WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2010

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During the reign of King Josiah, the High Priest Hilkiah discovered a book of the Law in the temple of Jerusalem. The book was brought to Josiah, who upon hearing its contents, tore his clothes in dismay and ordered a religious reform in Judah. Therefore, the person who discovered the book of law in the sanctuary during the reign of Josiah was Hilkiah.

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Abner was the commander of Saul's army and had fallen out with Ishbosheth, Saul's son and successor. Abner then decided to transfer his allegiance to David. David agreed to this on the condition that Abner would bring Michal, David's wife, back to him. Michal had been given to another man by Saul when David fled from him. So, David wanted his wife back as a sign of Abner's loyalty to him.

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After the resurrection of Jesus, he appeared to his disciples who were fishing and prepared breakfast for them. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, Jesus also appeared to his disciples in a closed room, and to prove that he was not a ghost, he asked them if they had anything to eat. When they gave him a piece of fish, he ate it in their presence, thus proving that he had a physical body and was not a mere spirit.

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Peter and Andrew were fishermen before their first encounter with Jesus. According to the Bible, they were casting their nets into the Sea of Galilee when Jesus called out to them, asking them to follow him and become "fishers of men." Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets and followed Jesus, becoming his disciples. Fishing was a common occupation in the region at the time, and many of Jesus' disciples were fishermen before they became his followers.

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All of the four Prophets mentioned in the options taught about Yahweh's mercy in various ways. However, the Prophet most closely associated with the message of Yahweh's mercy is Isaiah. In his book, he talks about how Yahweh's mercy endures forever, and how He is willing to forgive His people's sins and offer them salvation. He also prophesies the coming of a Messiah who will bring salvation to the world through God's mercy. Hosea, Amos, and Ezekiel also mention God's mercy in their prophecies, but Isaiah's message is the most prominent and explicit on this topic.

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After his conversion, Paul was introduced to the disciples in Jerusalem by Barnabas. Barnabas was a trusted leader and friend of the apostles, and he vouched for Paul's sincerity and conversion. He helped Paul gain acceptance among the believers in Jerusalem and served as a mentor to him. Barnabas is also known for his generosity and encouragement of others, which earned him the nickname "son of encouragement."

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During the Ammonite war, Uriah disobeyed King David by refusing to go to his house to sleep because it would be unpatriotic to break his military vow. Uriah was a loyal and upright soldier who put the interests of his country above his own comfort. He was among the warriors fighting for the Israelite army against the Ammonites. When King David heard that Bathsheba, Uriah's wife, was beautiful, he summoned her to the palace and slept with her. She later became pregnant. In a bid to cover his tracks, David called Uriah back from the battle and asked him to go home to sleep with his wife, but Uriah refused to do so, stating that it would be unpatriotic to enjoy the comforts of home while his fellow soldiers were still at war.

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According to Peter, a Christian should exercise his freedom by doing what is right. In his first letter, Peter exhorts Christians to use their freedom not as a pretext for evil, but to live as servants of God. He reminds them that they have been called to live a holy life, and that their freedom is not a license to indulge in sinful behavior. Instead, he encourages them to use their freedom to do what is right, even if it means enduring suffering or persecution. Ultimately, Peter teaches that true freedom is found in obedience to God's will, rather than in the pursuit of selfish desires.

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Jesus met the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. According to the Gospel of John in the New Testament, Jesus was traveling through Samaria and stopped at a well outside the town of Sychar. While resting at the well, he met a Samaritan woman who had come to draw water. Jesus engaged her in conversation and revealed to her that he was the Messiah. This encounter is recorded in John 4:5-26.

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The conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch confirms the universality of the gospel. This is because the eunuch was an African, a foreigner, and a eunuch, who was considered an outcast and was prohibited from entering the temple. However, he was welcomed by God, and the gospel was preached to him. This event shows that the gospel is not limited to a particular race, tribe, or culture but is for everyone, regardless of their background or social status. It also reveals that God's love and grace are available to all who seek Him, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

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Daniel was delivered from the lion's den because of his faith in God's power. Daniel refused to compromise his faith and continued to pray to God even after King Darius had issued a decree that anyone who prayed to any god or human except the king for the next 30 days would be thrown into the lion's den. When the king discovered that Daniel had defied his decree, he was deeply distressed and ordered for Daniel to be thrown into the lion's den. However, God miraculously shut the mouths of the lions, and Daniel was unharmed when he was brought out of the den the next morning. Thus, it was Daniel's faith in God's power and protection that saved him from the lions.

