WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2020

The election of Matthias to succeed Judas was_____

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The election of Matthias to succeed Judas was the fulfillment of scripture. According to the biblical account in Acts 1:15-26, the apostles were looking for a replacement for Judas, who had betrayed Jesus and then taken his own life. They prayed and asked for guidance, and then used casting lots to choose Matthias as the new apostle to join the twelve. This was seen as fulfilling the scripture that said there would be twelve apostles, and was a way of ensuring that the number of apostles was complete again. The election of Matthias was not a command from Peter or an instruction given by Jesus, but was instead a way of following the guidance of God as revealed in the scripture.

The content of the Ark of the covenant was the_______

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The content of the Ark of the Covenant was the two tablets of stone. According to the Old Testament, the Ark of the Covenant was a sacred chest made by the Israelites under the direction of God. It was used to carry the tablets of the Ten Commandments that were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Ark also contained other sacred objects, including Aaron's staff and a pot of manna. The Ark was a symbol of the presence of God and was kept in the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

Joseph's intelligence was revealed when he _______

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Joseph's intelligence was revealed when he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams. In the story from the book of Genesis, Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers and taken to Egypt. While he was there, he was falsely accused and thrown into prison. However, he was eventually released and brought before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh had been troubled by two dreams that he couldn't understand, and none of his wise men or magicians could interpret them for him. But when Joseph was brought before him, he was able to explain the meaning of the dreams, and to offer a solution to the problem they presented. Joseph correctly interpreted Pharaoh's dreams as a prediction of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. He advised Pharaoh to store up food during the years of plenty, in order to have enough to survive the years of famine. Pharaoh was impressed by Joseph's intelligence and insight, and he appointed him to be the second most powerful person in Egypt, after the king himself. Joseph's ability to interpret the dreams and provide a practical solution to the problem was a clear demonstration of his intelligence and wisdom.

The Sonship of Jesus was declared during His________

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The Sonship of Jesus was declared during His baptism. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, a voice from heaven declared, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). This event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and affirmed his divine Sonship as the second person of the Trinity.

Who among these was a brother to Peter?

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Andrew was a brother to Peter. In the New Testament, Andrew and Peter are referred to as brothers. They were both fishermen from Bethsaida in Galilee and were called by Jesus to become his disciples. Andrew was the first disciple that Jesus called, and he then brought his brother Peter to Jesus. The two brothers became close associates of Jesus and were among his inner circle of disciples. Throughout the Gospels, Andrew is mentioned several times, but he is not as prominent as his brother Peter. Nevertheless, he played an important role in the early Christian Church and was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus to be a witness to his life, death, and resurrection.

Jabin the King of Canaan oppressed the Israelites for_______

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Jabin the King of Canaan oppressed the Israelites for 20 years. In the Bible, Jabin was the king of the Canaanite city-state of Hazor and he ruled over the Israelites during a difficult time in their history. For 20 years, the Israelites were forced to live under his cruel and oppressive rule. However, with the help of a judge named Deborah and a military leader named Barak, the Israelites were able to defeat Jabin and gain freedom from his rule.

The recognition of Deborah as an outstanding leader in Israel signifies that______________

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The recognition of Deborah as an outstanding leader in Israel signifies that God can choose women as leaders. This means that it doesn't matter if someone is a man or a woman, if they have the qualities and skills to be a good leader, they can be chosen by God to lead. Deborah was a strong and wise leader, and her recognition as such shows that God can choose anyone, regardless of gender, to be a leader.

My father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. This means the speaker _____

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And when the king heard the words of the book of the law, he rent his clothes. Renting of clothes in Israel was an expression of_________

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Renting of clothes in Israel was an expression of disappointment and grief. This was a way of showing sadness, mourning or distress. When someone rent their clothes, they were tearing them apart as a symbol of their strong emotions and the depth of their feelings. This was a common way of expressing sorrow or mourning in biblical times and it was usually done in response to something that was seen as very sad or tragic.

James advised that Christians should sing praises when they are_________

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James advised that Christians should sing praises when they are suffering. In the book of James in the New Testament, James writes about the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of trials and difficulties. He encourages Christians to consider their suffering as an opportunity to mature and grow in their faith. He writes, "Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises" (James 5:13). This verse suggests that singing praises can be a way for Christians to express their joy and gratitude, even in the midst of suffering. By singing praises, they can express their trust in God and their hope for his deliverance, and they can also encourage one another.

