WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2006

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

Peter ascribed to Christians the titles of "God's own people," "a holy nation," and "a royal priesthood." However, he did not ascribe to them the title of "a humble people" explicitly. Peter wrote letters to the early Christian communities, encouraging and guiding them in their faith. In his first letter, he described the followers of Jesus as "God's own people" and "a holy nation" because they were chosen by God to be set apart for His purposes. He also referred to them as "a royal priesthood," which means that they have direct access to God and can approach Him without the need for an intermediary. While Peter did not use the specific phrase "a humble people," he did emphasize the importance of humility throughout his letters. He urged his readers to be humble in their interactions with one another and to submit themselves to God's will. So, while the phrase "a humble people" is not one of the titles explicitly ascribed to Christians by Peter, humility was certainly a trait that he believed was crucial for followers of Jesus to embody.

Detalhes da Resposta

According to the Judeo-Christian creation story in the Bible, the task of giving names to all living creatures was performed by Adam. After God created the animals, he brought them to Adam and asked him to name each one. Adam gave each animal a name, which God accepted. This demonstrated Adam's authority over the animals, as he had the power to name them.

Detalhes da Resposta

Based on the information given, Paul is describing Grace as a free gift from God for the man of faith. This means that Grace is something that is freely given by God to those who have faith in Him, and it cannot be earned or deserved by any action or effort on our part. Grace is an unmerited favor from God towards humanity, and it is a key concept in Christianity.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

The parable of the Mustard seed is best illustrated by the option that describes "the small beginning of Christianity and its universal growth." In this parable, Jesus likened the Kingdom of Heaven to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a large tree, providing shelter and sustenance for birds. This parable is a metaphor for the growth of the Christian church, which began with a small group of disciples but grew to become a global faith with millions of followers. Just as the mustard seed grows into a large tree, so too did Christianity spread and flourish throughout the world, providing spiritual nourishment and shelter for believers.

Detalhes da Resposta

Paul stated that the signs for the Second Coming of Jesus will start with the occurrence of a great rebellion. This is mentioned in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2 of the Bible. The apostle Paul warned the early Christians not to be deceived by false teachings or reports that the day of the Lord had already come. He explained that the Second Coming of Jesus would be preceded by a great rebellion or apostasy, which refers to a widespread rejection of religious faith or belief in God. This sign will be a major indication that the end times are near and that Jesus is about to return to the earth.

Detalhes da Resposta

Peter believed that God established the State with the purpose of carrying out appropriate sanctions. In other words, the State has the responsibility to enforce laws and regulations and ensure that individuals who break them are punished accordingly. This helps to maintain social order and protect citizens from harm. While the State may also collect taxes and provide services such as education, Peter's view was that its primary role was to uphold justice through the enforcement of laws.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

Jesus' teaching about discipleship emphasized total commitment and absolute dedication to Him. He taught that following Him meant putting Him first above everything else, even the basic necessities of life. He challenged his disciples to give up their comfort, possessions, and even their own lives for the sake of the Gospel. He used the examples of a man who had to bury his father, and another who wanted to say goodbye to his family, to show that there should be no excuses or delays in following Him. Jesus also used the metaphor of putting one's hand into the plough, which means once you have committed to follow Him, there should be no looking back or turning away.

Detalhes da Resposta

Peter did not ascribe to Christians the title "a humble people." In his first letter, Peter refers to Christians as "God's own people," "a holy nation," and "a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). However, he does not use the phrase "a humble people" to describe Christians. While humility is an important trait for Christians to cultivate, Peter did not specifically use this phrase in reference to them. Instead, he emphasized the idea of being set apart and belonging to God as His chosen people, who have a unique and special relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Detalhes da Resposta

Paul's letter to Philemon is primarily about forgiveness. Philemon was a wealthy Christian who owned a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and had become a Christian while he was away. Paul, who was also a Christian, wrote a letter to Philemon urging him to forgive Onesimus and accept him back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and the power of the gospel to bring reconciliation and unity between people. He also models humility by appealing to Philemon as a friend and fellow Christian rather than as an authority figure. Overall, the letter emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness and the importance of treating others with love and respect, regardless of their social status or past actions.

