WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1992

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King Josiah was regarded as a defender of the Jewish religion because he reformed the corrupt religious practices that had crept into the nation of Judah under the reign of his predecessors. The people had turned away from the worship of the true God and had begun to worship idols and other false gods, which had resulted in moral decay and social unrest. To address this issue, Josiah initiated religious reforms that involved purging the land of idols and false gods, destroying their altars, and restoring the worship of the true God. For example, he brought down Jeroboam's altar from Bethel to Jerusalem and rededicated houses that were previously dedicated to the sun god to the Lord. He also reinstituted the Passover celebration and repaired the temple, which had fallen into disrepair. One of the most significant actions that Josiah took in his efforts to defend the Jewish religion was the destruction of the priests and altars of the false god Baal. This was a symbolic act that demonstrated his commitment to the true God and his rejection of false worship. In summary, Josiah was regarded as a defender of the Jewish religion because he reformed the corrupt religious practices that had taken hold in Judah, restored the worship of the true God, and destroyed the altars of false gods like Baal.

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The words "Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets" were spoken by Peter in response to Jesus' request to let down their nets for a catch of fish. This happened when Jesus met Peter and Andrew by the Sea of Galilee and called them to be his disciples. Peter and Andrew had been fishing all night without success, but at Jesus' word, they let down their nets again and caught so many fish that their nets began to break. This miracle convinced Peter and Andrew to follow Jesus and become fishers of men, leaving their former lives behind. Overall, this passage highlights Jesus' power to perform miracles and the faith of his disciples in following his commands, even when it seemed unlikely to succeed.

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When Peter advised Christians to abstain from the passions of the flesh, he meant immoral and carnal behaviours. Peter was encouraging Christians to resist the desires and impulses of the flesh that lead to sinful actions. He listed several examples of such passions in his letters, including sexual immorality, drunkenness, orgies, and other forms of reckless behavior. By abstaining from these passions, Christians are called to live a life that is holy and pleasing to God, following the example of Jesus Christ.

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In the Bible, King Solomon asked God for wisdom and understanding at Gibeon, and God granted him these gifts, along with riches and honor. However, God did not give Solomon righteousness and faithfulness to God. These were qualities that Solomon had to cultivate and maintain himself through obedience to God's laws and commandments. Similarly, while God gave Solomon the ability to discern between good and evil, this was not the only gift that he received. Solomon was also given an understanding mind and the ability for good governance, which he used to rule over Israel with wisdom and justice. Overall, God endowed Solomon with wisdom, understanding, wealth, and honor, as well as the ability to discern between good and evil and to govern well. However, Solomon had to actively pursue righteousness and faithfulness to God in order to be a just and effective ruler.

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Amos condemned the people of Israel for several sins, including selling the righteous for silver, trampling upon the head of the poor, laying themselves down beside every alter, upon garments taken in pledge, and drinking in the house of their God, the wine of those who have been fined. However, he did not condemn them for upholding the way of the afflicted. This means that the people of Israel were not accused of mistreating or oppressing those who were suffering or in need. Overall, Amos was a prophet who spoke out against social injustice and the mistreatment of the poor, and his message is still relevant today.

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Based on the statement, Paul believed that all legitimate authorities are sanctioned by God, and that there is no authority except from God. This means that he believed that all authorities, aimed at good governance and order, are in accordance with God's plan. Furthermore, he also believed that all authorities should reward goodness and punish wrong-doings, as this is consistent with God's justice. However, the statement does not imply that when an authority is obviously anti-Christ, it has no claim to legitimacy. Paul's focus is on the legitimacy of authority that exists, not on whether a specific authority is in alignment with Christ or not. In summary, Paul's statement emphasizes the importance of recognizing the legitimacy of all authorities, as they are all sanctioned by God, and that they should aim to promote good governance, justice, and order.

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From his experience on the road to Damascus, Saul (who later became the apostle Paul) learnt several important lessons. However, one of the things he did not learn was that he could successfully promote his own will. The other lessons Saul learned include that persecuting the Church meant persecuting the Lord himself, that in persecuting the Church, he was kicking against the pricks, that his confidence in Judaism was misplaced, and that he was specially chosen to preach to the Gentiles. But nowhere in the story of Saul's conversion does it suggest that he learned that he could successfully promote his own will. In fact, his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus led him to surrender his will to God and to dedicate his life to serving Christ.

