WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2019

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King Herod arrested Peter because he wanted to please the Jews. At the time, the Christian faith was gaining popularity, and Herod wanted to maintain his own power and control over the people. When James, one of the apostles, was put to death, it pleased the Jewish leaders, so Herod thought he could win even more favor by arresting Peter as well. Herod hoped that by eliminating the leaders of this new religion, he could prevent it from spreading further and causing unrest among the people.

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Prophet Samuel had two worthless sons called Joel and Abijah. These sons were appointed as judges over Israel, but they were corrupt and did not follow in their father's footsteps as a faithful servant of God. This led to complaints from the people of Israel, who felt that they were not being properly served by the judges. Despite Samuel's efforts to correct his sons' behavior, they continued to engage in unjust practices, which further eroded the people's trust in the judicial system.

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The meaning of the name Ichabod was "the glory has departed from Israel". This name was given to a person in the Bible who symbolized the loss of God's presence and favor from the nation of Israel. It reflected a time of darkness and turmoil in the nation's history, and the absence of the glory and blessings that God had once provided. The name Ichabod serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and maintaining a close relationship with God.

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The Church demonstrates partiality when it "reserves the best seats for rich." This means that the Church is showing favoritism towards wealthy individuals by giving them preferential treatment, such as seating them in the front row or giving them special privileges. This goes against the principles of equality and fairness, and can create division within the Church community. It is important for the Church to treat all members equally and with respect, regardless of their socio-economic status.

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David entered into Saul's service because he was a skillful musician. According to 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord, and one of his servants suggested finding someone who could play the lyre to soothe Saul's distress. David, who was skilled in playing the lyre, was recommended by one of his brothers and was brought before Saul. Saul was pleased with David's playing and made him his armor-bearer. Therefore, David's skillful musicianship is what initially led him to enter into Saul's service.

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King Ahab's sin brought about a drought upon the people of Israel. This is because King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel, promoted the worship of false gods and engaged in wickedness, which angered God. As a result, God punished the land with a severe drought, causing crops and vegetation to wither and die, and leading to widespread hunger and suffering among the people. This is recorded in the Bible in the book of 1 Kings. So, the correct option is "drought".

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When Jesus saw Levi sitting at the tax office, he said to him "Follow me." This means that Jesus invited Levi to become one of his disciples and to follow him in his teachings and mission. By saying this, Jesus was calling Levi to leave his current occupation and way of life and to become a part of his group of followers. This shows Jesus' willingness to welcome people from all walks of life, even those who were considered outcasts by society like tax collectors. It also shows his belief in the power of transformation and the ability for people to change their ways and follow a new path.

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The verse being referred to is Psalm 16:10, where David says that God will not abandon his soul to Hades, nor let his Holy one see corruption. Peter used this verse to defend Jesus' resurrection, as he believed that it was a fulfillment of this prophecy. Peter argued that Jesus, as the Holy one of God, could not have remained in the grave and experienced decay because God had promised to protect his soul. Therefore, Jesus must have risen from the dead, as the disciples had witnessed. This was a significant point for Peter because it affirmed Jesus' divine nature and provided evidence that he was the Messiah.

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The correct answer is "Abiram and Segub". According to the Old Testament in 1 Kings 16:34, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt the city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab, but he paid a terrible price for doing so. In order to fulfill the curse that Joshua had placed upon the city, Hiel had to sacrifice his two sons, Abiram and Segub. This was seen as a punishment for the rebuilding of Jericho, which had been destroyed by the Israelites under Joshua's command. The story serves as a warning against disobeying God's commands and the consequences that can result from doing so.

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According to the Gospel of Matthew, the first two disciples of Jesus were fishermen. Their names were Simon Peter and Andrew, who were brothers and worked as fishermen in the Sea of Galilee. One day, as Jesus was walking by the shore, he saw them casting their nets into the sea and invited them to follow him and become "fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed him, becoming two of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The story of their call to discipleship is recounted in Matthew 4:18-22.

