JAMB UTME - Christian Religious Studies - 2007

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The statement "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" was made by Jesus to Simon Peter and Andrew at the Sea of Galilee. Simon Peter and Andrew were fishermen who were casting their nets into the sea when Jesus approached them and called them to be his disciples. Jesus used the metaphor of fishing to describe their new role as his followers - just as fishermen catch fish in their nets, Peter and Andrew would "catch" people for Jesus by spreading his message and bringing others to follow him. The Sea of Galilee was an important location in Jesus' ministry, as many of his disciples were fishermen who worked on its shores, and several of Jesus' miracles took place there, including his calming of the storm and his feeding of the 5,000.

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According to the Gospel of Mark, the three women that went to the sepulchre to anoint the body of Jesus with spices were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. After the crucifixion of Jesus, these three women had prepared spices to anoint His body. Early on the first day of the week, they went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid to carry out this act of devotion. However, when they arrived at the tomb, they found that the stone had been rolled away and the body of Jesus was not there. An angel appeared to them and told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. The women were afraid and amazed, and the angel instructed them to go and tell the disciples about what they had seen and heard. Therefore, according to the Gospel of Mark, the three women that went to the sepulchre to anoint the body of Jesus with spices were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome.

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After Jesus turned water into wine, the people at the wedding where it happened marvelled at it. This miracle is recorded in the Gospel of John, where it is mentioned that Jesus and his disciples were invited to a wedding in Cana of Galilee. During the wedding, the hosts ran out of wine, which was a major social faux pas. Mary, the mother of Jesus, told him about the situation, and he instructed the servants to fill six stone jars with water. Jesus then turned the water into wine, which was of higher quality than what was served earlier. The master of the banquet was surprised by the quality of the wine and commended the groom for saving the best wine for last. The miracle at the wedding of Cana was the first recorded miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John, and it showed his divine power and authority. The disciples were present at the wedding and witnessed the miracle, and as a result, they believed in him. The people who were present at the wedding marvelled at the miracle, and it became widely known, spreading the news of Jesus' power and authority.

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The dry bones mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel in the statement "O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord..." refer to the whole house of Israel. In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel had a vision in which he was taken by the Spirit of God to a valley full of dry bones. God asked Ezekiel if the dry bones could live again, and Ezekiel replied that only God knew. Then God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones, saying "O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord." As Ezekiel prophesied, the bones began to come together, and sinews and flesh covered them, but they still had no breath. Then God instructed Ezekiel to prophesy to the breath, and it came into the bones, and they lived and stood on their feet as a vast army. The vision of the dry bones was a metaphor for the whole house of Israel, who were in captivity in Babylon at the time. The vision was a message of hope that even though Israel was scattered and seemed dead, God would restore them to their land and make them a great nation once again. Therefore, the dry bones mentioned by Prophet Ezekiel in the statement "O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord..." refer to the whole house of Israel.

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People were saved during the flood as a result of Noah's obedience to God. In Genesis 6-9, God saw that the wickedness of mankind was great and decided to destroy all living things on the earth by a flood. However, God chose to save Noah and his family and instructed him to build an ark to protect himself, his family, and two of every kind of animal from the flood. Despite being ridiculed by his neighbors, Noah obeyed God and built the ark as instructed, and God spared him and his family. Therefore, it was Noah's obedience to God that led to the salvation of himself, his family, and the animals during the flood.

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The qualifications of the deacons appointed by the disciples were to be of good repute, full of the Spirit and wisdom. This means that they were to be respected and have a good reputation among the people, as well as being filled with the Holy Spirit and possessing wisdom to carry out their duties. The deacons were responsible for serving the needs of the people, such as distributing food and resources to widows and those in need, so it was important that they were trustworthy and capable of handling these tasks with wisdom and discernment. These qualifications ensured that the deacons were able to serve the people effectively and honorably.

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The mariners knew that Jonah was the cause of their problem because they cast lots to determine who was responsible for the storm that was threatening their ship. The lots indicated that Jonah was the one who had brought God's wrath upon them, and Jonah admitted to the mariners that he was fleeing from God's command to go to Nineveh. This revelation made it clear to the mariners that Jonah's disobedience to God was the cause of the storm, and they asked him what they should do to calm the sea. This ultimately led to Jonah being thrown overboard and swallowed by a great fish, as he knew that this was the only way to save the mariners' lives and atone for his disobedience.

