WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2019

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Deborah was a prophetess and a judge in Israel who advised Barak, a military commander, to deploy his troops to fight against the Canaanite army. Barak deployed a troop of ten thousand men on Mount Tabor, which is located in the Galilee region of northern Israel. The Canaanite army, led by Sisera, had nine hundred iron chariots, which made them a formidable opponent. However, with the help of God, the Israelite army under Barak's leadership was able to defeat the Canaanites, and Sisera was killed by Jael, a woman who drove a tent peg through his head while he was sleeping. This victory was seen as a great triumph for the Israelites and is celebrated in the biblical Book of Judges.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

King Ahab's sin brought about a drought upon the people of Israel. This is because King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel, promoted the worship of false gods and engaged in wickedness, which angered God. As a result, God punished the land with a severe drought, causing crops and vegetation to wither and die, and leading to widespread hunger and suffering among the people. This is recorded in the Bible in the book of 1 Kings. So, the correct option is "drought".

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These words were said by Eli. Eli was a priest and judge in the biblical book of 1 Samuel. He was the mentor and advisor to Samuel, who later became a prophet and judge in Israel. When Samuel was a young boy, he was called by God to be a prophet, but he did not initially recognize the voice of God. Eli helped him understand that it was the Lord speaking to him and encouraged him to respond, "Speak Lord, for your servant is listening." When Samuel later revealed to Eli that God was going to judge his family for their wickedness, Eli replied, "It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to Him." These words demonstrate Eli's submission and obedience to God's will, despite the difficult circumstances he faced.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Prophet Samuel had two worthless sons called Joel and Abijah. These sons were appointed as judges over Israel, but they were corrupt and did not follow in their father's footsteps as a faithful servant of God. This led to complaints from the people of Israel, who felt that they were not being properly served by the judges. Despite Samuel's efforts to correct his sons' behavior, they continued to engage in unjust practices, which further eroded the people's trust in the judicial system.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

The Church demonstrates partiality when it "reserves the best seats for rich." This means that the Church is showing favoritism towards wealthy individuals by giving them preferential treatment, such as seating them in the front row or giving them special privileges. This goes against the principles of equality and fairness, and can create division within the Church community. It is important for the Church to treat all members equally and with respect, regardless of their socio-economic status.

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The verse being referred to is Psalm 16:10, where David says that God will not abandon his soul to Hades, nor let his Holy one see corruption. Peter used this verse to defend Jesus' resurrection, as he believed that it was a fulfillment of this prophecy. Peter argued that Jesus, as the Holy one of God, could not have remained in the grave and experienced decay because God had promised to protect his soul. Therefore, Jesus must have risen from the dead, as the disciples had witnessed. This was a significant point for Peter because it affirmed Jesus' divine nature and provided evidence that he was the Messiah.

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Peter's definition of a good citizen is someone who obeys the laws of the state and fulfills their obligations. In other words, a good citizen is someone who follows the rules and regulations set forth by their government and actively participates in their society. This includes paying taxes, voting in elections, and serving on juries if called upon. While acts of charity, such as building houses or providing transportation, can certainly be admirable and beneficial to society, they are not necessarily requirements for being a good citizen. Ultimately, being a good citizen means being a responsible and law-abiding member of one's community.

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David entered into Saul's service because he was a skillful musician. According to 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Saul was tormented by an evil spirit from the Lord, and one of his servants suggested finding someone who could play the lyre to soothe Saul's distress. David, who was skilled in playing the lyre, was recommended by one of his brothers and was brought before Saul. Saul was pleased with David's playing and made him his armor-bearer. Therefore, David's skillful musicianship is what initially led him to enter into Saul's service.

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The aftermath of Gehazi's actions led to Elisha pronouncing a curse on him and his generation. In 2 Kings 5:20-27, Gehazi, Elisha's servant, lied to Naaman, a foreign commander who came to Elisha to be healed of leprosy, and obtained gifts from him by claiming falsely that Elisha had sent him. When Elisha learned of Gehazi's deceitful actions, he confronted him and pronounced a curse upon him, saying, "The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever." Therefore, the consequences of Gehazi's sin were severe and led to a curse being pronounced on him and his descendants by Elisha.

