WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2015

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In the temptation stories, the two Old Testament books that were used were Deuteronomy and Psalms. These were the books that Jesus used to counter the temptations of the devil when he was in the wilderness. In Matthew 4:4, Jesus used a quote from Deuteronomy to respond to the devil's temptation to turn stones into bread. In Matthew 4:7, Jesus used another quote from Deuteronomy to respond to the devil's temptation to jump off the temple. Finally, in Matthew 4:10, Jesus used a quote from Psalms to respond to the devil's temptation to worship him.

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The resurrection story encourages Christians to believe that the Lord they adore is still alive today. After Jesus died on the cross and was buried, He rose again on the third day, appearing to His disciples and many others. This event shows that death does not have the final say, and that Jesus is alive and present with His followers even today. It also shows that Jesus has power over death, sin, and evil, and that He is both powerful and just. Therefore, the resurrection is a central part of Christian faith and hope.

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Joseph was of good behavior because he served diligently in Potiphar's house. Joseph was sold by his brothers to traders who brought him to Egypt. There he was sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph served as a slave in Potiphar's house and was given great responsibility. Despite being tempted by Potiphar's wife, he refused to betray his master's trust and was falsely accused and thrown into prison. However, his good behavior and trustworthiness were recognized even in prison, and he was put in charge of other prisoners. Ultimately, his good behavior and diligent service led to his release and promotion to second-in-command in all of Egypt.

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When Rhoda reported that Peter was at the door, the inmates retorted that "you are mad". This is because they did not believe that Peter could have been released from prison so easily, and they thought Rhoda was delusional for thinking that he was outside. It was only after they went to the door and saw Peter for themselves that they believed Rhoda was telling the truth.

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The Philistines destroyed Shiloh and captured the Ark. The Philistines were a powerful ancient people who lived in the region of Canaan, which is present-day Israel and Palestine. They were known for their military strength and were often in conflict with the Israelites. In the Old Testament of the Bible, it is recorded that the Philistines attacked the Israelites and destroyed the city of Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. They captured the Ark and took it with them, but later returned it to the Israelites after experiencing plagues and misfortunes.

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Hosea described the relationship between God and Israel as a "marriage bond". In the book of Hosea in the Bible, the prophet Hosea used the analogy of a troubled marriage to illustrate the relationship between God and the people of Israel. Hosea compared Israel's unfaithfulness to God to a wife's unfaithfulness to her husband. Despite this, Hosea also conveyed God's enduring love and desire to reconcile with his people.

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According to James, faith is an important factor for effective prayer. Faith is the belief or confidence in something or someone, and in this case, it is the belief in God's ability to answer prayers. Without faith, one may not pray with the necessary conviction and confidence, which may hinder the effectiveness of the prayer. Therefore, James encourages believers to pray with faith, believing that God is able to answer their prayers.

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Jesus taught that Christians should forgive their neighbors' sins seventy times seven times (70 x 7). This means that forgiveness should be unlimited and continuous. Jesus used this figure to illustrate that there is no limit to the number of times one should forgive others. Christians are called to forgive others just as God has forgiven them. Therefore, Christians should always be willing to forgive others, regardless of the number of times they offend or sin against them.

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The minority report of the twelve spies was presented by Caleb and Joshua. In the Bible, the twelve spies were sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. When they returned, ten of the twelve spies gave a negative report, saying that the land was unconquerable and that the people living there were giants. However, Caleb and Joshua gave a positive report, encouraging the Israelites to trust in God and take possession of the land. The Israelites ultimately believed the majority report and as a result, they were made to wander in the wilderness for forty years before entering the promised land.

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Jesus' baptism was significant because it marked the beginning of His messianic ministry. According to the Bible, after Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in the form of a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him, I am well pleased." This event signified Jesus' divine nature and confirmed His identity as the Son of God. It also symbolized Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, as He was baptized in water and then rose out of the water, foreshadowing His own death and resurrection. Overall, Jesus' baptism was a pivotal moment in His life and ministry, marking the beginning of His mission to save humanity from sin and reconcile them to God.