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In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus teaches that Christians should show compassion and render help to the needy, just like the Samaritan did to the injured man on the roadside. Therefore, the action of the good Samaritan encourages Christians to show love and compassion to others, especially those in need, regardless of their race, religion or social status.

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The River that flowed out of Eden to water its garden according to the Bible was Pishon. This is stated in Genesis 2:10-14 which describes the location of Eden and the four rivers that flowed out of it. The Pishon River is described as flowing through the land of Havilah, where there is gold, bdellium, and onyx stones.

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The man who delivered the judgement of the Jerusalem Council on the admission of Gentiles into the Church was James. James was one of the leaders of the early Christian Church and the bishop of Jerusalem. In Acts 15, he presided over a meeting of the apostles and elders to discuss the issue of whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to be circumcised and follow Jewish customs. James ultimately concluded that Gentiles did not need to follow these practices, but instead should abstain from certain things that were considered especially offensive to Jews. This decision was then communicated to the Gentile believers in Antioch, who were overjoyed to hear it.

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The king who reintroduced the Passover feast in Israel was Josiah. He was a righteous king who ruled Judah in the 7th century BCE. During his reign, he ordered the repair and cleansing of the temple in Jerusalem and rediscovered the book of the law. After reading it, he realized that the Israelites had not been observing the Passover feast as prescribed in the law. He then commanded the people to observe the Passover in accordance with the law. This event is recorded in 2 Chronicles 35.

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The laying on of hands is a symbolic gesture in which hands are placed on a person's head or shoulders. In the context of the Bible, it signifies the transfer of authority, blessing, or power from one person to another. In the case of Barnabas and Saul, the elders laid hands on them as a way of commissioning them for their missionary journey. This means that they were officially given the authority and blessing to go and spread the gospel to other regions. Therefore, the correct option is "commissioning".

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When Joseph was sent to his brothers by his father Jacob to check on them, he found them pasturing their father's flocks in a place called Dothan. This can be found in the Bible in Genesis 37:17.

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In the Epistle to the Romans, justification is received through faith in Jesus. This means that one is declared righteous before God, not based on their own works or observance of the law, but by placing their faith in Jesus Christ who paid for their sins on the cross. It is by accepting this gift of salvation through faith that one can be justified and reconciled to God.

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According to the Bible, Joshua was very old when he died. In Joshua 24:29, it is written that after these things, Joshua son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years. Therefore, the answer is 110 years.

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The wife of Moses was called Zipporah. Zipporah was the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest, whom Moses met and married while he was living in Midian. Zipporah played a significant role in Moses' life, helping him to overcome a life-threatening situation when he was attacked by God, and later accompanying him and their two sons on his return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery.

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The miracle of Jesus at Cana in Galilee, apart from the one at the wedding feast, was the healing of a nobleman's son. According to the Gospel of John, the nobleman traveled from Capernaum to Cana to ask Jesus to heal his son who was close to death. Jesus responded by telling him that his son would live, and the man believed him and returned home to find his son completely healed. This miracle is significant because it shows Jesus' power to heal even at a distance and demonstrates the man's faith in Jesus' ability to heal his son.

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King Solomon was known for his wisdom and understanding, but he also made some mistakes. One of the mistakes he made was building temples for the gods of his wives, which went against the laws of God. This showed a lack of wisdom and respect for the faith of his people. It also led to the eventual downfall of the kingdom of Israel. Another mistake he made was marrying many wives and having many children, which was also against God's laws and led to conflicts and divisions in the kingdom. However, it was his wise judgment in the case of two harlots that demonstrated his wisdom, as he was able to discern the truth and render a just verdict.

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The option that does not fit is "to dry up flood from the face of the earth." The sun, moon, and stars were not created for the purpose of drying up floods from the face of the earth. Rather, God created them to provide light upon the earth, to separate the day from the night, and for signs of seasons, days, and years.

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Saul was asked to destroy the Amalekites because of what they did to the Israelites when they left Egypt. The Amalekites attacked the Israelites from the rear, targeting the weak, elderly and those who were lagging behind. This showed a lack of fear and respect for God, who had protected the Israelites from the Egyptians. As a result, God commanded Saul to destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as a form of punishment for their actions.