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When Jesus saw Levi sitting at the tax office, he said to him "Follow me." This means that Jesus invited Levi to become one of his disciples and to follow him in his teachings and mission. By saying this, Jesus was calling Levi to leave his current occupation and way of life and to become a part of his group of followers. This shows Jesus' willingness to welcome people from all walks of life, even those who were considered outcasts by society like tax collectors. It also shows his belief in the power of transformation and the ability for people to change their ways and follow a new path.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Jacob showed preference for Joseph because he was born in Jacob's old age and was the first son of his beloved wife Rachel. Joseph was also known for having the spirit of God in him and for always speaking the truth, which may have further endeared him to Jacob. However, it is not clear from the given options if Joseph loved his brother unconditionally, so this may not have been a factor in Jacob's preference for him.

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The creation of woman was necessitated by the need for companionship. When God created Adam, the first man, He saw that Adam was alone and needed someone to share his life with. So God created Eve, the first woman, to be Adam's companion and partner. Together, they could form a relationship based on mutual love, support, and understanding. This companionship was not just about physical presence, but also about emotional and spiritual connection. God recognized the importance of companionship and created woman to fulfill this need in Adam's life, and in the lives of all human beings who desire meaningful relationships.

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The excellent spirit in Daniel caused the Satraps to be jealous of him. In other words, the Satraps became envious of Daniel's abilities and virtues, such as his wisdom, honesty, and faithfulness, which earned him favor and promotion from the king. As a result, they plotted against him and tried to find fault with him, but they could not because of his excellent spirit. This story from the book of Daniel in the Bible teaches us that jealousy and envy can lead people to do evil things, but those who remain faithful and committed to their beliefs will ultimately triumph over their enemies.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

According to the Gospel of Matthew, the first two disciples of Jesus were fishermen. Their names were Simon Peter and Andrew, who were brothers and worked as fishermen in the Sea of Galilee. One day, as Jesus was walking by the shore, he saw them casting their nets into the sea and invited them to follow him and become "fishers of men." They immediately left their nets and followed him, becoming two of the twelve disciples of Jesus. The story of their call to discipleship is recounted in Matthew 4:18-22.

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Naboth was killed so that Ahab might own his property. In the Old Testament book of 1 Kings, Naboth was a vineyard owner who refused to sell his land to King Ahab, despite the king's offer to buy it or give him a better piece of land. Ahab's wife Jezebel, who was known for her wickedness, conspired to have Naboth falsely accused of blasphemy and stoned to death. With Naboth out of the way, Ahab was able to seize his vineyard and add it to his own property. However, God was displeased with Ahab and Jezebel's actions and sent the prophet Elijah to condemn them and prophesy their downfall. Thus, while Naboth's death allowed Ahab to gain control of his property, it ultimately led to his and Jezebel's downfall and punishment by God.

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The statement "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" was addressed by Jesus to two brothers, Simon (Peter) and Andrew. Jesus used the metaphor of fishing to call Simon and Andrew to become his disciples, and to help him spread his message to others, just as they were skilled at catching fish. This story is recorded in the Bible in the book of Matthew. So, the correct option is "Simon and Andrew".

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King Josiah was inspired to reform the worship of God in Judah by the contents of the book of the law. This was discovered by the high priest Hilkiah during the restoration work of the temple. The book was brought to the attention of the king's secretary Shaphan who read it to King Josiah. Upon hearing the words of the book, the king was moved to repentance and commanded that the people of Judah follow the laws and commandments of the book. He initiated a series of reforms, removing all the idols and altars dedicated to false gods and restoring the temple of Yahweh. The contents of the book of the law had a profound impact on King Josiah and his reforms, leading the people of Judah back to the worship of the one true God.

