WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2018

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According to the Bible, God sent an evil spirit to torment Saul because the Lord's spirit had departed from him. Saul had disobeyed God's commands and had become prideful, which caused him to lose the favor and guidance of the Lord. As a result, God allowed an evil spirit to trouble him. This was not an act of cruelty, but rather a consequence of Saul's actions and the absence of the Lord's protection. Eventually, Saul sought the help of David, who played the lyre to soothe his troubled spirit.

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God repented that He made Saul King because he did not perform God's commandments. God had commanded Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as a judgment for their past sins against Israel. However, Saul disobeyed God's command and spared the Amalekite king and some of the best livestock. God was displeased with Saul's disobedience and regretted making him king. This shows that God takes obedience very seriously and expects his people to follow his commands. As believers, we can learn from Saul's mistake and strive to obey God's commands in our own lives, knowing that obedience brings blessings and disobedience brings consequences.

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According to the Bible, Jesus was baptized by John in order to fulfill all righteousness. This means that Jesus' baptism was an important step in His ministry and obedience to God's will. Baptism is a symbolic act that represents a person's commitment to God and their identification with the community of believers. In Jesus' case, His baptism by John was a public declaration of His mission to save humanity and to identify with sinners. Additionally, by submitting to baptism, Jesus was also setting an example for His followers to follow. Jesus' baptism was a way of showing His followers that they too should be baptized and publicly identify with Him. Therefore, Jesus' baptism was not done to confirm John's power, please the Jews, or identify with the sinners, but rather to fulfill His mission and set an example for His followers.

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The contest between Elijah and the Baal Prophets took place on Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel is a mountain range located in northern Israel, near the city of Haifa. It is where Elijah the prophet challenged the prophets of the false god Baal to a contest. The contest was to see which god would answer the prayer of their respective prophets and send down fire from heaven to consume a sacrifice. Elijah called on the God of Israel, while the prophets of Baal called on their god. Despite the prophets of Baal's efforts to get their god's attention, no fire came. But when Elijah called on the Lord, fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, proving that the God of Israel was the true God. This event is recorded in the Bible in 1 Kings chapter 18.

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The person used by James to illustrate his teachings on prayer was Elijah. In James 5:16-18, Elijah is mentioned as an example of a righteous person whose prayers were powerful and effective. James encourages believers to confess their sins to one another and pray for one another, as Elijah did. James highlights Elijah's prayer for rain, which was answered by God after a three-year drought. James emphasizes the importance of fervent prayer, stating that "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective" (James 5:16). Therefore, James uses Elijah as a model of a righteous person who prayed with faith and persistence, and received an answer from God.

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Before Amos became a prophet, he was a farmer. The Book of Amos in the Old Testament provides evidence that Amos was a shepherd and a dresser of sycamore trees before he was called by God to become a prophet. Amos was not trained as a prophet, nor was he from a family of prophets or priests. He was an ordinary person who was chosen by God to deliver his message to the people of Israel. Despite his lack of formal training, Amos became a powerful voice of God's justice and judgment. His prophetic message condemned the wealthy and powerful for their oppression of the poor and called for a return to God's ways of justice and righteousness.

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The two sons of Eli were Hophni and Phinehas, as recorded in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. Eli was a priest and judge in Israel, and his two sons also served as priests. However, they were notorious for their corrupt behavior and disrespect towards God. They would take portions of the offerings brought to the temple for themselves, and even engage in immoral acts with women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. Their behavior was so grievous that God pronounced judgment on their family. Hophni and Phinehas were both killed in battle against the Philistines, and Eli himself died upon hearing the news. Thus, the story of Hophni and Phinehas serves as a warning against the dangers of corrupt behavior and disobedience towards God's commands.