Detalhes da Resposta

The prophet that rebuked David for seizing Uriah's wife was Nathan. Nathan was a prophet during the reign of King David, and he served as a trusted advisor to the king. When David committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, Nathan was sent by God to confront David about his sin. Nathan used a parable about a rich man who took a poor man's only lamb to show David the gravity of his sin and how he had taken what belonged to another man. Through Nathan, God pronounced judgment on David's sin but also showed him mercy and forgiveness when he repented. Nathan's rebuke of David shows the role of prophets in speaking truth to power and calling people to repentance when they stray from God's commands.

Detalhes da Resposta

In the Bible, at the city of Gibeon, God appeared to King Solomon in a dream and made him a promise. God promised to lengthen Solomon's days if he followed God's commandments and kept His statutes and judgments. The promise was contingent upon Solomon's faithfulness and obedience to God's laws. Building a temple for God was one of the ways Solomon could show his obedience, but it was not the only condition for God's promise. The promise was not linked to Solomon's ability to conquer the Syrian king or write three thousand proverbs, but rather to his commitment to keeping God's laws.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

In the Transfiguration story, Elijah represents the prophets. The Transfiguration is an event in the Bible where Jesus took his disciples Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, and there, he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. At this event, Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus. Moses represents the Law given to the Israelites, while Elijah represents the prophets who spoke on God's behalf and warned the people to follow God's commandments. The appearance of Moses and Elijah alongside Jesus signifies the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in Jesus, who is the promised Messiah. This event also foreshadows Jesus' death and resurrection and emphasizes his divine authority and identity as the Son of God.

Detalhes da Resposta

According to Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9). Jesus is saying that those who work to bring peace and reconciliation between people are considered blessed in God's eyes. This is because peacemakers are imitating God's character, who is a God of peace and reconciliation. By promoting peace and resolving conflicts, peacemakers demonstrate their love for others and their desire to build bridges between people, rather than creating division. Jesus also promises that peacemakers will be called "sons of God." This means that they will be recognized as children of God, who are reflecting God's character and carrying out His mission in the world. By living in peace and promoting harmony, peacemakers are fulfilling God's purpose for humanity and helping to bring about His kingdom on earth.

Detalhes da Resposta

The contest on Mount Carmel was to determine whether God or Baal was to be worshipped in Israel. In 1 Kings 18, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest to determine which deity was the true God. The prophets of Baal built an altar and called on their god to send down fire to consume their sacrifice, but nothing happened. Elijah, on the other hand, built an altar, put his sacrifice on it, and called on the God of Israel to send down fire, which He did. This miracle demonstrated that the God of Israel was the true God and that He alone was to be worshipped in Israel. Therefore, the contest on Mount Carmel was to determine whether God or Baal was to be worshipped in Israel.

Detalhes da Resposta

According to James, the effectiveness of prayer depends on having unshaken faith. This means having complete trust and confidence in the power and willingness of the divine being being prayed to. Praying in private or with a group, praying repeatedly or loudly, while they may have their own benefits, are not the determining factors in the effectiveness of prayer. Instead, having unwavering faith is the key to achieving positive results from prayer.

Detalhes da Resposta

The community of believers in Jerusalem exhibited all of the following except solemnizing marriage within their circle. According to the Bible, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, a community of believers was formed in Jerusalem. They continued to meet in the temple daily, breaking bread in their homes and praising God. They also shared their possessions and helped those in need. However, there is no mention in the Bible of this community solemnizing marriage within their circle. This does not mean that they did not get married or that they did not value marriage, but rather that it was not mentioned as a specific practice of their community.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

The disciple that God commissioned to restore the sight of Saul in Damascus was Ananias. After Saul encountered a vision of Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus, he was left blind and was instructed to go to a particular street where he would meet a man named Ananias. Ananias was hesitant at first, knowing that Saul had been persecuting Christians, but God assured him that Saul had been chosen to carry His name to the Gentiles. Ananias went to Saul, laid his hands on him, and Saul's sight was restored. Saul later became known as Paul and became a prominent figure in the early Christian church.

Detalhes da Resposta

Peter, in his sermon on the day of Pentecost, called on his audience to "repent and be baptized." In Acts 2:38, Peter says, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Peter was urging the people to turn away from their sins and to embrace Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He was also inviting them to be baptized as a public declaration of their faith in Jesus and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, Peter's call to his audience was to repent and be baptized.

