WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2005 (Objective)

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Paul said he was not fit to be called an apostle because he persecuted the Early Church. Before his conversion, Paul, then known as Saul, was a zealous persecutor of the followers of Jesus Christ. He was present at the stoning of Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs, and actively sought to arrest and imprison other believers. However, after his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul underwent a radical transformation and became a devoted follower of Christ. Despite his past actions, he recognized that he was only made an apostle through the grace of God and not because of any merit or worthiness on his part.

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In the book of Romans, Paul taught that Christians are descendants of Abraham by faith. He explained that it was not through keeping the law or through circumcision, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ that they become part of the family of God. Paul emphasized that both Jews and Gentiles could become children of God through faith, and that this faith was what made them true descendants of Abraham.

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According to the Bible, in the book of Genesis, the river that flowed out of Eden to water the garden divided into four other rivers: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates.

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According to Romans, when civil authorities punish evildoers, they do so as the agents of God's wrath. In Romans 13:4, it states that civil authorities are "God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." This means that God has appointed civil authorities to act as his representatives in maintaining justice and order in society. When they punish those who break the law, they are fulfilling God's purpose and executing his justice. Furthermore, in the preceding verses, Romans 13:1-3, it emphasizes that all authority comes from God and that submission to authority is necessary for the well-being of society. Therefore, when civil authorities carry out their duties justly, they are fulfilling God's will and maintaining order and justice in society.

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According to the Bible, in the book of Colossians, Paul taught that the relationship between wives and their husbands should be as is fitting in the Lord. This suggests that the relationship between husband and wife should be based on a foundation of love, mutual respect, and submission to God's will. It is not based on cultural demands or the husband's commands, but rather on what is right and pleasing to God.

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Jesus taught us to seek first the kingdom of God and its righteousness instead of being unnecessarily anxious about life and the affairs of this world. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and living in accordance with His will, rather than being consumed by worry and anxiety about worldly things. By focusing on seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, we can trust that our needs will be provided for and that we will find true peace and contentment.

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According to Jesus, a good shepherd is willing to risk and even lay down his life to protect his sheep from danger. In contrast, a hireling, who is only in it for the money, will abandon the sheep at the first sign of danger and will not protect them because he does not care for them as the good shepherd does.

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The arrest of Jesus by his enemies was a fulfillment of the scriptures. According to the Bible, Jesus was betrayed by Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, who identified him to the Jewish authorities with a kiss. The Jewish leaders, who were threatened by Jesus' teachings and popularity, arrested him and brought him before the Roman authorities, who ultimately sentenced him to death by crucifixion. This event was seen by Christians as the fulfillment of numerous prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures, which had foretold the coming of a suffering servant who would redeem God's people.

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The wife of Hosea was called Gomer. Gomer was a woman whom Hosea was commanded by God to marry, despite her being a prostitute. The book of Hosea in the Old Testament contains the story of their marriage, and how it served as an allegory of God's relationship with the unfaithful nation of Israel.

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According to Jesus, the seventy disciples who returned from a successful missionary work should rejoice because their names were written in heaven. This means that they have been counted worthy by God to be His workers and to spread His message, and therefore their reward is in heaven. It is also a confirmation that their work has been recognized and approved by God.

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Paul argued that Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners in order to show God's love for sinful man. According to Christian belief, all humans are sinful and separated from God. The death of Jesus on the cross was an act of sacrificial love, demonstrating God's desire to reconcile humanity to Himself. Jesus died not because we deserved it or had earned it, but out of His great love for us. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way for us to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God. Paul emphasized that this act of love was not limited to those who were already righteous or deserving, but was extended to all, including those who were still sinners. This is a powerful expression of God's grace and mercy, and a reminder that salvation is a free gift offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.

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The early Christian who sold his property and gave the money to the apostles was Barnabas. He was a companion of Paul and played a significant role in the early church. Barnabas was known for his generosity and selflessness, and his act of selling his property to support the apostles and the church community was a demonstration of his commitment to the cause of Christ. His example of sacrificial giving has been an inspiration to Christians throughout the ages, and his name has become synonymous with generosity and encouragement.

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Nebuchadnezzar punished those who refused to worship the golden image by throwing them into a furnace. In the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar made a golden image and commanded all the people to worship it. Three Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to worship the image because it went against their faith in God. Angered by their disobedience, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that they be thrown into a fiery furnace. However, God miraculously saved them from the flames, and they emerged unscathed. This event demonstrated the faithfulness of these men to their beliefs and God's power to protect his people.

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When God said to Solomon, "Ask what I shall give you," he requested for wisdom and understanding to serve the people. Solomon was the son of David and was known for his wisdom and wealth. He had just become king of Israel and recognized that he needed God's help to rule wisely and justly. So, instead of asking for riches, power, or a long life, Solomon humbly asked for the ability to discern between right and wrong and to govern his people with wisdom and understanding. God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted him not only wisdom but also riches and honor. Solomon's reign was marked by prosperity, peace, and justice, and his example has been an inspiration to leaders throughout the ages.