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The correct answer is "Abiram and Segub". According to the Old Testament in 1 Kings 16:34, Hiel of Bethel rebuilt the city of Jericho during the reign of King Ahab, but he paid a terrible price for doing so. In order to fulfill the curse that Joshua had placed upon the city, Hiel had to sacrifice his two sons, Abiram and Segub. This was seen as a punishment for the rebuilding of Jericho, which had been destroyed by the Israelites under Joshua's command. The story serves as a warning against disobeying God's commands and the consequences that can result from doing so.

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The meaning of the name Ichabod was "the glory has departed from Israel". This name was given to a person in the Bible who symbolized the loss of God's presence and favor from the nation of Israel. It reflected a time of darkness and turmoil in the nation's history, and the absence of the glory and blessings that God had once provided. The name Ichabod serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking and maintaining a close relationship with God.

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God blessed and hallowed the seventh day because it was a day of REST. According to Genesis 2:2-3 in the Bible, after God created the heavens and the earth and all that is in them, He rested on the seventh day. God then blessed and sanctified this day, setting it apart as a special day of rest. This day of rest was later included in the Ten Commandments as a reminder for God's people to rest and honor Him. Christians today also observe a day of rest and worship on Sunday, in honor of Christ's resurrection. Resting on the Sabbath is important because it allows us to take a break from our work and daily activities, to spend time with God, and to refresh and recharge ourselves physically and spiritually.

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The first child David had with Bathsheba died on the seventh day after birth. This event is recorded in the Bible in the Second Book of Samuel, chapter 12. According to the story, God punished David for his sin of adultery with Bathsheba by causing the child to fall ill and die. David mourned the child's death and fasted, but he eventually accepted that it was God's will and moved on with his life.

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In the book of Amos, "selling the needy for a pair of shoes" means the rich dishonored the less privileged. This means that the wealthy people treated the poor and needy as if they were worth less than a simple pair of shoes. This phrase was used as a way to criticize the wealthy for their disregard for the value of human life and their mistreatment of the less fortunate. The message of Amos was to remind people of the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their social status or wealth.

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King Herod arrested Peter because he wanted to please the Jews. At the time, the Christian faith was gaining popularity, and Herod wanted to maintain his own power and control over the people. When James, one of the apostles, was put to death, it pleased the Jewish leaders, so Herod thought he could win even more favor by arresting Peter as well. Herod hoped that by eliminating the leaders of this new religion, he could prevent it from spreading further and causing unrest among the people.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

This statement was made by King Saul in the Old Testament of the Bible. Saul was the first king of Israel, and David was his successor. Saul had become jealous of David's popularity and feared that he would try to take the throne from him. He had even attempted to kill David on several occasions. However, in this particular instance, David had spared Saul's life when he had the chance to kill him. After this, Saul realized that David meant him no harm and even pleaded with him to return, promising not to harm him again. So, the person who made this statement was Saul, and he made it to David as an admission of his wrongdoing and a request for forgiveness.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

Saul was a native of Tarsus. Tarsus was a city located in the region of Cilicia, which is now modern-day Turkey. Saul, who later became known as the apostle Paul, was born in Tarsus and grew up there. Tarsus was an important city in the Roman Empire and was known for its education, commerce, and culture. As a result of growing up in Tarsus, Saul would have been familiar with Greek culture and language, which would later aid him in his missionary journeys.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

James taught that to make prayers effective, Christians should avoid double-mindedness. This means that they should not pray with doubt or uncertainty in their hearts, but instead have faith and trust in God. James emphasizes the importance of having a single-minded focus on God when we pray, and not allowing ourselves to be distracted by other concerns or desires. By praying with faith and confidence, we can be assured that God will hear and answer our prayers according to His will. So, while it's important to pray regularly and in various settings, the key to making our prayers effective is to approach God with a sincere and unwavering heart.

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According to Peter, when church elders tend their flock well, they would obtain the crown of glory. This means that if the leaders of a church take good care of their congregation by providing spiritual guidance, teaching, and support, they will be rewarded with a special honor or recognition in heaven, symbolized by the "crown of glory." In essence, Peter is encouraging church leaders to be diligent in their responsibilities, to lead by example, and to prioritize the spiritual growth and well-being of their congregation. By doing so, they will receive a reward that surpasses any earthly benefit and brings them closer to God.