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Prophet Nathan named David and Bathsheba's second child "Jedidiah". This name means "beloved of the Lord" in Hebrew. When Bathsheba became pregnant, David had committed adultery with her while she was still married to Uriah the Hittite, one of David's soldiers. To cover up his sin, David had Uriah killed in battle. God was not pleased with David's actions, and Nathan the prophet confronted him about it. However, Nathan also brought a message of forgiveness and hope to David. He told David that God had forgiven him, but that there would still be consequences for his sin. Nathan then prophesied that the child Bathsheba was carrying would become known as Jedidiah, which was a sign of God's love and grace toward David. Despite David's sins, God still loved him and had a plan for his life. So, in summary, Nathan named David and Bathsheba's second child Jedidiah as a sign of God's love and forgiveness toward David.

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The name of Hosea's daughter, "Not Pitied" means that God will no longer have pity on the house of Israel. This was a symbolic name that God instructed Hosea to give to his daughter to represent the judgment that was coming upon Israel for their disobedience and idolatry. Throughout the book of Hosea, God uses the relationship between Hosea and his unfaithful wife, Gomer, to illustrate his relationship with Israel. Hosea's daughter's name serves as a further symbol of the broken relationship between God and his people. In Hosea 1:6, God explains the significance of the name, saying, "Call her name Not Pitied, for I will no more have pity on the house of Israel, to forgive them at all." This was a warning of the judgment that was to come upon Israel for their sins and disobedience. However, the story of Hosea is not just one of judgment and punishment. God also offers a message of hope and redemption, promising to restore his relationship with Israel if they would turn back to him in repentance. Overall, the name "Not Pitied" serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of turning back to God in repentance and seeking his mercy and forgiveness.

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The direct consequence of the behavior of the sons of Samuel was Israel's request for a king. According to the First Book of Samuel in the Hebrew Bible, the sons of Samuel were judges in Israel, but they were corrupt and did not follow God's laws. As a result, the people of Israel became disillusioned with their leadership and demanded a king to rule over them. This request was granted, and the first king of Israel was Saul.

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Solomon was promised all of the following except the life of his enemies. At Gibeon, Solomon was promised by God a wise and discerning mind, a long and fulfilling life, and riches and honor. However, he was not promised the life of his enemies. This means that while Solomon was given many blessings and gifts, he was not given the power to control the life or death of his enemies. Instead, he was expected to use his wisdom and discernment to make just decisions and rule his kingdom fairly.

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Abishai was ready to strike King Saul at the wilderness of Zuph. This incident is recorded in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel, chapter 26. In this chapter, David is once again on the run from Saul, who is seeking to kill him. One night, David and his men come upon Saul's camp while he is sleeping. Abishai, one of David's closest and most trusted warriors, suggests that they strike Saul while he is sleeping and put an end to the threat he poses. However, David refuses, saying that he will not lift his hand against the Lord's anointed. Instead, he takes Saul's spear and water jug as evidence that he could have killed him but chose not to. He then calls out to Saul from a safe distance, urging him to stop pursuing him and to seek peace instead. This incident is a powerful example of David's faith and trust in God, as well as his respect for the authority that God had placed over him. It also shows the loyalty and courage of Abishai, who was willing to do whatever it took to protect his friend and leader. Overall, the story of David and Saul is one of the most dramatic and memorable in the Bible, and it continues to inspire and challenge people today with its lessons of faith, loyalty, and obedience to God.

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According to James, a true religion is the one that pays attention to orphans and widows. In the book of James in the New Testament, James writes about the importance of caring for those in need, particularly orphans and widows who were often marginalized and vulnerable in the ancient world. He writes that true religion is not just about talking about faith, but also about taking action to help those in need. James emphasizes that true religion involves caring for the poor and oppressed, and he encourages Christians to show their faith through their works of mercy and compassion. He writes that faith without works is dead, and that true faith will always be accompanied by acts of kindness and love. In this way, James teaches that a true religion is one that is characterized by compassion and care for those in need, and that pays special attention to the most vulnerable members of society.

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The reply given on this occasion was, "You shall not tempt the Lord your God." This statement was made by Jesus when he was being tempted by Satan in the wilderness. Satan had asked Jesus to throw himself down from the pinnacle of the temple, saying that God would command his angels to protect him. But Jesus knew that it was wrong to put God to the test, and he refused to do what Satan had asked. The phrase "You shall not tempt the Lord your God" means that we should not test God's love, grace, or mercy by deliberately putting ourselves in harm's way and expecting God to rescue us. Rather, we should trust in God's protection and guidance, and live our lives in obedience to his will.