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Moses made this remark. This statement is found in the book of Exodus in the Bible. Moses said this to God when he was called by God to go to the Israelites and tell them that God had sent him to lead them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was concerned that the Israelites would not believe him and would reject him as their leader because they did not believe that God had appeared to him. However, God provided Moses with signs and miracles to perform in front of the Israelites to prove that he was sent by God.

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According to the Bible, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, which is believed to have been located in the East. The Book of Genesis describes the location of the Garden as being eastward, in Eden. Additionally, the Bible also mentions that after Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden, they were sent to the east of Eden. Therefore, it is commonly believed that the Garden of Eden was located in the eastern part of the world, although the exact location is not known for sure.

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Jesus gave the instruction to sit here while he goes yonder and pray at Gethsemane. Gethsemane was a garden located near Jerusalem where Jesus went to pray before his arrest and crucifixion. He asked his disciples to wait for him while he went to pray alone, and during this time he experienced great anguish and sadness as he faced the reality of what was to come. This event is recorded in the New Testament in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

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The statement "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" was addressed by Jesus to two brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew. Jesus used the metaphor of fishing to call Simon and Andrew to become his disciples, and to help him spread his message to others, just as they were skilled at catching fish. This story is recorded in the Bible in the book of Matthew. So, the correct option is "Simon and Andrew".

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These words were said by Eli. Eli was a priest and judge in the biblical book of 1 Samuel. He was the mentor and advisor to Samuel, who later became a prophet and judge in Israel. When Samuel was a young boy, he was called by God to be a prophet, but he did not initially recognize the voice of God. Eli helped him understand that it was the Lord speaking to him and encouraged him to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." When Samuel later revealed to Eli that God was going to judge his family for their wickedness, Eli replied, "It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to Him." These words demonstrate Eli's submission and obedience to God's will, despite the difficult circumstances he faced.

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According to Peter, when church elders tend their flock well, they would obtain the crown of glory. This means that if the leaders of a church take good care of their congregation by providing spiritual guidance, teaching, and support, they will be rewarded with a special honor or recognition in heaven, symbolized by the "crown of glory." In essence, Peter is encouraging church leaders to be diligent in their responsibilities, to lead by example, and to prioritize the spiritual growth and well-being of their congregation. By doing so, they will receive a reward that surpasses any earthly benefit and brings them closer to God.

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In the book of Amos, "selling the needy for a pair of shoes" means the rich dishonored the less privileged. This means that the wealthy people treated the poor and needy as if they were worth less than a simple pair of shoes. This phrase was used as a way to criticize the wealthy for their disregard for the value of human life and their mistreatment of the less fortunate. The message of Amos was to remind people of the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status or wealth.

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The aftermath of Gehazi's actions led to Elisha pronouncing a curse on him and his generation. In 2 Kings 5:20-27, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, lied to Naaman, a foreign commander who came to Elisha to be healed of leprosy, and obtained gifts from him by claiming falsely that Elisha had sent him. When Elisha learned of Gehazi's deceitful actions, he confronted him and pronounced a curse upon him, saying, "The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever." Therefore, the consequences of Gehazi's sin were severe and led to a curse being pronounced on him and his descendants by Elisha.

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God blessed and hallowed the seventh day because it was a day of REST. According to Genesis 2:2-3 in the Bible, after God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, He rested on the seventh day. God then blessed and sanctified this day, setting it apart as a special day of rest. This day of rest was later included in the Ten Commandments as a reminder for God's people to rest and honor Him. Christians today also observe a day of rest and worship on Sunday, in honor of Christ's resurrection. Resting on the Sabbath is important because it allows us to take a break from our work and daily activities, to spend time with God, and to refresh and recharge ourselves physically and spiritually.