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The people who were sons of Zebedee are John and James. They were two of the twelve apostles of Jesus in the New Testament. They were fishermen before being called by Jesus to be his disciples, and their father's name was Zebedee. In the Bible, they are often referred to as the "Sons of Thunder" because of their impulsive and passionate personalities. John is also known for being the author of the Gospel of John, three letters, and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.

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The word "cup" in this context refers to death. This phrase is a quote from the Bible, specifically from the book of Matthew, and it is part of a prayer that Jesus said before his crucifixion. In this prayer, Jesus is asking God if it is possible for him to avoid the suffering and death that he knows is coming. He is expressing his fear and trepidation at the thought of what is to come, and he is asking for strength and comfort. The word "cup" is often used as a metaphor for a difficult or unpleasant situation, and in this case, it refers to the physical and spiritual suffering that Jesus was about to endure on the cross.

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During the dedication of the temple by Solomon, the cloud which filled the house symbolized the glory of God. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was often associated with a cloud, as seen in the story of the Israelites being led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night in the wilderness. When the cloud filled the temple during its dedication, it was a sign that God's glory was present in a special way, and that He had accepted the temple as a place for worship. The cloud was a visible manifestation of God's presence and power, and it was a reminder to the people that they were in the presence of a holy God. It was a symbol of His glory, majesty, and sovereignty, and it served to inspire reverence, awe, and worship in the hearts of the people. Therefore, the cloud that filled the temple during its dedication symbolized the glory of God and the special presence of His Spirit among His people.

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Moses made this remark. This statement is found in the book of Exodus in the Bible. Moses said this to God when he was called by God to go to the Israelites and tell them that God had sent him to lead them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses was concerned that the Israelites would not believe him and would reject him as their leader because they did not believe that God had appeared to him. However, God provided Moses with signs and miracles to perform in front of the Israelites to prove that he was sent by God.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

After the arrest of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, He was first taken to the courtyard of Caiaphas. Caiaphas was the high priest of the Jewish Sanhedrin during the time of Jesus. He was the one who had Jesus arrested and brought to trial before the Jewish authorities. According to the Bible, Jesus was taken to Caiaphas' courtyard after His arrest, where He was questioned and beaten by the guards. The courtyard of Caiaphas was located in Jerusalem, near the temple. It was a large open space where people could gather and hold meetings. The courtyard was also the location where Peter denied knowing Jesus three times, as prophesied by Jesus himself. After the trial before Caiaphas, Jesus was taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, for further questioning and judgment.

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According to the Bible, Adam was placed in the Garden of Eden, which is believed to have been located in the East. The Book of Genesis describes the location of the Garden as being eastward, in Eden. Additionally, the Bible also mentions that after Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden, they were sent to the east of Eden. Therefore, it is commonly believed that the Garden of Eden was located in the eastern part of the world, although the exact location is not known for sure.

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Jesus gave the instruction to sit here while he goes yonder and pray at Gethsemane. Gethsemane was a garden located near Jerusalem where Jesus went to pray before his arrest and crucifixion. He asked his disciples to wait for him while he went to pray alone, and during this time he experienced great anguish and sadness as he faced the reality of what was to come. This event is recorded in the New Testament in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

The main reason Joseph's brothers sold him was jealousy. Joseph was the favorite son of their father, Jacob, and his brothers felt envious of the attention and favoritism that Joseph received. Joseph's dreams, which indicated that he would one day be in a position of authority over his brothers, further fueled their jealousy. As a result, they plotted to get rid of him by selling him into slavery. So, the primary motivation behind their actions was jealousy, not love for money, a desire to eliminate others, or hatred.