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According to the Biblical narrative, God made Pharaoh chase and bring the Israelites back to Egypt so that He could get glory over Pharaoh and his hosts. This is recorded in the book of Exodus, where God hardened Pharaoh's heart, leading to a series of plagues that were inflicted on the Egyptians. Finally, Pharaoh and his army chased after the Israelites who had been set free, but they were swallowed up by the Red Sea as they pursued them. The purpose of this was to demonstrate God's power and sovereignty over Pharaoh and his people, and to show the Israelites and the world that God was the one true God.

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The Hebrew kingdom broke up because of Rehoboam's refusal to grant the Northerners' petition. After Solomon's death, the Israelites approached his son, Rehoboam, to lighten the heavy burdens and taxes that his father had imposed. However, Rehoboam ignored the wise counsel of his father's advisors and listened to the advice of his young peers, which led him to answer the petitioners harshly. This decision caused the ten tribes of the Northern Kingdom to rebel against Rehoboam's rule and set up their own kingdom with Jeroboam as their king. Thus, the kingdom of Israel was split into two parts, the Northern Kingdom and the Southern Kingdom.

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During Jesus' trial, some people discovered that Peter was a follower of Jesus because of his Galilean accent. When questioned about his association with Jesus, Peter denied it three times, but his accent gave him away as someone from the same region as Jesus.

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Moses before his death served Israel as a priest, prophet and deliverer. As a priest, he was responsible for offering sacrifices and serving as a mediator between the people and God. As a prophet, he received divine revelations and communicated God's messages to the people. As a deliverer, he led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and towards the Promised Land.

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Deborah, besides being a true prophetess, could also be described as a woman of **peace**. This is because she acted as a judge and helped to settle disputes among the Israelites during a time of conflict and war. She sought to restore peace and order among the people by giving wise counsel and guidance. Additionally, she was instrumental in leading the Israelite army to victory against their enemies, which helped to bring about a time of peace and security for the nation. Therefore, her actions and leadership reflected her desire for peace, both in her role as a judge and as a military leader.

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After Saul's death on Mount Gilboa, the Philistines made a sport of him at Bethshan. This means that they displayed Saul's body as a trophy, mocking and ridiculing him in front of the people of Bethshan. They hung his body on the city walls and exposed it to the public, likely as a warning to others who might oppose them. Eventually, the people of Jabesh-gilead came to retrieve Saul's body and buried it.

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Discipleship refers to the act of following and learning from someone who is considered a master or teacher. In the context of Christianity, discipleship requires self-denial, which means letting go of one's own desires and putting God's will first. It also requires complete commitment, which means being fully dedicated to following Christ and obeying his teachings. This involves sacrificing one's own comfort and preferences in order to serve God and others. Self-denial and complete commitment are important aspects of Christian discipleship and are emphasized throughout the Bible.

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James, in his epistle, said that a double-minded man would not have his prayers answered because he is unstable in all his ways. This means that such a person is indecisive, lacking firmness and consistency, and his thoughts and actions are constantly shifting. He is unable to fully trust in God and His promises, and as a result, his prayers lack faith and conviction. Therefore, James advises Christians to have a single-minded devotion to God, being fully committed to Him in both their thoughts and actions, and trusting Him completely in all their endeavors.

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According to Mark's gospel, there were two groups of people who mocked Jesus on the cross. The first group were the chief priests and scribes who were present at the crucifixion and mocked Jesus, saying "He saved others; himself he cannot save" (Mark 15:31). The second group were the people who passed by the cross and also mocked Jesus, wagging their heads and saying "Aha! You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!" (Mark 15:29-30). Therefore, the answer is (a) Two.

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Daniel disobeyed King Darius by praying three times daily for thirty days, despite the king's decree that no one should make petitions to any god or man except the king himself. Daniel's actions showed his faith and dedication to God, and he was willing to face the consequences of his disobedience, even if it meant being thrown into the lions' den.

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Nehemiah showed concern for his nation by reconstructing the walls of Jerusalem. When he heard that the walls were broken down and the gates were destroyed, he wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed to God. He then traveled to Jerusalem and began to organize the rebuilding of the walls with the help of the people. Despite opposition from neighboring enemies, the walls were completed in just 52 days. The reconstruction of the walls was important for the safety and security of Jerusalem, and Nehemiah's leadership in this endeavor showed his deep concern for his nation.

