WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2014

Détails de la réponse

Hosea named his first son Jezreel as a sign of punishment to come unto the royal house. The name Jezreel means "God scatters" or "God sows," and it was a reference to the valley of Jezreel where many battles and bloodshed had taken place. By giving this name to his son, Hosea was warning that judgment and punishment would come upon the royal house of Israel, particularly King Jehu, who had shed much blood in his rise to power.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

According to the Bible, when God created Eve, He caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, took a rib from Adam's side and used it to create Eve. There is no mention in the Bible of God covering where He removed the rib with a bone. Therefore, the correct answer is: "covering where he removed the rib with a bone".

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

According to James, Christians should offer prayers of thanksgiving when they are cheerful. In James 5:13, he says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise." This suggests that when someone is feeling happy and content, they should express their gratitude to God through singing praises and offering prayers of thanksgiving. This is a reminder that even in good times, we should remember to acknowledge and appreciate God's blessings in our lives.

Détails de la réponse

According to Ezra, the return of the Jews from exile was prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah prophesied that after seventy years of exile in Babylon, the Jews would be allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This prophecy was fulfilled when King Cyrus of Persia allowed the Jews to return and provided them with resources to rebuild the temple.

Détails de la réponse

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. King Solomon recognized the need for a permanent house of worship for the Lord, and he had the resources to construct it. In 1 Kings 5:3-5, Solomon wrote to Hiram, "You know how my father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars which were fought against him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence." Thus, Solomon acknowledged that it was not possible for his father, David, to build the temple because of the conflicts he faced. However, now that he had peace, Solomon could carry out his father's desire to build a permanent house of worship for the Lord.

Détails de la réponse

The feast of Pentecost for Christians was remarkable because it marked the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus Christ. This event enabled them to speak in tongues and spread the gospel message to people from different nations and languages, leading to the conversion of thousands of people. Therefore, the correct option is that the feast of Pentecost enabled people to speak in tongues.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

The sons of Samuel misused their privileged positions by engaging in bribery and false judgment. In the Old Testament of the Bible, Samuel was a prophet and judge who anointed Saul and later David as kings of Israel. Samuel had two sons, Joel and Abijah, who were appointed as judges in Beersheba. However, they did not follow in their father's righteous ways and instead misused their positions of power. Specifically, the Bible states that they "took bribes and perverted justice" (1 Samuel 8:3). This means that they accepted money or other favors in exchange for making false judgments in legal cases. This is a serious abuse of power and a violation of their duty to administer justice fairly. Their actions were a major factor in the people of Israel calling for a king to rule over them instead of judges. This led to the anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel. Therefore, the sons of Samuel misused their privileged positions by engaging in bribery and false judgment, which violated their duty to administer justice fairly.

Détails de la réponse

God created the sun, moon, and stars on the fourth day of creation according to the Bible (Genesis 1:14-19). These celestial bodies were created for various purposes. They were created to provide light upon the earth, to separate the day from the night, and for signs of seasons, days, and years. However, they were not created to dry up flood from the face of the earth.

Détails de la réponse

The man who was forced to carry the cross of Jesus was Simon of Cyrene. When Jesus was being led to Golgotha to be crucified, the Roman soldiers compelled Simon of Cyrene, a passerby, to carry the cross of Jesus. Simon of Cyrene hailed from Cyrene, which is now in modern-day Libya. This event is recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

The boldness of Peter and John before the Sanhedrin was attributed to their being with Jesus. After Jesus' resurrection and ascension, the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples, and they received a new boldness and confidence to preach the gospel. Peter and John, who were previously uneducated and fearful, boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus before the Sanhedrin, despite the potential consequences. Their courage came from their relationship with Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Détails de la réponse

A Roman Centurion was in charge of 100 soldiers in the ancient Roman army. The word "centurion" comes from the Latin word "centuriae," which means "group of 100." The centurions were responsible for maintaining order and discipline within their units, as well as for training and leading their soldiers in battle. They were also responsible for ensuring that their soldiers were properly equipped and supplied, and for reporting to their superiors on the status of their unit. The position of centurion was highly respected and coveted, as it offered opportunities for promotion and advancement within the Roman military hierarchy.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

The main lesson to be learned from Elijah's victory at Mount Carmel is the supremacy of the one true God over false gods. Elijah was able to demonstrate to the people of Israel that the God of Israel is the only true God by showing His power and answering Elijah's prayers with fire from heaven. The false prophets, who served the god Baal, were unable to do so. This event serves as a reminder that there is only one true God who deserves our worship and that we should not follow after false gods or idols.