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Elijah proclaimed drought in Israel as a punishment for the people's worship of Baal. In the Old Testament, Baal was a false god that many people in Israel had started worshiping, despite the fact that they had been instructed to worship the one true God. Elijah was a prophet of God who spoke out against the worship of Baal, and he declared that God would send a drought as a punishment for their disobedience. The drought was a way for God to show his power and remind the people of Israel of his sovereignty. By withholding rain, God demonstrated that he was in control of the weather and the land, and that he had the power to bring blessings or punishment as he saw fit. The drought lasted for three years, during which time the people of Israel suffered greatly. Elijah's proclamation of the drought was a call to repentance, a reminder that the people needed to turn away from their false gods and return to the worship of the one true God. Eventually, after a dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel, the people of Israel did turn back to God, and the drought was lifted. The story of Elijah and the drought is a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God, and the consequences that come with disobedience.

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This statement by Eli shows that God makes the final decision. Eli made this statement when he realized that God had called Samuel to be a prophet and that he must let him go. Eli understood that God was in control of all things and that it was not his place to question God's will or purpose. This statement reflects the idea that God is sovereign and has ultimate authority over all things. It also highlights the importance of trusting in God and accepting his will, even when we don't understand it. As believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God is in control and that he works all things together for the good of those who love him.

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The prophecy of Peter denying his Master was fulfilled during Christ's arrest. After Jesus and his disciples had celebrated the Last Supper together, they went to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was arrested. Peter followed Jesus to the high priest's house but was afraid of being recognized as one of Jesus' disciples. Three different people recognized Peter as one of Jesus' disciples and asked him if he knew him. Each time, Peter denied knowing Jesus, even swearing an oath that he didn't know him. After the third denial, a rooster crowed, and Peter remembered Jesus' earlier prediction that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter wept bitterly, realizing that he had failed to keep his promise to Jesus. Thus, the prophecy of Peter denying his Master was fulfilled during Christ's arrest, and it serves as a reminder of the frailty and humanity of even Jesus' closest followers.

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According to Mark, one of the women who witnessed the burial of Jesus was Mary, the mother of James. In the gospel of Mark in the New Testament, Mark tells the story of the death and burial of Jesus. He mentions that several women were present at the tomb, including Mary Magdalene and "Mary the mother of James." This Mary is believed to be the same person as "Mary the mother of James and Joseph" mentioned in other passages in the New Testament. It is likely that she was a close follower of Jesus and was present at the crucifixion and burial. In this way, Mark provides us with an important witness to the events surrounding the death and burial of Jesus, and highlights the role of women in the early Christian community as witnesses to the events of the gospel.

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The phrase "the very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the cornerstone" refers to Jesus Christ. In this context, the builders symbolize the religious leaders and the stone represents Jesus. The builders rejected Jesus, but despite their rejection, Jesus became the cornerstone, which is the most important stone in a building as it determines the position and stability of all the other stones. This means that despite being rejected by the religious leaders, Jesus became the central figure in the Christian faith and the foundation upon which the faith is built.

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According to the Bible, when Jesus gave up the ghost, the curtain in the temple was torn in two, and the earth shook. However, there is no mention of the guards being scared and fleeing or the saints being risen immediately after Jesus gave up the ghost. Therefore, the option that did not happen immediately after Jesus gave up the ghost is the one that refers to the guards being scared and fleeing and the saints being risen.

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Joseph did not go through being molested and raped. Joseph experienced being sold into slavery, sentenced and imprisoned, and cast into a pit. These experiences were difficult and challenging for Joseph, but he did not go through being molested or raped. This means that Joseph was subjected to various forms of abuse and mistreatment, but he was not physically violated in this way. Joseph's story is one of resilience and perseverance, as he was able to overcome these challenges and ultimately become a successful leader in Egypt.