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According to Amos' prophecy, the "Day of the Lord" to the Israelites would be a day of doom. This is because Amos was a prophet sent to warn the Israelites about their unfaithfulness and sins. He prophesied that God would punish them for their wickedness and idolatry, and the "Day of the Lord" would be a day of judgment and destruction. Amos emphasized that God would not spare anyone who was guilty of oppression, injustice, or disobedience. Therefore, the "Day of the Lord" was a warning of the impending doom that awaited the Israelites if they did not repent and turn back to God.

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Elijah destroyed the prophets of Baal to oppose Baal worship. The incident happened in the Old Testament of the Bible, in the book of 1 Kings 18. Elijah was a prophet of God and he challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel. They were to each offer a sacrifice and call upon their respective gods to send down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice. The prophets of Baal called upon their god, but nothing happened. Elijah, on the other hand, called upon the Lord God of Israel, and fire came down and consumed his sacrifice. Elijah then seized the prophets of Baal and killed them all, to show that the Lord God of Israel was the only true God and to put an end to the worship of Baal.

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In Philippians, Paul taught that Jesus' humility and death on the cross earned him exaltation as Lord. Jesus willingly humbled himself and died on the cross for the salvation of humanity, and as a result, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. This exaltation means that Jesus is now Lord over all and deserving of our worship and allegiance.

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In 1 Corinthians, Paul did not cite Mary Magdalene as one of the resurrection appearances of Jesus. He did, however, mention the appearances of Cephas (Peter), the Twelve, and James.

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Paul's greatest writing about spiritual gifts is found in his letter to the Corinthians. In 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul discusses the nature and purpose of spiritual gifts and how they should be used within the church. He emphasizes the importance of unity and love among believers, and teaches that all gifts are given by the same Spirit and are meant to serve the common good. He also provides guidelines for the proper use of gifts in worship services, and encourages believers to pursue the gift of love above all else.

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The first king of Israel, Saul, lost his throne because he lost the support of Yahweh, who had anointed him as king. According to the Bible, Saul disobeyed Yahweh's commandments and became increasingly disobedient, leading to Yahweh withdrawing his support and blessing from him. As a result, Yahweh chose David to replace Saul as king of Israel.

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The parable of the rich man and Lazarus indicates that death is a leveller for rich and poor. The parable tells the story of a rich man who ignored a poor beggar named Lazarus, who was covered with sores and lay outside his gate. After both men died, the rich man went to Hades and was tormented, while Lazarus went to Abraham's side in heaven. The parable highlights that the rich man, who had enjoyed all the comforts of life on earth, was now suffering in the afterlife, while the poor man, who had suffered during his life, was now comforted. Thus, the parable teaches that wealth and status in life do not determine one's fate in the afterlife.

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Peter advised the elders of the church to work without a domineering spirit in their relationship with the younger members. He cautioned them against abusing their authority, and instead urged them to lead by example and serve as good shepherds. He also encouraged them to be humble, to care for their flock with gentleness, and to be vigilant in their spiritual duties. The overall message was that the elders should prioritize the spiritual well-being of their congregation over any personal gain or desire for power.

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Through God the Christian is no longer a slave but a son, and if a son then he is an heir. This statement is based on the teachings of the Bible, particularly in the New Testament where it explains that when one accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they become adopted into God's family and are no longer slaves to sin but are considered children of God. As a child of God, one becomes an heir of God's kingdom and is entitled to inherit the blessings and promises of God. This inheritance includes eternal life, forgiveness of sins, peace, joy, and all the spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus.

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In the Bible, John the Baptist referred to Jesus as "the Lamb of God." This term is significant because it points to Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross, which would serve as an atonement for the sins of humanity. In Jewish tradition, the lamb was a sacrificial animal offered as a sin offering, and John's identification of Jesus as the Lamb signifies that he would be the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Therefore, by introducing Jesus as the Lamb, John was pointing to Jesus' sacrificial death as the means by which humanity could be reconciled to God.

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St. John refers to Jesus' miracles as "signs" to convey the following ideas: acceptance of Jesus as the Son of God, proofs of the Kingdom of God, and faith in Jesus as the means to eternal life. The idea of "demand for more wonders" is not conveyed by the term "signs." Instead, John emphasizes that these miracles are not merely acts of wonder, but also reveal the deeper truth about Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the world. The signs point to a greater reality beyond themselves, inviting people to believe in Jesus and follow Him.