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David's attitude towards Abner's death was sincere shock and sorrow. Abner was a commander in Saul's army who later allied himself with David. However, Abner was killed by Joab, David's own commander, who had a personal vendetta against Abner. When David learned of Abner's death, he was deeply grieved and mourned publicly, even composing a lament for Abner. David's response to Abner's death was consistent with his character throughout the Bible. He is depicted as a man of deep emotions and empathy, who mourned the loss of even his enemies. In this case, David saw Abner as a valuable ally and a potential key to uniting the kingdom under his rule, and so his death was a great loss.

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The option that did not characterize the life of fellowship led by the Early Church is: "Those who sold their possession kept part of the proceeds to themselves." In the book of Acts in the Bible, it is described how the Early Church lived in fellowship with one another. They met regularly for prayers and thanksgiving, devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, had all things in common, and shared in the problems of one another. However, there is no mention in the Bible that those who sold their possessions kept part of the proceeds to themselves. In fact, in Acts 4:32-35, it is explicitly stated that "all the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need." Therefore, it can be concluded that the Early Church did not keep any part of the proceeds from the sale of their possessions for themselves, but rather they shared everything they had with one another.

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In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul said that Christians' greatest assurance for the resurrection of the dead was the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead. He argued that if Jesus died and rose again, then those who have died in Christ would also rise again. Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:14, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep." Paul was saying that the resurrection of Jesus is a powerful demonstration of God's power and that it gives Christians hope for their own resurrection. Because Jesus was resurrected, Christians can be confident that they too will be resurrected and will live forever with Christ.

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According to John's Gospel, the first sign performed by Jesus was turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. This event is recorded in John 2:1-11. Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding, and during the celebration, the hosts ran out of wine. Mary, Jesus' mother, approached him and asked him to do something about it. Initially, Jesus was reluctant, but at Mary's urging, he instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water. He then told them to draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet. The water had been turned into wine, and the master of the banquet was amazed at the quality of the wine. This sign showed Jesus' power to perform miracles and marked the beginning of his public ministry.

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In his first letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul likened the unity in diversity of the Christian Church to different parts of the human body, all contributing to the good of the whole. Paul used the analogy of the human body to explain that each member of the church has a unique role to play in the church community, just as each part of the human body has a unique function. He emphasized that each member is important and has something to contribute to the well-being of the whole body, and that the diversity of gifts and talents among members should be celebrated and used for the common good. By using this analogy, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to value and respect the differences among members of the church, and to work together for the greater good of the church community.

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According to the statement, Paul's ideal Christian family unit includes wives being submissive to their husbands, husbands loving their wives, and children obeying their parents. However, it excludes the idea that husbands should treat their wives as serfs. This means that Paul does not support or endorse the mistreatment of wives by their husbands. Additionally, it is also stated that fathers should not provoke their children, which implies that parents should have a loving and respectful relationship with their children as well. In summary, Paul's ideal Christian family unit emphasizes mutual love and respect between family members, with no room for mistreatment or abuse.

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Nehemiah's reaction when he received the situation report on Jerusalem and those who left him after the fall of the city was to weep, fast, and pray for days. When Nehemiah received the news that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the people were in great trouble and shame, he was deeply moved and began to weep and mourn. He then fasted and prayed to God for days, confessing the sins of his people and asking for God's forgiveness and mercy. Nehemiah's prayer is recorded in chapter 1 of the book of Nehemiah. After his prayer, Nehemiah asked the king of Babylon for permission to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls, which the king granted.

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In the first letter of Peter, he instructed Christians to uphold several important principles. One of the principles was to show subjection for the Lord's sake to every human institution, meaning to obey earthly authorities like government leaders and rulers. Another principle was to do what is right, not only to please God but also to prove the ignorance of foolish people wrong. Christians were also urged to live as free individuals, but as servants of God, showing that they were not bound by the world's standards but by God's will. Moreover, they were to love and support the brotherhood of Christ, that is, their fellow believers in Christ. However, Peter did not encourage the use of freedom as a pretext for revolt, which means that Christians were not to use their freedom to justify rebellion or disobedience against human institutions. Instead, they were called to be respectful and law-abiding citizens while still remaining faithful to God's teachings.

