WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 1988

Akọwa Nkọwa

The statement "I will be clean" was made by Jesus at the healing of the leper. The leper came to Jesus and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." Jesus replied, "I am willing. Be clean!" and the man was instantly healed of his leprosy. This account is recorded in the book of Matthew, chapter 8, verses 1-4.

Akọwa Nkọwa

According to the Gospel of John, Jesus healed a man born blind to demonstrate the power of God and reveal His own divinity. The man was healed so that the work of God might be made manifest through him, and Jesus used the occasion to teach His disciples about His true nature as the light of the world. The healing of the blind man was also a sign of Jesus' power and authority over illness and disability. Overall, the healing of the man born blind serves as a powerful testimony to the identity and mission of Jesus as the Son of God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

During the reign of Josiah, the Book of the Law was found in the temple by Hilkiah. According to the Old Testament book of 2 Kings, during the renovation of the temple, Hilkiah the high priest found a scroll that was identified as the Book of the Law (most likely Deuteronomy) which had been lost for many years. Hilkiah then gave the scroll to Shaphan the scribe who read it to King Josiah. The discovery of the Book of the Law was a turning point in the religious reforms instituted by Josiah in Judah.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the book of John, Jesus had a conversation with a Samaritan woman at a well. During the conversation, Jesus spoke about living water, which refers to the Holy Spirit. He explained that whoever drinks of the water He gives will never thirst again and that it will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. Therefore, when John says living water means water that wells up to eternal life, he is referring to the gift of the Holy Spirit that Jesus gives to those who believe in Him.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Peter claimed that the events of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and enabled them to speak in various languages, were a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. He quoted from Joel 2:28-32 to support his claim, saying that "in the last days" God would pour out his Spirit on all people, and that there would be signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Reuben advised his brothers to cast Joseph into a pit and not to kill him because he wanted to rescue him afterwards and bring him safely to their father.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The decision that Gentile Christians should all be circumcised was not one of those taken at the first Christian Council in Jerusalem. At the council, the apostles and elders came together to discuss the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish law and be circumcised. After much debate, they reached a decision that Gentile Christians should abstain from the pollution of idols, avoid unchastity, not eat meat that has been strangled, and avoid blood. However, they did not require circumcision for Gentile Christians, as they believed that salvation came through faith in Jesus Christ and not through adherence to Jewish law.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

In this statement, Paul is referring to the second coming of Jesus Christ. The phrase "time and seasons" indicates the appointed time for Christ's return, which cannot be predicted or controlled by humans. Paul is reassuring the Thessalonians that they need not worry about the exact timing of this event, as it is beyond human knowledge and control. Therefore, they should focus on living a righteous life and being prepared for Christ's return.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus sent the twelve disciples to preach and perform miracles among the Jews. The disciples were instructed not to go to the Gentiles or Samaritans, but to focus on the lost sheep of the house of Israel. This mission was part of Jesus' larger message of repentance and the coming of the kingdom of God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Paul advises us not to grieve as others do who have no hope concerning the dead in the Lord. In other words, we should not mourn for our loved ones who have died in Christ as if we have no hope of seeing them again. Rather, we should have faith that they are with the Lord and that we will be reunited with them in heaven. This gives us hope and comfort in the face of death, knowing that death is not the end and that we will be together again in the presence of God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Jonah was swallowed by a fish because he disobeyed God. In the book of Jonah in the Bible, God instructed Jonah to go and preach repentance to the city of Nineveh, but Jonah disobeyed and tried to run away from God's presence by boarding a ship to Tarshish. God sent a storm, and the sailors threw Jonah overboard, where he was swallowed by a great fish. Jonah remained in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights before he was eventually vomited out on dry land.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The Holiness of God was mostly emphasized by the prophet Isaiah. In his vision in the temple, he saw the Lord high and lifted up, with seraphim crying out "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty" (Isaiah 6:1-3). Throughout his prophecies, Isaiah emphasized the importance of the people of Israel understanding and living in reverence of God's holiness. He also prophesied about the coming of the Messiah, who would be the ultimate embodiment of God's holiness.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are a set of supernatural abilities or powers that Christians believe are given by God to believers to help them live a Christian life and fulfill God's purposes. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are listed in the Bible in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10 and include: - Utterance of wisdom - Utterance of knowledge - Faith - Healing - Working of miracles - Prophecy - Discernment of spirits - Speaking in tongues - Interpretation of tongues Therefore, the correct option in the question above is "Prophecy and interpretation of tongues".

