JAMB UTME - Christian Religious Studies - 2018

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According to the Bible verse Romans 13:12, we are to "put on the armor of light" after casting off the works of darkness because the night is far spent, and the day is at hand. This means that we are to clothe ourselves with the power of God's light, which symbolizes righteousness, truth, and holiness. The "works of darkness" refer to sinful behavior and attitudes that are contrary to God's will. When we turn away from these behaviors and attitudes, we are to replace them with the "armor of light." This armor represents the protection and strength that God provides to those who trust in Him. The "breastplate of armor" is also mentioned in the Bible as part of the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14). This is a metaphor for the protection that God provides for our hearts and emotions. It represents righteousness and integrity, which guard us against the attacks of the enemy. In summary, after casting off the works of darkness, we are to put on the armor of light, which includes the breastplate of righteousness and represents the protection and strength that God provides to His people. This means that we are to live in accordance with God's will and to trust in His power to protect us from the enemy's attacks.

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According to the book of James in the Bible, when we face trials in life, we should "count it all joy." This means we should consider our trials as an opportunity to grow in our faith and become more mature as Christians. James explains that facing trials helps us to develop perseverance, which in turn leads to maturity and completeness. He encourages us to have faith that God will provide us with the wisdom and strength we need to endure our trials. So, while it may be difficult to rejoice or bless God's name when we are facing trials, James reminds us to focus on the positive outcomes that can result from our struggles. Rather than becoming discouraged, we can find hope and strength in knowing that God is with us and will help us overcome our difficulties.

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Nathan was a prophet in the Bible who lived during the reign of King David in Israel. He was known for delivering messages from God to the king and the people of Israel. Nathan played an important role in guiding the nation towards righteousness and helped King David understand the consequences of his actions. Nathan is remembered for his wisdom and his role in helping to shape the history of Israel.

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God told Moses to tell the Israelites that if they obey His voice and keep His commandments, they will be a special treasure to Him above all people because all the earth is His. This message emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as a means of earning God's favor and blessings. It also highlights the idea that everything in the world belongs to God, and obedience to His commands is the key to being in a right relationship with Him.

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1peter 4:10
Now in this verse, Peter says we should take a very different view from others in the world about anything we might call "ours." First, he implies that we must see whatever we have as a gift from God. After all, we have nothing which God has not given to us (James 1:17). Second, we should see whatever we have been given as an opportunity to serve other Christians. In other words, we should not view anything which is "ours" as off-limits for use in serving other believers. 

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The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Antioch was a city in ancient Greece and was one of the earliest centers of Christianity. The term "Christian" was used for the first time in Antioch to describe the followers of Jesus Christ, who were known for their faith in him and the way they lived their lives. This name was given to them by the non-Christians in Antioch, who observed the behavior and teachings of the disciples and recognized them as distinct from other groups.

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and he was captured. He was taken to the king of Babylon at Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he pronounced sentence on him.

10 There at Riblah the king of Babylon slaughtered the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes; he also killed all the officials of Judah.

11 Then he put out Zedekiah's eyes, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon, where he put him in prison till the day of his death.

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Romans 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

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David's behavior after Prophet Nathan accused him of murder and adultery showed repentance. Repentance means feeling sorry for your actions and being willing to change. In the Bible, after Prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, David acknowledged his wrongdoing and asked for forgiveness from God. This shows that he was remorseful for his actions and wanted to make amends.

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Mark 6:49-50
but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out,

because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid.

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"After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road." (Luke 10:1-4)

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In the book of Numbers in the Bible, there is a story of how God provided water for the Israelites in the wilderness of Zin. When the people complained about their lack of water, God instructed Moses and Aaron to gather the people and speak to a rock in front of them. God promised that the rock would then yield water for the people to drink. However, instead of following God's specific instructions, Moses struck the rock twice with his staff, and water gushed out for the people to drink. As a result of this disobedience, God told Moses and Aaron that they would not be allowed to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. In summary, when the glory of God appeared to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Zin, the Lord instructed them to speak to a rock before the people's eyes, and water would flow from it. However, Moses struck the rock instead of speaking to it, resulting in God's punishment for their disobedience.

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Saul was rejected as king over Israel because he disobeyed God's command to utterly destroy the Amalekites. In the Bible, the book of 1 Samuel chapter 15, God commanded Saul, the first king of Israel, to attack and completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as a punishment for their past sins against the Israelites. However, Saul and his army spared the Amalekite king and kept some of their valuable possessions. As a result of Saul's disobedience, God rejected him as king over Israel and chose someone else to be the next king. This event shows the importance of obedience to God's commands and the consequences of disobedience.

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In his exhortation on interpersonal relationship, Peter commends that the elders should live exemplary lives. This means that they should be good role models for others to follow. They should display the qualities and behaviors that are expected of them, such as honesty, integrity, kindness, and love. By doing so, they can inspire others to follow their example and lead a life that is pleasing to God. Additionally, by living exemplary lives, they can earn the respect and trust of others, which can be important in their role as leaders and shepherds of the community.