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James teaches that the man who shall be blessed is he who does the word he hears. In his epistle, James emphasizes that faith without works is dead and that true faith is demonstrated by one's actions. Therefore, he encourages his readers to not just listen to the Word of God but to also put it into practice, for it is the doers of the word who shall be blessed.

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Solomon told Hiram, king of Tyre that he had decided to build a temple for the Lord because "the Lord had given him peace and all good things". In other words, Solomon wanted to honor God for the blessings he had received, including peace and prosperity in his kingdom. He recognized that God deserved a special house of worship, and he wanted to undertake this great task as a way of showing his devotion to the Lord.

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Isaiah said that when Israel spread forth their hands, God would hide His face because they were offering vain sacrifices. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet rebukes Israel for their hypocrisy in worshiping God. He notes that they would spread forth their hands in prayer and offer sacrifices, but their hearts were far from God. They were engaging in empty ritualistic practices, and God was not pleased with their offerings. Therefore, God promised to hide His face from them until they repented and turned back to Him with a sincere heart.

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When God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him what he wanted, Solomon asked for wisdom and knowledge to be able to govern God's people justly and righteously. He recognized his own limitations and inadequacies and asked for the ability to discern good and evil, which would enable him to make wise decisions and lead the people well. God was pleased with his request and granted him wisdom, as well as riches and honor beyond measure. Therefore, Solomon did not ask for power, authority, great wealth or a long term in office, but for an understanding mind.

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The descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was prophesied by Joel. The Book of Joel is one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament of the Bible. In chapter 2, Joel prophesies about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people, both men and women, young and old, in the last days. This prophecy was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles and other believers gathered in Jerusalem after Jesus' ascension into heaven. The event is recorded in the New Testament book of Acts, chapter 2.

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The prophet responsible for the re-building of the Temple during the exile was Ezra. He was a scribe and priest who was commissioned by King Artaxerxes of Persia to lead the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem and to restore Jewish worship. Ezra played a significant role in the restoration of Jewish religious practices and helped to re-establish the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

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Paul wished to retain Onesimus to serve him during his imprisonment.

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The lame man who was healed at the pool of Bethesda was charged by the Jews for breaking the law of the Sabbath because he was carrying his pallet on a Sabbath day. When the man was healed by Jesus and was able to walk, he picked up his pallet and began to walk away. The Jews who saw him carrying his pallet accused him of breaking the Sabbath law, which forbade any kind of work on that day.

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When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the gospel, they sent Peter and John to them. This is described in the eighth chapter of the book of Acts in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Peter and John went to Samaria to pray for the new believers there to receive the Holy Spirit, which they did after laying their hands on them. This event is significant because it shows the spread of the Christian faith beyond its Jewish origins and the involvement of the apostles in the growth of the early church.

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(a) Paul's teaching on the dignity of labour (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12):

• Paul commanded the believers, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to keep away from any brother who lives in idleness and does not follow the tradition of hard work that they received.
• He set before them his own example: he was never lazy while he was among them.
• He never accepted anyone's food without paying for it.
• He worked hard, day and night, so as not to be a burden to any of them.
• This he did even though he had the right to be supported by them.
• He deliberately made himself a model for them to imitate.
• He laid down the firm rule: "If anyone will not work, let him not eat."
• He had heard that some among them were living in idleness, mere busybodies, not busy at work.
• In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ he commanded such persons to work quietly and earn their own living.
• He urged the faithful not to grow weary in doing good.
• Anyone who refused to obey was to be noted and kept away from, so that he would be ashamed, yet he was to be warned as a brother and not treated as an enemy.
• In 1 Thessalonians he adds that they should aspire to live quietly, mind their own affairs and work with their hands, so as to depend on no one and command the respect of outsiders.

(b) Four lessons that can be derived from this teaching:

• Laziness and idleness are to be condemned; idleness brings shame and can lead to the downfall of the family, the church and the nation.
• Every person should be self-reliant and earn a living rather than become a parasite dependent on others.
• One should be proud of one's job, for no particular job is superior to another and all forms of honest work are complementary.
• Hard work is a Christian virtue that enables a person to help the needy; looking down on so-called menial jobs is unchristian.