Bayanin Amsa

Bayanin Amsa

The reason for the election of Matthias to replace Judas was to fulfill the words of the scripture. Judas, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus, had betrayed him and subsequently died. The remaining disciples felt that it was necessary to fill the vacant position, as it was prophesied in the book of Psalms (Psalm 109:8) that someone should take his place. Therefore, they chose Matthias to become the twelfth apostle, in order to fulfill this prophecy and maintain the number of disciples at twelve, which was significant to the early Christian community.

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(a) Other teachings of James on effective prayer (James 5:13-18)

Beyond confessing sins to one another and praying for one another so that they may be healed, James gave the following teachings on prayer:

• Prayer should suit every circumstance of life: anyone suffering should pray, and anyone cheerful should sing praise.
• If anyone is sick, he should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
• The prayer of faith will save the sick person, the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Faith is therefore essential in prayer.
• The prayer of a righteous person has great power in its effects; effective prayer must come from a righteous life.
• He gave Elijah as an example: Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain for three years and six months; then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth bore its fruit. This shows that fervent, earnest prayer produces results.

(b) Three ways Christians misuse prayers today

• Using prayer to curse, harm or invoke evil upon enemies rather than to seek God's blessing.
• Praying for selfish, materialistic or vain requests driven by greed and covetousness.
• Turning prayer into a noisy, showy performance or empty repetition without faith, sincerity or a righteous life.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) How the Israelites crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 14)

After Pharaoh had let the people of Israel go out of Egypt, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, but by the way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea. God went before them by day in a pillar of cloud and by night in a pillar of fire.

• Pharaoh's pursuit: When Pharaoh and his servants learnt that the people had fled, they changed their minds and said, "What have we done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?" Pharaoh made ready his chariot and took six hundred chosen chariots and all the chariots of Egypt with their officers, and pursued the Israelites, overtaking them as they camped by the sea.
• The fear of the Israelites: When the Israelites saw the Egyptians marching after them, they were terrified and cried out to the Lord, and murmured against Moses, saying it would have been better to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.
• Moses' reassurance: Moses said, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today; the Egyptians you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still."
• The dividing of the sea: The Lord told Moses to lift up his rod and stretch out his hand over the sea to divide it. The angel of God and the pillar of cloud moved from before them to behind them, coming between the host of Egypt and Israel, giving light to Israel but darkness to the Egyptians. Moses stretched out his hand, and the Lord drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land; the waters were divided.
• Israel crosses over: The people of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground, the waters being a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
• The destruction of the Egyptians: The Egyptians pursued them into the sea. The Lord clogged their chariot wheels so that they drove heavily. At daybreak, at God's command, Moses stretched out his hand again, and the sea returned to its normal course, covering the chariots, the horsemen and all the host of Pharaoh. Not one of them remained. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore, and the people feared the Lord and believed in him and in his servant Moses.

(b) Two lessons Christians can learn from this incident

• God is a faithful deliverer who saves his people: Christians learn that God is able to rescue his people from every danger and impossible situation; they should therefore trust him completely rather than give in to fear.
• Faith, obedience and calmness in the face of trouble: As Moses told the people to stand firm and be still while God fought for them, believers learn to be patient, obedient and confident in God during times of trial, knowing that victory comes from him.

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(a) The trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin according to Mark (Mark 14:53-65)

After Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, He was led away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders and the scribes were assembled. Peter followed at a distance and sat with the guards, warming himself at the fire in the courtyard.

The chief priests and the whole council sought testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death, but they found none. Many bore false witness against Him, yet their testimonies did not agree. Some stood up and testified falsely that they heard Him say, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands." Even about this their witness did not agree.

The high priest then stood up and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?" But Jesus remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked Him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?" Jesus answered, "I am; and you will see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven."

At this the high priest tore his garments and declared that Jesus had spoken blasphemy and that they needed no further witnesses. He asked for their judgement, and they all condemned Him as deserving death. Then some began to spit on Him, to cover His face and strike Him, saying, "Prophesy!" and the guards received Him with blows.

(b) Two reasons people bear false witness against others

• Envy, hatred and the desire to destroy someone they see as a rival or threat.
• Greed and bribery, when people are paid or promised gain to give false testimony.