Detalhes da Resposta

Jesus performed nature miracles to demonstrate many things, including his power, concern for people, and to increase people's faith in him. However, he did not perform these miracles to seek fame or personal glory. Jesus' miracles were meant to reveal his divine nature and show that he was sent by God. He used his power to heal the sick, feed the hungry, and calm the storms, among other things. These miracles were also a sign of his compassion and concern for people, as he was always willing to help those in need. Moreover, Jesus performed miracles to increase people's faith in him and to demonstrate that he was the Son of God. He often told people that it was their faith that had healed them, and encouraged them to believe in him. In summary, Jesus performed nature miracles for various reasons, including to demonstrate his power, compassion, and to increase people's faith. However, seeking fame was not one of his motivations.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

The new Covenant was unique because it was written upon the hearts of men. Unlike the old Covenant, which was written on tablets of stone and imposed external laws and regulations, the new Covenant involved a transformation of the heart and a new way of relating to God. It was initiated by God and fulfilled through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who enabled us to receive the Holy Spirit and live a life empowered by God's grace. This new way of relating to God through faith and love is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Detalhes da Resposta

According to Paul, justification can only be obtained by having faith in Jesus. In his teachings, Paul emphasized that salvation is a gift of God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not something that can be earned by obeying the law or doing good works. Paul believed that everyone is a sinner and falls short of the glory of God, but through faith in Jesus, we can be made righteous and justified before God. Therefore, faith in Jesus is the only way to be saved and receive eternal life.

Detalhes da Resposta

Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian cohort stationed in Caesarea, was converted and baptized by Peter. This event is recorded in the Bible in Acts chapter 10. Cornelius was a God-fearing man who had a vision in which an angel instructed him to send for Peter. At the same time, Peter had a vision in which God revealed to him that the gospel was also for the Gentiles, not just the Jews. When Cornelius' men arrived, Peter went with them to Caesarea and preached the gospel to Cornelius and his household. The Holy Spirit fell upon them, and Peter baptized them. This event was significant in the early church because it showed that salvation was available to all people, regardless of their nationality or background.

Detalhes da Resposta

In the Bible, God punished King Solomon for his idolatry in various ways. One of the ways was that the kingdom would be taken away from his descendants, except for the tribe of Judah. Another punishment was that the people of Israel would be oppressed by their enemies. Additionally, his own family would be affected, as his children and wives would be taken into exile or enslaved. This would also result in the loss of his royal palaces, which would be occupied by his enemies. These punishments served as a reminder that God does not tolerate disobedience and sin, even from those in positions of power and authority.

Detalhes da Resposta

As light of the world, Christians are expected to be exemplary in all they do. This means they should live their lives in a way that reflects the love, compassion, and grace of God. They should be honest, kind, and compassionate towards others, and treat them with respect and dignity. Christians should also preach the word of God to those around them, and share the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. While planting churches is a noble endeavor, it is not necessarily an expectation for all Christians, but rather a calling for some to spread the word of God and build up the church community.

Detalhes da Resposta

An important factor for effective prayer according to James is faith. In the New Testament book of James, the author emphasizes the importance of faith in prayer. He writes that when we ask God for wisdom, we must believe and not doubt because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. James also gives the example of Elijah, who prayed and believed that God would send rain after a three-year drought, and his prayer was answered. James teaches that faith is essential for effective prayer because when we pray in faith, we are acknowledging that God is able to answer our prayers and that He will do what is best for us. Therefore, having faith in God's goodness and ability to answer our prayers is crucial for effective prayer.

Detalhes da Resposta

Deborah instructed Barak to engage the forces of Jabin in a battle at the River Kishon. The River Kishon is a major waterway in the northern region of Israel, which flows from Mount Carmel to the Mediterranean Sea. This location was strategically significant for the battle because it provided an advantage for the Israelite army. The terrain around the river allowed them to trap Jabin's army and attack them from all sides, making it easier for them to emerge victorious.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

The Centurion whose servant Jesus healed demonstrated humility and faith. He humbly acknowledged his unworthiness and asked Jesus to heal his servant, recognizing Jesus' authority and power to do so. He also demonstrated faith in Jesus' ability to heal his servant, believing that Jesus didn't need to physically go to his servant's bedside to heal him. Instead, he had faith that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. This demonstrated both his humility in recognizing his own limitations and his faith in Jesus' power and authority.