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The words "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come" were addressed to Mary, the mother of Jesus. The context of the passage is at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus and his disciples were invited. During the wedding, the host ran out of wine, and Mary asked Jesus to do something about it. Jesus responded to Mary by saying "O woman, what have you to do with me? My hour has not yet come." This response may seem harsh to us, but Jesus was not being disrespectful to his mother. Rather, he was indicating that his mission had not yet begun, and it was not yet time for him to perform miracles. However, despite his initial reluctance, Jesus ultimately performed the miracle of turning water into wine at Mary's request, demonstrating his love and care for her.

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When Ezekiel was called by God to be a prophet, he was shown a vision of a scroll with writing on both sides. The scroll contained words of lamentation, mourning, and woe, which were a warning to the people of Israel about the consequences of their disobedience to God. In Ezekiel 2:9-10, it says, "And when I looked, behold, a hand was stretched out to me, and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. And he spread it before me. And it had writing on the front and on the back, and there were written on it words of lamentation and mourning and woe." The words on the scroll were a symbolic representation of the message that Ezekiel was to deliver to the people, warning them of the judgement that would come upon them if they did not turn back to God.

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The option that does not portray the quality of leadership in the life of Deborah is her marriage to Ladipoth. This option is not relevant to the leadership qualities of Deborah because leadership is about the ability to influence and inspire others towards a common goal, while marriage is a personal and private matter. The other options listed all demonstrate leadership qualities in the life of Deborah. Her ability to inspire others, sound judgement of cases, faith in God, and self-confidence are all important qualities that contributed to her success as a leader in biblical times. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel, known for her wisdom, courage, and ability to lead the Israelites in battle against their enemies. In summary, while all the other options demonstrate the quality of leadership in Deborah's life, her marriage to Ladipoth is not relevant to her leadership qualities.

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In the story from the Bible, Ahab was a king who coveted Naboth's vineyard, which was adjacent to his palace. He offered to buy it from Naboth, but Naboth refused, citing that it was his inheritance from his fathers and it was not lawful to sell it. Ahab became angry and sulked in his palace. His wife Jezebel, who was known for her wickedness, devised a plan to help Ahab get the vineyard. She had false witnesses accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king, and he was stoned to death. This event exposed Ahab's envy and disregard for the law. He was willing to go to great lengths, including having an innocent man killed, just to get what he wanted. His behavior was not fair, just, or considerate of other people's rights. Instead, he used cleverness and treachery to try to get his way. As a result of his actions, God pronounced judgment on Ahab and his family. This story serves as a warning against the dangers of greed, envy, and disregard for the law.

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The apostles were motivated for their evangelization by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. After Jesus ascended to heaven, he promised to send the Holy Spirit to his disciples, which happened during the feast of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit empowered and guided the apostles to spread the message of Jesus Christ and establish the early Christian church. This motivation was so strong that even in the face of serious persecution, the apostles continued to spread the gospel message and establish Christian communities throughout the world. Their fellowship and togetherness, while important, were not the primary motivation for their evangelization. Likewise, there is no belief in the reincarnation of saints or the continued physical presence of Jesus as motivation for the apostles' evangelization.

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Isaiah referred to the leaders of Israel as rulers of Sodom because they were leading a people as corrupt as Sodom. In the book of Genesis, Sodom was a city known for its wickedness, and God destroyed it because of its sinfulness. By referring to the leaders of Israel as rulers of Sodom, Isaiah was comparing them to the leaders of a city that was infamous for its evil deeds. Isaiah was criticizing the leaders of Israel for their corrupt and immoral behavior and warning them of the consequences of their actions. The comparison to Sodom emphasizes the severity of their sins and the need for them to repent and turn back to God.

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Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus, was a prominent figure in the early Christian church. However, he regarded himself as the least of the apostles and unfit to be called an apostle because he was formerly the greatest persecutor of the apostles. Before his conversion to Christianity, Paul was a fierce opponent of the early church. He actively persecuted and imprisoned Christians, and even participated in the stoning of Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs. However, on the road to Damascus, he had a transformative encounter with Jesus and became a devout follower of Christ. Despite his significant contributions to the spread of Christianity and his role as an apostle to the Gentiles, Paul remained humble and acknowledged his past as a persecutor of the church. In his own words, he said, "For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (1 Corinthians 15:9). Therefore, it was not because Paul was not called by Jesus like the others, not a Galilean, or modest, but because of his past as a persecutor of the church that he regarded himself as the least of the apostles and unfit to be called an apostle.