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The decisions at the Council of Jerusalem laid to rest the issue of circumcision before one can be saved. The council, as recorded in Acts 15, was called to decide whether Gentile converts to Christianity had to be circumcised and follow Jewish customs in order to be saved. The decision was that Gentile believers did not have to be circumcised, but should abstain from certain practices like eating food sacrificed to idols, and from sexual immorality, blood, and the meat of strangled animals. This decision helped establish a more inclusive and diverse Christian community, and paved the way for the spread of Christianity beyond the Jewish community.

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After Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, God guarded the tree of life with cherubim and a flaming sword. The tree of life was a symbol of eternal life, and God had originally placed it in the garden for Adam and Eve to enjoy. However, after their disobedience and fall from grace, God did not want them to eat from the tree of life and live forever in a state of sin and separation from Him. Therefore, He placed cherubim, which are powerful angelic beings, to guard the tree and prevent Adam and Eve from approaching it. The flaming sword may also have been a symbol of the power and authority of God, and a warning to Adam and Eve of the consequences of their disobedience.

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In his dedication of the Temple, Solomon reminded God of His promise to David that there would always be a person from David's line on the throne of Israel. This promise, known as the Davidic Covenant, is recorded in 2 Samuel 7:12-16, where God promises to establish David's dynasty and kingdom forever. Solomon, as David's son and successor, acknowledged and praised God for His faithfulness in keeping this promise and allowing him to build the Temple. Thus, Solomon's reminder of the Davidic Covenant served to reinforce the idea of a continuous line of Davidic kings in Israel, and to affirm God's sovereignty and provision for His people.

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After Peter was released from prison by an angel, he went to the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. This event is recorded in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 12. When Peter was imprisoned by King Herod, the church had gathered in prayer for his release. After an angel miraculously opened the prison doors and led Peter outside, he went to the house of Mary, where many believers had gathered in prayer. He knocked on the door, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so excited that she left him standing outside and ran to tell the others that he had been released.

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According to Romans, individuals that manifest spiritual gifts should show humility. In Romans 12:3-8, Paul writes about the importance of using one's spiritual gifts to serve others in the body of Christ. He emphasizes that every believer has been given different gifts by the grace of God, and that these gifts should be used in proportion to one's faith. However, he also warns against pride and self-importance, and urges believers to exercise their gifts with humility and a genuine love for others. Therefore, individuals who manifest spiritual gifts should not use them to draw attention to themselves or seek personal gain, but rather to serve others and build up the church in a spirit of humility and love.

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According to Luke, the leper who made the statement "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean" was cleansed because he believed that Jesus had the power to heal him. In Luke's Gospel, the story of the healing of the leper is recorded. The leper approached Jesus and fell on his face, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." The leper recognized that Jesus had the power to heal him, but he also acknowledged that it was up to Jesus' will to do so. Jesus was moved by the leper's faith and compassionately responded by touching him and saying, "I will, be clean." Immediately, the leprosy left him, and he was healed. Jesus instructed the leper not to tell anyone but to go and show himself to the priest as a testimony of his healing. The story of the healing of the leper is a testament to Jesus' power and compassion and shows how faith and belief can bring about healing.

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King Darius testified that the God of Daniel was a living God because of Daniel's demonstration of faith in God. According to the Bible, Daniel was a Jewish exile who served in the court of King Darius of Babylon. When Darius issued a decree forbidding anyone from praying to any god or man except the king for a period of thirty days, Daniel continued to pray to the God of Israel three times a day as was his custom. His enemies reported him to the king, who was forced to order Daniel's punishment by being thrown into a den of lions. However, the next day when Darius went to the den and found that Daniel was still alive, he was amazed and declared that the God of Daniel must be a living God. He ordered that Daniel be released and that those who had accused him be thrown into the den instead. Daniel's unwavering faith in God and his refusal to compromise his beliefs, even in the face of death, convinced King Darius that the God of Israel was real and powerful. The story shows the importance of faith and obedience to God, and how it can have a powerful impact on others.

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After the Philistines had captured the ark of God and taken it to Ashdod, the city was afflicted with tumors. According to the Bible, the Philistines believed that their god Dagon had triumphed over the God of the Israelites when they captured the ark, and they placed the ark in the temple of Dagon as a trophy. However, the next morning, the Philistines found that the statue of Dagon had fallen face-down in front of the ark. They picked it up and placed it back in its position, but the next morning it had fallen again and its head and hands were broken off. At the same time, the people of Ashdod began to suffer from tumors, which were seen as a sign of God's judgment against them for taking the ark. The Philistines decided to move the ark to the city of Gath, but the same thing happened there - the people were afflicted with tumors and the statue of Dagon fell down and broke apart. The ark was then moved to Ekron, where the people also suffered from tumors and cried out for the ark to be removed from their city. The story illustrates the power of God and the consequences of disobeying his commands. The Philistines learned that the God of the Israelites was not to be taken lightly, and that the ark was a symbol of his presence and power.