Akọwa Nkọwa

According to the Gospel of Mark, the first four disciples to be called by Jesus were Simon (who was later called Peter), Andrew (Simon's brother), James (son of Zebedee), and John (James' brother).

Akọwa Nkọwa

The statement of Paul, "For as many of you that were baptized in Christ have put on Christ", implies that all those who are baptized in Christ are a new creation. This means that they are no longer the same person they used to be before their baptism. They have become a new person, a child of God, and have put on the righteousness of Christ. They have been forgiven of their sins and are now reconciled to God. As a result, they should live a new life in accordance with their new identity in Christ and should no longer be identified with their old self. They should strive to live a holy life and follow the example of Christ in all that they do.

Akọwa Nkọwa

After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples, who were startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost. In response, Jesus asked for something to eat, and they gave Him a piece of broiled fish, which He ate in their presence. This was to prove that He was not a spirit, but a man with flesh and bone who had risen from the dead, just as He had promised. By eating the fish, Jesus showed His disciples that He was physically present with them and had conquered death, fulfilling His promise to rise again.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Deborah was a prophetess at the time she became a judge in Israel. As a prophetess, she had a close relationship with God and was able to hear His voice and receive divine messages. She was known for her wisdom and judgment and was highly respected among the people of Israel. As a judge, she led the Israelites in battle against their enemies and brought peace to the land.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The leader of the Jews who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem after the exile was Nehemiah. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Nehemiah was a Jewish official in the court of the Persian king, Artaxerxes I. He was appointed as the governor of the province of Judah, and his primary mission was to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed during the Babylonian exile. Despite facing opposition from neighboring groups, Nehemiah led the rebuilding efforts and successfully completed the task in 52 days.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus intended to teach about God's love for a repentant sinner. The parable tells the story of a young man who asked his father for his share of the inheritance and then went away to live a life of wild living, but eventually ran out of money and found himself in a desperate situation. He then decided to return to his father and beg for forgiveness. The father, who had been waiting and watching for his son's return, ran to him, embraced him and welcomed him back with open arms, much to the older brother's dismay. This story teaches that no matter how far we have strayed from God, he is always willing to forgive us and welcome us back with love and open arms when we repent and turn back to him.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the Christian doctrine, sin is considered to be disobedience to God's laws and commands, leading to separation from Him. However, those who believe in Jesus Christ and accept Him as their Lord and Savior are said to be under grace. Grace refers to God's unmerited favor and love towards humanity, which allows believers to receive forgiveness of sins and eternal life. Therefore, sin has no dominion or power over those who are under grace, as they have been set free from its control and condemnation by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This is based on the teachings of the apostle Paul in the New Testament book of Romans.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Joseph was sold to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. This is recorded in Genesis 37:28 of the Bible, where it is mentioned that Joseph's brothers sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver, after which the Ishmaelites took Joseph to Egypt.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The promise to Abraham and his descendants as the inheritor of the earth came through the righteousness of faith. This means that God promised Abraham and his descendants that they would inherit the earth not because of their works, but because of their faith in God. In other words, their trust and belief in God's promises made them righteous in His eyes, and it was through this righteousness that they would receive the promised inheritance. This concept of righteousness through faith is a central theme in the Bible, and is particularly emphasized in the New Testament.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The plot against the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem by Nehemiah was hatched by Sanballat, Tobiah and the Arabs.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The answer is "Stephen and Philip". In the Bible, in the Acts of the Apostles, it is recorded that the twelve apostles chose seven men to assist them in serving the community. These men were called deacons. Among these seven, Stephen and Philip were specifically mentioned to have become evangelists, spreading the word of God and performing miracles.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The main message of Hosea, as stated in the Bible, is that God desires steadfast love instead of sacrifice. This means that God values genuine love and devotion over outward religious rituals and offerings. In the book of Hosea, the prophet Hosea uses his own difficult marriage as a metaphor for the unfaithfulness of the Israelites towards God. Despite their waywardness, God still calls them back to a loving relationship with Him. The message of Hosea is therefore one of hope and redemption, emphasizing the importance of love, faithfulness, and repentance in one's relationship with God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Paul said this to emphasise the need for unity among Christians. He used the analogy of the human body, saying that just as every part of the body is important and necessary for the proper functioning of the whole, every member of the church is important and necessary for the proper functioning of the body of Christ. He was reminding the Corinthians that they should not think too highly of themselves or look down on others, but should recognize that they are all part of one body and should work together in unity for the common good. In this way, he encourages the church to be a community of mutual love and support, rather than a collection of isolated individuals.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Akọwa Nkọwa

