WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1995

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The twelve disciples were selected from different groups of people by Jesus Christ. These included tax collectors, publicans, revolutionaries, and Galileans. However, the Pharisees were not among those chosen to be disciples by Jesus. The Pharisees were a religious group who believed in strict adherence to the Jewish law and tradition. They were often at odds with Jesus and criticized him for his teachings and actions.

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The statement "The sword devours now one and now another" was David's reaction to the death of Uriah. To explain, Uriah was a loyal soldier in David's army, but David had an affair with Uriah's wife and then ordered Uriah to be placed in the front line of a battle where he was killed. When David heard the news of Uriah's death, he was struck by the tragedy of the situation and the senseless loss of life caused by his own actions. His statement reflects his sorrow and recognition of the destructive power of violence and war.

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The delegation from Antioch to the Council of Jerusalem was made up of two people, Paul and Barnabas. At the council, there was a discussion about whether or not non-Jewish converts to Christianity needed to follow certain Jewish customs, such as circumcision. Some members of the council argued that these customs were necessary, while others believed that they were not. Eventually, Peter stood up and argued that non-Jewish converts should not be required to follow these customs. James, the leader of the church in Jerusalem, agreed with Peter and proposed a compromise that would allow non-Jewish converts to abstain from these customs, with certain exceptions. This compromise was ultimately accepted by the council. So, while the delegation from Antioch played an important role in the council, the ultimate decision was a compromise proposed by James and supported by Peter.

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According to St. Paul, the true test of someone who does not speak by the Spirit of God is saying "Jesus be cursed." In 1 Corinthians 12:3, Paul states that "no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit." This means that when someone truly believes in Jesus as Lord and Savior, they are speaking through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. On the other hand, if someone speaks against Jesus or curses His name, it is a sign that they are not guided by the Holy Spirit, and their words are not from God. This test emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and accepting Jesus as Lord, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our words and actions.

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God rejected Saul as the King of Israel because he disobeyed God in the war against the Amalekites. In 1 Samuel 15, God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites and everything that belonged to them, but Saul spared the life of their king, Agag, and kept some of the spoil for himself and his soldiers. This act of disobedience was a clear violation of God's command, and it showed that Saul was not fully committed to following God's will. As a result, God rejected Saul as the king of Israel and chose David as his successor.

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When Isaiah saw the Lord of hosts on his throne, he felt unworthy and recognized his own sinfulness. The angel of God took a burning coal from the altar and touched Isaiah's mouth with it, saying "your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for." The significance of this act was to symbolize the cleansing and forgiveness of Isaiah's sins, enabling him to be worthy and ready to accept the commission that God had for him. By purifying his lips, the angel was preparing Isaiah to be the Lord's messenger to speak to the people on God's behalf.

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The concept of faith and work as enunciated by James means that faith without works is dead. James argued that faith and work go hand in hand, and that true faith should be accompanied by good works. James emphasized the importance of not only hearing the word of God but also putting it into action. He believed that genuine faith is evidenced by good works, and that faith without works is dead. Therefore, Christians must not only believe in God but also demonstrate their faith through their actions, by doing good works and helping those in need.

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In Paul's letter to the Philippians, he speaks about the reward of giving, which is an abundant return from God. In Philippians 4:17-18, Paul thanks the Philippians for their financial support, which he says is "a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God." He goes on to say that God will supply all their needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This passage emphasizes the importance of giving generously and sacrificially. Paul explains that when we give, we are not only meeting the needs of others, but we are also pleasing God and storing up treasures in heaven. Giving is an act of worship, and God promises to reward us for our faithfulness. The reward of giving is not just material blessings, but also spiritual blessings. When we give generously, we experience joy and a sense of purpose knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, giving helps to cultivate a spirit of generosity and selflessness, which is pleasing to God. In summary, the reward of giving is an abundant return from God, both in material and spiritual blessings. It is a way to worship God and store up treasures in heaven, while also making a positive impact in the lives of others.

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According to John's Gospel, Lazarus was from Bethany. In John 11:1-2, it is mentioned that "Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha." Bethany was a village located near Jerusalem, and it was the hometown of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha.

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Paul did not cite Jesus' appearance to Pilate as proof of his resurrection in his First Epistle to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, Paul lists several appearances of Jesus after his resurrection as evidence of his bodily resurrection. These include appearances to Cephas (Peter), the twelve disciples, James (presumably the brother of Jesus), and to a group of more than 500 people at once. Paul also mentions his own encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus. However, there is no mention of Jesus appearing to Pilate in this list of appearances.