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God's pardon of the people of Nineveh teaches a lesson on the benefits of repentance. The story of Nineveh comes from the Bible's book of Jonah, where God sends the prophet Jonah to warn the people of Nineveh about their wicked ways and impending destruction. Despite Jonah's initial reluctance, the people of Nineveh listened to his message and repented, turning away from their evil deeds. As a result of their repentance, God showed them mercy and forgave them, sparing their city from destruction. This story teaches us that when we acknowledge our wrongdoing, turn away from our sins, and seek forgiveness, we can receive mercy and experience a positive change in our lives. Repentance is not only about seeking forgiveness from a higher power, but it also involves acknowledging our mistakes, taking responsibility for our actions, and making a conscious effort to change our behavior. It requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to change. In summary, the story of Nineveh teaches us that repentance can lead to forgiveness, mercy, and a positive change in our lives. It's a powerful lesson that we can all apply to our own lives, regardless of our religious beliefs.

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1 samuel 15:14 And Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 

15 Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amal′ekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”

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Aaron was the older brother of Moses and his closest ally and companion during their journey of leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. In the Bible, Aaron is often referred to as Moses' "spokesperson" or "mouthpiece" because he helped Moses communicate with the Israelites and Pharaoh. Aaron played a key role in many of the miracles that God performed through Moses, such as turning the Nile River into blood and bringing plagues upon Egypt. Aaron was also appointed by God to serve as the first high priest of Israel, responsible for leading the people in worship and performing sacrifices for their sins. Overall, Aaron was not only Moses' brother but also his partner in the mission of liberating and leading the Israelites to the Promised Land.

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According to the Bible, Joseph was 17 years old when he was taken to Egypt. Joseph was one of Jacob's twelve sons, and he was favored by his father. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery when he was 17 years old. He was then taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. Joseph's story is recorded in the book of Genesis in the Bible, and it tells how he rose to a position of power in Egypt through his ability to interpret dreams. Eventually, he was able to save his family from a famine by bringing them to Egypt.

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Acts 8:1         Following Stephen’s death in 35AD, the more radical members of the young church in Jerusalem are persecuted by the staunchly traditional Jewish hierarchy. Most of the Greek-speaking believers are scattered throughout Judaea and Samaria, while the twelve apostles – who are more traditional Hebrew and Aramaic-speaking Jews – are able to remain in Jerusalem.

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According to the Gospel of Luke, when Moses and Elijah appeared during the Transfiguration, they spoke with Jesus about His "departure", which is referring to His impending death. This event is recorded in Luke 9:28-36, and it is described that Moses and Elijah appeared in glorious form and talked with Jesus about what He was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. This conversation likely included the upcoming events of Jesus' trial, crucifixion, and resurrection. The Transfiguration served as a confirmation of Jesus' divine identity and His mission on earth, which was to suffer and die for the sins of humanity.

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The statement made by Jonah implies that God hears and answers prayers in times of distress. Jonah was in a difficult situation, being swallowed by a large fish, and he cried out to God for help. God answered Jonah's call and rescued him from his distress. This shows that God is always available to listen to and help those who call on Him, especially when they are in trouble.

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John 18:28 Then they brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s residence. (Now it was very early morning.) They did not go into the governor’s residence so they would not be ceremonially defiled, but could eat the Passover meal.

29 So Pilate came outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”

30 They replied, “If this man were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you.”

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This quote comes from the Bible, specifically from the book of Luke, chapter 9, verse 62. In this passage, Jesus is talking to someone who wants to follow him, but asks for permission to first go and say goodbye to his family. Jesus responds by saying that anyone who puts their hand to the plough (a farming tool used to make furrows for planting seeds) and then looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God. In simpler terms, Jesus is using a metaphor to explain that if you make a commitment to follow him, you should not look back or be distracted by things from your past or present that may keep you from fulfilling that commitment. He is saying that if you want to follow him, you need to be fully dedicated and not let anything hold you back. This passage emphasizes the importance of wholeheartedly committing to Jesus and the message he brings.

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The sign of God's covenant with Abraham was circumcision. In the book of Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham and promised to make him the father of many nations. As a sign of this covenant, God instructed Abraham to circumcise himself, his male children, and his male servants. Circumcision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the foreskin of the penis. It was a common practice in the ancient Near East, but God gave it a new significance by making it the sign of His covenant with Abraham. Through circumcision, Abraham and his descendants were set apart as a people who belonged to God and were committed to following His ways. The practice of circumcision continued throughout the Old Testament, and it was an important sign of Jewish identity and faith. In the New Testament, however, the Apostle Paul taught that circumcision was not necessary for salvation, and that faith in Jesus Christ was the true sign of belonging to God. In summary, circumcision was the sign of God's covenant with Abraham, and it symbolized a commitment to follow God's ways and be set apart as His people.

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Naaman had leprosy in the Bible. Naaman was a commander in the Syrian army, but he had leprosy, which was a serious skin disease in ancient times. A young Israelite girl who was captured during a raid on Israel suggested to Naaman's wife that he should go to the prophet Elisha in Samaria for healing. Naaman followed her advice and went to Elisha's house, but instead of meeting with him, he received instructions through a messenger to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Initially, Naaman was skeptical and angry at Elisha's lack of personal attention, but his servants convinced him to try the treatment. Naaman followed the instructions and was miraculously healed of his leprosy. He then returned to Elisha's house to thank him and acknowledge the God of Israel. The story of Naaman's healing is found in 2 Kings 5:1-19.