The linen ephod worn by Samuel portrayed him as a_________.

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The task master in charge of forced labour in Israel during the reign of Rehoboam was_______

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The task master in charge of forced labor in Israel during the reign of Rehoboam was Adoram. Adoram was a high-ranking official in the government of King Rehoboam, who ruled over the kingdom of Israel in the 10th century BCE. As the task master, Adoram was responsible for overseeing the conscripted labor of the people, which was a common practice in the ancient world. This involved forcing people to work on various projects, such as building roads, fortifications, and other public works. Adoram's role was to ensure that the labor was carried out efficiently and effectively.

Due to Ahab's greed, Elijah made him aware that his house would be destroyed like that of______

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The land, the sea and vegetations were created on the

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This question is asking about the order of creation in the book of Genesis. According to the Bible, God created the land, sea, and vegetation on the third day of creation. Therefore, the correct answer is "third day."

Man became a living being when God _______

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Joshua's daily meditation on the book of the law enabled him to __________

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Joshua's daily meditation on the book of the law enabled him to lead his people. Joshua was chosen by God to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites. To be an effective leader, he needed to have a clear understanding of God's law and how it applied to the Israelites. By meditating on the book of the law, Joshua was able to gain a deeper understanding of God's will and develop the wisdom and guidance he needed to lead his people effectively.

The prophecy concerning the denial of Jesus by Peter was fulfilled during the_________

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Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus resulted in the ________

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Which of these statements was not made by Peter during the second trial of the apostles by the high priest?

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Pure and undefiled religion, according to James, involved all these practices except__________

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Pure and undefiled religion, according to James, involved all these practices except going to church daily. In the book of James in the New Testament, the author speaks about the importance of pure and undefiled religion. He says that true religion involves caring for orphans and widows in their suffering and affliction, and keeping oneself unstained from the world. While going to church is an important part of many people's religious practice, James does not mention it as a requirement for pure and undefiled religion. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action by helping those in need.

David's servants could not report the death of Bathsheba's child to him because they________

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David's servants could not report the death of Bathsheba's child to him because they feared that David could harm himself. In the story from the book of 2 Samuel, David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah the Hittite, and had arranged for Uriah to be killed in battle. As a result of this sin, the child that was conceived died soon after birth, despite David's prayers and fasting for the child's life. David's servants were afraid to tell him that the child had died because they knew how much he loved Bathsheba and the child, and they feared that he would be overcome with grief and do something rash or harmful to himself. When David learned that the child had died, he was heartbroken, but he did not harm himself or anyone else. Instead, he got up from his place of mourning, worshiped God, and comforted Bathsheba. David's reaction showed that he had accepted the situation and trusted in God's mercy and forgiveness. In this story, the fear of David harming himself demonstrates the deep emotional attachment he had to Bathsheba and the child, as well as the potential for extreme reactions to grief and loss.

What did the returned Jews give as a sin offering during the dedication of the temple?

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Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross, was the father of________

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Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to carry Jesus' cross, was the father of Alexander and Rufus. According to the New Testament, Simon of Cyrene was a passerby who was pressed into service to carry Jesus' cross as Jesus was on his way to be crucified. The Gospels of Mark (15:21) and Matthew (27:32) mention Simon by name, and the Gospel of Luke (23:26) refers to him as "the father of Alexander and Rufus." These two individuals are not otherwise mentioned in the New Testament, but they may have been known to the early Christian communities to which Luke was writing, as they are identified by name. The fact that they are mentioned suggests that Simon of Cyrene and his family were seen as important witnesses to the events of Jesus' crucifixion, and their testimony was remembered and valued by the early Church.

The High Priest tore his robes during the trial of Jesus because he said Jesus________

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In his attempt to control the growing population of the Israelites in Egypt, Pharaoh ordered the ______

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Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every Israelite baby boy at birth. This was an attempt to control the growing population of the Israelites in Egypt. However, the midwives feared God and did not carry out Pharaoh's order, instead, they lied to Pharaoh that the Hebrew women give birth before their arrival. As a result, the Israelite population continued to grow despite Pharaoh's orders.