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The four kings that reigned in Judah during the prophecy of Hosea were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Hosea was a prophet who lived during the 8th century BCE and prophesied mainly to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. However, his prophecies also extended to the Southern Kingdom of Judah, which was ruled by these four kings during his time. Uzziah was a righteous king who reigned for 52 years, followed by his son Jotham, who was also a good king. Ahaz, however, was an evil king who followed the ways of the nations around him and led Judah into idolatry. Hezekiah, who succeeded Ahaz, was a righteous king who brought about religious reforms and turned Judah back to God. During their reigns, Hosea prophesied about the sins of both Israel and Judah and warned them of the impending judgment if they did not repent and turn back to God. He also prophesied about the restoration of Israel and Judah in the future and the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, the four kings that reigned in Judah during the prophecy of Hosea were Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah.

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According to John, those who believe in the light will become "sons of light." This is a metaphorical expression used to describe those who have accepted Jesus as their savior and have been transformed by the power of his teachings. By believing in the light, they become followers of Jesus and take on his qualities of love, compassion, and forgiveness. They are empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the light of the gospel and share the good news of salvation with others.

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In Paul's statement, the word refers to faith. Paul is referring to the message of faith that they have heard, that is, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and how it is not far from them, but is very near, in their hearts and on their lips. Paul is emphasizing the accessibility and availability of the message of faith to the people, and how it is something that can be embraced and confessed readily.

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Ahab did not take kindly to Prophet Micaiah's prophecy about the war between Israel and Syria, as it was not what he wanted to hear. Micaiah's prophecy was that the battle would end in defeat for Israel and that Ahab would be killed. Ahab was angry with Micaiah for speaking the truth and ordered him to be imprisoned until he returned safely from the battle. Ahab also told his officials to give Micaiah only bread and water while he was in prison, as a punishment for speaking against him. Ahab's reaction to Micaiah's prophecy shows how many people react when they are confronted with the truth that they do not want to hear. They may become angry, defensive, or try to silence the messenger. However, it is important to remember that the truth is often uncomfortable but necessary for growth and change.

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According to Luke, the Transfiguration of Jesus took place on the mountain while he was praying. The Transfiguration is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and it is an event where Jesus' appearance was transformed, and he was seen talking to Moses and Elijah. In Luke's Gospel, it is mentioned that Jesus took Peter, John, and James with him to a mountain to pray. While Jesus was praying, his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus about his departure, which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. Peter, who was present at the scene, suggested making three shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. But while he was speaking, a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!" After the voice, Moses and Elijah disappeared, and Jesus was left alone. The disciples who witnessed the event were awestruck and kept silent about it until after Jesus' resurrection.

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The incident that preceded Jesus' declaration in the statement above was the great confession by Peter. In Matthew 16:13-20, Jesus asked his disciples who people say the Son of Man is, and then asked them who they say he is. Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." Jesus declared that this revelation was given to Peter by God, and then said the statement above, indicating that he would give Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

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The phrase "cows of Bashan" is used in Amos 4:1 to refer to the wealthy and influential women in Samaria who were oppressing the poor and needy. The term "Bashan" refers to a region east of the Jordan River known for its fertile land and abundant pastures, and cows were a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Therefore, calling these women "cows of Bashan" was a way of denouncing their greed and selfishness, and their exploitation of the poor.

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The first vision that Prophet Jeremiah saw at his call was a vision of a rod of almond. According to the Bible, Jeremiah was a prophet who was called by God to prophesy to the people of Judah. In his first vision, God showed Jeremiah a branch of an almond tree, which symbolized God's readiness to watch over his word and perform it. In the vision, God asked Jeremiah what he saw, and Jeremiah responded that he saw a branch of an almond tree. God then explained the meaning of the vision to Jeremiah, saying that just as the almond tree is the first tree to bloom in the spring, so too God would watch over his word and perform it quickly. The vision of the almond branch was a sign of God's power and faithfulness, and it reassured Jeremiah that God was with him and would give him the strength and courage to fulfill his calling as a prophet. It also served as a reminder to the people of Judah that God was always watching over them and was ready to act on their behalf.

