WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2015 (Essay)

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(a) How Saul became converted (Acts 9:1-19)

Saul of Tarsus was a fierce persecutor of the early Church. Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, he went to the high priest and asked for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

As he journeyed and drew near to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" and the voice replied, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do."

The men travelling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. When Saul rose from the ground and opened his eyes, he could see nothing; he had become blind. So they led him by the hand into Damascus, and for three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank.

Meanwhile the Lord spoke in a vision to a disciple named Ananias, telling him to go to the street called Straight, to the house of Judas, and ask for Saul of Tarsus, who was praying and had seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to restore his sight. Ananias objected because of Saul's evil reputation, but the Lord told him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel."

Ananias went, laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road has sent me that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. He rose and was baptised, took food and was strengthened. Thereafter Saul, who became Paul, began at once to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.

(b) Three visible signs of a convert

• A changed life and character, turning away from sin to righteousness and good works.
• Public confession of faith in Christ, often sealed by baptism and open association with fellow believers.
• Zeal for God shown in prayer, worship, witnessing and proclaiming the gospel to others.

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(a) Amos' encounter with Amaziah the priest (Amos 7:10-17)

Amos prophesied at Bethel during the reign of Jeroboam II, condemning the sins of Israel and predicting judgement. In particular he declared that Jeroboam would die by the sword and that Israel would surely go into exile away from its land.

Amaziah, the priest of Bethel, was offended and sent a message to King Jeroboam, accusing Amos: "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel; the land is not able to bear all his words. For thus Amos has said, 'Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel must go into exile away from his land.'"

Amaziah then confronted Amos directly and ordered him, "O seer, go, flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there, and prophesy there; but never again prophesy at Bethel, for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a temple of the kingdom."

Amos answered that he was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore trees, and that the LORD took him from following the flock and said to him, "Go, prophesy to my people Israel." He therefore refused to be silenced.

Amos then pronounced God's judgement on Amaziah for opposing the LORD's message: "Your wife shall be a harlot in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be parcelled out by line; you yourself shall die in an unclean land, and Israel shall surely go into exile away from its land."

(b) Three practices in society that need to be condemned

• Corruption, bribery and embezzlement of public funds by leaders and officials.
• Oppression, injustice and exploitation of the poor and the weak.
• Immorality, dishonesty and fraud such as cheating in trade, examination malpractice and cultism.

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(a) Problems Joseph encountered with his brothers (Genesis 37)

Joseph was the beloved son of Jacob, born to him in his old age by Rachel, and Jacob made him a long robe with sleeves (a coat of many colours). His brothers hated him because their father loved him more than all of them, and they could not speak peaceably to him.

Joseph increased their hatred when he brought a bad report of his brothers to their father, and when he told them his dreams. In one dream their sheaves bowed down to his sheaf; in another the sun, moon and eleven stars bowed down to him. They understood these to mean that he would rule over them, and they hated and envied him the more.

One day Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers who were pasturing the flock at Shechem. When they saw him coming from afar, they conspired to kill him, saying, "Here comes this dreamer. Let us kill him and throw him into a pit, and we shall see what will become of his dreams." Reuben, wishing to save him, persuaded them not to shed blood but to cast him into a pit. So they stripped Joseph of his robe and threw him into an empty pit. As they sat to eat, a caravan of Ishmaelites (Midianite traders) passed by, and at Judah's suggestion they sold Joseph to them for twenty pieces of silver, and he was taken to Egypt. They then dipped his robe in the blood of a goat and sent it to Jacob, who believed a wild beast had devoured his son and mourned bitterly.

(b) How Joseph and his brothers were reconciled (Genesis 42-45)

Years later, during a severe famine, Joseph had risen to become governor of Egypt, in charge of the grain. His brothers came down to Egypt to buy grain and, not recognising him, bowed before him, fulfilling his dreams. Joseph recognised them but concealed his identity, tested them by accusing them of being spies, kept Simeon as a hostage and demanded they bring Benjamin. On their second visit he hid his cup in Benjamin's sack to test their loyalty. When Judah offered himself in place of Benjamin for their father's sake, Joseph could no longer control himself. He sent out the Egyptians and wept aloud, then made himself known: "I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt." He reassured them not to be distressed or angry with themselves, for God had sent him ahead to preserve life and save them during the famine. He kissed his brothers and wept, and invited the whole family, including his father Jacob, to come and settle in the land of Goshen.