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In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul asked Christians not to grieve like others over their members who have fallen asleep because those who have fallen asleep will rise again. Paul was reassuring the Thessalonians that death is not the end for believers in Jesus Christ. Instead, those who have died in Christ will rise again and be reunited with Him. Paul's message was a message of hope and comfort to those who were mourning the loss of their loved ones. It is not because sleep is a natural way of taking rest after a day's job, nor is it because fallen asleep is an inescapable lot of everybody. It is also not because only sinners fall asleep; hence no mourning for them. Paul's message was based on the Christian belief in the resurrection of the dead and the hope of eternal life in Christ.

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In the Bible, Prophet Jeremiah described a New Covenant that God would make with the Israelites. The main feature of this covenant was that it would be written in the hearts of the people. This meant that God's laws and commandments would no longer be written on stone tablets or parchment scrolls, but would be internalized by the people. They would no longer need to be reminded of God's laws because they would naturally follow them from the heart. This was a significant departure from the old covenant, which was based on external rules and regulations. The new covenant represented a new era of spiritual awareness and intimacy between God and the people. The covenant was not sealed with the blood of oxen, nor did it mark the dawn of a new era of political awareness in Israel. It was also not concluded during the Babylonian exile, although Jeremiah did prophesy during that time. While the coming of the Messiah is a related concept in Jewish and Christian theology, it is not specifically mentioned as a feature of the New Covenant as described by Jeremiah.

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According to the story in the Bible, Eli's lack of parental responsibility led his sons to do four things: taking their choice meat raw, behaving violently towards the worshippers, regarding themselves as superior to God, and paying little regard to the voice of their father. However, treating the Lord's offering with respect is not one of the things Eli's sons did. In the story, Eli was a priest and judge in Israel, and his sons were also priests. However, they did not follow the proper protocols of the priesthood and misused their power. They were disrespectful towards God's offerings and demanded the best portions of the meat that people brought to the temple. They even threatened violence against those who objected to their behavior. As a result, God became angry with Eli and his sons and punished them severely. This story serves as a reminder of the importance of parental responsibility and following God's commands.

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Jesus said "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!" to two travelers on the road to Emmaus. The travelers were discussing the events that had occurred in Jerusalem, including the crucifixion of Jesus. They were unaware that Jesus had been resurrected and was walking with them on the road. Jesus rebuked them for not understanding the prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures that pointed to him as the Messiah. He explained to them the meaning of these prophecies and how they had been fulfilled through his life, death, and resurrection. Jesus' rebuke to the travelers reflects his frustration with his followers' lack of understanding and faith, despite his teachings and the testimony of the prophets.

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In the parable of the prodigal son, the elder brother exhibited several character traits. One of these traits was self-righteousness, which means he had an exaggerated sense of his own righteousness or goodness. He thought of himself as better than his younger brother, who had squandered his share of the inheritance. This attitude was evident when he refused to join in the celebration for his brother's return and complained to his father about the attention given to his younger brother. The elder brother did not exhibit hatred for others, but he did display pride and selfishness. His pride was evident in his belief that he deserved more attention and recognition for his loyalty and hard work for the father. He was also selfish because he was more concerned about himself than his younger brother or his father's joy at the younger brother's return. However, the elder brother did exhibit obedience, as he had faithfully served his father and had not disobeyed him like his younger brother. Nevertheless, his obedience was tainted by his self-righteousness, pride, and selfishness, which made him unwilling to join in the celebration and welcome his younger brother back home.

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According to Hosea, Israel's relationship with God can be described as that of a faithless wife and a loving husband. In his book, Hosea uses the metaphor of a marriage to describe Israel's relationship with God. Hosea compares Israel to a wife who has been unfaithful to her husband, symbolizing Israel's unfaithfulness to God through their idolatry and disobedience. Despite this, God still loves Israel and is willing to forgive and restore the relationship, much like a husband who still loves his unfaithful wife and seeks to reconcile with her. Therefore, the metaphor used by Hosea portrays God's enduring love and faithfulness towards Israel, despite their unfaithfulness and sin.

