesus was a righteous man and warned her husband to have nothing to do with him. Pilate's wife's statement highlights the fact that even non-believers recognized Jesus' righteousness and the significance of his trial. However, despite her warning, Pilate ultimately chose to condemn Jesus to death. This event is a significant part of the narrative of Jesus' trial and crucifixion, as it underscores the fact that Jesus' death was the result of a complex web of political, religious, and personal motivations. Therefore, the central significance of Pilate's wife's statement is that it reveals the moral and spiritual conflict that surrounded Jesus' trial and the recognition of his righteousness, even among those who did not believe in him.

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Moses fled Egypt to the land of Midian because he had killed an Egyptian and buried him in the sand. In an attempt to stop an Egyptian from beating a Hebrew, Moses ended up killing the Egyptian. Fearing for his life, he fled Egypt to the land of Midian where he met and married his wife Zipporah, and lived as a shepherd for many years.

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According to James, the prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects. James encourages his readers to pray in all circumstances, both in times of trouble and in times of joy. He also stresses the importance of living a righteous life, as this can have a positive impact on the effectiveness of our prayers. When we pray with a sincere and righteous heart, our prayers can have a powerful impact on the world around us. Although James does not specify exactly what these effects may be, he emphasizes that the prayers of the righteous are not in vain and that they can make a real difference in the world. Therefore, the central message of James' teaching is that prayer is a powerful tool that can be used to bring about positive change in our lives and in the world, especially when accompanied by a righteous life.

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Paul states that generosity produces thanksgiving to God. When we are generous to others, it can inspire gratitude in those we are helping, and also in those who witness our generosity. This gratitude ultimately leads to thanksgiving to God, as people recognize that it is through His grace and provision that we are able to give to others. Therefore, generosity not only benefits those we help, but also has the potential to glorify God and cultivate a spirit of thanksgiving in ourselves and others.

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The request was made to Rehoboam because the people wanted some relief from the hard service that was imposed on them by his father, King Solomon. They asked him to lighten the burden and they promised to serve him if he did.

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According to James in the statement above, "they" refers to those who blaspheme the honourable name which was invoked over you. James is addressing a group of believers, and he is warning them against showing partiality towards the rich and discriminating against the poor. He argues that by doing so, they are not following the royal law of loving their neighbour as themselves, and they are committing sin. In the context of this verse, James is suggesting that those who speak against the name of God are guilty of violating this law and therefore committing sin. Therefore, "they" in this statement refers to those who speak against God's name and commit blasphemy.

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Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps because he had an excellent spirit in him. This is stated in the book of Daniel in the Bible. Daniel's excellence was evident in his character, his wisdom, his ability to interpret dreams, and his faithfulness to God. He was a man of integrity, who did not compromise his faith, even when facing persecution and death. His excellence and faithfulness to God were recognized by King Darius, who made him the highest-ranking administrator in the kingdom.

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In his reference to the events of the day of Pentecost, Peter said that they were the fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. Peter declared that what was happening was what the prophet Joel had spoken about in the last days, that God would pour out his Spirit on all people and they would prophesy, see visions, and dream dreams. This is recorded in Acts 2:16-21.

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Paul's statement to the Thessalonians that he did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it teaches the value of hard work and responsibility. Paul was a missionary and a tentmaker, which means he worked hard to support himself and his ministry. He did not rely on others to provide for him, but instead, he worked diligently to earn his own living. By reminding the Thessalonians that he did not eat anyone's bread without paying for it, Paul was showing that he was not a burden to them, and that he took his responsibilities seriously. This is a valuable lesson for all of us, to work hard and take responsibility for our own lives and actions.

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According to John, for a man to have eternal life, he must believe in the only Son of God. John emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ throughout his Gospel, and he repeatedly asserts that those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life. This belief is central to the Christian faith, as it is through faith in Jesus that one receives salvation and is reconciled with God. In John 3:16, it is written, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Therefore, according to John, eternal life is not something that can be earned through good works or religious observances, but it is a gift that is received by faith in Jesus Christ.

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The addressee, who is King Ahab, was sad because Naboth had refused to sell him his vineyard. In the passage, King Ahab was lying on his bed, with his face turned away, refusing to eat. When his wife Jezebel came to him and asked him why he was so sad, he told her about Naboth's refusal to sell him the vineyard. This led to Jezebel devising a plot to have Naboth killed so that the king could take possession of the vineyard. Therefore, the reason for King Ahab's sadness was due to his desire to acquire Naboth's vineyard and his disappointment over Naboth's refusal to sell it to him.