Détails de la réponse

Life in the early church was characterized by a communal spirit. The early church was founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and its members were known for their strong sense of community and fellowship. They shared their possessions and resources, and they supported one another in times of need. The Book of Acts describes how the early Christians would gather together regularly for worship, prayer, and fellowship. They would share meals together and help each other with their daily needs. This communal spirit was not just limited to the early days of the church; it continued to be a hallmark of Christian life for centuries. In addition to their strong sense of community, early Christians were also known for their commitment to honesty and peace. They were called to be peacemakers and to love their neighbors as themselves. Many early Christians also engaged in prophetic activities, such as speaking out against injustice and advocating for the marginalized and oppressed. Fasting and alms-giving were also important practices in the early church, as they were seen as ways to demonstrate one's devotion to God and to help those in need. In summary, life in the early church was characterized by a strong sense of community, honesty, and peace. Early Christians shared their resources and supported one another, while also engaging in prophetic activities and demonstrating their devotion to God through fasting and alms-giving.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

When Jesus told his disciples "Don't be afraid, henceforth you will be catching men", he did not mean capturing men in a physical sense, but rather in a spiritual sense. "Catching men" means leading people to the Christian faith, spreading the gospel to non-believers and bringing them closer to God. In other words, Jesus was telling his disciples that they would become fishers of men, or evangelists, by sharing the good news of the gospel with others and bringing them into the faith.

Détails de la réponse

Golgotha means "the skull" in Aramaic. It is the place where Jesus was crucified according to the Bible, and it is also known as Calvary in Latin. The name is believed to have come from the hill's appearance, which resembles a human skull.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

According to James, partiality is practiced in the church by neglecting the poor. This means that some members of the church show favoritism or discrimination based on social status or wealth, and ignore the needs of those who are less fortunate. James encourages Christians to treat all people equally and with love, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

Peter admonished church leaders to take care of the flock of Christ in order to obtain God's crown of glory. Peter emphasized the importance of taking care of the flock of Christ, the church leaders should not do so for personal gain or material benefits but with a willing heart, and they should serve as good examples for the flock. Peter admonished church leaders to be shepherds to the flock of Christ, not domineering over them but serving them as overseers, to ensure that the church grows in love and unity, and that it is not led astray by false teachings. Thus, by taking care of the flock of Christ, church leaders would be rewarded with God's crown of glory.

Détails de la réponse

Peter believed that God appreciates and gives credit to servants who suffer for wrongs not done. This is demonstrated in 1 Peter 2:19-20 where Peter tells servants to submit to their masters, even when they are treated unjustly, and to endure the suffering patiently. Peter goes on to explain that when they do this, and endure unjust suffering without retaliating, they are following the example of Christ and pleasing God. Therefore, God gives credit to those who suffer for doing what is right, even if they are wrongly accused or mistreated.

Détails de la réponse

Saul lied to Samuel when he said that he had utterly destroyed the Amalekites. In the book of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament of the Bible, God commanded Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as punishment for their wickedness. However, Saul and his soldiers spared the king of the Amalekites and some of the best livestock. When Samuel came to confront Saul about this disobedience, Saul claimed that he had obeyed God's command and had completely destroyed the Amalekites. Samuel, however, knew that Saul was lying and rebuked him for his disobedience. Saul's lie showed that he was more concerned with his own interests than with obeying God's commands. His disobedience and dishonesty ultimately led to his downfall as king. In summary, Saul lied to Samuel when he claimed to have completely destroyed the Amalekites, even though he had spared the king and some of the best livestock. This lie demonstrated Saul's disobedience and lack of concern for God's commands.