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(a) What happened to Jesus after this statement in Gethsemane (Mark 14:34-52)

Having said, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here and watch with me," Jesus went a little farther, fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. He prayed, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this cup from me; yet not what I will, but what you will."

He returned and found the disciples sleeping and said to Peter, "Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." He went away and prayed a second and a third time, saying the same words, and each time He came back and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

The third time He said, "Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand."

Immediately Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived with a crowd carrying swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests, scribes and elders. Judas had given them a sign, saying, "The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him." He came to Jesus, called Him "Master" and kissed Him, and they laid hands on Him and seized Him. One of the bystanders drew his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. Jesus protested that they came against Him as though He were a robber, though He taught daily in the temple, and He noted that the Scriptures were being fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled, and a young man who followed Him left his linen cloth and ran away naked.

(b) Two ways to assist a fellow Christian going through challenges

• Praying with and for the person and encouraging them with the word of God.
• Offering practical and material support such as money, food, shelter or one's presence and comfort.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Events that led to Amos' statement (Amos 7:10-15)

Amos, a herdsman and dresser of sycamore trees from Tekoa in Judah, was called by God to prophesy against the Northern Kingdom of Israel during the reign of Jeroboam II. He condemned the social injustice, oppression of the poor, corruption, empty religious rituals and idolatry of the land, and he foretold the destruction and exile of Israel.

Amos declared that Jeroboam would die by the sword and that Israel would go into exile away from their land. Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, was offended by these words. He sent a report to King Jeroboam accusing Amos of conspiring against the king in the midst of the house of Israel, claiming that the land could not bear all his words.

Amaziah then turned to Amos directly and ordered him to flee back to the land of Judah, to eat bread there and prophesy there, and never again to prophesy at Bethel because it was the king's sanctuary and a temple of the kingdom.

It was in response to this rebuke and attempt to silence him that Amos made the statement: "I am no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I am a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees." By this he meant that he did not belong to the professional guild of prophets who prophesied for pay; rather it was the LORD who took him from following the flock and commanded him to go and prophesy to His people Israel. He therefore refused to be silenced and pronounced judgement upon Amaziah and his household.

(b) Three reasons people complain about the activities of some men of God today

• Excessive love of money and materialism, whereby some ministers exploit their followers through endless demands for offerings and seed-sowing.
• Immoral and scandalous conduct, such as sexual misconduct, fraud and dishonesty that contradict their preaching.
• False prophecy and manipulation, including fake miracles, deceptive predictions and the use of fear to control members.

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What led to the pronouncement, "I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant" (1 Kings 11:1-13)

This pronouncement was God's judgment upon King Solomon because of his apostasy in his later years. The circumstances that led to it were as follows:

• Solomon's many foreign wives: King Solomon loved many foreign women besides the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian and Hittite women. He had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. These were from nations concerning which the Lord had warned Israel not to intermarry, lest they turn their hearts after other gods.
• His heart turned away from God: When Solomon was old, his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God as was the heart of David his father.
• He fell into idolatry: Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and did not wholly follow the Lord.
• He built high places for idols: On the mountain east of Jerusalem, Solomon built high places for Chemosh the abomination of Moab and for Molech the abomination of the Ammonites, and did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods.
• God's anger and repeated warnings: The Lord was angry with Solomon because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice and had commanded him not to go after other gods. But Solomon did not keep what the Lord commanded.

Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, "Since this has been your mind and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. Yet for the sake of David your father I will not do it in your days, but I will tear it out of the hand of your son. However, I will not tear away all the kingdom, but I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem which I have chosen." This judgment was later fulfilled when the kingdom was divided in the days of Rehoboam, Solomon's son, leaving the tribe of Judah (with Benjamin) to the house of David.