Detalhes da Resposta

In the Bible, God said to Abraham, "To your descendants, I shall give this land" (Genesis 12:7). The descendants that God is referring to here are the Hebrews, who are also known as the Israelites. Abraham was the father of Isaac, who was the father of Jacob (also known as Israel), who had 12 sons. These 12 sons became the patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel, which were the Hebrew people that God was talking about. God promised Abraham that his descendants would inherit the land of Canaan, which is the area that includes modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. While other peoples, such as the Ishmaelites, Philistines, and Edomites, were also living in the region at the time, it was the Hebrews who were chosen by God to receive the land as their inheritance. This promise was fulfilled when the Israelites, led by Joshua, conquered the land of Canaan and established the nation of Israel in the Old Testament.

Detalhes da Resposta

During the mission of the twelve, Jesus gave all the following instructions except "take enough provision for your needs." In Matthew 10:5-6, Jesus tells the disciples not to go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans but to go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He also instructs them to proclaim the message that the kingdom of heaven has come near, to heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, and drive out demons. However, Jesus does not specifically tell them to take enough provisions for their needs.

Detalhes da Resposta

Judas Iscariot sealed up his betrayal pact with the chief priests and elders by saying "whomsoever I shall kiss, the same is he". This means that Judas would identify Jesus to the authorities by kissing him on the cheek, and this would be the signal to arrest him. So the phrase "the same is he" refers to Jesus, indicating that Judas would identify him to the authorities through a kiss on the cheek.

Detalhes da Resposta

Jesus said, "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" during the healing of the man born blind. In this story, Jesus encountered a man who had been blind from birth and healed him by spitting on the ground, making mud, and applying it to the man's eyes. Jesus then told the man to go wash in the Pool of Siloam, and when he did, he was able to see. The healing of the man born blind is significant because it not only shows Jesus' power to heal physical ailments, but also his ability to bring spiritual enlightenment to those who believe in him. By restoring the man's sight, Jesus not only cured him of his blindness but also opened his eyes to the truth of who Jesus was - the light of the world. So, in summary, Jesus said "As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world" during the healing of the man born blind, demonstrating his power to heal physical and spiritual blindness.

Detalhes da Resposta

God prepared Joseph for his leadership role in Egypt through the trials and temptations he faced in his earlier years. Joseph experienced betrayal, false accusations, and imprisonment, which strengthened his character and prepared him to handle the challenges of leadership. Additionally, Joseph's belief in the accuracy of his dreams, which he interpreted as messages from God, gave him confidence in his abilities and in the future that God had in store for him. While Joseph's father may have played a role in his upbringing and training, the Bible focuses more on Joseph's personal experiences and his faith in God's plan for his life.

Detalhes da Resposta

Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, referred to Christians as "God's own people," "a holy nation," and "a royal priesthood" in his first epistle (1 Peter 2:9). However, he did not describe Christians as "a humble people." Instead, Peter encouraged humility in his letter, writing that Christians should "clothe [themselves] with humility" (1 Peter 5:5). In summary, Peter did not ascribe the title "a humble people" to Christians, but he did encourage humility as a virtue.

Detalhes da Resposta

According to James, pure religion combines both faith and works. In other words, James emphasizes that true faith must be accompanied by corresponding actions or good deeds. He argues that it is not enough to simply believe in God, but one must also demonstrate that faith through acts of kindness, compassion, and charity towards others. Thus, James emphasizes the importance of both worship and work as essential components of true religion. This means that our worship and devotion to God should be reflected in our daily lives through our actions and interactions with others, particularly those in need. James also emphasizes the importance of caring for the needy and vulnerable, which can be considered a form of stewardship. However, the primary emphasis in James' teachings is on the combination of faith and works as the essence of pure religion.

Detalhes da Resposta

Prophet Samuel had two sons who were considered worthless, their names were Joel and Abijah. According to the Bible, Samuel appointed his sons as judges over Israel, but they did not follow in their father's footsteps and instead took bribes and perverted justice. This caused the people to complain and demand a king to rule over them instead. So, while Samuel was a great prophet and leader, his sons were not up to the same standard and were known as worthless because of their corruption and dishonesty.