Amaziah advised Amos to go and prophesy in Judah instead of Bethel because_______

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Is it you, you troubler of Israel? These were the words said by King_______

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The words "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" were said by King Ahab to Elijah. King Ahab was the king of Israel in the Old Testament of the Bible. Elijah was a prophet of God who spoke out against the evil ways of King Ahab and his queen, Jezebel. Elijah challenged the king and the people to turn back to God and follow His ways. Because of this, King Ahab saw Elijah as a troublemaker for Israel.

Which of these behaviours was not exhibited by the sons of EIi?

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One of the behaviours listed in the options was not exhibited by the sons of Eli. The behavior that was not exhibited by them is "taking bribes and perverting justice". Eli's sons were accused of treating the offering of God with contempt and taking raw meat from the offering. They also forcefully took meat offered to God. However, there is no record of them taking bribes or perverting justice in the Bible.

According to Samuel the prophet, rebellon is as sinful as _____________

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According to Matthew, the first to see Jesus after His resurrection were the_______________________

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According to the book of Matthew in the Bible, the first to see Jesus after His resurrection were the women who went to the tomb. This is described in Matthew 28:1 which states, "Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave." The women then encountered an angel who told them that Jesus had risen from the dead, and they went to tell the disciples.

The unmerciful servant was punished because he__________

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How did Obadiah demostrate his loyalty to God during the hostile period of his time?

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Take this child away, and nurse him for me and i will give you your wages. The addressee was ________

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The addressee was Pharaoh's daughter. This statement is from the Bible, specifically from the book of Exodus. In the story, Moses, a Hebrew baby, was placed in a basket and floated down the Nile River. Pharaoh's daughter found the baby and decided to take care of him. She then hired a Hebrew woman, Moses' biological mother, to nurse the baby and be his caregiver.

What was the sin of Manasseh for which God punished Judah under king Jehoiakim?

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David rebuked Abner at Ziph because Abner_______

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Moses named his son Gershom to demonstrate that he________

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Moses named his son Gershom to demonstrate that he was a stranger in Midian. When Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he went to Midian and married a woman named Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. Moses had a son with Zipporah and named him Gershom, which means "a stranger there." Moses chose this name to remind himself and others that he was a foreigner in Midian, a land where he did not belong. This name also reflected Moses' feelings of displacement and his longing to return to his own people and his true home.

Ahab was attracted to Naboth's vineyard because the vineyard was ______

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The one I shall kiss is the man; seize him. The kiss was significant for_________

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In this statement, Judas Iscariot, who had agreed to betray Jesus, identified Jesus to the chief priests and elders of the people by telling them that he would greet Jesus with a kiss. The kiss was therefore significant in identifying Jesus to those who had come to arrest him, since he had often been in the midst of large crowds, and it was important to ensure that they captured the right person. Thus, the kiss was a signal that led to the arrest of Jesus.

According to Luke, the third temptation was that Jesus should_________

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According to Luke's account of the Bible, the third temptation of Jesus was to jump down from the pinnacle of the temple. The devil took Jesus to the top of the temple in Jerusalem and tempted him to throw himself down, saying that the angels would save him. Jesus refused, saying that he would not test God. This story can be found in Luke 4:9-12.

The challenges of discrimination and favouritism in the early church were resolved by _________

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Amos observed that the Israelites profaned God's name when they__________

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Which of the following disciples was called from the tax office by Jesus?

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The disciple who was called from the tax office by Jesus was Levi. Levi was a tax collector, also known as Matthew, and Jesus called him to become one of his disciples. At the time, tax collectors were often despised by their fellow Jews because they worked for the Roman government and were viewed as traitors. However, Jesus saw something in Levi that made him worthy of becoming a disciple, and Levi responded to the call by leaving his tax-collecting business and following Jesus. Therefore, the correct option is "Levi."