Paul teaches that the relationship between wives and their husbands should be fitting in the Lord. This means that the relationship should be based on the principles of Christ's teachings, which emphasize love, respect, and mutual submission. The husband is expected to love and cherish his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife is expected to respect and submit to her husband as to the Lord. This does not mean that the husband has absolute command over his wife, but rather that they work together in a loving and respectful partnership. The relationship should be characterized by mutual support, trust, and sacrifice.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Paul implies that working hard and contributing to society is essential, and those who refuse to work should not receive the benefits of the community's efforts, such as food. This statement emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and the dignity of labor. It also discourages idleness and encourages a strong work ethic. Paul is not saying that work is essential for salvation, but rather that it is an essential part of being a responsible member of society.

Akọwa Nkọwa

During the first missionary journey, Paul was stoned at Lystra. Lystra was a city in the region of Lycaonia, in modern-day Turkey. Paul and Barnabas had gone there to preach the Gospel and perform miracles, and many people believed in Jesus as a result. However, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium stirred up the people against Paul, and they stoned him and left him for dead. But Paul survived, and the next day he and Barnabas continued on their journey to Derbe.

Akọwa Nkọwa

At the death of Lazarus in Bethany, the two sisters who many Jews came to console were Martha and Mary.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Jesus came to be baptized by John in order to fulfill all righteousness. This is recorded in the Bible in Matthew 3:13-15, where it says that Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John the Baptist. John initially objected, saying that he should be baptized by Jesus instead. But Jesus insisted, saying that it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness. By being baptized, Jesus was publicly identifying Himself with John's message of repentance and submission to God, and was setting an example for His followers to do the same. It was not because He needed to be forgiven of His sins, as He was sinless.

Akọwa Nkọwa

According to Peter, the genuineness of faith is tested through trials. This means that when a person faces difficult circumstances, their faith is tested to see if it is genuine or not. Genuine faith is demonstrated through perseverance and trust in God even in the midst of trials and difficulties. It involves a deep conviction and commitment to God's promises and His character, even when circumstances seem to contradict them. Faith that is not genuine may falter or fall away when faced with challenges or adversity. Therefore, trials can serve as a way to refine and strengthen a person's faith.

Akọwa Nkọwa

In the book of Colossians, Paul advised the Colossians to put away wrath, malice, and slander to attain true life in Christ. This means that to live a life of true discipleship, Christians must put aside negative and harmful behaviors such as anger, ill-will, and spreading false information about others. Instead, they should practice compassion, humility, forbearance, and love towards one another.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) How Jonah reacted to God’s message

God commanded Jonah to arise and go to Nineveh, the great city, and preach against its wickedness. Jonah did not want to obey God’s instruction. Instead of going to Nineveh, he went down to Joppa and boarded a ship going to Tarshish, hoping to flee from the presence of the LORD.

God caused a great storm on the sea which threatened to destroy the ship. The sailors became afraid, prayed to their gods and threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. Jonah, however, was asleep in the lower part of the ship. When the sailors discovered that Jonah was responsible for the storm through casting lots, he told them that he was fleeing from the LORD and asked them to throw him into the sea. They reluctantly threw him into the sea, and immediately the storm became calm.

God appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah remained in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. There, Jonah prayed to God and acknowledged God’s power to save. God commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah out onto dry land.

After this, God gave Jonah the command a second time to go to Nineveh and preach to its people. This time Jonah obeyed. He went to Nineveh and proclaimed that the city would be overthrown in forty days. The people of Nineveh believed God, repented, fasted and put on sackcloth. When God saw their repentance, He spared the city.

(b) Two lessons about the nature of God

1. God is omnipresent and omniscient. No one can run away from or hide from God. Jonah tried to flee to Tarshish, but God knew where he was and used the storm and the great fish to bring him back.
2. God is merciful and forgiving. God forgave and spared the people of Nineveh when they repented of their sins, showing that He is willing to show mercy to all people who turn from evil.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Attributes of, and rewards for, humility in the Epistles

The Epistles present humility as a fundamental Christian virtue, patterned after Christ, and promise definite rewards to the humble.

Attributes of humility

• Christ-likeness and self-emptying: Paul urges believers to have the mind of Christ, who, though in the form of God, emptied Himself, took the form of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Lowliness of mind: "In lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself," looking not only to one's own interests but also to those of others (Philippians 2:3-4).
• Not thinking too highly of oneself: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought," but soberly, according to the measure of faith God has given (Romans 12:3).
• Submission and readiness to serve: the humble submit to one another, clothe themselves with humility, and are willing to associate with the lowly (1 Peter 5:5; Romans 12:16).
• Gentleness, patience and forbearance: humility shows in bearing with one another in love, being gentle and patient (Ephesians 4:1-2; Colossians 3:12).
• Dependence on God: the humble cast their cares on God and acknowledge that every good gift comes from Him (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Rewards for humility

• God gives grace to the humble while resisting the proud (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
• Exaltation in due time: "Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time" (1 Peter 5:6); "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up" (James 4:10).
• Christ's own exaltation is the pattern: because Jesus humbled Himself, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the name above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).
• Unity, peace and honour within the community, and ultimately eternal reward from God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The first creation story (Genesis 1:1 to 2:3)

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, while the Spirit of God moved over the face of the waters. God then created in an orderly sequence of six days, each work being pronounced good.

• Day one: God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. He separated the light from the darkness, calling the light Day and the darkness Night.
• Day two: God made the firmament (the sky) to separate the waters above from the waters below.
• Day three: God gathered the waters together so that dry land appeared; He called the dry land Earth and the waters Seas. He then made the earth bring forth vegetation, plants and fruit trees.
• Day four: God made the lights in the firmament, the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the night, to mark seasons, days and years.
• Day five: God created the creatures of the sea and the birds of the air, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply.
• Day six: God made the land animals, and finally created man, male and female, in His own image, blessing them and giving them dominion over all creatures. He gave them plants for food.

On the seventh day God finished His work and rested, and He blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it He rested from all His work of creation.

How God established His sovereignty over creation

1. He created everything out of nothing by His word alone ("God said... and it was so"), showing that all things owe their existence to Him.
2. He created in perfect order and purpose, arranging light, sky, land, luminaries and living things in a deliberate sequence, showing He is a God of order, not confusion.
3. He pronounced His judgement over creation, calling each work "good" and the whole "very good", showing His authority to evaluate what He made.
4. He named and assigned functions - Day, Night, Earth, Seas - and set the sun and moon to rule, demonstrating His lordship over time and the heavenly bodies which pagans worshipped.
5. He blessed and commanded the creatures to be fruitful and multiply, and gave man dominion as His representative, showing that man rules only under God's supreme authority.
6. He rested and sanctified the seventh day, showing that He is Lord over creation and over time itself, and setting a pattern of rest and worship for humanity.

Akọwa Nkọwa

The religious persecution of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3)

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits broad, and set it up in the plain of Dura. He assembled all the officials of the provinces for its dedication. A herald proclaimed that when the people heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe and every kind of music, they must fall down and worship the golden image. Whoever did not would immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.