Detalhes da Resposta

Hophni and Phineas are the ones who deprived God of the honor due to him by treating the sacrifices with contempt. Hophni and Phineas were the sons of Eli, who served as priests in the temple of God. They were supposed to oversee the sacrifices and offerings that were made by the people, but they were corrupt and dishonest. They took for themselves the best portions of the offerings, and they even took offerings that were meant for God before they had been properly offered. This dishonored God and showed a lack of respect for his holiness. As a result, God judged Hophni and Phineas, and they both died on the same day.

Detalhes da Resposta

God's ability to create by His spoken word depicts His omnipotence. The Bible teaches that God created the world through his spoken word, saying "Let there be light," and there was light. Throughout the creation account in the book of Genesis, God speaks and things come into being. This demonstrates God's complete and unlimited power or omnipotence, which means that He has the ability to do anything that is logically possible. The idea of God's omnipotence is a foundational belief in many religions and is considered an essential aspect of God's nature.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

The King of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem because Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon. Zedekiah, the king of Judah, was a vassal of Babylon, meaning that he owed allegiance to the Babylonian king and had to pay tribute. However, he decided to rebel against Babylon and refused to pay tribute. This angered the Babylonian king, who decided to lay siege to Jerusalem to punish Zedekiah and bring him back under his control. Despite the prophet Jeremiah's warnings, Zedekiah did not listen and continued to resist Babylon, leading to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the Jewish people. So, it was Zedekiah's rebellion against Babylon that led to the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, not his sinning against God, his escape through a breach in the wall, or his threatening to destroy Babylonian idols.

Detalhes da Resposta

Detalhes da Resposta

This voice was heard during the transfiguration of Jesus on the Mountain. According to the Bible, Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on a mountain to pray, and while he was praying, his appearance was transformed, and his face shone like the sun. Moses and Elijah appeared beside him, and a voice from heaven said, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him." The transfiguration of Jesus is an important event in Christian theology as it affirmed Jesus' divinity and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and it gave his disciples a glimpse of his glory before his death and resurrection.

Detalhes da Resposta

The statement "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men" was made by the people of Lystra. According to the Bible, Paul and Barnabas were preaching in Lystra when they healed a man who had been crippled from birth. The people of Lystra were amazed by the miracle and began to worship Paul and Barnabas, calling them gods. They even prepared to offer sacrifices to them, but Paul and Barnabas quickly corrected them, explaining that they were mere men and that the power to heal came from the one true God. This incident highlights the danger of idolizing humans and emphasizes the importance of giving glory and honor to God alone.

Detalhes da Resposta

When David became king of Israel, he moved the capital city from Hebron to Jerusalem. David conquered the city of Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the new capital because of its central location and strategic position between the northern and southern territories of Israel. Jerusalem became the religious and political center of the Israelites and was later the site of the construction of the First and Second Temples.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) The circumstances that led to the dismissal of Gehazi (2 Kings 5:15-27):

• After Naaman the Syrian commander was healed of leprosy by washing seven times in the Jordan, as directed by the prophet Elisha, he returned to offer Elisha a reward.
• Elisha firmly refused to accept any gift, saying, "As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none." He did not want it thought that God's grace could be bought.
• Gehazi, Elisha's servant, was greedy. He said to himself that his master had spared Naaman by not accepting what he brought, and resolved, "As the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him."
• He ran after Naaman and lied, claiming Elisha had sent him because two young prophets had just arrived, and requested a talent of silver and two changes of clothing for them.
• Naaman gladly gave two talents of silver and two festal garments, which Gehazi hid in the house.
• When Gehazi returned and stood before Elisha, the prophet asked where he had been. Gehazi lied again, saying he had gone nowhere.
• Elisha revealed that his spirit had gone with Gehazi and rebuked him: "Was it a time to accept money and garments...?"
• As judgement, the leprosy of Naaman clung to Gehazi and his descendants forever, and Gehazi went out from Elisha's presence a leper, as white as snow.