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Peter advised believers to honor all men and love the brotherhood in order to be good citizens. This means that Christians should respect and show kindness to all people, regardless of their social status, ethnicity or beliefs. Additionally, they should love and support their fellow believers, creating a sense of unity and brotherhood within their community. Peter also emphasized the importance of obeying lawful masters, which means submitting to authority and following the laws of the land. Finally, he encouraged Christians to love reading the scriptures, as it helps them to grow in their faith and gain wisdom.

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The parable of the unmerciful servant teaches Christians the importance of forgiving others just as they have been forgiven by God. In the parable, a servant was forgiven a huge debt by his master but he refused to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. When the master found out, he punished the unmerciful servant for not showing mercy to his fellow servant. This parable emphasizes the importance of showing mercy and forgiveness to others, just as God has shown mercy and forgiveness to us. It also reminds Christians that if they do not forgive others, they will not be forgiven by God. Therefore, Christians should allow mercy to take precedence over justice and strive to forgive others as God has forgiven them.

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These words were directed to King Saul. They are found in 1 Samuel 15:22, where Prophet Samuel is speaking to Saul, who had disobeyed God's command to destroy the Amalekites completely and had spared their king, Agag, and some of the livestock. Samuel was reminding Saul that God values obedience more than sacrifices, and that obedience is better than offering burnt offerings and sacrifices.

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King Nebuchadnezzar mounted his golden image on the plain of Dura. This was a location in Babylon where he held a ceremony to dedicate the statue he had made. It was a large plain that was suitable for the event as it could accommodate a large gathering of people. The exact location of the plain of Dura is unknown, but it was likely located in the vicinity of the city of Babylon, which was the capital of the Babylonian Empire at the time.

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In 1 Peter, the apostle Peter encouraged the church to humble themselves before God so that He would exalt them. Peter believed that humility was an important virtue for Christians to cultivate, and that by submitting themselves to God's will and authority, they could experience His blessings and favor. Peter believed that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5), and that those who humble themselves under God's mighty hand would be exalted in due time (1 Peter 5:6). Therefore, Peter encouraged the church to submit to God, resist the devil, and draw near to God so that He would lift them up (James 4:7-10).

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Stephen was appointed as a deacon to cater for the poor and needy. In the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve as deacons in the early Christian church. Their main responsibility was to oversee the distribution of food and other aid to widows and other needy members of the community. While Stephen was known for his preaching and miracles, his appointment as a deacon was specifically to address the practical needs of the community.

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The seeking of false witness against Jesus occurred during His trial before Caiaphas. The Jewish leaders were trying to find a reason to accuse Jesus, and they brought in false witnesses to testify against Him. However, their testimonies were inconsistent, and they could not find anything to charge Him with until Jesus finally admitted to being the Messiah, which they considered blasphemy. Therefore, the correct answer is "The seeking of false witness against Jesus."

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The Judean King who revolted against Babylon after serving her for three years was Zedekiah. He was appointed by Babylon as a puppet king after the Babylonians conquered Judah and exiled its people, but later he rebelled against Babylonian rule, resulting in the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.

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The visitors of Peter after his vision at Joppa were from Caesarea. In the book of Acts 10, it is narrated that Peter had a vision of a sheet coming down from heaven filled with all kinds of animals, and he heard a voice saying "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat." Peter objected, saying that he had never eaten anything impure or unclean. But the voice spoke again, saying "Do not call anything impure that God has made clean." Just then, three men sent by a Roman centurion from Caesarea arrived at the house where Peter was staying and asked him to come with them. Peter went with the men to Caesarea, where he preached the gospel to the centurion and his household, and they were all baptized.

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Moses asked God for a new leader for Israel so that Israel might have a shepherd to guide them after Moses' death. Moses recognized that the Israelites needed a strong and wise leader to help them stay faithful to God and to guide them in conquering the Promised Land. Without a leader, Moses feared that the Israelites would be lost and vulnerable to attack. Therefore, Moses asked God to provide a new leader who would care for and lead the people of Israel.