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According to Paul, he who loves his neighbour has fulfilled the law. In his letter to the Romans, Paul teaches that the entire law can be summed up in the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. When you love your neighbor as yourself, you will not do anything to harm them, steal from them, or bear false witness against them. You will treat them with respect and kindness, as you would want to be treated. In this way, you fulfill the law and show that you are living in accordance with God's will. Paul also teaches that the fruit of the Spirit is love, and that those who walk in the Spirit will naturally show love to others. Ultimately, loving your neighbor is a reflection of your love for God, who is love. When you love your neighbor, you show that you are in harmony with God's character and purpose, and you can experience the peace and joy that come from knowing him.

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When Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem, he drove out all who sold and bought. According to the Gospels, Jesus became angry when he saw that the temple had been turned into a marketplace. He saw merchants selling animals for sacrifice and money changers exchanging currency, taking advantage of people who had come to worship. Jesus drove them out, overturning tables and driving away the animals. He declared that the temple was supposed to be a house of prayer, but it had been turned into a den of robbers. This action by Jesus demonstrated his authority and zeal for God's house. It also challenged the religious leaders who had allowed this practice to continue. The incident in the temple was a significant event in Jesus' ministry, and it helped to establish him as a prophetic voice and a leader among the people.

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The people mocked Jesus before He raised Jairus' daughter because He told them that the girl was not dead but sleeping. They did not believe Him because they saw the girl was dead and thought it was impossible to bring her back to life. However, Jesus knew that He had the power to perform the miracle and bring the girl back to life.

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The main complaint of the Hellenists against the Hebrews in the early Church was that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. In the book of Acts, it is recorded that the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing rapidly, and there were both Hebrew-speaking Jews and Greek-speaking Jews (Hellenists) among them. The apostles appointed seven men, known as deacons, to oversee the distribution of food so that they could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. However, there arose a complaint from the Hellenists that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. The apostles addressed the issue and made sure that all the widows were taken care of fairly. Therefore, the answer is that the Hellenists complained that their widows were neglected by the Hebrews in the early Church.

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In his letter, Peter urges Christians to live as free men without using their freedom as an excuse to do evil. Peter is emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. As Christians, we are free in Christ, but that freedom should not be used as an excuse to sin or to indulge in immoral behavior. Instead, we should use our freedom to do good, to love others, and to serve God. Peter's message is a reminder that we are accountable for our actions and that we should strive to live in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. This is a timeless lesson for all of us, as we navigate the challenges of living in a fallen world while seeking to honor God with our lives.

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Moses made this statement when the Israelites were standing before the Red Sea, and the Egyptians were pursuing them from behind. The Israelites were afraid and felt trapped, but Moses reassured them that they didn't have to be afraid or fight the Egyptians themselves because God would fight for them. All they had to do was be still and have faith in God's protection. Eventually, God parted the Red Sea, and the Israelites were able to cross safely while the Egyptians were drowned in the sea.

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According to the Bible, in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This is the opening line of the book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible, which describes the creation of the world and everything in it. The account describes the process of creation in six days, with God separating light from darkness, creating the sky and land, vegetation, sea creatures and birds, land animals, and finally humans.

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Peter, James, and John were asked to keep their experience of the transfiguration secret until the Son of man is raised from the dead. Jesus took Peter, James, and John up to a high mountain, where they saw Him transfigured into a glorious state, and He talked with Moses and Elijah. They were amazed and wanted to tell others, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of man had risen from the dead. Jesus knew that if people found out about His transfiguration, it would create misunderstandings about His true mission and purpose. Therefore, the answer is the Son of man is raised from the dead.

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Joseph named his firstborn Manasseh because he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house" (Genesis 41:51). This means that God had helped him to put the pain and memories of his past behind him and move on with his life. It was a way for Joseph to acknowledge God's goodness and grace towards him, even in the midst of his difficult circumstances.

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This confession was made during the raising of Lazarus. Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who had died and been buried in a tomb for four days when Jesus arrived on the scene. Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, and he emerged, fully alive and restored. This miracle caused many witnesses to believe in Jesus and his divine power, including Martha, Lazarus's sister, who made the confession. Martha declared her belief that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and the one who had come into the world to save them. Her statement was a powerful testimony of faith in Jesus and his mission, and it affirmed his divine identity as the promised Messiah. The raising of Lazarus is one of the most significant miracles performed by Jesus, and it foreshadows his own resurrection from the dead, which would happen just a short time later.

