WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2003

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According to the first council at Jerusalem, it was not binding on a Christian to pray five times daily in the temple. The council, as recorded in the book of Acts in the Bible, discussed several issues, including the question of whether Gentile converts to Christianity should be required to follow Jewish customs such as circumcision and following dietary laws. The council concluded that Gentiles did not need to follow these customs but should instead abstain from eating meat that had been sacrificed to idols, from consuming blood or meat from strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. The council did not address the issue of praying five times daily in the temple, as this was not a requirement for Christians.

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Among the options provided, the story of "The Prodigal Son" best illustrates God's love. In this story, a younger son asks his father for his share of the inheritance, which he then squanders on a life of wild living. When he realizes the error of his ways, he returns home, expecting to be punished. Instead, his father runs to greet him with open arms, embracing him and celebrating his return. This story highlights the unconditional and unwavering nature of God's love. No matter how far we stray from Him, He is always willing to forgive us and welcome us back into His arms. It emphasizes the importance of repentance and the power of forgiveness, even in the face of our mistakes and shortcomings. Overall, "The Prodigal Son" is a powerful reminder of God's boundless love and mercy, and it offers hope and encouragement to anyone who may be struggling with feelings of guilt or unworthiness.

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Pilate referred Jesus to Herod for trial because Jesus lived in the jurisdiction of Herod. When Jesus was brought before Pilate for trial, Pilate realized that Jesus was from Galilee and therefore, under the jurisdiction of Herod. Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, who was in Jerusalem at that time, hoping to shift responsibility for the trial to him.

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The true statement about the birth of Jesus is that He was "laid in a manger after His birth." According to the biblical account, Mary and Joseph were unable to find a place to stay in Bethlehem, so Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, which is a feeding trough for animals. This humble beginning was fitting for the Son of God, who came into the world to serve and save humanity. The manger symbolizes the simplicity and humility of Jesus' birth, as well as His mission to reach out to the poor and marginalized. The fact that there was no room for Jesus in the inn also emphasizes the rejection that He would later face from His own people, who failed to recognize Him as their Savior.

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The question "How is it that you a Jew ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?" indicates that there was a strained relationship between the Jews and the Samaritans. In the context of the Bible, Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing history of enmity and mistrust due to religious and ethnic differences. Jews considered themselves to be the true worshippers of God and did not associate with Samaritans who they regarded as impure and heretical. Therefore, the fact that Jesus, a Jew, was asking for water from a Samaritan woman was surprising and went against the norms of Jewish-Samaritan relations.

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Peter advised Christians who suffer persecution for their faith to be steadfast in their faith. In 1 Peter 4:12-13, he says "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed." Peter is encouraging Christians to remain faithful and rejoice in their suffering, knowing that they are sharing in Christ's suffering and will ultimately be rewarded when Christ returns.

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On the occasion of the Transfiguration, Peter suggested to Jesus the construction of three booths. The Transfiguration was a significant event in the life of Jesus, in which He was transformed in appearance and spoke with Moses and Elijah. Peter, along with James and John, witnessed this event and was awestruck by what he saw. In his excitement, Peter suggested building three booths, or temporary shelters, one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. It was a common Jewish custom during the Feast of Tabernacles to construct such booths to commemorate the time when the Israelites lived in temporary shelters during their journey in the wilderness. However, Peter's suggestion was not necessary, as the Transfiguration was a divine event and not something that required human intervention. The event confirmed Jesus' divine nature and His authority over the Law and the Prophets, and it was a significant moment in the disciples' understanding of Jesus' mission on earth.

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In the story of Jesus calming the raging sea, as recorded in Mark 4:35-41, Jesus rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace, be still!" and the wind ceased and there was a great calm. The main reason Jesus calmed the sea was to manifest his divinity to his disciples. The disciples were filled with great fear because of the storm and their lack of faith, but when Jesus calmed the sea, they marveled and realized that they were in the presence of someone truly divine. The act of calming the sea was also a demonstration of Jesus' power and authority over nature, further emphasizing his divinity.

