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Question 1 Report
(a) How did God use Gamaliel to further the cause of Christianity in the early church ?
(b) Mention any four types of opposition that are confronting the Christian church today.
(a) How God used Gamaliel to further the cause of Christianity (Acts 5:33-42)
After the apostles were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach in the name of Jesus, they boldly declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men." The council was furious and plotted to kill them. At that point Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a doctor of the law held in honour by all the people (and Paul's own teacher), stood up and ordered the apostles put outside for a while.
He advised the council to be careful in dealing with these men. He reminded them of two earlier movements: Theudas, who claimed to be somebody and gathered about four hundred men, but who was killed and his followers scattered to nothing; and Judas of Galilee, who also drew people after him in the days of the census, but who perished and his followers were dispersed. Drawing his conclusion, Gamaliel counselled, "Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest you even be found to fight against God."
The council was persuaded. They called the apostles, beat them, commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Thus God used Gamaliel's wise and moderate counsel to spare the apostles' lives, so that they continued daily in the temple and in every house teaching and preaching Jesus, and Christianity spread.
(b) Four types of opposition confronting the church today
Answer Details
(a) How God used Gamaliel to further the cause of Christianity (Acts 5:33-42)
After the apostles were arrested and brought before the Sanhedrin for continuing to preach in the name of Jesus, they boldly declared, "We ought to obey God rather than men." The council was furious and plotted to kill them. At that point Gamaliel, a Pharisee and a doctor of the law held in honour by all the people (and Paul's own teacher), stood up and ordered the apostles put outside for a while.
He advised the council to be careful in dealing with these men. He reminded them of two earlier movements: Theudas, who claimed to be somebody and gathered about four hundred men, but who was killed and his followers scattered to nothing; and Judas of Galilee, who also drew people after him in the days of the census, but who perished and his followers were dispersed. Drawing his conclusion, Gamaliel counselled, "Keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest you even be found to fight against God."
The council was persuaded. They called the apostles, beat them, commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. Thus God used Gamaliel's wise and moderate counsel to spare the apostles' lives, so that they continued daily in the temple and in every house teaching and preaching Jesus, and Christianity spread.
(b) Four types of opposition confronting the church today
Question 2 Report
(a) Describe the coming of the Lord according to Paul's teaching.
(b) What does this teach us as christians?
(a) The coming of the Lord according to Paul's teaching (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11; cf. 1 Corinthians 15)
Paul wrote to comfort the Thessalonians who were anxious about believers who had died before Christ's return. He assured them that they should not sorrow as those who have no hope, because of the certainty of the second coming.
(b) What this teaches us as Christians
Answer Details
(a) The coming of the Lord according to Paul's teaching (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 5:1-11; cf. 1 Corinthians 15)
Paul wrote to comfort the Thessalonians who were anxious about believers who had died before Christ's return. He assured them that they should not sorrow as those who have no hope, because of the certainty of the second coming.
(b) What this teaches us as Christians
Question 3 Report
Narrate the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and indicate two lessons that could be learnt from it.
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
Jesus told of a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. At his gate lay a poor beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who longed to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs came and licked his sores. The rich man ignored him entirely.
In time both men died. Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom (a place of comfort), while the rich man was buried and found himself in Hades, in torment. Lifting up his eyes, he saw Abraham far off and Lazarus beside him. He cried, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame."
Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented." He added that a great gulf was fixed between them so that no one could cross from one side to the other. The rich man then begged that Lazarus be sent to warn his five brothers so that they would not come to the same place of torment. Abraham answered, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." The rich man insisted that if one went to them from the dead they would repent, but Abraham concluded, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
Two lessons from the parable
Answer Details
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
Jesus told of a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. At his gate lay a poor beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who longed to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs came and licked his sores. The rich man ignored him entirely.
In time both men died. Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom (a place of comfort), while the rich man was buried and found himself in Hades, in torment. Lifting up his eyes, he saw Abraham far off and Lazarus beside him. He cried, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame."
Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented." He added that a great gulf was fixed between them so that no one could cross from one side to the other. The rich man then begged that Lazarus be sent to warn his five brothers so that they would not come to the same place of torment. Abraham answered, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." The rich man insisted that if one went to them from the dead they would repent, but Abraham concluded, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
Two lessons from the parable
Question 4 Report
Narrate the story of Naaman and Gehazi and state the consequences of greed
The story of Naaman and Gehazi, and the consequences of greed (2 Kings 5)
Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Syria (Aram), a great and honourable man, but he was a leper. A captive Israelite girl who served his wife told her that a prophet in Samaria could cure him. With the king of Syria's letter and rich gifts of silver, gold and garments, Naaman went to the king of Israel, who tore his clothes in fear. Elisha the prophet sent word, "Let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel."
When Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots, Elisha did not even come out but sent a messenger, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored." Naaman was angry, expecting a dramatic gesture, and complained that the rivers of Damascus were better than the waters of Israel. But his servants persuaded him, so he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh became clean like that of a little child. He returned to Elisha, confessed that there was no God in all the earth except in Israel, and offered a gift, which Elisha firmly refused.
Gehazi and greed: Gehazi, Elisha's servant, coveted the gifts his master had refused. He ran after Naaman and lied, saying that two young prophets had come and that Elisha wanted a talent of silver and two changes of garments for them. Naaman gladly gave two talents of silver and two garments. Gehazi hid the goods and returned to stand before his master. Elisha asked where he had been, and Gehazi lied again, "Your servant went nowhere." Elisha rebuked him: "Did not my heart go with you...? Is it a time to receive money and garments...?" As punishment, "the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." Gehazi went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
Consequences of greed:
Answer Details
The story of Naaman and Gehazi, and the consequences of greed (2 Kings 5)
Naaman was the commander of the army of the king of Syria (Aram), a great and honourable man, but he was a leper. A captive Israelite girl who served his wife told her that a prophet in Samaria could cure him. With the king of Syria's letter and rich gifts of silver, gold and garments, Naaman went to the king of Israel, who tore his clothes in fear. Elisha the prophet sent word, "Let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel."
When Naaman arrived with his horses and chariots, Elisha did not even come out but sent a messenger, saying, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored." Naaman was angry, expecting a dramatic gesture, and complained that the rivers of Damascus were better than the waters of Israel. But his servants persuaded him, so he went down and dipped seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh became clean like that of a little child. He returned to Elisha, confessed that there was no God in all the earth except in Israel, and offered a gift, which Elisha firmly refused.
Gehazi and greed: Gehazi, Elisha's servant, coveted the gifts his master had refused. He ran after Naaman and lied, saying that two young prophets had come and that Elisha wanted a talent of silver and two changes of garments for them. Naaman gladly gave two talents of silver and two garments. Gehazi hid the goods and returned to stand before his master. Elisha asked where he had been, and Gehazi lied again, "Your servant went nowhere." Elisha rebuked him: "Did not my heart go with you...? Is it a time to receive money and garments...?" As punishment, "the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever." Gehazi went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.
Consequences of greed:
Question 5 Report
(a) Describe the crossing of the Red sea and God's role in the episode.
(b) What two lessons did Israel learn from their experience there?
(a) The crossing of the Red Sea and God's role (Exodus 14)
After the tenth plague Pharaoh let Israel go, but he soon regretted it and pursued them with six hundred chosen chariots and his army. Israel was encamped by the sea at Pi-hahiroth. When the people saw the Egyptians advancing, they were terrified and cried out, complaining to Moses that it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to die in the wilderness.
Moses reassured them, "Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." God's role was decisive at every stage:
Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore, feared the Lord, and believed Him and His servant Moses. Moses and Miriam then sang a song of victory to God.
(b) Two lessons Israel learned
Answer Details
(a) The crossing of the Red Sea and God's role (Exodus 14)
After the tenth plague Pharaoh let Israel go, but he soon regretted it and pursued them with six hundred chosen chariots and his army. Israel was encamped by the sea at Pi-hahiroth. When the people saw the Egyptians advancing, they were terrified and cried out, complaining to Moses that it would have been better to remain slaves in Egypt than to die in the wilderness.
Moses reassured them, "Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." God's role was decisive at every stage:
Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore, feared the Lord, and believed Him and His servant Moses. Moses and Miriam then sang a song of victory to God.
(b) Two lessons Israel learned
Question 6 Report
(a) Trace the events that led Nehemiah to embark on the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem.
(b) What do we learn from Nehemiah's role in the reconstruction of the city wall ?
(a) Events that led Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2)
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in the citadel of Susa. His brother Hanani and other men came from Judah, and Nehemiah asked them about the Jews who had escaped the captivity and about Jerusalem. They reported that the survivors were in great distress and reproach, that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates burned with fire.
On hearing this, Nehemiah sat down and wept, mourning and fasting for several days. He prayed to God, confessing the sins of Israel, appealing to God's covenant promises, and asking for mercy and success before the king. For about four months he carried this burden.
One day, as he served wine, the king noticed his sadness and asked the reason. Afraid but praying to God, Nehemiah explained that the city of his fathers' tombs lay in ruins. The king asked what he wanted; Nehemiah requested to be sent to Judah to rebuild the city, and asked for letters of safe conduct to the governors and timber from the king's forest. The king, and the queen sitting beside him, granted his requests, "according to the good hand of my God upon me."
Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem with an escort. After three days he inspected the ruined walls secretly by night. Then he told the priests, nobles and officials, "You see the distress we are in... Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach," and told them how God had helped him. They responded, "Let us rise up and build," and set their hands to the good work. Despite opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, the wall was completed in fifty-two days.