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(a) The attitude Peter recommended for Christians living among people of other faiths (1 Peter 2:11-17)

Peter, addressing believers scattered as aliens and exiles among non-believers, urged them to adopt the following attitude:

• They should abstain from the passions of the flesh which war against the soul.
• They should maintain good conduct among the Gentiles (non-believers), so that although they may be spoken of as evildoers, the outsiders may see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
• They should be subject to every human institution for the Lord's sake, whether to the emperor as supreme or to governors sent to punish wrongdoers and praise those who do right.
• By doing good they would silence the ignorance of foolish people.
• They should live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover-up for evil, but live as servants of God.
• Peter summed it up: "Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor."

In short, Christians were to live peaceably, do good, submit to lawful authority and let their exemplary conduct be a witness that would draw others to glorify God.

(b) Two factors that can make Christians turn away from pleasing God

• Persecution, hardship and fear of suffering for the faith.
• Love of worldly pleasures, wealth and the passions of the flesh.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Stephen's defence before the Sanhedrin (Acts 7:1-53)

When the high priest asked Stephen whether the charges against him were true, Stephen answered by recounting the history of Israel to show God's continuous dealings with His people and their persistent rebellion.

He began with the God of glory appearing to Abraham in Mesopotamia and calling him to the promised land, and the covenant of circumcision. He spoke of the patriarchs, how the sons of Jacob out of jealousy sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with Joseph and used him to preserve the family during famine.

He then told of Moses: his birth, his upbringing in Pharaoh's house, his flight to Midian, the call at the burning bush, and how God sent him to deliver Israel from Egypt with signs and wonders. He reminded them that this same Moses, whom the people rejected saying, "Who made you a ruler and a judge?", was the one God sent as ruler and deliverer, and who foretold that God would raise up a prophet like him.

Stephen recalled that their fathers refused to obey Moses, turned back to Egypt in their hearts and made the golden calf, worshipping idols. He noted that Solomon built a house for God, yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands, quoting the prophet that heaven is God's throne and earth His footstool.

He climaxed his defence by rebuking them sharply: "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 persecuting the prophets, of betraying and murdering the Righteous One (Jesus), and of receiving the law by angels yet not keeping it. This so enraged them that they gnashed their teeth, and after he saw a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God, they stoned him to death.

(b) Three lessons from Stephen's defence

• We should be bold and courageous in defending and proclaiming our faith even in the face of danger.
• A good knowledge of the Scriptures strengthens our witness and defence of the faith.
• We should be ready to forgive our persecutors, as Stephen prayed for those who stoned him.

Bayanin Amsa

(a) Nehemiah's immediate reactions to the news about the state of affairs in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-11)

While Nehemiah was in Susa the capital, serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, his brother Hanani came with certain men from Judah. Nehemiah asked them about the Jews who had survived the exile and about Jerusalem. They told him that the survivors were in great trouble and shame, that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates had been destroyed by fire. On hearing this report, Nehemiah reacted at once in the following ways:

• He wept and mourned: When he heard these words, he sat down and wept, and mourned for days over the sad condition of the city and his people.
• He fasted: He continued fasting as a sign of grief and earnest seeking of God.
• He prayed to the God of heaven: He turned to God in prayer day and night on behalf of the people of Israel.
• He confessed the sins of his people: In his prayer he acknowledged and confessed the sins which the Israelites, including himself and his father's house, had committed against God, admitting that they had acted corruptly and not kept God's commandments.
• He appealed to God's covenant and promises: He reminded God of His steadfast love and of His promise that, though He had scattered them for their unfaithfulness, He would gather them again if they returned to Him and kept His commandments.
• He prayed for success and favour before the king: He asked God to grant him mercy and success in the presence of the king, whom he was about to approach for help, showing that he had already resolved to take action.

(b) Three virtues that can be learnt from Nehemiah's reactions

• Genuine love and concern for his people and nation: He was deeply moved by the plight of his fellow Jews and the ruined city, showing patriotism and compassion.
• Prayerfulness and dependence on God: Before doing anything, he committed the matter to God in fasting and prayer, seeking divine guidance and help.
• Humility and readiness to confess sin: He humbly acknowledged the sins of his people and his own, without pride or self-justification.

(Other acceptable virtues: faith in God's promises, courage and determination to act, and a sense of responsibility.)