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Jesus drove away the money changers and pigeon-sellers from the Temple because they disrespected the house of God. According to the Bible, Jesus found the Temple being used as a marketplace rather than a house of prayer, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and sellers of doves, accusing them of turning his father's house into a den of thieves. Therefore, he drove them out of the Temple in order to restore its holiness and sanctity.

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When Gideon heard the dream of the Midianite and its interpretation, he became encouraged and worshipped the LORD. In the dream, a Midianite soldier had seen a loaf of barley bread roll into the Midianite camp and destroy it. This dream was interpreted as a sign that Gideon and his small army would defeat the Midianites. Gideon saw this as a confirmation from God that he was on the right path and that God was with him. Therefore, he worshipped the LORD and prepared for battle.

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The prophecy about speaking in tongues by the disciples at Pentecost was fulfilled by the prophet Joel. Joel had prophesied that in the last days, God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and they would prophesy, dream dreams, and see visions. The prophecy also mentioned that God's people would speak in different languages and that whoever called on the name of the Lord would be saved. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, and they began to speak in different languages, just as Joel had prophesied. This event was a sign that the last days had begun and that God was pouring out His Spirit on His people, just as Joel had foretold. Therefore, the speaking in tongues by the disciples at Pentecost was the fulfillment of the prophecy by Joel.

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According to James, the prayer that has great power in its effects is that of a righteous man. In the fifth chapter of James, the author exhorts his readers to be patient and steadfast in the face of suffering and to pray to God for help and healing. He gives an example of the prayer of a righteous man and how it is powerful and effective. James emphasizes the importance of righteousness, stating that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. A righteous person is someone who lives according to God's will, obeying His commandments and seeking to live a holy life. Such a person has a close relationship with God, and their prayers are heard and answered by Him. Therefore, according to James, the prayer that has great power in its effects is that of a righteous man.

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When the Lycaonians saw the miracle of healing by the apostles, they tried to sacrifice to both Paul and Barnabas. In the book of Acts, it is recorded that when Paul and Barnabas healed a man who was lame from birth, the people of Lystra were amazed and believed that the gods had come down to them in human form. They called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes and even tried to offer sacrifices to them. However, Paul and Barnabas stopped them, telling them that they were only human like them and preaching to them about the one true God.

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Pharaoh's chief butler made the declaration "I remember my faults today" when Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream. In the book of Genesis, it is mentioned that Pharaoh had two troubling dreams that none of his wise men or magicians could interpret. The chief butler remembered Joseph's ability to interpret dreams when he was in prison, and he informed Pharaoh about him. Pharaoh then summoned Joseph to interpret his dreams, and Joseph accurately interpreted them as a sign of an upcoming famine. After Joseph's interpretation, Pharaoh appointed him as the governor of Egypt. The chief butler made the declaration after seeing how Joseph's interpretation of Pharaoh's dream was accurate, and he remembered that he had forgotten to speak to Pharaoh on Joseph's behalf earlier.

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1 Peter 4:6—For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

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God declared that no human blood should be shed because man was created in His image. This means that human life is sacred and should not be taken lightly. As God's creation, humans reflect His likeness and as such should be treated with respect and dignity. Taking a life is a serious offense against God, and His commandment not to shed human blood reflects the value He places on human life.

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The father of the prodigal son welcomed him back home because he had compassion on his son. Despite his son having squandered his inheritance, the father was overjoyed to see him return and showed him great love and forgiveness. The son did confess his sins, but it was the father's mercy and love that led him to welcome his son back home. The father's motive was not to wonder how wretched his son had become or because he had missed his son for a long time, but rather out of pure love and compassion for his son.

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According to John, the Jews who sent the priests and the Levites to find out who John the Baptist was, were the Pharisees. In the Gospel of John, it is mentioned that the Pharisees, a Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the law, sent priests and Levites to question John the Baptist about his identity and mission. The Pharisees were suspicious of John and wanted to know whether he was the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet. They were concerned about the influence that John was having on the people and wanted to make sure that he was not leading them astray from their religious beliefs. Therefore, it was the Pharisees who sent the priests and the Levites to question John the Baptist.

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In his exhortation to elders, Peter describes himself as a witness of the sufferings of Christ. This means that Peter was someone who had seen and experienced the suffering that Jesus went through during his crucifixion and death. Peter's statement emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience and the value of being a witness. As one of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter had a unique perspective on Jesus' life and teachings, and his witness helped to spread the message of Christianity. Furthermore, Peter's emphasis on being a witness of Christ's sufferings also underscores the central importance of the crucifixion and resurrection in Christian theology. Through his witness, Peter affirms the truth and significance of these events for the Christian faith.