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Cheerfulness is not listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians. The fruits of the Spirit are described in Galatians 5:22-23 as "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". Cheerfulness is a positive quality, but it is not specifically listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit in this passage.

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King Saul promised to give his daughter in marriage to the person who could face and defeat Goliath. This means that whoever defeated Goliath would have the privilege of marrying King Saul's daughter as a reward for their bravery and skill.

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The main reason why Peter and John were arrested by the officers of the temple was because they proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection. They were healing a man who was lame from birth and the people were amazed by this miracle. When the people asked Peter and John how they had done this, they told them it was through the power of Jesus and that he had risen from the dead. This message of the resurrection of Jesus was a direct challenge to the religious leaders of the time and they arrested Peter and John to stop them from spreading this message.

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According to James, in his letter found in the New Testament of the Bible, "judgment is without mercy to one who shows no mercy." This means that if someone is not willing to show mercy to others, they can't expect to receive mercy when they themselves are judged. However, James also states that "mercy triumphs," which means that showing mercy is more powerful and important than any kind of judgment or punishment. In other words, being merciful towards others is the right way to live and can ultimately lead to positive outcomes. So, to summarize, if someone is not willing to show mercy to others, they cannot expect to receive mercy when they are judged. But, if someone is merciful towards others, they will experience the triumph of mercy over judgment.

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According to the Book of Romans, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. This means that people who are controlled by their physical desires and worldly thoughts cannot live a life that is pleasing to God. It is believed that true worship and pleasing God come from having a spiritual mindset and being guided by the Holy Spirit, not just physical actions.

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Ish-bosheth – II Sam 2:8-11……………Ish-bosheth was the son of Saul. He was crowned King after his Father’s death.

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"So David sent this word to Joab: "Send me Uriah the Hittite." And Joab sent him to David. 7When Uriah came to him, David asked him ....... But Uriah slept at the entrance to the palace with all his master’s servants and did not go down to his house. David was told, "Uriah did not go home." So he asked Uriah, "Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?" Uriah said to David, "The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, a and my commander Joab and my lord's men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!" " (2 Samuel 11:6-11)

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According to James, we must consider trials in our lives as "testing." In the Bible, James encourages his readers to consider it pure joy whenever they face trials of many kinds because these trials test and refine their faith, producing perseverance and maturity in them. In other words, trials are an opportunity for us to grow stronger and more resilient in our faith and character. So, rather than seeing trials as something to be avoided, we should view them as a chance to learn and grow.

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Abraham is portrayed in the Bible as "the father of the faithful." This is because he is considered to be the first person in the Bible to have faith in God and to be credited with righteousness because of his faith. He is seen as an example of someone who obeyed God's call and trusted in His promises, even though he did not always understand what God was doing. Abraham is also remembered as the patriarch of the Israelite people, as he is said to be the ancestor of the twelve tribes of Israel. He is revered as an important figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and his story is told in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible. While Abraham is an important figure in the Bible, he is not described as "the giver of the law," "the mighty prophet of Jehovah," or "the lion of Judah." These titles are given to other figures in the Bible, such as Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, respectively.

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2samuel 18:5
And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young man, even with Absalom. And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

David have earlier exhibited this extraordinary trait of forgiving people who considered him a threat and wished him evil as he did when king saul sought after his life.

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Acts 16:14
And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshipped God, heard; whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul.

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The statement "What have you to do with us O son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?" reveals that the demoniacs in the country of Gadarenes were threatened by the power of Jesus. They recognized that Jesus was the son of God and had the power to torment them, which made them feel vulnerable and scared. They also seemed to imply that they knew there was a time for their eventual punishment, and they were not expecting to face it just yet. Overall, the statement highlights the fear and recognition of the power of Jesus from the perspective of the demoniacs.

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This quote is attributed to King Rehoboam, who was the son of King Solomon and the successor to the throne of the Kingdom of Israel. This statement is made in the context of a confrontation with the Israelite people, who had come to Rehoboam seeking relief from the harsh policies of his father. Rehoboam's response, to threaten even greater punishment, was seen as a sign of his lack of wisdom and leadership, and ultimately led to a division of the kingdom into two separate states, with Rehoboam ruling over the southern kingdom of Judah.

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Then they led Jesus from the house of Ca′iaphas to the praetorium. It was early. They themselves did not enter the praetorium, so that they might not be defiled, but might eat the passover. (john 18:28)

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King Josiah of Judah did not kill the idolatrous priests, but he did depose them from their positions and removed their power and influence. This was part of his larger religious reforms, in which he sought to return the people of Judah to worshiping the one true God and to eliminate the idolatrous practices that had become widespread in the land. King Josiah recognized the negative impact that the idolatrous priests were having on the spiritual well-being of the people, and took steps to remove them from their positions of influence so that the people could be led back to a righteous and faithful way of life.