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According to Peter, the sincerity of Christian belief is usually tested by trials. This means that when Christians face challenges, difficulties, or sufferings in life, their faith in God is tested. The trials can come in various forms such as persecution, sickness, loss, or any other form of adversity. The way a Christian responds to these trials and continues to trust in God despite them is a true test of their faith. Peter encourages Christians to remain faithful and to see these trials as opportunities to strengthen their faith and grow closer to God.

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The responsibility that Christians do not have is "accepting permanent custodianship of the law." While Christians are called to uphold the moral teachings of the Bible, they are not responsible for enforcing Old Testament laws and regulations. Instead, Christians are called to love God and others, spread the gospel, and live a life of righteousness and faith in Jesus Christ. The other responsibilities listed in the options, such as suffering with Christ, expecting the glory of God, groaning for redemption through Jesus, and accepting baptism into Christ, are all biblically-based responsibilities of Christians.

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Living a new life in Christ is marked by a transformation of the inner being that reflects in the outward behavior of the person. The person who lives a new life in Christ seeks to imitate Jesus Christ and follow His teachings. Out of the given options, the one that does not manifest living a new life in Christ is "discriminating among various Christian denominations." Discrimination or prejudice based on denomination goes against the teachings of Jesus Christ, who emphasized unity among his followers. On the other hand, providing succor to the needy, enriching oneself daily with spiritual songs, doing everything to the glory of God, and having a forgiving spirit are all signs of living a new life in Christ. Helping the needy is an act of compassion and love, enriching oneself with spiritual songs helps to connect with God, doing everything to the glory of God is an expression of gratitude and obedience, and having a forgiving spirit is a reflection of Christ's forgiveness towards us.

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Peter enjoined Holy living among Christians because Christ has left them an example in all the following ways except that he suffered crucifixion because of his divinity. In the New Testament, Peter emphasized the importance of holy living among Christians, encouraging them to follow the example of Jesus Christ. Christ suffered without any guilt on his part, forgave those who reviled him, prayed for his persecutors, and bore the sins of others. However, suffering crucifixion because of his divinity was not an example for Christians to follow, as it was a unique aspect of Jesus' mission on earth.

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The reason why Mathew, the evangelist, preferred the phrase "Kingdom of heaven" over "Kingdom of God" is because he was a Jew and wanted to avoid saying the name of God out of respect. Therefore, instead of using the word "God," he used the word "heaven" to refer to the same thing. This was a common practice among Jews at that time. Additionally, Matthew was writing to a predominantly Jewish audience who would have understood this convention.

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Paul was confident in his Epistle to Philemon because he appealed to him not only on the basis of Onesimus being his slave but as a brother in Christ. He recognized Philemon's faith in Christ and appealed to him to forgive Onesimus and accept him back as a brother in Christ, rather than as a slave. Paul also promised to repay any wrong Onesimus may have done to Philemon, thus demonstrating his willingness to take responsibility for Onesimus' actions. This approach showed Paul's understanding of the Christian faith as being based on forgiveness, reconciliation, and brotherhood in Christ, which he believed Philemon would also uphold.

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According to Paul in his letter to the Galatians, Christians become sons of God through adoption. Adoption is the process by which a person is legally and permanently made a member of a family to which they do not biologically belong. In the spiritual sense, adoption means that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are made part of God's family and have the same status as His biological children. This adoption is made possible by the sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross, which makes forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God possible. Through this adoption, believers receive the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their inheritance and can call God their Father. Therefore, Christians are not sons of God by their own merit or good deeds, but by God's grace and adoption through faith in Jesus Christ.

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Deborah, wife of Lappidoth, administered justice to the people of Israel at Ramah and Bethel. According to the Old Testament book of Judges, Deborah was a prophetess and judge who led the Israelites in a successful battle against the Canaanites. She held court under a palm tree between Ramah and Bethel, where people came to her for judgment and advice. Her leadership and wisdom were highly respected among the Israelites, and her story is often cited as an example of a strong and capable female leader.

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The appearance of Moses and Elijah during the Transfiguration indicates that Jesus was the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. Moses was the lawgiver, and Elijah was one of the greatest prophets, so their presence showed that Jesus' ministry was in continuity with theirs. Additionally, God declared Jesus as his beloved son and instructed the disciples to listen to him, indicating that Jesus was superior to both Moses and Elijah. The appearance of Moses and Elijah also demonstrated that Jesus' death was part of God's plan, as they spoke with Jesus about his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem.