Détails de la réponse

The wife of Phineas named her premature child Ichabod because Israel had lost the Ark and her husband. In the book of 1 Samuel, it was recorded that the Ark of the Covenant was captured by the Philistines in a battle with the Israelites, and Phineas, the son of Eli the high priest, was killed in the same battle. When his wife heard the news, she went into labor and gave birth to a son. She named the child Ichabod, which means "the glory has departed," indicating that the glory of the Lord had departed from Israel with the loss of the Ark and her husband.

Détails de la réponse

James used this text to highlight his teaching on faith and works. He argues that faith without works is dead and that Abraham's faith was demonstrated by his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice, and this was the reason why his faith was reckoned to him as righteousness. James' teaching emphasizes that true faith always results in action, and that works are evidence of genuine faith.

Détails de la réponse

The instruction "Dress yourself and put on your sandals" was given to Peter by an angel who appeared to him while he was in prison. Obedience to this instruction led to Peter's release from prison.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

According to Matthew, when the women met the risen Jesus, they took hold of his feet and worshipped him. After finding the tomb empty, the women encountered Jesus, who told them to go and tell the disciples that he had risen. The women then took hold of his feet and worshipped him, recognizing him as their Lord and Savior.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

During the Ammonite war, Uriah disobeyed King David by refusing to go to his house to sleep because he believed that it would be unpatriotic to break his military vow. As a loyal soldier, Uriah refused to indulge in the comfort of his home and his wife while his fellow soldiers were in battle. He felt that it would be a betrayal to his oath and to his fellow soldiers who were still fighting, and that it would be wrong for him to put his personal comfort above his duty to his country and his comrades.

Détails de la réponse

The appointment of deacons in the Early Church was meant to check discrimination and favoritism. In Acts 6, there was a complaint about the unfair distribution of food to the widows of two different groups of believers. The apostles decided to appoint seven men to oversee the distribution of food to ensure that all widows were cared for equally. These seven men were the first deacons appointed in the Early Church. By appointing deacons, the apostles were able to delegate responsibility for practical matters, allowing them to focus on preaching the Gospel and prayer. Additionally, the appointment of deacons from different backgrounds, including Hellenistic Jews, demonstrated that the Church was open to people from all backgrounds and was not favoring one group over another.

Détails de la réponse

The names of the sons of Jacob listed in the book of Exodus excluded Joseph because the list covered only those who came to Egypt with Jacob. Joseph was already in Egypt, having been sold into slavery by his brothers and eventually rising to a position of power there. Thus, he was not included in the list of the sons of Jacob who migrated to Egypt with their families. However, Joseph's two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were included in the list as heads of their own tribes.

Détails de la réponse

Peter described Christians as a chosen race of God because they declared God's wonderful deeds. Christians are seen as a chosen race because they have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and therefore, they have been reconciled to God. As a result of their faith in Jesus, they have become a new creation, and their lives are now characterized by a desire to serve and obey God. They proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and the salvation that He offers to all people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or social status.

Détails de la réponse

The charge of drunkenness was leveled against the apostles on Pentecost day because they spoke in other tongues. The apostles were gathered together in a room when suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Some of the people who witnessed this event thought that the apostles were drunk, as they had never seen anything like this before. However, Peter explained to the crowd that the apostles were not drunk, but rather filled with the Holy Spirit as prophesied by the prophet Joel.

Détails de la réponse

The statement "I gave you cleanness of teeth in all your cities" is from the book of Amos in the Old Testament of the Bible. It means that God had caused a famine in the land, which resulted in the people having no food to eat. "Cleanness of teeth" refers to the fact that when someone does not have anything to eat, their teeth remain clean because they are not being used to chew any food. So, this statement is a metaphorical way of saying that God had caused a famine in the land, and the people were suffering from hunger.