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Jesus proved that he was "the resurrection and life" by raising Lazarus from the dead in Bethany. This event demonstrated Jesus' power over death and showed that he could bring someone back to life. By doing this, Jesus showed that he was the source of life and that those who believe in him would also have eternal life. The raising of Lazarus was a miraculous sign that confirmed Jesus' divine authority and was a powerful testimony to his disciples and to all who witnessed it. It was an event that showed Jesus' love and compassion for his followers and gave them hope in the face of death.

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"Living a new life in Christ," as used by Paul in his letter to the Colossians, involves seeking the things that are above, rejecting all carnal desires, putting away evil passions, and putting on the garment of love. However, it does not involve promoting racial discrimination. In fact, Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is no distinction between people based on race or ethnicity. The new life in Christ involves a transformation of the heart and mind, where believers put off their old ways and put on new ways of thinking and behaving that are consistent with Christ's teachings. It involves living a life that is characterized by love, humility, forgiveness, and selflessness.

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Paul was confident that Philemon would grant his request because Philemon had proved himself a true Christian partner. Paul had also written to Philemon in a way that appealed to him as a fellow Christian, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and love. Additionally, Paul promised to pay back all debts owed by Onesimus, which could help to ease any concerns Philemon may have had about taking him back.

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(a) How Paul differentiated between law and grace (Romans 3-8; Galatians 2-3; Ephesians 2)

• The Law demands works; grace is a free gift. The Law commands, Do this and live, requiring perfect obedience, whereas grace is God's unmerited favour freely given in Christ, not earned by works, so that no one may boast.
• The Law exposes sin; grace forgives it. Through the Law comes the knowledge of sin, for the Law reveals wrongdoing but cannot remove it; grace justifies the sinner freely through faith in Christ's atoning death.
• The Law brings condemnation and death; grace brings righteousness and life. Since no one is justified by the works of the Law, all under it stand condemned, but by grace the believer receives eternal life as a gift of God.
• The Law was a temporary custodian; grace is the fulfilment in Christ. Paul says the Law was our schoolmaster to lead us to Christ, but now that faith has come we are no longer under that custodian.
• Justification is by faith, not by law. A person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law, for Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

(b) Significance of these two concepts in the life of a Christian

1. The Law makes the Christian aware of sin and his need of a Saviour, humbling him before God.
2. Grace assures the believer of free forgiveness and acceptance, giving peace and confidence before God.
3. Salvation by grace removes pride and self-righteousness, since it is God's gift and not human achievement.
4. Living under grace does not mean lawlessness; the believer, freed from condemnation, now serves God out of love and gratitude and fulfils the Law's true intent through the Spirit.
5. It gives the Christian security, knowing that his standing rests on Christ's finished work and not on his own imperfect obedience.

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(a) Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13; Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)

• Paul insists that honest work is a Christian duty. He commanded, If anyone will not work, let him not eat, rebuking idleness as disorderly conduct.
• He set himself as an example, working night and day with his own hands as a tentmaker so as not to be a burden to anyone, though as an apostle he had the right to support.
• He urged believers to aspire to live quietly, to mind their own affairs, and to work with their hands so that they might command the respect of outsiders and depend on nobody.
• He taught that the thief must steal no more but rather labour, doing honest work with his hands, so as to have something to share with the needy.
• Labour is therefore honourable and God-given; it provides for oneself and others, keeps one from becoming a busybody, and is a channel of generosity, not merely a means of survival.
• He encouraged the faithful, Do not grow weary in doing good, showing that diligent work is part of holy living.

(b) Two reasons why we should respect individual professions

1. Every honest profession contributes to the good and progress of society, so all lawful work deserves dignity and respect regardless of its status.
2. All honest labour is service to God and neighbour, since the same God gives different gifts and callings; to despise a profession is to despise the worker and the God who ordained honest work.

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(a) Why Elijah pronounced drought on Israel and Ahab’s reaction

Ahab, king of Israel, married Jezebel, the daughter of the king of Sidon. Under Jezebel’s influence, Ahab began to serve and worship Baal. He built an altar and a temple for Baal in Samaria and also made an Asherah. Ahab therefore led the people of Israel into idolatry and provoked the Lord more than the kings who reigned before him.