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Saul was a native of Tarsus. Tarsus was a city located in the region of Cilicia, which is now modern-day Turkey. Saul, who later became known as the apostle Paul, was born in Tarsus and grew up there. Tarsus was an important city in the Roman Empire and was known for its education, commerce, and culture. As a result of growing up in Tarsus, Saul would have been familiar with Greek culture and language, which would later aid him in his missionary journeys.

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The people who were sons of Zebedee are John and James. They were two of the twelve apostles of Jesus in the New Testament. They were fishermen before being called by Jesus to be his disciples, and their father's name was Zebedee. In the Bible, they are often referred to as the "Sons of Thunder" because of their impulsive and passionate personalities. John is also known for being the author of the Gospel of John, three letters, and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.

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Naboth was killed so that Ahab might own his property. In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings, Naboth was a vineyard owner who refused to sell his land to King Ahab, despite the king's offer to buy it or give him a better piece of land. Ahab's wife Jezebel, who was known for her wickedness, conspired to have Naboth falsely accused of blasphemy and stoned to death. With Naboth out of the way, Ahab was able to seize his vineyard and add it to his own property. However, God was displeased with Ahab and Jezebel's actions and sent the prophet Elijah to condemn them and prophesy their downfall. Thus, while Naboth's death allowed Ahab to gain control of his property, it ultimately led to his and Jezebel's downfall and punishment by God.

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The creation of woman was necessitated by the need for companionship. When God created Adam, the first man, He saw that Adam was alone and needed someone to share his life with. So God created Eve, the first woman, to be Adam's companion and partner. Together, they could form a relationship based on mutual love, support, and understanding. This companionship was not just about physical presence, but also about emotional and spiritual connection. God recognized the importance of companionship and created woman to fulfill this need in Adam's life, and in the lives of all human beings who desire meaningful relationships.

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The word "cup" in this context refers to death. This phrase is a quote from the Bible, specifically from the book of Matthew, and it is part of a prayer that Jesus said before his crucifixion. In this prayer, Jesus is asking God if it is possible for him to avoid the suffering and death that he knows is coming. He is expressing his fear and trepidation at the thought of what is to come, and he is asking for strength and comfort. The word "cup" is often used as a metaphor for a difficult or unpleasant situation, and in this case, it refers to the physical and spiritual suffering that Jesus was about to endure on the cross.

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The excellent spirit in Daniel caused the Satraps to be jealous of him. In other words, the Satraps became envious of Daniel's abilities and virtues, such as his wisdom, honesty, and faithfulness, which earned him favor and promotion from the king. As a result, they plotted against him and tried to find fault with him, but they could not because of his excellent spirit. This story from the book of Daniel in the Bible teaches us that jealousy and envy can lead people to do evil things, but those who remain faithful and committed to their beliefs will ultimately triumph over their enemies.

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After the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, He was first taken to the courtyard of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the high priest of the Jewish Sanhedrin during the time of Jesus. He was the one who had Jesus arrested and brought to trial before the Jewish authorities. According to the Bible, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas' courtyard after His arrest, where He was questioned and beaten by the guards. The courtyard of Caiaphas was located in Jerusalem, near the temple. It was a large open space where people could gather and hold meetings. The courtyard was also the location where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as prophesied by Jesus himself. After the trial before Caiaphas, Jesus was taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, for further questioning and judgment.

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The reason for the election of Matthias to replace Judas was to fulfill the words of the scripture. Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, had betrayed him and subsequently died. The remaining disciples felt that it was necessary to fill the vacant position, as it was prophesied in the book of Psalms (Psalm 109:8) that someone should take his place. Therefore, they chose Matthias to become the twelfth apostle, in order to fulfill this prophecy and maintain the number of disciples at twelve, which was significant to the early Christian community.

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Peter's definition of a good citizen is someone who obeys the laws of the state and fulfills their obligations. In other words, a good citizen is someone who follows the rules and regulations set forth by their government and actively participates in their society. This includes paying taxes, voting in elections, and serving on juries if called upon. While acts of charity, such as building houses or providing transportation, can certainly be admirable and beneficial to society, they are not necessarily requirements for being a good citizen. Ultimately, being a good citizen means being a responsible and law-abiding member of one's community.