So when the music sounded, all the peoples fell down and worshipped the image. But certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. They reminded the king of his decree and reported that three men whom he had set over the affairs of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, paid no heed to him: they did not serve his gods or worship the golden image.

In furious rage Nebuchadnezzar summoned them and gave them another chance, threatening that if they did not worship, they would be thrown at once into the furnace, and asking, "Who is the god that will deliver you out of my hands?" The three replied with great faith: "O Nebuchadnezzar... If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image."

The king was filled with fury and ordered the furnace heated seven times more than usual. Mighty men bound the three in their garments and cast them in, and the flames were so hot that they killed the men who threw them in.

Then Nebuchadnezzar was astonished. He rose and said, "Did we not cast three men bound into the fire? But I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods." He called them out; the fire had no power over their bodies, not a hair of their heads was singed, their garments were not harmed, and there was no smell of fire on them. The king blessed their God, decreed that no one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and promoted the three men.

Points of significance

1. It shows the reward of unwavering faith and loyalty to God even in the face of death.
2. It demonstrates God's power to deliver His faithful servants from any danger.
3. It teaches that believers must refuse idolatry and obey God rather than men, whatever the cost.
4. Their bold testimony led even a pagan king to acknowledge and honour the true God.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) How Paul reconciled Onesimus with Philemon (Letter to Philemon)

Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master Philemon, a wealthy Christian of Colossae in whose house the church met; it appears he had also wronged or robbed him. In Rome, where Paul was a prisoner, Onesimus came into contact with Paul and was converted to Christ, becoming very useful and dear to the apostle, who called him "my son whom I have begotten in my chains."

Paul sent Onesimus back to Philemon with a tactful letter of appeal to bring about reconciliation. In it he:

• Commended Philemon for his love and faith and for refreshing the hearts of the saints, so appealing to his good character.
• Chose to appeal on the basis of love rather than command, though as an apostle he could have ordered him.
• Asked him to receive Onesimus back "no longer as a slave but more than a slave, a beloved brother," now that he was a Christian.
• Requested that Philemon receive him "as you would receive me," identifying himself fully with Onesimus.
• Offered to pay any debt: "If he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account. I, Paul, write this with my own hand, I will repay it."
• Expressed confidence that Philemon would do even more than he asked, and hinted he would visit soon.

By this loving, personal mediation Paul secured the pardon and restoration of Onesimus.

(b) What we learn about forgiveness from this letter

• Genuine forgiveness receives back the offender fully and lovingly, not grudgingly.
• Christian brotherhood transcends social barriers such as master and slave.
• Forgiveness may require someone to intercede and even bear the cost of the wrong (as Paul offered to repay), reflecting Christ who bears our debt.
• A converted life deserves a fresh start; we should be ready to be reconciled and to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Akọwa Nkọwa

Paul's teaching on civic responsibility (Romans 13:1-7) and its application

Paul teaches that the Christian has definite duties toward the state, because civil authority is part of God's order for society.

• Submission to governing authorities: "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." To resist lawful authority is therefore to resist God's ordinance and to bring judgement on oneself.
• The purpose of government: rulers are God's servants, a terror not to good works but to evil. The ruler "does not bear the sword in vain" but is God's minister to execute wrath on the wrongdoer. The good citizen who does right need not fear the authority.
• Obedience for conscience' sake: believers should be subject not only to avoid punishment but also for the sake of conscience, knowing it is right before God.
• Payment of taxes and dues: "Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honour to whom honour."
• Love as the fulfilling of the law: Paul adds that owing no one anything except to love, for love does no harm to a neighbour, fulfils the whole law.

Application of three instances to daily living

1. Obeying the laws of the land: keeping constitutional laws, traffic regulations and civic rules, and cooperating with lawful authority rather than engaging in crime, riots or rebellion.
2. Honest payment of taxes and dues: paying taxes, rates, electricity and other bills faithfully, and refusing tax evasion and fraud, so that the government can provide public services.
3. Giving honour and respect to leaders: respecting rulers, teachers, employers and elders, praying for those in authority, and rejecting bribery and corruption while serving the community sincerely.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) The social problem that led to the appointment of deacons (Acts 6:1-7)

As the number of disciples multiplied in the early church, a complaint arose. The Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jewish Christians) murmured against the Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews) because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and welfare. This was a problem of unfair distribution and the neglect of the needy, threatening the unity of the church.