Because Ahab and Israel had forsaken the commandments of God and followed Baal, God sent Elijah the Tishbite to pronounce punishment on the land. Elijah appeared before Ahab and declared that there would be no dew or rain for years except at his word. The drought was God’s judgment against the worship of Baal, whom the people believed could control rain and fertility.

During the famine, Ahab sent Obadiah, the governor of his house, to search for water and pasture so that the horses and mules would not die. Ahab went in one direction while Obadiah went in another. Obadiah met Elijah, recognized him and bowed before him. Elijah told Obadiah to inform Ahab that he was there.

When Ahab met Elijah, he said, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” Elijah replied that he had not troubled Israel, but that Ahab and his father’s house had troubled it by forsaking the commandments of the Lord and following the Baals. Elijah then instructed Ahab to gather the people of Israel and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.

(b) Lessons about the supremacy of God

1. God is supreme over nature, for He withheld rain and dew from the land and later restored rain at His command.
2. God punishes sin and idolatry; the drought came because Ahab and Israel abandoned God and worshipped Baal.
3. God is greater than Baal and all false gods, since Baal could not prevent or end the drought.
4. God provides for His faithful servants, as He provided food and water for Elijah during the famine.
5. God is more powerful than earthly rulers; although Ahab was king, he could not change or stop God’s judgment spoken through Elijah.
6. God protects those who remain loyal to Him, even in times of famine, persecution and national disaster.

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(a) Paul's teaching on new life in Christ (Romans 6; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3; Galatians 2:20)

• Paul teaches that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. Conversion means a complete transformation of the person.
• Through baptism the believer is united with Christ's death and resurrection: we were buried with Him so that, just as Christ was raised, we too might walk in newness of life.
• The old self was crucified with Christ so that the body of sin might be destroyed and we should no longer be slaves to sin. We are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
• The new life is lived by faith; Paul says, It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
• Believers must put off the old nature with its practices such as anger, malice, lying, immorality and greed, and put on the new nature of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness and love.
• They are to set their minds on things above, not on earthly things, and to yield their bodies as instruments of righteousness to God.

(b) Two ways Christians can manifest this new life

1. By turning away from sinful habits of the old nature and living holy, upright lives of honesty, purity and self-control.
2. By showing the fruit of the Spirit toward others, that is love, kindness, forgiveness, patience and service, so that Christ is seen in their conduct.

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(a) Jesus as the Living Water (John 4:1-26; also John 7:37-39)

The teaching arises chiefly from Jesus' meeting with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.

• Tired from His journey, Jesus sat by the well and asked a Samaritan woman for a drink, though Jews normally had no dealings with Samaritans.
• He told her, If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, Give me a drink, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.
• The woman, thinking of ordinary water, noted that He had nothing to draw with and the well was deep, and asked whether He was greater than Jacob.
• Jesus replied, Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst; the water that I shall give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
• The woman then asked for this water so that she would not thirst nor keep coming to draw.
• Elsewhere, at the Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus cried out, If anyone thirst, let him come to me and drink, and John explains that He spoke of the Holy Spirit, rivers of living water flowing from the believer's heart.

(b) Ways this teaching applies to us

1. It teaches that only Christ can satisfy the deepest spiritual longings of the soul; earthly things leave us thirsting again.
2. The living water represents eternal life and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which every believer must receive from Christ.
3. We are invited to come to Jesus in faith, just as the woman did, regardless of our race, past sins or social standing.
4. Those who receive Christ become a source of blessing to others, as rivers of living water flow out of them.
5. It calls us to seek lasting spiritual satisfaction in God rather than in the passing pleasures of the world.

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(a) The Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Matthew 17:1-13)

• After about six days Jesus took Peter, James and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.
• There He was transfigured before them; His face shone like the sun, and His garments became white as light.
• Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Him.
• Peter said to Jesus, Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish, I will make three booths here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.
• While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice out of the cloud said, This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.
• When the disciples heard it they fell on their faces and were filled with awe. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, Rise, and have no fear.
• When they lifted up their eyes they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain Jesus charged them to tell no one the vision until the Son of Man had been raised from the dead. He also explained that Elijah had already come, referring to John the Baptist.