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The option that did not feature in the trial of Jesus before Pilate and Herod according to St. Luke is that Jesus asserted that he was Christ, the son of God. This statement was not mentioned in St. Luke's account of the trial of Jesus. However, it was mentioned in the accounts of the trial in the other Gospels.

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Out of the given options, the decision that Solomon took contrary to the will of God was "marrying many foreign women who came with their gods to Israel." According to the Old Testament, God commanded the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign nations because they would lead the Israelites astray to worship foreign gods. Solomon's decision to marry many foreign women who worshiped other gods was against God's commandments and eventually led him astray from worshiping the one true God. As a result, these women influenced Solomon to worship their gods, which led to his downfall and the division of the kingdom of Israel. The Bible records that Solomon built the temple for God, invited foreign labor, made Jeroboam take charge of labor, and engaged the Israelites in many battles, but marrying foreign women was the decision that went against God's will.

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In his Epistle to Romans, Paul stated that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus are "baptized into his death". This means that through baptism, we are united with Christ and share in his death and resurrection. As a result, our old selves are crucified with Christ and we are raised to new life in him. This is a symbol of our spiritual rebirth and our new identity as children of God. So, the correct option is "baptized into his death".

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The Israelites under Barak defeated the Canaanite troops led by Sisera. Sisera was the commander of the army of Jabin, the king of Canaan. He had nine hundred iron chariots and a great army, and had oppressed the Israelites for twenty years. Barak was called by the prophetess Deborah to gather an army and fight against Sisera. With God's help, the Israelites were victorious and Sisera fled on foot, but was eventually killed by Jael, a woman who gave him shelter.

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In the context of the passage, Sheol refers to the region of darkness and death. It is the place where the dead are believed to reside in Hebrew tradition, often depicted as a deep, dark pit or underworld. In this passage, Jonah is metaphorically referring to the belly of Sheol as the depths of the sea where he was trapped inside the fish.

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During his first missionary journey, Paul was stoned at Lystra. Explanation: During his first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas visited several places including Lystra, where they healed a crippled man, leading the people to believe they were gods. When Paul tried to correct them and preach about the one true God, the people turned against him and stoned him, leaving him for dead. However, he later recovered and continued his journey.

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Saul, later known as Paul, learned many things from his experience on the road to Damascus, including that he had been persecuting the Lord through his persecution of the Church, that his confidence in Judaism was misplaced, and that he was chosen to preach to the Gentiles. He also learned that in persecuting the Church, he was "kicking against the pricks," which means he was resisting something that was inevitable and ultimately hurtful to himself. However, the statement "he could successfully promote his own will" is not a lesson that Saul learned from his experience on the road to Damascus.

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After their mission, Jesus enjoined the seventy disciples to rejoice because they had seen Satan fall like lightning from heaven. This is recorded in Luke 10:17-20 where Jesus rejoiced with them because they had successfully exercised authority over demons, and they returned with the good news of many people being healed and saved. Jesus then said, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

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When Jesus was instructing the seventy disciples before they set out on their mission, he condemned the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they did not believe in him, despite the many miracles he had performed among them. In Matthew 11:20-24, Jesus rebukes these cities for their unbelief and warns that it will lead to their destruction. Jesus had performed many miracles in these cities, including healing the sick and casting out demons. However, the people of these cities remained skeptical and refused to believe that he was the Messiah. This lack of faith saddened Jesus and he warned the people that their unbelief would lead to their downfall. Jesus' condemnation of these cities serves as a reminder that faith in him is essential for salvation. The people of Chorazin and Bethsaida had witnessed Jesus' miracles and heard his teachings, yet they still refused to believe. Their rejection of Jesus serves as a warning to us today not to take our faith for granted and to always remain steadfast in our belief in Jesus Christ.

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Moses ran away from Egypt because he feared that the news of his act of murder will reach the king. According to the Bible, Moses witnessed an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, and he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. When he found out that the incident was known, and the Pharaoh sought to kill him, he fled to the land of Midian.