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When David became the King of Israel, he moved the capital from Hebron to Jerusalem. David conquered the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it his capital, thus uniting the tribes of Israel under one central government. Before this, Hebron was the capital of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and David had been reigning from there for seven years. However, after conquering Jerusalem, David established it as his capital and made it the center of his government and religious activities.

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The words "Has the Lord great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord?" were directed to King Saul. The statement was made by the prophet Samuel to King Saul, after Saul had disobeyed the Lord's instructions regarding the Amalekites. The Lord had instructed Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions, but Saul disobeyed and spared some of the spoil. In response, Samuel rebuked Saul and asked him if the Lord really delighted in burnt offerings and sacrifices more than obedience to His commands. This event is recorded in the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible.

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The disciple in Damascus that God commissioned to restore the sight of Saul was Ananias. When Saul was on his way to Damascus, he was struck down by a blinding light and heard the voice of Jesus Christ. Jesus instructed him to go to the house of Judas on Straight Street in Damascus, where he would be told what to do. Ananias was the one who received a vision from God, instructing him to go to Saul and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight. Despite his initial fears, Ananias obeyed God's command and went to Saul, and his sight was restored.

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In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul taught that various spiritual gifts work for one body in Christ. Paul explained that each individual Christian has been given different spiritual gifts by God to be used for the benefit of the church as a whole. He emphasized that the church is like a body, and just as the different parts of the body have different functions, so do the members of the church. Each member of the church has a unique gift or ability that is important for the proper functioning and growth of the body of Christ as a whole. Therefore, it is necessary for the members of the church to work together in unity, with each person contributing their gifts and abilities for the good of the whole body.

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Prophet Amos was from a hilly country town called Tekoa. Amos was a prophet who lived during the reigns of Jeroboam II in the Northern Kingdom of Israel. He was not a professional prophet, but a simple shepherd and farmer. However, God called him to prophesy against the people of Israel for their sins, including their social injustice, oppression of the poor, and worship of false gods. Tekoa was a small town in the hilly region of Judah, located about 10 miles south of Jerusalem. It was a poor and remote area where the people struggled to make a living from the rocky soil. Amos used his knowledge of the land and the people to deliver his message to the Israelites, using vivid images and metaphors drawn from everyday life in the countryside. His message was not well received by the people, who saw him as a threat to their way of life, but his words were later recognized as a powerful and prophetic indictment of the nation's sins.

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The religious reform of King Josiah was triggered off by the discovery of the law book in the temple. The book is believed to have been the Book of the Law, possibly the book of Deuteronomy. This discovery was made during the repairs that Josiah ordered to be made to the temple in Jerusalem. When the book was read to Josiah, he realized how far the people of Judah had strayed from the commands of God and was deeply moved. He then initiated a religious reform to turn the people back to God and to follow His commands as stated in the book.

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"The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men" was a statement made after Paul had cured a crippled man from birth in Lystra. In the book of Acts, we read that Paul and Barnabas were on a missionary journey to Lystra, a city in modern-day Turkey. While preaching in Lystra, Paul noticed a man who had been crippled from birth and had never walked. Paul was filled with compassion for the man and commanded him to stand up and walk in the name of Jesus. The man was healed instantly and began to walk, leap, and praise God. The people of Lystra were amazed by the miracle and began to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, thinking that they had come down from heaven. They even brought sacrifices to offer to them. Paul and Barnabas tried to explain that they were only human beings, but the people were convinced that they were divine. The incident shows the power of God working through Paul and Barnabas to perform miracles and spread the Gospel, but also the danger of idolizing human beings and mistaking them for gods.

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During the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, God led them in the day in the form of a cloud. According to the book of Exodus, after the Israelites left Egypt, God led them through the wilderness by going before them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. The cloud was a visible sign of God's presence and guidance, and it provided shade and protection from the heat of the desert sun. When the cloud moved, the Israelites followed it, and when it stopped, they camped and set up their tents. The cloud also played a role in the dedication of the tabernacle, which was the portable sanctuary that the Israelites carried with them in the wilderness. When the tabernacle was completed, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord filled it, signifying that God's presence was with his people. Overall, the cloud was a powerful symbol of God's protection, guidance, and presence with the Israelites during their difficult journey through the wilderness.