(c) Three lessons from the relationship between Joseph and his family

• Envy, hatred and favouritism breed conflict and can lead to great evil within a family.
• Forgiveness and reconciliation are better than revenge; Joseph forgave his brothers freely.
• God can turn evil intentions into good and works out His purpose despite human wickedness.

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(a) The relationship between faith and works according to the teaching of James (James 2:14-26).

1. James asked what good it is if a man says he has faith but does not have works; can such faith save him?
2. He illustrated this with a needy brother or sister who is ill-clad and lacks daily food. If one says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, it profits nothing.
3. He concluded that so faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.
4. He anticipated an objection: one may say, "You have faith and I have works." James answered, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith."
5. He argued that even the demons believe that God is one, and they shudder; mere belief without action does not save.
6. He gave the example of Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works.
7. Thus the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God. James concluded that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
8. He gave a second example: Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
9. James summed up his teaching by declaring that as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.

Therefore, according to James, genuine faith and good works are inseparable: true faith must express itself in practical, loving action, and works are the visible proof and completion of faith.

(b) Three ways Christians can demonstrate their faith in works.

1. By feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping the poor and needy.
2. By caring for orphans, widows, the sick and the stranger.
3. By living honest, righteous and morally upright lives.
4. By showing love, forgiveness and hospitality to others.
5. By supporting the work of the church and preaching the gospel.

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(a) Peter's advice to Christians living among non-Christians (1 Peter 2:11-17; 3:8-17; 4:1-16).

1. Peter urged them, as aliens and exiles, to abstain from the passions of the flesh that wage war against the soul.
2. They were to maintain good conduct among the Gentiles, so that though the Gentiles spoke against them as evildoers, they might see their good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
3. They were to be subject, for the Lord's sake, to every human authority: to the emperor and to governors, and by doing right to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.
4. They were to live as free people, yet not use their freedom as a cover for evil, but as servants of God, honouring all men, loving the brotherhood, fearing God and honouring the emperor.
5. They were to have unity of spirit, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart and a humble mind, not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing.
6. They were to keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit, turn away from evil and do good, and seek peace.
7. They were told that even if they suffered for righteousness' sake, they would be blessed, and they should not fear or be troubled, but reverence Christ as Lord.
8. They were to always be prepared to make a defence to anyone who asked a reason for the hope in them, yet to do it with gentleness and reverence, keeping a good conscience.
9. They were to no longer live by human passions such as licentiousness, drunkenness and lawless idolatry, as they once did, even though the Gentiles were surprised at this change.
10. If they suffered as Christians, they were not to be ashamed but to glorify God in that name.

(b) Three challenges Christians can face among non-Christians.

1. Mockery, insult, slander and false accusation for their faith.
2. Temptation to join in immoral and ungodly practices such as drunkenness and idolatry.
3. Persecution, discrimination and even physical suffering for the sake of Christ.
4. Pressure to compromise Christian standards and values.

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(a) The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor (Numbers 27:12-23; Deuteronomy 31 and 34)

As Moses approached the end of his life, the LORD told him to go up Mount Abarim to view the promised land, reminding him that he would not enter it because he and Aaron had rebelled against God's command at the waters of Meribah by failing to sanctify Him before the people.

Moses, concerned that the congregation should not be like sheep without a shepherd, prayed that the LORD would appoint a man over the congregation to lead them out and bring them in. The LORD directed Moses to take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom was the Spirit, and to lay his hand upon him.

Moses was to set Joshua before Eleazar the priest and all the congregation, and commission him in their sight. He was to invest him with some of his own authority, so that all the congregation of Israel would obey him. Joshua was to stand before Eleazar the priest, who would inquire for him by the judgement of the Urim before the LORD.

Moses did as the LORD commanded: he took Joshua, set him before Eleazar and all the congregation, laid his hands on him and commissioned him. Later, before his death, Moses encouraged Joshua and the people, saying, "Be strong and of good courage," for the LORD would go with them and not fail nor forsake them. The LORD Himself charged Joshua to be strong and courageous, for he would bring Israel into the land, promising to be with him. And Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid his hands upon him, so the people obeyed him.