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Partiality, according to James, is manifested in the Church through discrimination. In the context of the passage, James is warning against showing favoritism or partiality towards individuals based on their status or appearance, such as giving preferential treatment to the wealthy over the poor. This goes against the teachings of Christ, who called for love and impartiality towards all individuals, regardless of their background or social standing.

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David committed sins of adultery and murder. He committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah, and arranged to have Uriah killed in battle to cover up his sin. This action was condemned by God, and the prophet Nathan was sent to rebuke him. Despite this sin, David repented and was forgiven by God, but the consequences of his actions continued to affect him and his family for years to come.

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As a result of Peter's speech on Pentecost day, many Jewish souls joined Christianity. In his speech, Peter explained to the Jews that the events they had witnessed, including the speaking in tongues by the disciples, were the fulfillment of prophecies by the prophet Joel. He also proclaimed the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and the listeners were convicted and asked what they should do. Peter urged them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, and about three thousand people were added to the new Christian community that day. Therefore, the correct option is "many Jewish souls joined Christianity".

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(a) The baptism of Jesus as narrated in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17)

John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea and baptising people in the river Jordan as they confessed their sins, in preparation for the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised by him.

John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then John consented and baptised Him.

When Jesus was baptised, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Thus at the baptism of Jesus the whole Trinity was manifested: the Son being baptised, the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, and the Father speaking from heaven in approval.

(b) Two ways baptism is relevant to Christians

• It is a public sign of repentance, faith and admission into the Christian community, identifying the believer with Christ.
• It symbolises the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ, following the example set by Jesus Himself.

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(a) Peter's advice to Christians living among non-Christians (1 Peter 2:11-17; 3:8-17; 4:1-16).

1. Peter urged them, as aliens and exiles, to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul.
2. They were to maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that though the Gentiles spoke against them as evildoers, they might see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
3. They were to be subject, for the Lord's sake, to every human authority: to the emperor and to governors, and by doing right to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
4. They were to live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover for evil, but as servants of God, honouring all men, loving the brotherhood, fearing God and honouring the emperor.
5. They were to have unity of spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing.
6. They were to keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit, turn away from evil and do good, and seek peace.
7. They were told that even if they suffered for righteousness' sake, they would be blessed, and they should not fear or be troubled, but reverence Christ as Lord.
8. They were to always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asked a reason for the hope in them, yet to do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping a good conscience.
9. They were to no longer live by human passions such as licentiousness, drunkenness and lawless idolatry, as they once did, even though the Gentiles were surprised at this change.
10. If they suffered as Christians, they were not to be ashamed but to glorify God in that name.

(b) Three challenges Christians can face among non-Christians.

1. Mockery, insult, slander and false accusation for their faith.
2. Temptation to join in immoral and ungodly practices such as drunkenness and idolatry.
3. Persecution, discrimination and even physical suffering for the sake of Christ.
4. Pressure to compromise Christian standards and values.

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(a) The supremacy of God on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-40)

During a great drought, Elijah met King Ahab and challenged him over Israel's worship of Baal. He proposed a contest to prove who the true God was, and all Israel, together with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal (and the prophets of Asherah), gathered at Mount Carmel.

Elijah challenged the people: "How long will you go limping between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." But the people did not answer. He then set the terms: two bulls would be prepared, one for the prophets of Baal and one for himself, laid on wood but with no fire under them. Each side would call on the name of its god, and the God who answered by fire would be recognised as the true God. The people agreed.

The prophets of Baal went first. They prepared their bull and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, "O Baal, answer us!" but there was no voice and no answer. They limped around the altar and, as Elijah mocked them, saying perhaps their god was musing, or gone aside, or on a journey, or asleep, they cried louder and cut themselves with swords and lances until blood gushed out. Yet there was no voice, no answer, no response the whole afternoon.

Then Elijah called the people to him. He repaired the broken altar of the LORD with twelve stones for the twelve tribes, dug a trench around it, laid the wood and the bull, and to remove all doubt he had the offering drenched with water three times until the water filled the trench. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel... answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God."

Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones and the dust, and even licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and cried, "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God." At Elijah's command they seized the prophets of Baal, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and killed them. Thus the supremacy of the LORD over Baal was proved.

(b) Three ways the church can fight against immoral acts in society

• By boldly preaching, teaching and condemning sin and immorality, calling people to repentance.
• By living an exemplary and holy life, so that members become role models of good conduct.
• By organising moral education, counselling, evangelism and social programmes that encourage godly values and discipline offenders.

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(a) How Saul became converted (Acts 9:1-19)

Saul of Tarsus was a fierce persecutor of the early Church. Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, he went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

As he journeyed and drew near to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven 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. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

The men travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. When Saul rose from the ground and opened his eyes, he could see nothing; he had become blind. So they led him by the hand into Damascus, and for three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.

Meanwhile the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple named Ananias, telling him to go to the street called Straight, to the house of Judas, and ask for Saul of Tarsus, who was praying and had seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight. Ananias objected because of Saul's evil reputation, but the Lord told him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel."

Ananias went, laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He rose and was baptised, took food and was strengthened. Thereafter Saul, who became Paul, began at once to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

(b) Three visible signs of a convert

• A changed life and character, turning away from sin to righteousness and good works.
• Public confession of faith in Christ, often sealed by baptism and open association with fellow believers.
• Zeal for God shown in prayer, worship, witnessing and proclaiming the gospel to others.

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(a) The appearance of the Risen Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

On the day of the resurrection, two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked they talked with each other about all the things that had happened, that is, the crucifixion of Jesus and the reports of the empty tomb.

While they were discussing, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising Him. He asked what they were discussing as they walked along looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, expressed surprise that He seemed to be the only visitor to Jerusalem who did not know the things that had happened. When Jesus asked, "What things?", they told Him about Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet, who was condemned and crucified by the chief priests and rulers; how they had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel; and how some women had found the tomb empty and reported a vision of angels saying He was alive.

Jesus then rebuked them for being foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken, and beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself and how the Christ had to suffer before entering His glory.

As they drew near the village, He acted as though He would go further, but they constrained Him to stay, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table, He took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him, and He vanished out of their sight. They said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road and opened to us the Scriptures?" That same hour they rose and returned to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven and told them how the Lord had risen and had been known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(b) Three benefits Christians derive from the resurrection of Jesus Christ

• It gives believers the assurance of victory over death and the hope of eternal life and their own resurrection.
• It confirms Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour, strengthening the faith of believers.
• It guarantees forgiveness of sins, justification and the abiding presence and power of the living Christ in the believer's life.

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(a) The relationship between faith and works according to the teaching of James (James 2:14-26).

1. James asked what good it is if a man says he has faith but does not have works; can such faith save him?
2. He illustrated this with a needy brother or sister who is ill-clad and lacks daily food. If one says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, it profits nothing.
3. He concluded that so faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
4. He anticipated an objection: one may say, "You have faith and I have works." James answered, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith."
5. He argued that even the demons believe that God is one, and they shudder; mere belief without action does not save.
6. He gave the example of Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works.
7. Thus the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. James concluded that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
8. He gave a second example: Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
9. James summed up his teaching by declaring that as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

Therefore, according to James, genuine faith and good works are inseparable: true faith must express itself in practical, loving action, and works are the visible proof and completion of faith.

(b) Three ways Christians can demonstrate their faith in works.

1. By feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping the poor and needy.
2. By caring for orphans, widows, the sick and the stranger.
3. By living honest, righteous and morally upright lives.
4. By showing love, forgiveness and hospitality to others.
5. By supporting the work of the church and preaching the gospel.

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(a) Problems Joseph encountered with his brothers (Genesis 37)

Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob, born to him in his old age by Rachel, and Jacob made him a long robe with sleeves (a coat of many colours). His brothers hated him because their father loved him more than all of them, and they could not speak peaceably to him.

Joseph increased their hatred when he brought a bad report of his brothers to their father, and when he told them his dreams. In one dream their sheaves bowed down to his sheaf; in another the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. They understood these to mean that he would rule over them, and they hated and envied him the more.