(b) Three lessons that can be learnt from Gehazi's conduct:

• Greed and covetousness lead to ruin; the love of money brings disgrace and punishment.
• Lying and deceit will be exposed; nothing is hidden from God and His servants.
• The gifts and grace of God must not be commercialised or used for selfish gain.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) Features of the New Life in Christ (Colossians 3)

Paul teaches that those who have been raised with Christ must live a transformed life:

• Seek things that are above. Believers should set their minds on heavenly things, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, not on earthly things.
• Put to death the earthly nature. They must renounce fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.
• Put away vices of speech and conduct. They should get rid of anger, wrath, malice, slander and foul talk, and not lie to one another, having put off the old self with its practices.
• Put on the new self. They are renewed in knowledge after the image of the Creator, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, slave nor free, but Christ is all in all.
• Clothe themselves with Christian virtues. They should put on compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, patience, forbearance and forgiveness, as the Lord has forgiven them.
• Above all, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony, and let the peace of Christ rule in their hearts.
• Let the word of Christ dwell in them richly, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving.

(b) Three practices with a negative effect on a Christian community

1. Immorality and impurity such as fornication and indecent living, which defile the fellowship.
2. Slander, lying and malicious gossip, which destroy trust and breed division.
3. Anger, quarrelling and unforgiveness, which disrupt peace and harmony among believers.

Detalhes da Resposta

None

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) The Lukan account of the Resurrection (Luke 24)

• On the first day of the week, at early dawn, the women who had followed Jesus from Galilee came to the tomb bringing the spices they had prepared.
• They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, and on going in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
• While they were perplexed, two men in dazzling apparel (angels) stood by them. The frightened women bowed their faces to the ground.
• The angels said, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen." They reminded the women that Jesus had foretold in Galilee that the Son of Man must be crucified and on the third day rise again.
• The women remembered His words and returned to tell the eleven and the rest. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Joanna and Mary the mother of James, but their words seemed to the apostles as an idle tale, and they did not believe.
• Peter, however, ran to the tomb, stooped and saw the linen cloths by themselves, and went home wondering.
• That same day the risen Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, was made known to them in the breaking of bread, and later appeared to the eleven, showed them His hands and feet, ate a piece of broiled fish, opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and finally led them out to Bethany where He blessed them and was carried up into heaven.

(b) Three lessons

1. The resurrection confirms the truth of Jesus' words and the certainty of God's promises.
2. Faith may need to overcome doubt, as the apostles first dismissed the report as an idle tale.
3. Christ reveals Himself to those who seek Him, especially in the Scriptures and in fellowship (the breaking of bread).

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) James' concept of works in relation to faith (James 2)

• James teaches that faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. A mere profession of belief that produces no action cannot save.
• He gives a practical illustration: if a brother or sister is ill-clad and lacking daily food, and one says to them "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" without giving them what the body needs, such words profit nothing.
• He anticipates the objection, "You have faith and I have works," and answers that faith cannot be shown apart from works, but he will show his faith by his works.
• He argues that even the demons believe that God is one, and shudder, yet their belief does not save them; therefore intellectual assent alone is worthless.
• He appeals to Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered his son Isaac on the altar; his faith was completed by his works, and he was called the friend of God.
• He also cites Rahab the harlot, who was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.
• His conclusion: "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead." True, living faith must express itself in obedient action.

(b) Three ways Christians can demonstrate their faith daily

1. By acts of charity, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and helping the needy.
2. By obedience to God's commandments and living an upright, honest life.
3. By showing love, forgiveness and kindness to others, including enemies, thereby putting belief into practice.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a)(i) Jeremiah's message about the sins of Judah

Jeremiah, called to prophesy in the closing years of the kingdom of Judah, delivered a searching indictment of the nation's covenant unfaithfulness. His message may be outlined as follows:

• Forsaking the Lord, the fountain of living waters. Judah had abandoned the true God who had delivered her from Egypt and had dug for herself broken cisterns that could hold no water.
• Idolatry and Baal worship. The people bowed to the gods of the nations, set up altars on every high hill and under every green tree, and even offered their children as burnt sacrifices to Baal and Molech.
• Corrupt and empty religion. They trusted in the mere presence of the Temple, chanting "the temple of the Lord", while their hearts and conduct were far from God. Their sacrifices and feasts had become an abomination because they lacked obedience.
• Injustice and oppression. The leaders, priests and prophets shed innocent blood, oppressed the widow, the orphan and the stranger, and pursued dishonest gain.
• Moral corruption. Adultery, lying, stealing, swearing falsely and breaking of the Sabbath were common among the people.
• False prophets and faithless priests. The prophets prophesied lies and the priests ruled by their own authority, crying "Peace, peace" when there was no peace, and the people loved to have it so.
• Refusal to repent. Despite repeated warnings, Judah stiffened her neck, hardened her heart and would not return to the Lord.