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In the creation story from the book of Genesis, man was permitted to name all the creatures that God had created. According to the Bible, after creating the animals, God brought them to Adam, who named them all. This act symbolized Adam's authority and dominion over the animals and the responsibility that came with it. Additionally, God also gave Adam and Eve the task of tending to the Garden of Eden and using its resources for their sustenance. This included being able to eat the fruit from the trees in the garden. Finally, after Adam and Eve sinned, God made them garments of skin to wear, indicating that they were no longer able to live in the perfection of the garden without covering.

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The main lesson of Hosea's teaching is that God prefers steadfast love to sacrifice. Throughout the book of Hosea, God emphasizes the importance of a genuine, loving relationship with His people, rather than simply going through the motions of religious ritual. Hosea teaches that God desires our hearts more than anything else and that true worship involves not just external acts of sacrifice, but also internal acts of love and devotion to God. Therefore, the central message of Hosea's teaching is that God desires a deep and sincere love relationship with His people, rather than just outward religious practices.

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In the book of Romans in the Bible, Paul is referring to the concept of original sin, which means that all humans are born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam, the first man according to the Bible. Paul explains that just as sin came into the world through one man's disobedience, Adam, righteousness and redemption came through one man's obedience, Jesus Christ. Therefore, through Christ's obedience and sacrifice, many can be made righteous before God, despite their sinful nature inherited from Adam. So, the answer is "be made righteous".

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The man appointed by the Holy Ghost to go on the missionary journey with Saul was Barnabas. After Saul's conversion, he became a preacher of the gospel and started preaching boldly in Damascus. When the disciples in Jerusalem heard about this, they were afraid of him and did not believe he was a disciple. However, Barnabas took Saul under his wing and introduced him to the other apostles. Later, the Holy Ghost spoke to the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch, telling them to separate Barnabas and Saul for the work to which He had called them. Therefore, the answer is Barnabas.

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The teachers of the law accused Jesus of blasphemy because He declared that He had authority to forgive sin. Jesus had healed many people of their illnesses and had performed many miracles that amazed the crowds. However, when He declared that a paralyzed man's sins were forgiven, the teachers of the law accused Him of blasphemy. They believed that only God could forgive sins and that by claiming to forgive sins, Jesus was claiming to be God. They saw this as a violation of God's law and a serious offense. Therefore, the answer is declared that He had authority to forgive sin.

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Isaiah teaches that the LORD wants His people to demonstrate holiness by doing justice and not evil. The prophet Isaiah spoke to the people of Judah during a time of great moral and spiritual decline. The people had turned away from God and were engaging in all kinds of evil practices. In the book of Isaiah, God spoke through the prophet, calling on the people to repent of their sins and return to Him. God wanted His people to be holy and to live lives that were pleasing to Him. To do this, God called on them to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Him. Therefore, the answer is doing justice and not evil.

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In the parable of the wheat and the tares, the bad seed was sowed by the devil. The parable is about a man who sowed good seed in his field, but at night, an enemy came and sowed tares (weeds) among the wheat. When the wheat began to grow, the tares also grew with them. The servants of the man asked if they should pull out the tares, but the man said no, because they might uproot the wheat with them. He told them to wait until the harvest, and then the reapers would gather the tares and burn them, while the wheat would be gathered into his barn. Jesus explained that the man who sowed the good seed was the Son of Man, the field was the world, and the good seed represented the children of the kingdom, while the tares represented the children of the wicked one. Therefore, the answer is the devil.

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The statement above taught Jonah that God is merciful. God appointed a plant to provide shade for Jonah, and this made Jonah very happy. However, when God later appointed a worm to attack the plant, Jonah became angry and wanted to die. God used this experience to teach Jonah about His compassion and mercy, even towards those who repent.

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According to Jesus, believers who forgive the sins of others will be forgiven by God. Jesus emphasized the importance of forgiveness throughout his teachings and modeled forgiveness in his own life, even forgiving those who crucified him. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus says, "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Therefore, Jesus teaches that forgiveness is essential for our own forgiveness by God. By forgiving others, we demonstrate love, mercy, and compassion, and we create an environment of healing and reconciliation. This is important for believers to enter the Kingdom of God and live in harmony with one another.