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According to James, faith must be practiced with works. This means that faith is not just about believing in something, but it must also be accompanied by action. James believed that faith without works is dead, meaning that if one has faith but does not show it through action, then it is not genuine faith. Therefore, James emphasized the importance of not just believing in God, but also putting that belief into practice by doing good works and helping others. In summary, James believed that true faith involves both belief and action, and that these two aspects cannot be separated.

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The characteristic of a new life in Christ is "Lowliness." This means having a humble and modest attitude, recognizing our own limitations and weaknesses, and being willing to serve and put the needs of others before our own. It is a result of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit working within us when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. Lowliness is reflected in our actions, words, and thoughts as we seek to live a life that is pleasing to God and in accordance with His will.

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Abraham was 99 years old when God made a covenant with him in the land of Canaan.

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Jeremiah prophesied that when the Lord enters into a new covenant with Israel, there would be no need for anyone to teach his neighbor the knowledge of God. This means that everyone will have a personal relationship with God, and they will know Him intimately. They will not need to rely on others to tell them about God, because they will experience Him for themselves. This does not mean that studying the law of Moses, praying to God, or forgiveness of sins will no longer be necessary. Rather, it suggests that these things will become more personal and individualized under the new covenant.

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Peter's general outlook towards Gentile converts was significantly changed by the conversion of Cornelius the Centurion. Prior to his encounter with Cornelius, Peter and many other Jewish Christians believed that salvation was only available to Jews who followed the Law of Moses. However, in a vision, God showed Peter that Gentiles were also eligible for salvation, and he was instructed to go and visit Cornelius, a Gentile who had received a vision from God. When Peter arrived at Cornelius' home, he saw that the Holy Spirit had already come upon the Gentiles gathered there, and he baptized them in the name of Jesus Christ. This experience was a turning point for Peter, and he realized that the Gospel was intended for all people, regardless of their ethnicity or background. This new understanding paved the way for the spread of Christianity to the Gentile world.

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The statement "the spirit entered into me and set me upon my feet" implies that Ezekiel was empowered by a divine spirit and was given the strength to stand on his feet. This suggests that he was willing to do as he was directed by God and was ready to listen to His words.

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According to the Bible, the land, the sea, and vegetation were created on the third day of the creation narrative. This is described in the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. On the first day, God created light and separated it from darkness, and on the second day, God created the firmament or sky. On the fourth day, God created the sun, moon, and stars, and on the fifth day, God created birds and sea creatures.

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At Shechem, God appeared to Abram and told him that the land would be given to his descendants. This promise was part of the covenant that God made with Abram, which included the promise of many descendants and that he would be the father of many nations. This promise was fulfilled later when Abram's name was changed to Abraham and he became the father of Isaac, who was the father of Jacob, and the twelve tribes of Israel.

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In John's gospel, Jesus healed the man born blind to show that He is the "light." Jesus used this miracle to demonstrate that just as He had given physical sight to the blind man, He could also give spiritual sight to those who were spiritually blind. This was symbolic of the fact that Jesus came into the world to bring light to those who were living in darkness, and to help them see the truth about God and His love for them. The healing of the blind man was a powerful illustration of Jesus' power and authority, and it was a sign that He was the long-awaited Messiah who had come to save His people.

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At the final trial before Pilate, the notorious robber who was released instead of Jesus was Barabbas. According to the New Testament, at the trial of Jesus, Pilate offered to release one prisoner as a goodwill gesture towards the Jewish people. The crowd, incited by the religious leaders, demanded the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus, and Pilate granted their request. Barabbas was known to have taken part in a rebellion and committed murder, which made his release a surprising decision.