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(a) The first creation story in chronological order (Genesis 1:1-2:3):

1. Day One: God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the deep. God said, "Let there be light," and separated the light (Day) from the darkness (Night).
2. Day Two: God made the firmament, separating the waters above from the waters below, and called the firmament Heaven (the sky).
3. Day Three: God gathered the waters under the heavens into one place so that dry land (Earth) appeared, and the gathered waters He called Seas. He also caused the earth to bring forth vegetation, plants, and fruit trees.
4. Day Four: God made the two great lights, the sun to rule the day and the moon to rule the night, and He made the stars, to mark seasons, days, and years.
5. Day Five: God created the creatures of the sea and the birds of the air, and blessed them to be fruitful and multiply.
6. Day Six: God made the land animals, cattle, creeping things, and beasts; then He created man, male and female, in His own image, and gave them dominion over all creatures. God saw that everything was very good.
7. Day Seven: God rested from all His work and blessed and hallowed the seventh day.

(b) Three reasons why man is regarded as the crown of creation:

• Man was made in the image and likeness of God, possessing reason, will, and a moral and spiritual nature that other creatures do not share.
• Man was given dominion over the fish, birds, animals, and all the earth, appointed as God's steward and ruler over creation.
• Man was created last, as the climax of God's work, after everything else had been prepared for his welfare, and God specially blessed him and communed with him.

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(a) The story of the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8; Matthew 17:1-8; Luke 9:28-36):

• About six (or eight) days after teaching about His coming suffering, Jesus took Peter, James, and John with Him up a high mountain apart, to pray.
• There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His garments became dazzling white, whiter than any launderer on earth could bleach them.
• Two great figures of the Old Testament, Moses and Elijah, appeared and talked with Jesus, speaking of His departure (exodus) which He was to accomplish at Jerusalem.
• Peter, overwhelmed, said, "Master, it is good that we are here; let us make three tents, one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what to say, for they were terrified.
• Then a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud saying, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to Him."
• Suddenly, when the disciples looked around, they saw no one but Jesus only.
• As they came down the mountain, Jesus charged them to tell no one what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

(b) Three points of significance:

• It confirmed the divine Sonship of Jesus. The heavenly voice declared Him God's beloved Son, affirming His divinity and authority.
• It linked Jesus with the Law and the Prophets. The presence of Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets) shows that Jesus is the fulfilment of the Old Testament.
• It strengthened the disciples for the coming suffering. The glimpse of Christ's glory prepared Peter, James, and John for His passion and pointed forward to His resurrection and glory.

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(a) The content of the New Covenant:

(i) In Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:31-34):

• The Lord will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and Judah, not like the old covenant made at the Exodus which they broke.
• God will put His law within them and write it upon their hearts, rather than on tablets of stone.
• He will be their God, and they shall be His people.
• They shall all know the Lord, from the least to the greatest, without needing to teach one another to know Him.
• God will forgive their iniquity and remember their sin no more.

(ii) In Ezekiel (Ezekiel 36:24-28):

• God will gather them from the nations and bring them back into their own land.
• He will sprinkle clean water upon them to cleanse them from their uncleanness and idols.
• He will give them a new heart and put a new spirit within them.
• He will remove the heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
• He will put His Spirit within them and cause them to walk in His statutes; they shall be His people, and He their God.

(b) Five benefits of the Covenant to Israel:

• Forgiveness of sins, for God promised to remember their sins no more.
• Inner renewal, receiving a new heart and a new spirit in place of the heart of stone.
• Personal knowledge of God, so that all would know the Lord directly.
• Restored relationship, as God pledged, "I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
• The indwelling and empowering of God's Spirit, enabling them to obey His laws written on their hearts.

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(a) The encounter between Jesus and the three would-be disciples (Luke 9:57-62):

As Jesus and His disciples were going along the road, three men expressed a desire to follow Him, and Jesus tested the seriousness of their commitment.

• The first man said, "I will follow You wherever You go." Jesus answered, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." He warned that discipleship may bring homelessness and hardship.
• The second man was called by Jesus, "Follow Me." But he replied, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." Jesus said, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." The work of the kingdom takes priority over even pressing family duties.
• The third man said, "I will follow You, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus answered, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." A disciple must not be divided in heart or look back.

(b) Three demands of discipleship:

• Total self-denial and readiness for hardship, being prepared to forgo comfort and security.
• Absolute priority of God's kingdom over every earthly attachment, including family ties.
• Wholehearted, single-minded commitment without looking back or turning aside.