Détails de la réponse

The episode of Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego in the Bible distinctly demonstrates the complete trust in God and God's ability to save his servants. In the book of Daniel in the Old Testament of the Bible, Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego were three Jewish men who refused to worship the golden statue of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. As punishment, the king ordered them to be thrown into a fiery furnace. However, even as they were about to be thrown in, the three men declared their faith in God and said that even if God did not save them, they would not worship the king's statue. Miraculously, God did save them. As they were in the furnace, a fourth figure appeared, described as "like a son of the gods" (Daniel 3:25), and protected them from the flames. When they emerged unharmed, even their clothes untouched by fire, the king was amazed and declared that the God of the Jews was the true God. This episode demonstrates the complete trust in God that the three men had, even in the face of death, and God's ability to save his servants who have faith in Him. It also highlights the power of God and the weakness of earthly kings, who cannot compare to the Almighty God. Therefore, the distinctly demonstrated episode of Shedrach, Meshack and Abednego in the Bible is their complete trust in God and God's ability to save his servants who have faith in Him.

Détails de la réponse

James advised against looking down on the poor because they are the rightful heirs of the kingdom. In James 2:5, it is written "Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" James is reminding Christians that God values the poor and their faith, and that they will inherit the kingdom of God. Therefore, Christians should not look down on the poor, but instead treat them with respect and love, just as God does.

Détails de la réponse

Peter was calling on Christians to live as free men but to use their freedom in a responsible way. He was urging them not to use their freedom as an excuse to do wrong or engage in evil activities. In essence, Christians should use their freedom to do what is right and not abuse it.

Détails de la réponse

The river that was not flowing from the Garden of Eden is the Kishon. The other three rivers, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates, are mentioned in the Bible as having flowed from the Garden of Eden. However, Kishon is not mentioned in relation to the Garden of Eden, but it is mentioned in other parts of the Bible as a river in Israel.

Détails de la réponse

The boy Moses was hidden for three months because Pharaoh had decreed the murder of Hebrew male borns. According to the Bible's book of Exodus, the Israelites had become slaves in Egypt and their population was growing. Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, became concerned that the Hebrews were becoming too numerous and might pose a threat to his rule. He ordered that all Hebrew male infants be thrown into the Nile River. Moses was born to Hebrew parents during this time, and his mother and sister hid him for three months to keep him safe from Pharaoh's decree. When they could no longer keep him hidden, they placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile. He was eventually found by Pharaoh's daughter and raised as a prince in the Egyptian court, until he later fled Egypt and eventually became a prophet and leader of the Israelites. Therefore, the reason why the boy Moses was hidden for three months was to protect him from Pharaoh's cruel decree, which sought to eliminate Hebrew male infants, and to give him a chance at life.

Détails de la réponse

Détails de la réponse

Gehazi became a leper because of his greed. In the story from 2 Kings, Gehazi was the servant of Elisha, a prophet of God. Naaman, a Syrian commander, was cured of leprosy by Elisha, and Naaman offered gifts to Elisha as a thank you. However, Elisha refused to accept any gifts. Gehazi, on the other hand, secretly followed Naaman and lied to him, asking for some of the gifts. Naaman gave him twice as much as he asked for, but when Gehazi returned, Elisha knew of his deceit and greed. As a result, Elisha cursed Gehazi with Naaman's leprosy, and Gehazi became a leper for the rest of his life.

Détails de la réponse

The tearing of the temple curtain into two meant that there was now open access to God. According to the Bible's accounts of Jesus' crucifixion, the temple curtain, which separated the Holy of Holies (the inner sanctum of the temple) from the rest of the temple, was torn in two from top to bottom at the moment of Jesus' death. This event was significant because it symbolized the opening of direct access to God for all people, rather than limited access through the high priest and sacrificial system. The tearing of the temple curtain was seen as a divine act, indicating that the barrier between God and humanity had been removed through Jesus' sacrifice. It also marked the end of the old covenant (the old system of religious laws and rituals) and the beginning of a new covenant based on faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the tearing of the temple curtain into two meant that there was now open access to God, and that all people could now approach Him directly through faith in Jesus Christ.