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The apostle Peter encourages Christians to exercise their freedom by doing what is right. In his letter to the early Christians, Peter emphasizes that Christians should not use their freedom as a pretext for evil or as an excuse to indulge in sinful behavior. Instead, he advises them to use their freedom responsibly and to live in a way that pleases God. This means being obedient to God's commandments and treating others with love, respect, and kindness. In essence, Peter is saying that freedom comes with responsibility and that Christians should use their freedom to do good and bring glory to God.

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St. Paul advised the Thessalonians to imitate him in all the following ways except "relying on others for food." In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul praised the Thessalonians for their faith, love, and hope in Christ. He also reminded them of his conduct while he was with them and encouraged them to imitate him. He pointed out that he had worked with his own hands to support himself while he was with them and that he had not been idle. Therefore, he advised them to also work hard and avoid idleness. However, he did not advise them to rely on others for food, as he believed that they should earn their own living through hard work.

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(a) How John describes Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 1)

The description was given by John the Baptist. As John was baptising at the Jordan, he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" He explained that this was the one of whom he had said, "After me comes a man who ranks before me, for he was before me," and that he himself had come baptising with water so that Jesus might be revealed to Israel.

John testified further that he saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven and remain on Jesus, and that God, who sent him to baptise, had told him, "He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptises with the Holy Spirit." And John concluded, "And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

The next day, as John again saw Jesus walk by, he repeated, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" On hearing this, two of John's disciples followed Jesus.

By calling Jesus the "Lamb of God," John identified Him with the sacrificial lamb: the Passover lamb whose blood delivered Israel, and the lamb of the sin offering. He presented Jesus as the perfect, spotless sacrifice who would take away the sin of the whole world by His death.

(b) Two ways in which this description is significant to Christians

1. It points to Jesus as the sacrifice for sin - just as a lamb was offered to atone for sin, Jesus, the sinless Lamb, died on the cross to take away the sins of all who believe, reconciling humanity to God.
2. It fulfils Old Testament sacrifice and offers universal salvation - Jesus is the true Passover Lamb whose blood delivers believers from death and judgement, showing that salvation through Him is for the whole world, not the Jews only.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) The division of the kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 11 and 12)

After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam went to Shechem, where all Israel had gathered to make him king. Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who had fled to Egypt from Solomon, was recalled, and he together with the assembly of Israel came to Rehoboam with a plea: "Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke upon us, and we will serve you." Rehoboam asked them to return after three days.

Rehoboam took counsel. The old men who had served Solomon advised him to be a servant to the people and speak good words to them, and they would serve him for ever. But Rehoboam rejected their advice and followed the counsel of the young men who had grown up with him. When the people returned, he answered harshly: "My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions."

When Israel saw that the king would not listen, they said, "What portion have we in David? To your tents, O Israel!" So Israel departed. When Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labour, the people stoned him to death, and Rehoboam fled to Jerusalem.

Thus the kingdom was divided: the ten northern tribes made Jeroboam king over Israel, while only the tribe of Judah (with Benjamin) remained loyal to the house of David under Rehoboam. This fulfilled the word which the LORD had spoken through the prophet Ahijah, that the kingdom would be torn from Solomon's house because of unfaithfulness, yet one tribe would be left for David's sake.

(b) Unwise policies of Solomon that led to the division

1. Idolatry - influenced by his many foreign wives, Solomon turned to the worship of foreign gods and built high places for them, provoking the LORD's anger.
2. Heavy taxation - he imposed a burdensome system of taxes on the people to maintain his lavish court and building projects.
3. Forced labour - he conscripted his subjects into hard forced labour for his many building works, embittering the northern tribes.
4. Extravagance and love of luxury - his enormous expenditure on his palace, harem and grandeur placed an unbearable strain on the people.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) Paul's teaching on Spiritual Gifts and the analogy of the human body (1 Corinthians 12)

Writing to the divided church at Corinth, Paul explained the nature of spiritual gifts (charismata). He taught that there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; varieties of service, but the same Lord; and varieties of working, but the same God who inspires them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

He listed the gifts as coming from the one Spirit, including: the utterance of wisdom, the utterance of knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, the working of miracles, prophecy, the ability to distinguish between spirits, various kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. All these are inspired by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as He wills.

Paul then likened the Church to the human body: "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." For by one Spirit all were baptised into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free.

He argued that the body is not one member but many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," that would not make it any less part of the body; and if the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? God arranged the organs in the body as He chose. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor the head to the feet. On the contrary, the parts that seem weaker are indispensable, and God has so composed the body that there may be no discord, but that the members may have the same care for one another. "If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together." So the believers are the body of Christ and individually members of it, each with a different gift and function.