(b) What we learn from Nehemiah's role in the reconstruction
Answer Details
(a) Events that led Nehemiah to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1-2)
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes in the citadel of Susa. His brother Hanani and other men came from Judah, and Nehemiah asked them about the Jews who had escaped the captivity and about Jerusalem. They reported that the survivors were in great distress and reproach, that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates burned with fire.
On hearing this, Nehemiah sat down and wept, mourning and fasting for several days. He prayed to God, confessing the sins of Israel, appealing to God's covenant promises, and asking for mercy and success before the king. For about four months he carried this burden.
One day, as he served wine, the king noticed his sadness and asked the reason. Afraid but praying to God, Nehemiah explained that the city of his fathers' tombs lay in ruins. The king asked what he wanted; Nehemiah requested to be sent to Judah to rebuild the city, and asked for letters of safe conduct to the governors and timber from the king's forest. The king, and the queen sitting beside him, granted his requests, "according to the good hand of my God upon me."
Nehemiah travelled to Jerusalem with an escort. After three days he inspected the ruined walls secretly by night. Then he told the priests, nobles and officials, "You see the distress we are in... Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach," and told them how God had helped him. They responded, "Let us rise up and build," and set their hands to the good work. Despite opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, the wall was completed in fifty-two days.
(b) What we learn from Nehemiah's role in the reconstruction
Question 7 Report
(a) Give an account of the first sign in Cana and indicate its effect on the disciples.
(b) What two lessons can we learn from the story?
(a) The first sign at Cana and its effect on the disciples (John 2:1-11)
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and His disciples were also invited. During the feast the wine ran out, and Mary said to Jesus, "They have no wine." Jesus replied, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." Nevertheless His mother told the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
Nearby stood six stone waterpots used for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the waterpots with water," and they filled them to the brim. Then He said, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." When the master of the feast tasted the water that had become wine, not knowing its source, he called the bridegroom and said, "Every man serves the good wine first... but you have kept the good wine until now," for this wine was better than the first.
John concludes, "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him."
Effect on the disciples: the miracle revealed Jesus' glory and divine power, and as a result His disciples believed in Him, strengthening their faith at the start of His ministry.
(b) Two lessons from the story
Answer Details
(a) The first sign at Cana and its effect on the disciples (John 2:1-11)
On the third day there was a wedding at Cana of Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there, and Jesus and His disciples were also invited. During the feast the wine ran out, and Mary said to Jesus, "They have no wine." Jesus replied, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come." Nevertheless His mother told the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."
Nearby stood six stone waterpots used for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, "Fill the waterpots with water," and they filled them to the brim. Then He said, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." When the master of the feast tasted the water that had become wine, not knowing its source, he called the bridegroom and said, "Every man serves the good wine first... but you have kept the good wine until now," for this wine was better than the first.
John concludes, "This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him."
Effect on the disciples: the miracle revealed Jesus' glory and divine power, and as a result His disciples believed in Him, strengthening their faith at the start of His ministry.
(b) Two lessons from the story
Question 8 Report
(a) How according to Paul could a christian rightly become a child of God ?
(b) In what two ways can you show that you are a true child of God?
(a) How a Christian rightly becomes a child of God according to Paul (Romans 8; Galatians 3-4)
Paul teaches that becoming a child of God is not by natural birth, race or the works of the law, but by God's grace received through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Thus one becomes a child of God through repentance and faith in Christ, symbolised in baptism, and confirmed by the indwelling and leading of the Holy Spirit.
(b) Two ways to show that you are a true child of God
Answer Details
(a) How a Christian rightly becomes a child of God according to Paul (Romans 8; Galatians 3-4)
Paul teaches that becoming a child of God is not by natural birth, race or the works of the law, but by God's grace received through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Thus one becomes a child of God through repentance and faith in Christ, symbolised in baptism, and confirmed by the indwelling and leading of the Holy Spirit.
(b) Two ways to show that you are a true child of God
Question 9 Report
(a) How does Paul use the case of Abraham to prove justification by faith?
(b) What role does faith play in the life of christians today?
(a) How Paul uses Abraham to prove justification by faith (Romans 4; cf. Galatians 3)
Paul argues that a person is justified (declared righteous before God) not by works of the law but by faith, and he uses Abraham, the revered father of the Jews, as his decisive proof.
Thus Abraham proves that justification has always been by faith, available to all who believe.
(b) The role of faith in the life of Christians today
Answer Details
(a) How Paul uses Abraham to prove justification by faith (Romans 4; cf. Galatians 3)
Paul argues that a person is justified (declared righteous before God) not by works of the law but by faith, and he uses Abraham, the revered father of the Jews, as his decisive proof.
Thus Abraham proves that justification has always been by faith, available to all who believe.
(b) The role of faith in the life of Christians today
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