(b) Three qualities of Joshua recommended for leaders of today

• Courage and boldness, for he was repeatedly charged to be strong and of good courage.
• Faith in God and obedience to His word.
• Wisdom, humility and faithfulness in carrying out his responsibilities.

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(a) The supremacy of God on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:17-40)

During a great drought, Elijah met King Ahab and challenged him over Israel's worship of Baal. He proposed a contest to prove who the true God was, and all Israel, together with the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal (and the prophets of Asherah), gathered at Mount Carmel.

Elijah challenged the people: "How long will you go limping between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." But the people did not answer. He then set the terms: two bulls would be prepared, one for the prophets of Baal and one for himself, laid on wood but with no fire under them. Each side would call on the name of its god, and the God who answered by fire would be recognised as the true God. The people agreed.

The prophets of Baal went first. They prepared their bull and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, crying, "O Baal, answer us!" but there was no voice and no answer. They limped around the altar and, as Elijah mocked them, saying perhaps their god was musing, or gone aside, or on a journey, or asleep, they cried louder and cut themselves with swords and lances until blood gushed out. Yet there was no voice, no answer, no response the whole afternoon.

Then Elijah called the people to him. He repaired the broken altar of the LORD with twelve stones for the twelve tribes, dug a trench around it, laid the wood and the bull, and to remove all doubt he had the offering drenched with water three times until the water filled the trench. At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah prayed, "O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel... answer me, that this people may know that you, O LORD, are God."

Then the fire of the LORD fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones and the dust, and even licked up the water in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and cried, "The LORD, He is God; the LORD, He is God." At Elijah's command they seized the prophets of Baal, and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and killed them. Thus the supremacy of the LORD over Baal was proved.

(b) Three ways the church can fight against immoral acts in society

• By boldly preaching, teaching and condemning sin and immorality, calling people to repentance.
• By living an exemplary and holy life, so that members become role models of good conduct.
• By organising moral education, counselling, evangelism and social programmes that encourage godly values and discipline offenders.

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(a) The baptism of Jesus as narrated in Matthew's Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17)

John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness of Judea and baptising people in the river Jordan as they confessed their sins, in preparation for the coming of the kingdom of heaven. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptised by him.

John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness." Then John consented and baptised Him.

When Jesus was baptised, He went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Thus at the baptism of Jesus the whole Trinity was manifested: the Son being baptised, the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, and the Father speaking from heaven in approval.

(b) Two ways baptism is relevant to Christians

• It is a public sign of repentance, faith and admission into the Christian community, identifying the believer with Christ.
• It symbolises the washing away of sin and the beginning of a new life in Christ, following the example set by Jesus Himself.

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(a) The appearance of the Risen Christ on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35)

On the day of the resurrection, two of the disciples were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked they talked with each other about all the things that had happened, that is, the crucifixion of Jesus and the reports of the empty tomb.

While they were discussing, Jesus Himself drew near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognising Him. He asked what they were discussing as they walked along looking sad. One of them, named Cleopas, expressed surprise that He seemed to be the only visitor to Jerusalem who did not know the things that had happened. When Jesus asked, "What things?", they told Him about Jesus of Nazareth, a mighty prophet, who was condemned and crucified by the chief priests and rulers; how they had hoped He was the one to redeem Israel; and how some women had found the tomb empty and reported a vision of angels saying He was alive.

Jesus then rebuked them for being foolish and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets had spoken, and beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself and how the Christ had to suffer before entering His glory.

As they drew near the village, He acted as though He would go further, but they constrained Him to stay, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening." So He went in to stay with them. When He was at table, He took the bread, blessed it, broke it and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised Him, and He vanished out of their sight. They said to one another, "Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road and opened to us the Scriptures?" That same hour they rose and returned to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven and told them how the Lord had risen and had been known to them in the breaking of the bread.

(b) Three benefits Christians derive from the resurrection of Jesus Christ

• It gives believers the assurance of victory over death and the hope of eternal life and their own resurrection.
• It confirms Jesus as the Son of God and Saviour, strengthening the faith of believers.
• It guarantees forgiveness of sins, justification and the abiding presence and power of the living Christ in the believer's life.