(b) The significance of this teaching to the Church

1. It teaches unity in diversity - the many different gifts and members form one body, so Christians should not despise one another or be divided, but work together in harmony.
2. It teaches that every member is important - no gift or person is useless or superior; each has a God-given role for the good of the whole Church.
3. It teaches mutual care and interdependence - members must care for one another, sharing in one another's joys and sufferings, since all belong to one body under Christ the head.
4. It corrects pride and envy - since the gifts come from the same Spirit for the common good, no one should boast or be jealous, for all serve the same Lord.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) The healing of the leper and the significance of Jesus' instructions (Mark 1; Matthew 8)

A leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and kneeling, and said, "If you will, you can make me clean." Moved with pity (compassion), Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, saying, "See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." But the man went out and began to talk freely about it, spreading the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town but stayed out in the country, yet people came to Him from every quarter.

Significance of the instructions:

1. "Show yourself to the priest" - under the Law of Moses, only the priest could officially declare a leper clean and restore him to the community; Jesus respected the Law and ensured the man's proper reintegration into society.
2. "Offer what Moses commanded, as a proof to the people" - the required offering served as a public testimony and legal certification that the man was truly healed and could resume normal life and worship.
3. "Say nothing to anyone" - Jesus wished to avoid premature publicity and a merely sensational following that valued miracles over His true message, and to prevent the crowds from hindering His teaching ministry.

By touching the leper, Jesus showed His compassion and power, cleansing rather than being defiled, and demonstrating His authority over disease.

(b) Two ways God still performs miracles today

1. Through healing of the sick - God restores health to people, sometimes instantly through prayer and faith, and also through the skill of doctors and medicine which He provides.
2. Through provision and deliverance in life's difficulties - God answers prayers by granting children to the barren, protecting people from accidents and danger, meeting needs, and transforming lives through the preaching of the gospel.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) The story of Daniel in which his faith was put to test (Daniel 6)

When Darius the Mede received the kingdom, he set over it a hundred and twenty satraps, and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one. Because an excellent spirit was in him, Daniel distinguished himself above all, and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

The other presidents and satraps became jealous and sought to find grounds for complaint against Daniel, but they could find none, for he was faithful and without fault. So they said, "We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God."

They persuaded King Darius to sign an irrevocable decree, by the law of the Medes and Persians, that whoever made petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to the king, should be cast into the den of lions.

When Daniel knew the document was signed, he went to his house, where he had windows open toward Jerusalem, and got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks to God, as he had done before. His enemies caught him praying and reported him to the king. Darius was greatly distressed and laboured till sunset to deliver Daniel, but the conspirators reminded him that the law could not be changed. So the king reluctantly commanded that Daniel be cast into the den of lions, saying, "May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!" A stone was laid on the mouth of the den and sealed.

The king spent the night fasting and could not sleep. Early in the morning he ran to the den and cried, "O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God been able to deliver you from the lions?" Daniel answered, "My God sent his angel and shut the lions' mouths, because I was found blameless before him." The king was overjoyed and had Daniel taken up, and no hurt was found on him because he had trusted in his God. Then those who had accused him were cast into the den with their families and were devoured. King Darius decreed that in all his dominion men should tremble before the God of Daniel, the living God.

(b) Two suggestions to a present-day priest facing opposition in evangelization

1. Remain steadfast in faith and prayer - like Daniel, he should continue to trust God and pray without wavering, confident that God is able to protect and vindicate him.
2. Persevere with courage and integrity - he should keep a blameless character, refuse to compromise or abandon his duty out of fear, and continue the work of evangelization, leaving the outcome to God.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) How Deborah led her people to victory (Judges 4 and 5)

Deborah was a prophetess and the judge of Israel at that time. She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgement.

At that time the Israelites had been cruelly oppressed for twenty years by Jabin, king of Canaan, whose army commander was Sisera, who had nine hundred chariots of iron. Deborah sent for Barak the son of Abinoam and gave him God's command: "Go, gather your men at Mount Tabor... and I will draw out Sisera to meet you by the river Kishon with his chariots and his troops, and I will give him into your hand."

Barak replied, "If you will go with me, I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go." Deborah agreed to go, but told him that because of the way he chose, the glory of the victory would not be his, for the LORD would sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.