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The main reason Joseph's brothers sold him was jealousy. Joseph was the favorite son of their father, Jacob, and his brothers felt envious of the attention and favoritism that Joseph received. Joseph's dreams, which indicated that he would one day be in a position of authority over his brothers, further fueled their jealousy. As a result, they plotted to get rid of him by selling him into slavery. So, the primary motivation behind their actions was jealousy, not love for money, a desire to eliminate others, or hatred.

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James taught that to make prayers effective, Christians should avoid double-mindedness. This means that they should not pray with doubt or uncertainty in their hearts, but instead have faith and trust in God. James emphasizes the importance of having a single-minded focus on God when we pray, and not allowing ourselves to be distracted by other concerns or desires. By praying with faith and confidence, we can be assured that God will hear and answer our prayers according to His will. So, while it's important to pray regularly and in various settings, the key to making our prayers effective is to approach God with a sincere and unwavering heart.

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Jacob showed preference for Joseph because he was born in Jacob's old age and was the first son of his beloved wife Rachel. Joseph was also known for having the spirit of God in him and for always speaking the truth, which may have further endeared him to Jacob. However, it is not clear from the given options if Joseph loved his brother unconditionally, so this may not have been a factor in Jacob's preference for him.

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The first child David had with Bathsheba died on the seventh day after birth. This event is recorded in the Bible in the Second Book of Samuel, chapter 12. According to the story, God punished David for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba by causing the child to fall ill and die. David mourned the child's death and fasted, but he eventually accepted that it was God's will and moved on with his life.

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This statement was made by King Saul in the Old Testament of the Bible. Saul was the first king of Israel, and David was his successor. Saul had become jealous of David's popularity and feared that he would try to take the throne from him. He had even attempted to kill David on several occasions. However, in this particular instance, David had spared Saul's life when he had the chance to kill him. After this, Saul realized that David meant him no harm and even pleaded with him to return, promising not to harm him again. So, the person who made this statement was Saul, and he made it to David as an admission of his wrongdoing and a request for forgiveness.

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Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel who advised Barak, a military commander, to deploy his troops to fight against the Canaanite army. Barak deployed a troop of ten thousand men on Mount Tabor, which is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The Canaanite army, led by Sisera, had nine hundred iron chariots, which made them a formidable opponent. However, with the help of God, the Israelite army under Barak's leadership was able to defeat the Canaanites, and Sisera was killed by Jael, a woman who drove a tent peg through his head while he was sleeping. This victory was seen as a great triumph for the Israelites and is celebrated in the biblical Book of Judges.

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During the dedication of the temple by Solomon, the cloud which filled the house symbolized the glory of God. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was often associated with a cloud, as seen in the story of the Israelites being led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night in the wilderness. When the cloud filled the temple during its dedication, it was a sign that God's glory was present in a special way, and that He had accepted the temple as a place for worship. The cloud was a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, and it was a reminder to the people that they were in the presence of a holy God. It was a symbol of His glory, majesty, and sovereignty, and it served to inspire reverence, awe, and worship in the hearts of the people. Therefore, the cloud that filled the temple during its dedication symbolized the glory of God and the special presence of His Spirit among His people.

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King Josiah was inspired to reform the worship of God in Judah by the contents of the book of the law. This was discovered by the high priest Hilkiah during the restoration work of the temple. The book was brought to the attention of the king's secretary Shaphan who read it to King Josiah. Upon hearing the words of the book, the king was moved to repentance and commanded that the people of Judah follow the laws and commandments of the book. He initiated a series of reforms, removing all the idols and altars dedicated to false gods and restoring the temple of Yahweh. The contents of the book of the law had a profound impact on King Josiah and his reforms, leading the people of Judah back to the worship of the one true God.