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(a) The dreams of Pharaoh (Genesis 41):

After two full years, Pharaoh dreamed two dreams in one night:

• The first dream: Pharaoh stood by the river Nile. Seven cows, sleek and fat, came up out of the river and fed in the reed grass. After them came up seven other cows, gaunt and thin, and stood beside the fat cows on the riverbank. Then the thin, ugly cows ate up the seven sleek, fat cows, yet remained as gaunt as before. Pharaoh awoke.
• The second dream: He slept again and dreamed a second time. Seven ears of grain, plump and good, grew on one stalk. After them sprouted seven ears, thin and blighted by the east wind. The thin ears swallowed up the seven plump, full ears. Pharaoh awoke and found it was a dream.
• The trouble and the solution: In the morning his spirit was troubled, and none of the magicians or wise men of Egypt could interpret the dreams. The chief butler then remembered Joseph, who was brought from prison. Joseph declared that both dreams were one: God had shown Pharaoh what He was about to do. The seven fat cows and full ears were seven years of great plenty; the seven thin cows and blighted ears were seven years of severe famine that would follow and consume the plenty. The doubling of the dream meant the matter was fixed by God and would soon come to pass. Joseph advised Pharaoh to appoint a discreet man to store one-fifth of the produce during the years of plenty against the famine.

(b) Three ways the interpretation affected Joseph and his people:

• Joseph was elevated to power. Pharaoh set him over all Egypt as prime minister, gave him his signet ring, fine linen, and a gold chain.
• Joseph's family and the region were saved from famine. The stored grain fed Egypt and the surrounding lands, including Joseph's own family who came from Canaan to buy food.
• The reconciliation and migration of Israel. The famine brought Joseph's brothers to Egypt, leading to their reconciliation and the settling of Jacob's household in Goshen, preserving the nation of Israel.

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(a) Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:19-34):

(i) On earthly possessions:

• "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal."
• Rather, "lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven," which are imperishable and secure.
• "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
• The eye is the lamp of the body; a sound (single) eye fills the body with light, but an unsound eye fills it with darkness.
• "No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth)." One must choose between devotion to God and slavery to money.

(ii) On anxiety:

• "Do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on."
• Consider the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap, yet the heavenly Father feeds them, and you are of more value.
• Anxiety cannot add a single cubit to one's span of life.
• Consider the lilies of the field: they neither toil nor spin, yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them. If God so clothes the grass, will He not much more clothe you, O men of little faith?
• Do not be anxious like the Gentiles, for your heavenly Father knows your needs. "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Do not be anxious about tomorrow.

(b) Five ways the misuse of wealth can lead to serious consequences for a nation:

• It breeds corruption and embezzlement, draining public funds meant for development.
• It widens inequality, creating a gulf between rich and poor that leads to social unrest.
• It fuels injustice and oppression, as the wealthy bribe their way and deny the poor justice.
• It promotes materialism and moral decay, encouraging greed, fraud, and neglect of godly values.
• It leads to insecurity and violence, as poverty and resentment drive crime, kidnapping, and instability.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) The meeting between Elijah and Obadiah (1 Kings 18:1-16):

• After three years of drought, the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, commanding him to go and show himself to Ahab, for God would send rain on the land.
• The famine was severe in Samaria. Ahab summoned Obadiah, who was over his household and greatly feared the Lord (he had hidden a hundred prophets by fifties in caves and fed them with bread and water during Jezebel's persecution).
• Ahab and Obadiah divided the land between them to search for grass to keep the horses and mules alive; Ahab went one way and Obadiah another.
• As Obadiah was on the road, Elijah met him. Obadiah recognised him, fell on his face, and said, "Is it you, my lord Elijah?"
• Elijah answered, "It is I. Go, tell your lord, 'Behold, Elijah is here.'"
• Obadiah was afraid, protesting that Ahab had searched every nation for Elijah. He feared that if he announced Elijah, the Spirit of the Lord would carry Elijah away to an unknown place, so that when Ahab came and could not find him, Ahab would kill Obadiah.
• Obadiah reminded Elijah of his own faithfulness in hiding and feeding the Lord's prophets from Jezebel.
• Elijah swore by the Lord of hosts, "As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to him today."
• Reassured, Obadiah went and told Ahab, and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

(b) Two lessons that can be learnt:

• Courage and obedience to God. Elijah boldly obeyed God's command to confront Ahab despite the danger to his own life.
• Faithfulness in difficult times. Obadiah served God faithfully, even within a wicked court, by protecting God's prophets at great personal risk. God preserves and uses faithful servants even in hostile places.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) Paul's counsel concerning the use of spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12-14):