(ii) Two consequences of such sinfulness

1. Invasion and destruction by Babylon. Because of her sins, Judah was overrun by Nebuchadnezzar; Jerusalem and the Temple were burnt and destroyed.
2. Exile and captivity. The people were carried away into captivity in Babylon for seventy years, losing their land, freedom and place of worship.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) How Eli failed as a parent (1 Samuel 2:12-36; 3:11-14):

• His sons Hophni and Phinehas were worthless men who did not know the Lord, yet Eli allowed them to continue as priests.
• He failed to discipline or restrain them when they sinned grievously against the Lord's offerings and lay with the women serving at the tent of meeting.
• His rebuke was weak and too late. He merely asked, "Why do you do such things?" but did not remove them from office.
• He honoured his sons above God, allowing them to fatten themselves on the choicest parts of the offerings, as the Lord charged through the man of God.
• He tolerated persistent evil and did not act with the firmness his priestly duty and fatherhood demanded.

(b) Six ways Israel suffered as a result of Eli's parental irresponsibility:

• Worship at Shiloh was corrupted, and the people came to despise the offerings of the Lord.
• Israel was defeated by the Philistines at Ebenezer, losing about four thousand men.
• The Ark of God was captured by the Philistines.
• Thirty thousand foot soldiers of Israel fell in the second battle.
• Hophni and Phinehas were killed on the same day, and Eli himself fell and died.
• The glory departed from Israel, commemorated in the naming of Ichabod; the nation was plunged into mourning and shame.

(c) Three lessons from the attitude of Eli:

• Parents must discipline and correct their children early and firmly, not indulge them.
• God must be honoured above family ties; partiality toward children over duty to God brings disaster.
• Negligence in responsibility carries grave consequences, both for the individual and for the wider community.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6)

(i) Worldly Possession

• Jesus warned His hearers not to lay up for themselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.
• Instead, they should lay up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.
• He gave the principle that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
• He taught that no one can serve two masters, for he will hate the one and love the other; therefore one cannot serve both God and mammon (wealth).

(ii) Anxiety

• Jesus commanded His followers not to be anxious about their life, what they would eat or drink, nor about their body, what they would wear.
• He pointed to the birds of the air which neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet the heavenly Father feeds them, and the disciples are of more value than they.
• He pointed to the lilies of the field which neither toil nor spin, yet Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of them.
• He taught that worry cannot add a single cubit to one's span of life, and that the Gentiles seek after these things; but the Father knows His children need them.
• The conclusion: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.

(b) Three lessons

1. Christians should set their hearts on heavenly and eternal values rather than perishable wealth.
2. Undivided devotion to God is required; one cannot serve both God and money.
3. Trust in God's providence delivers the believer from destructive anxiety, since God cares for and provides for His children.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a)(i) How Nehemiah received the news about the state of affairs in Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:1-4):

• In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, Nehemiah was in Susa the capital, serving as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes.
• Hanani, one of his brethren, came from Judah with certain men.
• Nehemiah asked them about the surviving Jews who had escaped exile, and about Jerusalem.
• They reported that the survivors were in great trouble and shame; the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates had been destroyed by fire.
• On hearing this, Nehemiah sat down and wept, mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.

(a)(ii) Nehemiah's prayer when he received the news (Nehemiah 1:5-11):

• He addressed God as "O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments."
• He asked God to let His ear be attentive and His eyes open to hear the prayer of His servant offered day and night for the people of Israel.
• He made a confession of sin, acknowledging that he and the house of Israel, including himself and his father's house, had sinned and had not kept the commandments given through Moses.
• He reminded God of His word to Moses: that if they were unfaithful He would scatter them, but if they returned and obeyed, He would gather them from the farthest places to the place He had chosen.
• He appealed that they were God's servants and people whom He had redeemed by His great power.
• He asked God to grant him mercy and success in the presence of the king ("this man"), for he was about to make his request. He ended, "for I was cupbearer to the king."