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Judas Iscariot was replaced by Matthias. After the betrayal and suicide of Judas, the remaining eleven apostles decided to choose a new twelfth apostle to replace him. They narrowed down the candidates to two men, Matthias and Barsabbas. They prayed and cast lots, and Matthias was chosen to be the new apostle. He was then added to the eleven, making the twelve apostles complete again, as was prophesied in the Old Testament (Psalm 109:8). Nicolaus and Silas were also prominent members of the early Christian community, but they were not among the candidates to replace Judas.

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Deborah was the wife of Lapidoth. She was a prophetess and a judge in Israel, and she is mentioned in the Book of Judges in the Hebrew Bible. Deborah played a major role in leading the Israelites to victory against their Canaanite oppressors, and she is remembered as a powerful and wise leader.

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Joseph told his brothers that God allowed him to be sold into slavery so that he could preserve life. This means that Joseph believed that his being sold into slavery was part of God's plan to save people, including his own family, from the famine that was coming. Joseph was able to use his position as a high-ranking official in Egypt to store food and provide for his family and others during the famine. So, the purpose of Joseph's slavery was not to punish or seek revenge on his brothers, but to ultimately help and save lives.

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According to Peter, Christians should emulate Christ because he suffered for our sins on the cross, was crucified unjustly, and redeemed Christians by his blood. This means that Jesus Christ, the son of God, willingly sacrificed himself on the cross to pay the price for our sins and reconcile us with God. As believers, we are called to follow his example of selflessness, sacrifice, and love for others, and to live a life that honors God and reflects the character of Christ. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that God intended for us and be a light to the world around us.

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The response to Peter's question, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him?" meant that forgiveness is limitless. Jesus told Peter that he should forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times, meaning that forgiveness should not have an end. Forgiveness is a fundamental teaching in Christianity, and Jesus' response to Peter emphasizes the importance of being forgiving towards others. Jesus himself set an example of forgiveness by forgiving those who crucified him, and Christians are called to follow his example by forgiving others without limit.

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God created man and gave him the responsibility to dominate over the earth and all the creatures in it. However, there was one exception - the spirit of the earth. This is because there is no such thing as a "spirit of the earth" mentioned in the Bible or any other sacred texts. Therefore, the correct answer is that God did not ask man to dominate over the spirit of the earth. The other options listed are all things that God gave man the responsibility to dominate over. This means that man is responsible for caring for and managing these parts of creation in a responsible and sustainable way. It is important to recognize our responsibility as stewards of God's creation and to treat it with care and respect.

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The statement "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" was a manifestation of Israel's idolatry. This statement refers to an incident in which the Israelites, while Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, made a golden calf and worshiped it as their god. The statement is a reminder that the Israelites had abandoned the worship of the true God and had turned to the worship of idols. Idolatry is the act of worshiping idols or other objects as gods, rather than worshiping the one true God. It is considered a sin in many religions, including Judaism and Christianity. The statement highlights the Israelites' unfaithfulness to God and their violation of the first commandment, which states, "You shall have no other gods before me."

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David spares Saul's life at Ziph because he recognized Saul as God's anointed. In the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament, David was being pursued by Saul, who was jealous of David's success and popularity. David had multiple opportunities to kill Saul, but he chose not to because he believed that Saul was chosen by God to be the king of Israel. Despite the fact that Saul was trying to kill him, David showed respect for Saul's position as the anointed king and trusted that God would ultimately deal with Saul as He saw fit. In the specific instance at Ziph, David and his men had tracked down Saul and his army, and they had the opportunity to kill Saul. However, David instead sneaked up to Saul's camp and took Saul's spear and water jug, as proof that he could have killed him but chose not to. This act of mercy and respect for Saul's position as the anointed king is a hallmark of David's character and his faith in God's sovereignty.

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The elders of Israel went to Samuel to request for a King at Ramah. Samuel was a prophet and a judge in Israel, and the people had been led by judges for many years. However, they saw that other nations had kings and wanted one for themselves. So they went to Samuel at Ramah and asked him to appoint a king to rule over them. Samuel was reluctant to do so because he believed that God was the true ruler of Israel. Nevertheless, God instructed Samuel to listen to the people and anoint a king, and he eventually anointed Saul as the first king of Israel.