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The answer is "Circumcision". Circumcision was a Jewish tradition in which the foreskin of the male genitalia was removed as a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham. In the new life in Christ, circumcision is no longer a physical act but a spiritual one. As Paul explained, "For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh" (Philippians 3:3). Baptism, grace of God, and faith are all essential aspects of the new life in Christ. Baptism is the symbolic act of dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ. Grace of God is the unmerited favor and love that God extends to us, which enables us to live a new life in Christ. Faith is the foundation of the new life in Christ, as it is by faith that we are saved and able to live a life that pleases God.

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The Philippian's gifts to Paul were for his sustenance. This means that the gifts were intended to provide Paul with the necessary support to meet his basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. Paul was a missionary who traveled extensively to spread the gospel, and these gifts were essential to support his ministry and ensure that he had the necessary resources to continue his work.

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In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, the rich man ignored Lazarus, a poor man who lay at his gate in need of help. The rich man lacked human sympathy or empathy. He was not able to feel and understand the suffering of Lazarus and failed to respond to his needs. This demonstrates a lack of basic human decency and kindness, which is a fundamental aspect of being a good person.

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In the parable of the sower, Jesus explains that the seed that falls among thorns represents those who hear the word of God but lose it because the cares of the world, such as worry, anxiety, and love for material things, and the desire for wealth choke the word and make it unfruitful. In other words, these individuals are more concerned with worldly pursuits and pleasures than with living a life that is guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ.

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Jesus said that not everyone who calls Him "Lord, Lord" will enter into the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of His Father. This means that simply calling Jesus "Lord" is not enough to gain entrance into heaven; one must also live a life that is in line with the will of God. Doing the will of God involves obeying His commandments, serving others, and following Jesus' teachings of love, compassion, and forgiveness. So, it is not enough to simply claim to be a follower of Jesus; true discipleship requires a life of obedience and service to God.

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Paul's experience which totally changed his focus in life was his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. According to the Bible, Saul (later known as Paul) was a persecutor of Christians, but while on his way to Damascus to continue his mission, he was struck down by a blinding light and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" This was a life-changing experience for him, and he was converted to Christianity. He went on to become one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church, preaching and writing extensively about his faith.

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According to the Bible, in the book of Philemon, Paul appealed to Philemon to forgive Onesimus on the basis of love. Paul wrote to Philemon, asking him to receive Onesimus, a former slave who had run away, as a brother in Christ. Paul urged Philemon to forgive Onesimus and not hold his past actions against him, but to show him love and compassion as a fellow believer in Christ. Therefore, the basis of Paul's appeal was the principle of love, which is a central tenet of the Christian faith.

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Paul compares the manifestations of spiritual gifts in individual members of the church to the unity of the human body. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the interdependence of the members of the church and the importance of each member's contribution to the whole. He emphasizes that just as each part of the human body has a specific function, so does each member of the church have a unique gift to contribute. Therefore, it is important for each member to use their gift for the benefit of the whole, and for the church to recognize and appreciate the diversity of gifts within the community.

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The two peoples referred to in the quote "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be divided" are Esau and Jacob. This quote is from the book of Genesis in the Bible and is spoken by God to Rebecca, who is pregnant with twins. The two sons, Esau and Jacob, are born and are described as being very different in personality and interests. This eventually leads to a conflict between them and the division of their descendants into two separate nations, the Edomites (descendants of Esau) and the Israelites (descendants of Jacob).

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The message of Amos was mainly about social justice. Amos was a prophet who spoke out against the injustices and corruption he saw in Israel. He condemned the wealthy and powerful for oppressing the poor and called for them to repent and change their ways. Amos believed that God cared deeply about how people treated one another and that true worship of God required acting justly and treating others with compassion and fairness. Therefore, his message was not only a call to repentance and social change but also a reminder that God's love and concern extend beyond individual salvation to the well-being of society as a whole.

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Moses was nursed by his own mother. According to the biblical account in the book of Exodus, when Pharaoh ordered all Hebrew baby boys to be killed, Moses' mother put him in a basket and placed him in the Nile River, where he was found by Pharaoh's daughter. Moses' sister then suggested that she could find a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby, and Pharaoh's daughter agreed. The sister then brought Moses' own mother to nurse him, and Pharaoh's daughter paid her to do so.

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The final trial of Jesus was presided over by Pilate. Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea at the time, and he was responsible for maintaining law and order in the region. The Jewish authorities, including Caiaphas the High Priest, brought Jesus to Pilate because they wanted him to be executed. Pilate initially tried to avoid making a decision by sending Jesus to Herod, but Herod sent him back. Ultimately, Pilate succumbed to the pressure from the Jewish authorities and sentenced Jesus to be crucified.

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The name Ichabod means "the glory has departed from Israel". It comes from the Hebrew Bible and is mentioned in the book of 1 Samuel. Ichabod was the son of Phinehas, who was a priest in the service of God. The name was given to Ichabod after the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines and his father and brother were killed in battle. When his mother heard the news, she went into labor and gave birth to him, and she named him Ichabod to signify the loss of the Ark and the departure of God's glory from Israel.