(b) Three virtues that can be learnt from Nehemiah's reaction:

• Deep concern and patriotism for the welfare of his people and his homeland.
• A spirit of prayer and dependence on God, turning first to God with fasting before acting.
• Humility and honesty, shown in confessing the nation's sins and his own before seeking God's help.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) How Paul treated the problem of idleness among the Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians 3)

Some Christians at Thessalonica, apparently expecting the imminent return of Christ, had abandoned work and were living in idleness and becoming busybodies. Paul addressed the problem firmly:

• He commanded, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that the brethren keep away from any believer who lives in idleness and not according to the tradition they received.
• He reminded them of his own example: he and his companions were not idle when they were with them, nor did they eat anyone's bread without paying, but worked night and day with toil and labour so as not to burden anyone.
• He explained that they did this to give the Thessalonians an example to imitate, even though as apostles they had the right to support.
• He restated the rule he had given while with them: "If any one will not work, let him not eat."
• He rebuked those who were mere busybodies, not busy at work, and commanded and exhorted them in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and earn their own living.
• He urged the rest of the believers not to grow weary in well-doing, and to note anyone who refused to obey, so that he might be ashamed, though he was to be warned as a brother and not treated as an enemy.

(b) Three reasons why Christians should engage in gainful employment

1. To provide for oneself and one's family and avoid becoming a burden to others.
2. To obey God's command and follow Christian example, since Scripture teaches that whoever will not work should not eat.
3. To have resources to help the needy and support the work of the church rather than living in idleness and becoming a busybody.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) Circumstances that led to Jesus' declaration of Himself as the 'Bread of Life' (John 6)

The declaration arose out of the events following the feeding of the five thousand:

• Jesus had miraculously fed a great multitude with five barley loaves and two fish, and twelve baskets of fragments were gathered up.
• Impressed by the sign, the crowd wanted to seize Him by force and make Him king, but Jesus withdrew to the mountain and later crossed the sea to Capernaum.
• The crowd searched for Him and found Him on the other side of the sea. Jesus told them plainly that they were seeking Him not because they saw signs but because they had eaten the loaves and were filled.
• He urged them not to labour for the food that perishes but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man would give.
• They asked for a sign and reminded Him that their fathers ate manna in the wilderness. Jesus replied that it was not Moses but His Father who gives the true bread from heaven, the bread that gives life to the world.
• When they asked for this bread, Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst." He added that whoever eats this bread will live for ever, and that the bread He gives is His flesh for the life of the world.

(b) Three moral lessons

1. We should seek spiritual, not merely material, benefits. Christians must labour for eternal things and not follow Christ only for earthly gain.
2. Faith in Christ is the source of true and lasting life. Belief in Jesus satisfies the deepest hunger of the soul.
3. Christ meets both physical and spiritual needs. As He fed the crowd and offered Himself as living bread, believers should trust Him for their total welfare and also care for the needy around them.

Detalhes da Resposta

(a) Events that led to the election of Matthias (Acts 1)

• After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and gathered in the upper room, devoting themselves to prayer together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and His brothers.
• In those days Peter stood up among the brethren, about a hundred and twenty in number, and addressed them.
• He explained that the Scripture had to be fulfilled concerning Judas Iscariot, who had guided those who arrested Jesus and had been numbered among the twelve.
• Peter recalled that Judas had bought a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong he burst open; the field was called Akeldama, the Field of Blood.
• Peter cited the Psalms: "Let another take his office," and argued that Judas' place of leadership must be filled.
• He laid down the qualification: the replacement must be one of the men who had accompanied them all the time the Lord Jesus went in and out among them, from the baptism of John until the ascension, so that he could be a witness of the resurrection.
• Two men were put forward, Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias.
• They prayed, asking the Lord who knows the hearts of all to show which of the two He had chosen. Then they cast lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, who was enrolled with the eleven apostles.

(b) Three guidelines for conducting elections

1. Prayerful dependence on God. Elections should be preceded by prayer, seeking divine guidance since God knows the hearts of all.
2. Clear qualifications and eligibility. Candidates should meet defined criteria of character, experience and integrity, as Peter set out the qualifications for the apostle.
3. Fairness and transparency. The process should be open and impartial, giving equal opportunity to qualified candidates and free from favouritism or manipulation.