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The outcome of the vision described in the text was that gentiles received the word of God. This vision is recorded in the book of Acts, Chapter 10, and it shows Peter being directed by God to preach the gospel to a Gentile named Cornelius, who was not a Jew. This was a significant moment in the early Christian church, as it marked the first time that the gospel was preached to Gentiles and they received the Holy Spirit, just as the Jews had previously. This vision helped to break down barriers between Jews and Gentiles and showed that God's love and salvation were available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity.

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King Nebuchadnezzar issued a decree that no one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because he had witnessed that no other god could deliver like him. When the three men were thrown into the fiery furnace, they were protected by their God and emerged unscathed, which convinced the king that their God was real and powerful. Therefore, he declared that anyone who spoke against their God would be punished because he recognized that their God was the only one who could perform such a miraculous feat.

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When Nehemiah received the report about the ruin in Jerusalem, he wept, fasted, and prayed. Nehemiah was a Jewish exile serving as a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes when he received a report about the state of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed and left in ruins. Nehemiah was deeply saddened by this news and began to weep, fast, and pray to God for guidance and help. He was moved to take action and requested permission from Artaxerxes to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the city walls. Nehemiah's dedication and commitment to the rebuilding of Jerusalem are seen as an example of faithful service to God and the Jewish people.

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The parents of Moses belonged to the tribe of Levi. According to the Bible's account, Moses was born to Amram and Jochebed, who were from the tribe of Levi. This was a significant tribe in Israel because they were set apart by God to serve as priests and caretakers of the Tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary where God's presence dwelt among His people. Jochebed and Amram were descendants of Levi's son Kohath, and they lived in Egypt where the Israelites were slaves. Despite the danger of Pharaoh's decree to kill all Hebrew male babies, they hid Moses for three months before placing him in a basket and setting him adrift on the Nile river. Moses was eventually rescued by Pharaoh's daughter and raised in the palace, but he later discovered his Hebrew identity and became the leader of the Israelites in their exodus from Egypt. The fact that his parents were Levites would have been important to the Israelites, as it would have given Moses a special status and authority in religious matters as well.

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To save Saul's life in Damascus, the disciples helped him escape through a basket over the wall. This is based on the account found in the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Bible. Saul, who later became known as Paul, was a persecutor of Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. After this encounter, he was blinded and led into the city where he was met by a disciple named Ananias who prayed for him and his sight was restored. However, Saul's conversion to Christianity made him a target for persecution by the Jewish authorities, and the disciples knew that he was in danger. To help him escape, they lowered him down in a basket through an opening in the city wall. This was a clever way to ensure that Saul could escape without being seen or captured by his enemies. The disciples' actions in helping Saul escape demonstrate their courage and commitment to protecting their fellow believers, even in the face of danger. It also shows the power of faith to transform lives and bring about redemption.

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In James 2:1-13, James teaches about the importance of treating people equally, without showing favoritism or discrimination based on their social status, wealth, or appearance. He argues that as followers of God, we should not show partiality or favoritism to some people over others, but treat everyone with respect and love.
James uses the example of a rich man and a poor man coming into a church gathering. He warns against showing favoritism to the rich man by giving him a special seat while making the poor man stand or sit on the floor. James reminds us that God has chosen the poor to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, while the rich often oppress and exploit others.
James also emphasizes that breaking any part of God's law makes one guilty of breaking the whole law, and that showing partiality is a sin. He warns against judging people based on their outward appearance and reminds us that we will be judged by the law of liberty. This means that we should treat others the way we want to be treated, with mercy and compassion, instead of showing favoritism or discrimination.
In summary, James' teaching in James 2:1-13 emphasizes the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their social status, wealth, or appearance. As followers of God, we should not show partiality or favoritism, but treat everyone equally with love and compassion, as we will be judged by the law of liberty.

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