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According to the Bible, in the book of Genesis, during the creative activity of God, He made the beasts according to their kinds. Additionally, God made man and gave him dominion over the beasts to serve his needs. However, it is important to note that God made man in His own image, not the beasts.

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The speaker was surprised because the Jews had no dealings with Samaria. There was a long-standing animosity between Jews and Samaritans, rooted in their historical and religious differences. The Samaritans were seen as unclean and heretical by many Jews, and there was a strict social and religious separation between the two groups. This is why the woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jew, would even speak to her, let alone ask for a drink of water. It was an unexpected and somewhat scandalous interaction that broke down barriers of culture, gender, and religion. Jesus' willingness to engage with this Samaritan woman demonstrated His love for all people, regardless of their background or social status.

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According to Christian eschatology, at the coming of the Lord (referring to the second coming of Jesus Christ), unbelievers will be condemned. This means that those who have not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior and have not repented of their sins will be punished with eternal separation from God in Hell. This belief is based on various biblical passages, including 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 and Revelation 20:11-15.

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Saul's death on Mount Gilboa was a consequence of his sin of disobedience. Saul had disobeyed God's commandments, and as a result, God withdrew his protection and guidance from him. This left Saul vulnerable to his enemies, and he was eventually killed in battle. Specifically, Saul disobeyed God's command to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions completely, instead, he spared their king and some of their animals, thereby disobeying God's explicit instructions. As a result, God rejected Saul as king and chose David as his successor.

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Before his ascension, Jesus commissioned his disciples to go to all nations and make disciples of them. This means that Jesus instructed his disciples to teach and spread his teachings to all people, so that they too can become followers of Jesus and learn how to live a righteous and meaningful life according to his teachings. This is considered an important task of every Christian, to spread the word of Jesus and make disciples of all people, in order to help them find salvation and eternal life.

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Paul admonished Christians in their dealings with secular powers to respect the authorities. He urged them to submit to the governing authorities because they were appointed by God and serve as agents of God's wrath against wrongdoers. He argued that whoever rebels against the authorities rebels against what God has instituted, and that they would face judgment. He further urged Christians to pay their taxes to the authorities as they are owed, and to give to each what is due, such as honor to whom honor is due, and respect to whom respect is due.

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Abiding in Christ's love means to continue to follow his teachings and commands. In John 15:10, Jesus said, "If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love." Therefore, abiding in Christ's love requires keeping his commandments, which includes loving one another, forgiving others, and following his example of humility and sacrificial love.

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Constant change in Leadership was not characteristic of the Early Church. The Early Church was characterized by a strong devotion to the teachings of the apostles, breaking bread in member's homes, and communal fellowship. The leadership was not constantly changing; instead, the apostles provided leadership, and as the church grew, elders and deacons were appointed to assist in pastoral care and administration.

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In Matthew 7:21, Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only confessing Him as Lord, but also doing the will of His Father. Simply saying "Lord, Lord" is not enough to enter the kingdom of heaven, but obeying God's commands and following His will is what truly matters. Therefore, the answer is "does the will of my Father."

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Paul taught that by our common faith in Jesus and baptism, the difference between Jews and Gentiles has become irrelevant. In other words, our faith in Jesus Christ and our baptism unite us as one people, and our ethnic, cultural, or social differences do not matter in the eyes of God. All believers in Jesus are considered equal and part of the same family, regardless of their background.

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Naboth would not give the vineyard to Ahab because it was inherited from his father. In the story in the book of 1 Kings, Naboth was the owner of a vineyard that was next to Ahab's palace, and Ahab wanted to buy it or exchange it for a better vineyard. However, Naboth refused to sell or trade it because it was his family inheritance and against the Jewish law to sell one's ancestral property. This made Ahab angry, and he eventually had Naboth falsely accused and executed to take over his land.

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According to the Bible, in the book of Acts, Herod persecuted the early church because he was opposed to the Apostle's teaching. Herod saw that the Apostles were gaining many converts to Christianity and he felt threatened by their message. He arrested and killed James, the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jewish leaders, he arrested Peter as well. Herod was trying to suppress the spread of Christianity and maintain his own power and authority. Therefore, it was his opposition to the Apostle's teaching that motivated him to persecute the early church.

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The Philippian's gifts to Paul were for his sustenance. In the Bible, the Apostle Paul was imprisoned several times for preaching the gospel, and during one of his imprisonments, the Christians in Philippi sent gifts to him through Epaphroditus. These gifts were intended to provide for Paul's needs while he was in prison, such as food, clothing, and other necessities. Paul was grateful for the Philippians' generosity and expressed his appreciation in his letter to them.

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Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were granted respectable positions as a reward for their faith. According to the Bible, they refused to worship the idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up and were thrown into a fiery furnace. But they miraculously survived, and the king was amazed at their faith and courage. As a result, he promoted them to high positions in his government.