Détails de la réponse

Peter quoted the prophet Joel when he preached on Pentecost day about the spirit falling upon all men. In the New Testament of the Bible, the book of Acts describes how the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles and other believers on the day of Pentecost, which was a Jewish festival. As a result, the believers were able to speak in different languages, and many people from different nations were able to understand them and hear the message of the gospel. In his sermon, Peter explained to the crowd that this event was the fulfillment of the prophecy of the prophet Joel, who had foretold that God would pour out His Spirit on all people in the last days. Peter quoted from Joel 2:28-32, which says that God will pour out His Spirit on all people, young and old, male and female, and that those who call on the name of the Lord will be saved. By quoting Joel's prophecy, Peter was emphasizing that the coming of the Holy Spirit was a sign of the fulfillment of God's promises and the beginning of a new era in which the gospel would be preached to all nations. In summary, Peter quoted the prophet Joel when he preached on Pentecost day about the spirit falling upon all men. He used Joel's prophecy to explain the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit and to show that it was a fulfillment of God's promises.

Détails de la réponse

This statement was made by a man of God to Eli the priest in 1 Samuel 2:27-36. The man of God brought a message from God to Eli, warning him of the judgment that was to come upon his household for the sins committed by his sons, Hophni and Phineas. The man of God told Eli that his descendants would be cut off from serving as priests, and that his two sons would both die on the same day. The man of God then made the statement, "Put me I pray you in one of the priest's places that I may eat a morsel of bread," as a way of showing Eli that he was a true prophet and had the authority to speak for God.

Détails de la réponse

(a) God's creation (Genesis 1-2)

(i) Light

• At the beginning the earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, while the Spirit of God moved over the waters.
• On the first day God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God simply spoke and light came into being.
• God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness.
• God called the light Day and the darkness He called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

(ii) Woman

• The Lord God observed that it was not good for the man to be alone, and resolved to make him a helper fit for him.
• He first brought the animals and birds to Adam to name, but among them no suitable helper was found for the man.
• So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and while he slept He took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh.
• From the rib the Lord God built a woman and brought her to the man.
• Adam rejoiced, saying, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man."
• For this reason a man leaves his father and mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.

(b) Three ways creation reveals God's nature

1. God is almighty and sovereign, for He created all things by His word out of nothing.
2. God is wise and orderly, as seen in the careful, purposeful arrangement of creation, each thing in its place.
3. God is good and caring, providing light, life and a companion for man, and declaring His works good.

Détails de la réponse

(a) Amos' vision of a basket of ripe fruit (Amos 8)

• The Lord God showed Amos a vision: behold, a basket of summer (ripe) fruit.
• The Lord asked, "Amos, what do you see?" and he answered, "A basket of summer fruit."
• Then the Lord said to him, "The end has come upon my people Israel; I will never again pass by them." Just as ripe fruit is ready to be eaten and will soon spoil, so Israel was ripe for judgement.
• The Lord declared that the songs of the temple would become wailings in that day, that many dead bodies would be cast out in silence.
• God then rebuked those who trampled on the needy and brought the poor of the land to an end.
• He condemned the merchants who could hardly wait for the new moon and the Sabbath to be over so that they might sell grain and wheat, making the ephah small and the shekel great, dealing deceitfully with false balances, buying the poor for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, and selling the refuse of the wheat.
• The Lord swore that He would never forget any of their deeds; the land would tremble and mourn, and He would turn their feasts into mourning and their songs into lamentation.
• He warned of a famine, not of bread or water, but of hearing the words of the Lord, when people would wander and seek God's word but not find it.

(b) Three practices that Amos condemned

1. Oppression and exploitation of the poor and needy, trampling upon them and selling them for trifles.
2. Dishonest trade, using false balances, small measures and inflated prices to cheat buyers.
3. Empty and hypocritical religion, keeping feasts and sabbaths outwardly while practising injustice.

Détails de la réponse

(a) Summary of Peter's speech on Pentecost day (Acts 2:14-40)

• When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they spoke in other tongues, some in the crowd mocked, saying they were filled with new wine. Peter stood up with the eleven and addressed the crowd.
• He explained that they were not drunk, since it was only the third hour of the day, but that this was the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel: "In the last days I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh," and whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
• He proclaimed Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested by God with mighty works, wonders and signs, whom they had crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, according to God's definite plan and foreknowledge.
• He declared that God raised Jesus from the dead, freeing Him from the pangs of death, since it was not possible for death to hold Him.
• He cited David, who foresaw that God's Holy One would not see corruption, arguing that David died and was buried, but spoke of the resurrection of the Christ.
• He testified that God had raised this Jesus and that they were all witnesses, and that being exalted at the right hand of God, Jesus had poured out the Spirit which they saw and heard.
• He concluded, "Let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
• When the people were cut to the heart and asked what they should do, Peter called them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. About three thousand souls were added that day.