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(a) The statement "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees" is made by the biblical character Amos in the book of Amos in the Old Testament. The statement is made in response to the people of Israel questioning Amos's authority to speak on behalf of God. Amos was not a trained prophet and came from a humble background as a herdsman and sycamore tree dresser, but he felt compelled by God to deliver a message of judgement against the people of Israel for their sins.

(b) Three reasons why some people complain about the activities of men of God today include:

1. Financial exploitation: Some people believe that some men of God take advantage of their positions to exploit the faithful for financial gain, through tactics such as pressuring people to give large donations or selling products and services under the guise of helping people find spiritual fulfillment.
2. Misrepresentation of God's message: Some people complain that some men of God twist or distort God's message to suit their own purposes, or to promote their own interests.
3. Lack of accountability: Some people believe that some men of God lack accountability for their actions and do not answer to anyone for their behavior, which can lead to abuse of power and corruption.

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(a) After making this statement, Jesus went a little farther and fell on his face, praying and saying, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Then, he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter to watch and pray with him, but they fell asleep again. Jesus prayed for the second and third time, and each time he found his disciples sleeping. Finally, he woke them up and said, "See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

(b) One can assist a fellow Christian going through challenges in various ways. First, by offering emotional support and encouragement, listening to them, and showing empathy. Second, by providing practical help, such as offering to help with tasks or providing resources they need. It is important to be genuine and compassionate in your efforts to assist and be willing to follow through with your offer of help.

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a) In Acts 7, Stephen is brought before the Sanhedrin to face charges of blasphemy. In his defense, Stephen tells the story of the Jewish people, from Abraham to Moses to David. He emphasizes how God has always been with them and has delivered them from their enemies. But then he accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit and betraying and murdering the righteous prophets who spoke of the coming of Jesus. Stephen's defense is a bold and powerful declaration of the truth, but it angers the members of the Sanhedrin, who proceed to stone him to death.

b) From Stephen's defense, we can learn several lessons. First, we can see the importance of knowing and understanding the history of our faith. Stephen's defense shows how God has been at work throughout history, leading up to the coming of Jesus. Second, we can learn the importance of boldness in our faith. Stephen fearlessly proclaims the truth, even when it puts him in danger. Third, we can learn the importance of forgiveness. Even as he is being stoned, Stephen prays for his persecutors, asking God to forgive them. These lessons can inspire us to deepen our own faith and commitment to God, and to share the good news of Jesus with others, even in the face of opposition.

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a) In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah receives news that the people in Jerusalem are in great trouble and disgrace, and the walls of the city are broken down. He is deeply saddened and mourns and fasts for days, praying to God for guidance and mercy. He confesses the sins of his people and pleads with God to remember His promise to restore the people of Israel.

b) From Nehemiah's reactions, we can learn several virtues. First, we can learn the importance of empathy and compassion. Nehemiah is deeply moved by the suffering of his people and is not content to simply go on with his life unaffected. He takes action and seeks to help them in any way he can. Second, we can learn the importance of prayer and seeking God's guidance. Nehemiah turns to God in his distress and asks for wisdom and strength to help his people. Third, we can learn the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and the actions of our community. Nehemiah confesses the sins of his people and acknowledges their failures, even though he himself may not have been directly involved. These virtues can inspire us to be more compassionate, prayerful, and responsible in our own lives and communities.

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a) According to Mark's gospel, the trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin was a sham. The chief priests and the elders were looking for evidence against Jesus to put him to death, but they could not find any. Many false witnesses came forward, but their testimony did not agree. Finally, the high priest asked Jesus if he was the Messiah, and Jesus replied, "I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming with the clouds of heaven." The high priest then accused Jesus of blasphemy and the whole council condemned him to death.

b) People bear false witness against others for a variety of reasons, but two common reasons are:

• Personal Gain: Some people bear false witness against others in order to gain something for themselves. This could be money, power, or some other form of advantage. They may lie about someone else in order to make themselves look better or to gain some other advantage.
• Revenge: Others bear false witness against others out of a desire for revenge. They may have been wronged by the person they are lying about and want to get back at them. They may also be jealous of the other person's success or popularity and want to bring them down. In some cases, they may not even have a specific reason for their actions, but may simply enjoy causing harm to others.