(b) Significance to the Christian faith

1. It confirmed the divine sonship and deity of Jesus, since the Father's voice openly declared Him the beloved Son.
2. The presence of Moses and Elijah showed that Jesus fulfils the Law and the Prophets and is greater than both.
3. It gave a foretaste of Christ's future glory and resurrection, strengthening the disciples' faith before His suffering.
4. The command listen to him establishes Jesus as the final authority whose teaching Christians must obey.
5. It assures believers of the reality of heavenly glory and the hope of being transformed to share in it.

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(a) The story of the second creation (Genesis 2)

The second account focuses on the making of man and his environment. On the day the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, no plant had yet sprung up because God had not caused it to rain and there was no man to till the ground; a mist went up and watered the whole face of the ground.

• The forming of man. The Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being (Adam).
• The Garden of Eden. God planted a garden eastward in Eden and put the man there. He caused every tree pleasant to the sight and good for food to grow, including the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, in the middle of the garden.
• The rivers. A river flowed out of Eden and divided into four heads: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris and Euphrates.
• Man's duty and the command. God put the man in the garden to till and keep it, permitting him to eat of every tree except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, warning that in the day he ate of it he would surely die.
• Naming of animals. God formed the beasts and birds and brought them to the man to name, but no suitable helper was found for him.
• The making of woman. God caused a deep sleep to fall on the man, took one of his ribs, and made a woman, bringing her to the man. Adam called her Woman because she was taken out of Man, and the two became one flesh. They were both naked and were not ashamed.

(b) How the story illustrates the sovereignty of God

1. God is the sole Creator who forms man out of dust and gives life by His own breath, showing His absolute power over life.
2. He plants and orders the whole environment, providing food, water and beauty, demonstrating His lordship over nature.
3. He assigns man his work and lays down a command with a penalty, proving His authority to rule and to be obeyed.
4. He alone provides a companion for man, showing that all human relationships depend on His will.
5. Everything exists at His word and pleasure, so man and creation are wholly dependent on Him.

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Practices Amos condemned in Israel's religious life, and what he recommended in their place

Amos attacked a religion that was outwardly busy but inwardly corrupt. Israel kept the forms of worship while ignoring justice and mercy, so God rejected their devotion.

Three practices Amos condemned:

• Empty ritual sacrifice and offerings. The people multiplied burnt offerings, cereal offerings and peace offerings, but God said He would not accept them and would not look upon them, because the heart behind them was corrupt.
• Noisy, hollow festivals and worship at the shrines. God declared, I hate, I despise your feasts, and He took no delight in their solemn assemblies. He told them to bring their offerings to Bethel and Gilgal only to transgress, mocking their pilgrimage religion.
• Meaningless music and songs of praise. God commanded them to take away the noise of their songs, for He would not listen to the melody of their harps, since their praise masked oppression of the poor.

Three things he recommended in their place:

• Justice. Let justice roll down like waters, that is, fair treatment and honest judgment in the courts and markets.
• Righteousness. And righteousness like an ever-flowing stream, upright and godly living in every dealing.
• To seek God and do good. Amos urged, Seek good and not evil, that you may live, and hate evil and love good, and establish justice in the gate, so that the Lord might be gracious to the remnant.

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The conversion of Saul (Acts 9:1-31)

• Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples, obtained letters from the high priest to the synagogues at Damascus, so that he might arrest any believers, men or women, and bring them bound to Jerusalem.
• As he neared Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?
• He asked, Who are you, Lord? and the voice replied, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Rise and enter the city, and you will be told what to do.
• Saul rose from the ground, but though his eyes were open he could see nothing; his companions led him by the hand into Damascus, and for three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank.
• The Lord sent a disciple named Ananias, who, though afraid, laid hands on Saul. Something like scales fell from his eyes, he regained his sight, was baptised, and received strength.
• Saul at once began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, He is the Son of God, confounding the Jews by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Two examples of the effect of this conversion on the growth of the Church:

1. Bold preaching and expansion to the Gentiles. Saul (Paul) became the leading missionary who carried the gospel across Asia Minor and Europe, planting churches in cities such as Antioch, Corinth, Philippi and Ephesus, greatly enlarging the Church beyond Judaism.
2. Strengthening and encouragement of believers. The fierce persecutor turned defender; after his conversion the churches throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria had peace and were built up, and his epistles gave lasting teaching that nurtured Christians everywhere.