(b) Three changes in the life of the disciples after Pentecost

1. Boldness in place of fear. The once-timid disciples now preached Christ courageously before the crowd.
2. Spiritual power and new abilities, including speaking in other tongues and working signs and wonders.
3. Deeper understanding and unity, devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers, and sharing their possessions.

Détails de la réponse

(a) The demands Jesus made of the prospective disciples (Luke 9:57-62)

As Jesus and His disciples went along the road, three would-be followers came to Him, and to each He set out the demands of discipleship:

• The first man said, "I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head." He demanded readiness to accept hardship, homelessness and self-denial.
• The second man was called by Jesus, "Follow me," but he asked first to go and bury his father. Jesus answered, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God." He demanded that the kingdom take priority even over pressing family and social obligations.
• The third man said, "I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home." Jesus replied, "No one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God." He demanded wholehearted commitment without looking back.

In sum, Jesus demanded willingness to endure hardship, to give the kingdom of God first place above all other ties, and to follow Him with undivided, forward-looking devotion.

(b) Three attitudes true disciples must exhibit

1. Total commitment and readiness for sacrifice, putting Christ above comfort and possessions.
2. Prioritising the kingdom of God above family, social and personal interests.
3. Steadfastness and singleness of purpose, never looking back once they have set out to follow Christ.

Détails de la réponse

(a) What James said about effective prayer (James 5:13-18)

• James asks whether any among them is suffering, and answers that such a one should pray; whoever is cheerful should sing praise.
• Concerning the sick, he directs that they call for the elders of the church, who should pray over the sick person and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
• He assures that "the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
• He urges believers to confess their sins to one another and to pray for one another, that they may be healed.
• He gives the great principle: "The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects." Effective prayer must come from a righteous life and be offered in faith and fervency.
• He illustrates with Elijah, a man of like nature with us, who prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months; then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth brought forth its fruit.
• Thus James teaches that effective prayer is prayer offered in faith, in righteousness, fervently, in mutual love and confession, and it is powerful in its results.

(b) Three reasons why some prayers are not answered

1. Unconfessed sin and unrighteous living, which separate the one praying from God.
2. Lack of faith, since prayer must be offered believing, not doubting.
3. Wrong or selfish motives, asking amiss to spend on one's own pleasures, together with an unforgiving heart.

Détails de la réponse

(a) The role of King Hiram of Tyre in Solomon's preparation to build the temple (1 Kings 5)

• Hiram king of Tyre, who had always been a friend of David, sent his servants to Solomon when he heard that Solomon had been anointed king in place of his father.
• Solomon sent a message to Hiram, recalling that his father David could not build a house for the name of the Lord because of the wars around him, but now the Lord had given rest and peace, and Solomon purposed to build the temple.
• Solomon requested Hiram to command that cedars of Lebanon be cut for him, promising that his servants would join Hiram's servants, since the Sidonians were skilled in cutting timber.
• Hiram rejoiced greatly at Solomon's words, blessed the Lord, and agreed to supply the timber of cedar and cypress (fir) from Lebanon.
• Hiram's servants brought the logs down to the sea and floated them in rafts by sea to the place Solomon appointed, where they were broken up and taken inland.
• In return, Solomon gave Hiram wheat and beaten oil year by year as food for his household.
• Hiram also supplied skilled craftsmen and labour, and there was peace between the two kings, and they made a treaty (covenant) together.
• Thus Hiram provided the essential building materials, skilled workmen and a friendly alliance that enabled Solomon to proceed with the great work of the temple.