The twelve apostles gathered the disciples and said it was not right for them to leave the ministry of the word of God to serve tables. They asked the community to choose seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, to take charge of this duty, so that the apostles could devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word. The people chose seven, including Stephen and Philip, who were set before the apostles; they prayed and laid hands on them. As a result, the word of God spread, the number of disciples greatly increased, and many priests became obedient to the faith. Thus the office of deacon (servant) was instituted to handle the practical and welfare needs of the church.

(b) Five social problems facing the church today

1. Poverty and neglect of the needy: widows, orphans and the unemployed are often not adequately cared for.
2. Tribalism, ethnicity and discrimination: favouritism and division along tribal, class or language lines, similar to the Hebrew-Hellenist tension.
3. Corruption and mismanagement of funds: misuse of church resources and lack of accountability by leaders.
4. Immorality and indiscipline: fornication, adultery, drunkenness, drug abuse and dishonesty among members.
5. Materialism, greed and love of money: the pursuit of wealth and prosperity preaching that crowds out genuine service; other problems include unemployment, disunity/denominational rivalry, and inadequate care for the sick and aged.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount on almsgiving, prayer and fasting

Jesus warned against practising acts of piety before men in order to be seen and praised, for that forfeits any reward from the Father in heaven. He applied this principle to three religious duties:

(i) Almsgiving: "When you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and streets, that they may be praised by men." They have received their reward. Rather, "do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

(ii) Prayer: "When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and street corners to be seen by men." Instead, "go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret." He warned against heaping up empty phrases like the Gentiles who think they are heard for their many words, for the Father knows their needs before they ask. He then gave the model prayer, the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father who art in heaven..."), and taught that if they forgive others, the Father will also forgive them.

(iii) Fasting: "When you fast, do not look dismal like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by men." They have their reward. Rather, "when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by men but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."

The common theme is sincerity and secrecy: religious duties must be done to please God, not to win human praise.

(b) How the Christian Church in Nigeria has adhered to these teachings

• Almsgiving: Churches run charities, orphanages, relief schemes and welfare funds, and encourage members to give to the poor quietly through offerings and support of widows.
• Prayer: Churches hold regular services, prayer meetings, vigils and private devotions, and the Lord's Prayer is widely used in worship.
• Fasting: Many denominations observe periods of fasting and prayer, such as Lent and special church fasts, teaching members to fast for spiritual growth rather than display.

However, some believers still fall short by giving, praying and fasting for public recognition, which the teaching condemns.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) John's portrayal of Jesus as the True Vine (John 15:1-17)

In the last of the great "I am" sayings, Jesus declared, "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser (husbandman)." He develops the picture as follows:

• The Father as vinedresser: God tends the vine, cutting off every branch that bears no fruit and pruning every fruitful branch so that it may bear more fruit.
• Believers as branches: "I am the vine, you are the branches." The disciples are already made clean through the word Jesus has spoken.
• Abiding as the condition of fruitfulness: "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, no more can you unless you abide in Me." Whoever abides in Him bears much fruit, "for without Me you can do nothing."
• The fate of fruitless branches: a branch that does not abide is cast out, withers, is gathered and burned.
• Fruit, prayer and love: if they abide and His words abide in them, they may ask what they will and it will be done; bearing much fruit glorifies the Father. Jesus commands them to abide in His love and to love one another as He has loved them, even to the point of laying down one's life.

(b) Two lessons from the relationship between Christ and His believers

1. Dependence on Christ is essential: just as a branch draws life from the vine, believers can do nothing and bear no lasting fruit apart from continuous union with Christ through faith, prayer and obedience.
2. Fruitfulness and love are proofs of true discipleship: those who abide in Christ produce good works and love one another; the barren and disconnected are cut off, so we must remain faithfully joined to Him.