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The above pronouncement was made by God to Jeroboam, one of Solomon's officials, through the prophet Ahijah. This was a result of Solomon's disobedience to God's commandments, particularly his worship of other gods and his accumulation of wealth and power. As a punishment for his actions, God told Solomon that his kingdom would be divided and that his son would not inherit the entire kingdom. Instead, one tribe, Judah, would be given to Solomon's son for the sake of David, who was a faithful servant of God. The remaining tribes would be given to Jeroboam, who would become king over Israel. This pronouncement was a fulfillment of the prophecy that had been given to David that his dynasty would continue, but also a consequence of Solomon's disobedience to God's will.

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a) In his first epistle, Peter recommended that Christians living among people of other faiths should have a gentle and respectful attitude towards them. He urged them to always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks them to give the reason for the hope that they have, but to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15-16).

This means that Christians should not be hostile or confrontational towards people of other faiths, but should instead approach them with kindness and respect. They should be willing to share their faith with others, but should do so in a way that is gentle and respectful, without being forceful or disrespectful of the beliefs of others.

b) Two factors that can make Christians turn away from pleasing God are temptation and distractions. Temptation refers to the lure of sin, or the desire to engage in activities that are contrary to God's will. Christians may be tempted to engage in sinful activities, such as lying, cheating, or engaging in sexual immorality, which can lead them away from God.

Distractions, on the other hand, refer to anything that takes Christians' focus away from God. This could include material possessions, career aspirations, or even relationships. Christians may become so focused on these things that they lose sight of their faith and become less committed to pleasing God.

In order to avoid these factors, Christians must be vigilant and intentional in their efforts to please God. They should resist temptation by relying on the strength of God and avoiding situations that may lead them into sin. They should also be mindful of distractions and make a conscious effort to prioritize their relationship with God above all else.

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(a) The story of how the Israelites crossed the Red Sea can be found in Exodus 14. After the Israelites had been led out of Egypt by Moses, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptian army. God instructed Moses to lift his staff and stretch out his hand over the sea, and miraculously the waters parted, forming a path of dry land for the Israelites to cross. The Egyptians pursued them into the sea, but God caused the waters to come crashing down on them, drowning the entire army.

(b) There are many lessons that Christians can learn from this incident. Here are two:

1. God is faithful and powerful: The story of the Red Sea crossing shows us that God is faithful to His promises and powerful enough to intervene on behalf of His people. Despite the seemingly impossible situation the Israelites found themselves in, God made a way for them to escape their enemies and reach safety. As Christians, we can trust in God's faithfulness and power to help us in our own difficult situations.
2. We should trust in God and follow His lead: When the Israelites were trapped between the sea and the Egyptians, they were afraid and complained to Moses, saying they would have been better off staying in slavery. But Moses reminded them to trust in God and follow His lead. When they did, they were able to cross the sea safely. Similarly, as Christians, we should trust in God's guidance and follow His lead, even when things seem difficult or uncertain.

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a) In the book of James, there are several teachings on effective prayer. In addition to confessing sins to one another and praying for one another for healing, James also teaches about the power of persistence in prayer. He says, "The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). He also emphasizes the importance of faith when praying, saying that if someone lacks faith, they should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:6-7).

b) Christians may misuse prayer in several ways today. Firstly, some may use prayer as a way to simply request things from God, rather than taking the time to listen and be in relationship with Him. Secondly, some may use prayer as a way to manipulate God, trying to use their words to force Him to do what they want. Finally, some may use prayer as a way to show off their religiosity to others, rather than as a sincere expression of their heart. It's important to approach prayer with a humble and contrite heart, seeking a deeper connection with God and His will for our lives.