One day Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers who were pasturing the flock at Shechem. When they saw him coming from afar, they conspired to kill him, saying, "Here comes this dreamer. Let us kill him and throw him into a pit, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." Reuben, wishing to save him, persuaded them not to shed blood but to cast him into a pit. So they stripped Joseph of his robe and threw him into an empty pit. As they sat to eat, a caravan of Ishmaelites (Midianite traders) passed by, and at Judah's suggestion they sold Joseph to them for twenty pieces of silver, and he was taken to Egypt. They then dipped his robe in the blood of a goat and sent it to Jacob, who believed a wild beast had devoured his son and mourned bitterly.

(b) How Joseph and his brothers were reconciled (Genesis 42-45)

Years later, during a severe famine, Joseph had risen to become governor of Egypt, in charge of the grain. His brothers came down to Egypt to buy grain and, not recognising him, bowed before him, fulfilling his dreams. Joseph recognised them but concealed his identity, tested them by accusing them of being spies, kept Simeon as a hostage and demanded they bring Benjamin. On their second visit he hid his cup in Benjamin's sack to test their loyalty. When Judah offered himself in place of Benjamin for their father's sake, Joseph could no longer control himself. He sent out the Egyptians and wept aloud, then made himself known: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt." He reassured them not to be distressed or angry with themselves, for God had sent him ahead to preserve life and save them during the famine. He kissed his brothers and wept, and invited the whole family, including his father Jacob, to come and settle in the land of Goshen.

(c) Three lessons from the relationship between Joseph and his family

• Envy, hatred and favouritism breed conflict and can lead to great evil within a family.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation are better than revenge; Joseph forgave his brothers freely.
• God can turn evil intentions into good and works out His purpose despite human wickedness.

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(a) The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor (Numbers 27:12-23; Deuteronomy 31 and 34)

As Moses approached the end of his life, the LORD told him to go up Mount Abarim to view the promised land, reminding him that he would not enter it because he and Aaron had rebelled against God's command at the waters of Meribah by failing to sanctify Him before the people.

Moses, concerned that the congregation should not be like sheep without a shepherd, prayed that the LORD would appoint a man over the congregation to lead them out and bring them in. The LORD directed Moses to take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom was the Spirit, and to lay his hand upon him.

Moses was to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. He was to invest him with some of his own authority, so that all the congregation of Israel would obey him. Joshua was to stand before Eleazar the priest, who would inquire for him by the judgement of the Urim before the LORD.

Moses did as the LORD commanded: he took Joshua, set him before Eleazar and all the congregation, laid his hands on him and commissioned him. Later, before his death, Moses encouraged Joshua and the people, saying, "Be strong and of good courage," for the LORD would go with them and not fail nor forsake them. The LORD Himself charged Joshua to be strong and courageous, for he would bring Israel into the land, promising to be with him. And Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands upon him, so the people obeyed him.

(b) Three qualities of Joshua recommended for leaders of today

• Courage and boldness, for he was repeatedly charged to be strong and of good courage.
• Faith in God and obedience to His word.
• Wisdom, humility and faithfulness in carrying out his responsibilities.

Antwortdetails

(a) Amos' encounter with Amaziah the priest (Amos 7:10-17)

Amos prophesied at Bethel during the reign of Jeroboam II, condemning the sins of Israel and predicting judgement. In particular he declared that Jeroboam would die by the sword and that Israel would surely go into exile away from its land.

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, was offended and sent a message to King Jeroboam, accusing Amos: "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, 'Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.'"

Amaziah then confronted Amos directly and ordered him, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom."

Amos answered that he was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, and that the LORD took him from following the flock and said to him, "Go, prophesy to my people Israel." He therefore refused to be silenced.

Amos then pronounced God's judgement on Amaziah for opposing the LORD's message: "Your wife shall be a harlot in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be parcelled out by line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land."

(b) Three practices in society that need to be condemned

• Corruption, bribery and embezzlement of public funds by leaders and officials.
• Oppression, injustice and exploitation of the poor and the weak.
• Immorality, dishonesty and fraud such as cheating in trade, examination malpractice and cultism.