Deborah went up with Barak, and ten thousand men followed him to Mount Tabor. When Sisera came out with his chariots, Deborah said, "Up! For this is the day in which the LORD has given Sisera into your hand." The LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots before Barak; the river Kishon swept them away. Sisera fled on foot and came to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. She welcomed him, gave him milk and covered him; but while he slept from exhaustion, she drove a tent peg through his temple and killed him. So God subdued Jabin, and the land had rest for forty years. Deborah and Barak then sang a song of victory praising the LORD.

(b) Three ways women today contribute towards national development

1. Leadership and governance - women serve as political leaders, administrators and public servants, helping to make and implement good policies.
2. Education and the professions - women work as teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers and other professionals, training and serving the nation.
3. Economic and social activity - women engage in trade, farming, entrepreneurship and charitable work, and nurture families and moral values, strengthening the society.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) What happened to Stephen after he called the Council stiff-necked (Acts 7)

Stephen, one of the seven deacons, had been brought before the Jewish Council (Sanhedrin) on the false charge of speaking against the temple and the Law. In his long defence he recounted the history of Israel, then concluded by rebuking them: "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you." He accused them of betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus), just as their fathers had persecuted the prophets.

When they heard these things, they were enraged and ground their teeth against him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."

At this they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and rushed together upon him. They cast him out of the city and began to stone him. The witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul (who consented to his death).

As they stoned him, Stephen called out, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them," and when he had said this, he fell asleep (died). Thus Stephen became the first Christian martyr. Devout men buried him and made great lamentation over him.

(b) Significance of this episode to the Early Church

1. Stephen became the first martyr, setting an example of faith, courage and forgiveness (praying for his killers as Jesus did) that inspired the persecuted Church.
2. It triggered a great persecution that scattered the believers throughout Judea, Samaria and beyond, which spread the gospel far and wide, so that persecution actually advanced the mission.
3. It marked a turning point for Saul, who witnessed and approved the death, and who would later be converted to become the great apostle Paul, showing God's power to turn a persecutor into a preacher.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) How Paul dealt with the Corinthians who did not believe in the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15)

Some members of the Corinthian church were saying that there is no resurrection of the dead. Paul answered them with a careful argument.

• He first reminded them of the gospel he had preached, that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures.
• He listed the eyewitnesses of the risen Christ: Cephas, then the twelve, then more than five hundred brethren at once, then James, then all the apostles, and last of all himself.
• He argued that if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, their preaching is useless, their faith is worthless, they are still in their sins, and those who have died in Christ have perished. If our hope in Christ is only for this life, then Christians are of all people most to be pitied.
• He then declared triumphantly that Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. As death came through Adam, so resurrection comes through Christ.
• To answer their question about how the dead are raised and with what body, he used the picture of a seed which must die before it grows into a new plant. The body sown is perishable, but it is raised imperishable; sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
• He concluded that at the last trumpet the dead will be raised imperishable and the living will be changed. Death will be swallowed up in victory, and he gave thanks to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

(b) Significance of the resurrection of Christ to Christians

• It is the foundation and proof of the Christian faith; without it preaching and faith would be in vain.
• It assures believers of the forgiveness of sins and that they are no longer under condemnation.
• It guarantees the future resurrection of all who die in Christ and gives hope of eternal life.
• It shows Christ's victory over sin, death and the grave, so believers need not fear death.
• It gives meaning and reward to Christian labour, so that their work in the Lord is never in vain.

Detalles de la respuesta

(a) Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour from his personal example (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

When Paul was among the Thessalonians he did not live as an idle person or become a burden to anyone. Although as an apostle he had the right to be supported by the church, he deliberately refused to eat any man's bread without paying for it. Instead he worked with his own hands, labouring night and day, so that he would not be a charge to any of them.

He offered himself as a pattern to be imitated, saying, "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: If any would not work, neither should he eat." He had heard that some among them were living in idleness, being busybodies and doing no work, while depending on others for food. Paul rebuked such disorderly conduct and commanded them, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly and earn their own living. He thus taught that labour is honourable, that every believer should be self-supporting, and that idleness leads to disorder and dependence. He further urged the diligent ones not to grow weary in well-doing.

(b) Two ways Christians should uphold this teaching

• Christians should engage in honest and legitimate work to earn their living rather than depending idly on others or resorting to begging.
• Christians should be diligent and hardworking in their chosen callings, doing their work quietly and not being busybodies who meddle in others' affairs.