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These words were spoken by Eli in the Old Testament book of 1 Samuel. The context of this statement is when the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's presence among the Israelites. Eli's two sons had died in battle, and upon hearing the news of the capture of the Ark, Eli fell backward off his chair, broke his neck, and died. Before he died, Eli uttered the words "It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good to Him," acknowledging God's sovereignty and accepting His will, even in difficult circumstances. Eli recognized that God is in control and that His ways are higher than human understanding. These words reflect a deep trust and faith in God, despite the difficult circumstances. Eli's statement shows that even in times of great sorrow and uncertainty, we can trust that God is in control and that He works all things together for good.

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The correct answer is: Ahab to Prophet Elijah. This statement was made by King Ahab of Israel to Prophet Elijah. Ahab accused Elijah of being the "troubler of Israel" because Elijah had challenged the worship of the false god Baal and had predicted a drought that affected the land. Ahab's statement reflects his frustration with Elijah's prophetic message and his unwillingness to accept responsibility for his own actions as king.

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The parable of the Wheat and Tares emphasizes the final judgment of God. The parable describes a field where wheat was planted, but an enemy came and planted tares (weeds) among the wheat. The tares were not uprooted immediately because they looked very similar to the wheat, and it was difficult to distinguish between them. The parable teaches that at the end of time, God will separate the righteous (symbolized by the wheat) from the wicked (symbolized by the tares). The wicked will be punished and cast into eternal fire, while the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. The parable emphasizes the importance of leading a righteous life and being prepared for the final judgment of God.

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In his letter to the Galatians, Paul taught that Christians become sons of God through adoption. This means that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become part of God's family and are given the right to call God their Father. This adoption is not based on one's ethnicity, social status, or personal merit, but solely on God's grace and mercy. By becoming God's adopted children, Christians are also heirs to his promises and blessings.

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A "Cheerful giver" is he who gives out of freewill. This means that the person chooses to give willingly and happily without feeling forced or obligated to do so. The giver is motivated by a desire to help or make a positive impact, rather than any external pressures. In essence, a cheerful giver gives because they want to, not because they have to.

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Jesus appeared to Cleopas on his way to Emmaus. According to the Gospel of Luke, Cleopas was one of the two disciples who were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus on the day of Jesus' resurrection. They were discussing the events that had taken place when Jesus appeared to them, but they did not recognize him at first. They talked to him and he explained the Scriptures to them, and then he revealed himself to them when they broke bread together. (Luke 24:13-35)

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The first martyr among the disciples was Stephen. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve as deacons to take care of the needs of the poor in the early Christian church. He was a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, who performed many miracles and preached the Gospel boldly. However, some members of the Jewish community, who were opposed to the message of Jesus, falsely accused Stephen of blasphemy and brought him before the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. Stephen boldly defended his faith in Jesus and spoke of the history of Israel, but his words angered his accusers, who stoned him to death. As he was dying, Stephen prayed for his killers and asked God to forgive them. His death marked the beginning of a wave of persecution against the early Christians, but it also inspired many believers to stand firm in their faith in Jesus, even in the face of persecution and death.

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The main Christian virtue taught by Paul in his Epistle to Philemon is forgiveness. In the letter, Paul writes to Philemon, a Christian slave owner, about his runaway slave Onesimus who has become a Christian. Paul urges Philemon to forgive Onesimus and to receive him back not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation between Christians, and highlights the transformative power of the gospel in bringing about forgiveness and unity between believers.

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Nebuchadnezzar's statement "Blessed be the God of Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego" acknowledges the supremacy and greatness of God. This is because the three Jewish youths, Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego, had refused to worship the golden image that the king had set up and instead chose to worship their God. Despite facing the punishment of being thrown into a fiery furnace, their faith and courage in God never wavered. Miraculously, they emerged unscathed from the furnace, which led Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the power and greatness of their God. Thus, his statement implies that God is worthy of praise and adoration because of His miraculous intervention in the lives of these three young men.