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Prophet Ezekiel described the house of Israel as having a hard forehead and a stubborn heart because they refused to listen to him. Despite his attempts to warn and guide them, the people were resistant to his teachings and continued to engage in sinful behavior. This made it difficult for him to reach them and lead them towards righteousness. Their stubbornness and refusal to listen are seen as a major obstacle in their relationship with God and their spiritual growth.

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The statement above portrays Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as men of faith. They were three Jewish men who were serving in the court of the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. The king had ordered everyone to bow down and worship a golden statue that he had erected, but the three men refused to do so because it would have been a violation of their religious beliefs. As a result, the king threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace. However, the three men remained steadfast in their faith and proclaimed that even if they were thrown into the fire, their God was able to save them. Their statement shows their unwavering trust and belief in God's power to deliver them, even in the face of death. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is an example of courage, conviction, and faith in the face of adversity, and it serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith in God, even when faced with difficult circumstances.

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According to Jesus Christ, the mark of a true disciple is loving one another. In the book of John in the Bible, Jesus tells his disciples that the world will know they are his followers by the way they love one another. This means that they should love not just those who are like them or who they are comfortable with, but also those who are different or difficult to love. Loving one another is a way to demonstrate the love that God has for us and to fulfill the greatest commandment, which is to love God and love our neighbor as ourselves.

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In the story of stilling the storm, the disciples were surprised because the wind and waves were causing a great storm, and they were afraid that their boat would sink. They woke Jesus up, and he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed because the wind and the sea obeyed Jesus, and the storm was immediately calmed. They were surprised and in awe of Jesus' power and authority over nature.

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According to Paul, those that have been baptized into Jesus Christ are baptized into His death. This means that when a person is baptized into Christ, they identify with His death on the cross and participate in the benefits of His resurrection. They are no longer slaves to sin, but have been set free to live a new life in Christ. This is symbolized by the act of baptism, which represents a person dying to their old self and being raised to new life in Christ. In this way, baptism is an essential part of the Christian faith and marks a person's entrance into the Christian community.

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In the statement above, "the day of the Lord" refers to the day of Judgment. This phrase is used in the Bible to describe the day when God will judge all people and the world. The "thief in the night" analogy implies that the day of Judgment will come suddenly and unexpectedly, like a thief breaking into a house at an unexpected time. The Bible teaches that the day of Judgment will be a time of reckoning for all people, and those who have not repented of their sins and trusted in God will be judged accordingly.

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One of the reforms of King Josiah was that he defiled Topheth in the valley of the sons of Hinnom. Topheth was a place where people would sacrifice their children to the pagan god Molech, and it was considered an abomination in the eyes of God. King Josiah ordered that the place be defiled, and it was turned into a garbage dump to show that it was a place of shame and disgust. This reform was one of many that Josiah implemented to rid the kingdom of Judah of pagan worship and restore the worship of the one true God.

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Jesus' reply to the Devil's command to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple was "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." This means that Jesus refused to test God's power unnecessarily and take foolish risks to prove it. He knew that it was wrong to put God to the test in such a way, and he did not want to challenge God's authority or sovereignty. Instead, he chose to trust in God's protection and guidance, without requiring any additional proof or reassurance. This response shows Jesus' unwavering faith in God and his determination to resist temptation, even when it was presented in an enticing or compelling way.

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When Elijah escaped from Ahab to the brook Cherith, he was fed by ravens. The prophet Elijah had prophesied against Ahab, the king of Israel, because of his worship of false gods. As a result, Ahab sought to kill Elijah, and he had to flee to a hiding place. God directed Elijah to a brook called Cherith, where he would be safe and provided for. While he was there, God commanded ravens to bring him food every morning and evening. The ravens brought him bread and meat, and he drank from the brook. This was a miraculous provision of food and water for Elijah, and it sustained him during his time of hiding. The story of Elijah and the ravens is a demonstration of God's care for his faithful servants, and it shows that he can provide for them even in the most unlikely and challenging circumstances.

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God instructed Moses on Mount Sinai to consecrate the people. This involved setting them apart as holy and dedicated to God. God gave Moses various instructions and commandments on how to consecrate the people, including the use of special anointing oil and the offering of sacrifices. The purpose of this consecration was to prepare the people for their role as God's chosen people and to remind them of their special relationship with God.