(b) Three benefits of making friends

1. Mutual help and support in times of need, as Hiram assisted Solomon with materials and labour.
2. Cooperation and shared resources that make great tasks achievable.
3. Peace, goodwill and lasting alliances that promote harmony and prevent conflict.

Détails de la réponse

(a) How Israel asked for a king (1 Samuel 8)

• When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons Joel and Abijah as judges over Israel, but they did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after gain, took bribes and perverted justice.
• Because of this, all the elders of Israel gathered and came to Samuel at Ramah.
• They said to him, "Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint for us a king to govern us like all the nations."
• The demand displeased Samuel, and he prayed to the Lord. The Lord told him to listen to the voice of the people, for they had not rejected Samuel but had rejected God from being king over them.
• The Lord instructed Samuel to warn them solemnly of the ways of the king who would reign over them.
• Samuel warned that the king would take their sons for his chariots and armies, their daughters as perfumers and cooks, the best of their fields, vineyards and olive orchards, a tenth of their grain and flocks, and their servants, and they would become his slaves and cry out in that day.
• But the people refused to listen, insisting, "No! but we will have a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may govern us and go out before us and fight our battles."
• The Lord then told Samuel to hearken to their voice and make them a king, and Saul was later anointed.

(b) Four consequences of the king's disobedience to God

Saul, the first king, repeatedly disobeyed God, and the consequences were grave:

1. Rejection as king. Because he disobeyed by offering the sacrifice himself and by sparing Agag and the best of the spoil, God rejected Saul from being king.
2. Loss of the kingdom to another. The kingdom was torn from him and given to a neighbour better than he, namely David.
3. Departure of God's Spirit and torment. The Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit tormented him.
4. Death in battle and defeat. Saul and his sons were slain by the Philistines on Mount Gilboa, and Israel suffered defeat.

Détails de la réponse

(a) Jesus' encounter with Matthew, the tax collector (Matthew 9:9-13; cf. Mark 2, Luke 5)

• As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man called Matthew (also known as Levi) sitting at the tax office (the place of toll).
• Jesus said to him, "Follow me." And Matthew rose at once, left everything, and followed Him.
• Afterward Matthew made a great feast in his house, and many tax collectors and sinners came and sat at table with Jesus and His disciples.
• When the Pharisees saw this, they complained to His disciples, asking, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"
• Hearing it, Jesus answered, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick."
• He told them to go and learn what this means: "I desire mercy, and not sacrifice," and declared, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners."

(b) Three lessons from the encounter

1. Jesus calls all kinds of people, including outcasts and sinners, to follow Him; no one is beyond His grace.
2. True discipleship demands immediate and total response; Matthew left his lucrative work at once to follow Jesus.
3. Christ came to seek and save sinners and desires mercy rather than self-righteous judgement of others.

Détails de la réponse

(a) How Peter exhorts Christians to be good citizens (1 Peter 2:11-17)

Peter first appeals to believers as sojourners and exiles, urging them to abstain from the passions of the flesh which war against the soul. Their good conduct is to be the foundation of responsible citizenship.

• Honourable conduct among the Gentiles. They should keep their behaviour excellent so that pagans who accuse them of wrongdoing may instead glorify God when they observe their good deeds.
• Submission to civil authority for the Lord's sake. Christians are to be subject to every human institution, whether to the emperor as supreme or to governors sent by him to punish evildoers and praise those who do right.
• Obedience as the will of God. By doing good they silence the ignorance of foolish men, showing that the faith does not breed rebellion.
• Right use of freedom. They must live as free people, yet not use their liberty as a cover-up for evil, but live as servants of God.
• A fourfold duty. Peter sums up their citizenship: Honour everyone, love the brotherhood, fear God, honour the emperor.
• Payment of civic obligations and respect for rulers. Even earthly kings and officials are to be respected because they serve God's purpose of maintaining order.

(b) Three ways the exhortation is significant

1. It teaches that genuine faith and loyal citizenship are compatible, so Christians can serve both God and the state without conflict.
2. It provides a witness that wins outsiders, since exemplary conduct silences accusations and draws unbelievers to glorify God.
3. It promotes peace, order and stability in society by encouraging obedience to lawful authority and respect for all persons.