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By the statement "I am the door of the sheep," Jesus means that all believers come to God through Him. In John 10:9, Jesus says, "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture." Jesus is using the imagery of a sheepfold to describe the relationship between Himself and His followers. In the ancient world, a sheepfold was a protected area where the sheep would be kept safe from predators. The sheepfold would often have only one entrance, and the shepherd would lie down at the entrance to protect the sheep from harm. In the same way, Jesus is the only entrance to eternal life, and only through faith in Him can believers come to God and be saved. He is the only way to find safety and security in God's love and protection.

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According to Paul in Romans, civil authorities who punish wrongdoers are acting as the agents of God's wrath. In other words, God has given them the responsibility to enforce justice and maintain order in society by punishing those who break the law. This does not mean that civil authorities are always right or just, but that they have a divine responsibility to carry out their role as agents of justice.

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In James' epistle, fulfillment of the royal law is loving one's neighbour as oneself. This commandment to love one's neighbour as oneself is referred to as the "royal law" and is considered one of the most important commandments in Christianity. It is based on the principle that all people are made in the image of God and should be treated with respect, love and kindness. By fulfilling this commandment, Christians demonstrate their love for God and their desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

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The book that demonstrates God's continual love for unfaithful Israel is the book of Hosea. The prophet Hosea was commanded by God to marry an unfaithful woman, which represented Israel's unfaithfulness to God. Despite Israel's disobedience and idolatry, God continued to love them and call them back to Him through the prophet's message. Hosea's message emphasizes the theme of God's love and mercy towards Israel, despite their unfaithfulness, and his desire for them to repent and return to Him.

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Peter advised the elders of the early Christian communities to lead those entrusted to them by their good example. This means that the elders should act as role models for the members of the church by living according to the teachings of Jesus Christ and following His example. They were expected to exhibit good character, compassion, and love towards their members, to help and support them in their spiritual journey. The elders were also encouraged to teach the Word of God and to guide the members of the community to live according to its teachings.

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This statement was made when Jesus was teaching about anxiety. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus teaches his followers not to worry about their lives, reminding them that God takes care of the birds in the sky and the flowers in the field, and that they are of much greater value to Him than these. He then says, "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." This emphasizes the idea that God cares for His children and provides for their needs, so there is no need for worry or anxiety.

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Namaan, the commander of the Syrian army, had leprosy and was seeking a cure. He was told by a young Israelite servant girl that there was a prophet in Samaria who could heal him. Namaan traveled to Israel and went to see the prophet, Elisha. Elisha instructed Namaan to go wash himself in the Jordan River seven times. Namaan was initially skeptical and upset that Elisha did not come out to meet him personally, but his servants convinced him to try it anyway. When Namaan followed Elisha's instructions and washed himself in the Jordan River seven times, he was miraculously healed of his leprosy. Namaan was overjoyed and offered to pay Elisha for his services, but Elisha refused to accept any payment. Namaan then declared that he would only worship the God of Israel from then on, recognizing that it was the power of God that had healed him. The story of Namaan's healing is a powerful reminder of God's power to heal and transform lives, even in the most unlikely circumstances. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience, as Namaan had to trust in Elisha's instructions and follow them in order to receive his healing.

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In the Early Church, the appointment of the seven deacons was to resolve the complaints of the Hellenist widows. The Hellenist widows felt neglected in the distribution of food compared to the Hebrew widows. So, the apostles appointed seven men full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom to oversee the distribution of food, ensuring that the Hellenist widows were not neglected. This act demonstrates the early Church's commitment to social justice and equality among its members.

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The contest on Mount Carmel between Elijah and Baal prophets was organized to prove the supremacy of God. Elijah challenged the Baal prophets to call on their god to send fire to consume a sacrifice, and he would do the same. Despite the Baal prophets' pleas and self-mutilation, their god did not respond. However, when Elijah prayed, God sent fire that consumed the sacrifice, wood, stones, dust, and even the water in the trench. This event demonstrated the power and supremacy of the God of Israel over Baal and the false gods worshipped by the Israelites.

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