• Spiritual gifts have one Source. There are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; varieties of service, but the same Lord. Every gift is given by the one Spirit as He wills.
• Gifts are given for the common good. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all, not for personal display.
• The gifts are diverse. They include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, working of miracles, prophecy, discernment of spirits, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues.
• The Church is one body with many members. Just as the body has many parts that need one another, so believers with different gifts belong to one body of Christ; no member should feel inferior or despise another.
• No gift is to be despised or over-exalted. The eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." The seemingly weaker members are indispensable.
• Love is the greatest and most excellent way. Without love, tongues, prophecy, knowledge, and even sacrifice profit nothing. Love is patient, kind, not jealous or boastful, and never ends.
• Prophecy is to be preferred to tongues in the assembly, because prophecy edifies, exhorts, and consoles the whole church, whereas uninterpreted tongues edify only the speaker.
• Tongues must be interpreted. If anyone speaks in a tongue, there should be an interpreter; otherwise he should keep silent in church.
• All things must be done decently and in order, for God is not a God of confusion but of peace. Two or three may speak in turn, and others weigh what is said.
• Believers should earnestly desire the higher gifts that build up the church.

(b) Three ways spiritual gifts are misused today:

• They are used for personal display and pride, to draw attention to oneself rather than to edify the church.
• They are commercialised, used to extort money from gullible people through false healing and prophecy.
• They are used to cause disorder and division, including uninterpreted tongues and confusion in worship.

Akọwa Nkọwa

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

• As the number of disciples multiplied, a complaint (murmuring) arose from the Hellenists (Greek-speaking Jews) against the Hebrews (Aramaic-speaking Jews).
• The grievance was that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food and welfare.
• The twelve apostles summoned the whole body of disciples and said, "It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables."
• They directed the brethren to pick out seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, to be appointed to this duty of relief.
• The apostles would devote themselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.
• This proposal pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte of Antioch.
• They set these men before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
• As a result, the word of God increased, the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and many priests became obedient to the faith.

(b) Three lessons Christians can learn:

• Fair and equitable treatment of all members, regardless of language or background, must be maintained in the Church.
• Division of labour and delegation allow leaders to focus on their primary calling while others handle practical needs.
• Leaders must be people of good character, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, chosen for service.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) Paul's teaching on Christian giving (2 Corinthians 8-9):

Paul appealed to the Corinthians to complete the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, and set out principles of Christian giving:

• The example of the Macedonian churches. In severe affliction and deep poverty, they gave with abundant joy and generosity, even beyond their means and of their own free will.
• The supreme example of Christ. "Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich."
• Giving must be willing and cheerful. "Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
• Giving according to one's means. The gift is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he has not; the aim is equality, not that others are eased while givers are burdened.
• Giving should be planned and ready. They were to set aside their gift beforehand as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
• The principle of sowing and reaping. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully."
• God supplies the giver. God is able to make all grace abound, so that having enough of everything, they may abound in every good work.
• Giving results in thanksgiving to God. The generosity of the givers produces thanksgiving and glorifies God, and the recipients pray for the givers.

(b) Two ways people benefit from giving:

• Spiritual and material blessing from God, for the generous giver reaps bountifully and God supplies all his needs.
• It fosters love, unity, and thanksgiving, meeting the needs of others and strengthening fellowship in the body of Christ.

Akọwa Nkọwa

(a) James' teaching on faith and works (James 2:14-26):

• James asks, "What good is it if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can that faith save him?"
• He gives an illustration: if a brother or sister is ill-clad and lacking daily food, and one says, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them what they need, such words profit nothing.
• He concludes, "Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead."
• He anticipates an objection: one may say, "You have faith and I have works." James replies, "Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith."
• Even the demons believe that God is one, and they shudder; mere belief is not saving faith.
• The example of Abraham: he was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. His faith was active along with his works, and by works his faith was completed. Thus the scripture was fulfilled, "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness," and he was called the friend of God.
• The example of Rahab the harlot: she was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way.
• James concludes, "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead." Genuine faith must express itself in action.

(b) Two lessons Christians can learn:

• True faith must be practical and active, demonstrated through good deeds and acts of charity, not mere profession.
• Faith and works are inseparable; a believer proves the reality of his faith by obedience and service to others.