Joseph brothers pastured their father's flock near _______

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Joseph's brothers pastured their father's flock near Shechem. Shechem was a city in the northern part of ancient Israel, located in the region of Samaria. The city was situated in a valley between two mountains and had a well that provided water for the flocks of sheep and goats. Joseph's brothers took their father's flock to pasture in this area because there was plenty of grass for the animals to eat and water for them to drink. They would have spent their days watching over the flock, making sure the animals were safe from predators and that they didn't wander too far from the grazing area. This location becomes important later in the story of Joseph, as it is where he is sent by his father to check on his brothers, and where he is eventually sold into slavery by them.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were punished because they__________

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were punished because they refused to bow down to the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. The king had commanded everyone to worship the golden image, but the three men, who were followers of the God of Israel, refused to do so. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment. However, they were miraculously saved by their God, who sent an angel to protect them from the flames. This story is told in the Old Testament book of Daniel, chapter 3.

The authorities Peter quoted as being fulfilled on the day of Pentecost were___________

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The authorities Peter quoted as being fulfilled on the day of Pentecost were Joel and David. In the book of Acts, chapter 2, Peter quotes the prophet Joel and King David during his sermon on the day of Pentecost. Peter was speaking to a crowd of Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the festival of Pentecost, and he was explaining the events of the day, which included the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and the speaking of tongues by the believers. Peter quoted Joel to explain that the events of the day were a fulfillment of the prophecy in Joel 2:28-32, which spoke of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days. He also quoted David from Psalm 16:8-11, which spoke of the resurrection of Jesus and his ascension to the right hand of God. These quotes by Peter demonstrate the significance of the events of Pentecost and their connection to the prophecy of the Old Testament. They also provide important evidence for the early Christian belief in the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

During King Josiah's religious reforms, his first attack was on the _________

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During King Josiah's religious reforms, his first attack was on the Canaanite divinities - Baal and Asherah. King Josiah, the king of Judah, was known for his religious reforms to eradicate idolatry and to restore the worship of Yahweh. The reforms began in the eighteenth year of his reign, where he ordered the repair of the temple in Jerusalem. During the repairs, the Book of the Law was found, and King Josiah was shocked to learn that his kingdom had not been following Yahweh's law. He immediately set out to reform the kingdom's religious practices. His first attack was on the worship of the Canaanite gods Baal and Asherah, as they were believed to be in conflict with Yahweh.

For Peter, Christian liberty not be used as a___________

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For Peter, Christian liberty should not be used as a cover-up for sin. In other words, Peter believed that Christians should not use their freedom as an excuse to engage in sinful behavior. Instead, they should use their freedom to serve and love others, as well as to honor God. This is based on the teachings in the Bible that tell us to live a life that is pleasing to God and to not use our freedom as a license to sin. So, in a simple and understandable way, Christian liberty is not meant to be used as a way to hide or justify sinful actions, but rather as a way to live a life of love, service, and obedience to God.

According to Peter, Christians have become a chosen race so that they may____________

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According to 1 Peter 2:9, Christians have become a chosen race in order to declare the good works of God. This means that Christians have been chosen by God to be His representatives on earth and to make known to the world His goodness and love through their words and actions. Peter encourages believers to live holy and blameless lives, shining the light of God's love to those around them. By doing so, they fulfill their calling to declare the good works of God to a world that desperately needs to hear the message of hope and salvation that only Jesus Christ can bring.

According to Peter, the Church elders would receive their rewards______________

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According to Peter, the Church elders would receive their rewards at Jesus's second coming. This means that when Jesus returns to Earth, the elders who served the church with diligence and faithfulness will be rewarded by God. The exact nature of these rewards is not specified, but they are likely to include blessings, honors, and recognition for their service to the Lord.

The river that flowed out of Eden divided into________

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According to the biblical account in Genesis 2:10-14, the river that flowed out of Eden divided into four branches or streams. These four branches are named Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates.

(a) State the different ways David resisted taking Saul's life at the wilderness of Ziph.
(b) Mention four benefits one can derive from self-control.

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(a) In the wilderness of Ziph, David had the opportunity to take Saul's life, but he resisted in several ways, including:

1. He showed mercy: David spared Saul's life when he had the chance to kill him in his sleep. Instead, he took his spear and water jug and left without harming him.
2. He trusted God: David believed that God would deliver him from Saul's hand, and he didn't take matters into his own hands. He waited for God's timing and didn't try to force his own.
3. He respected Saul's position: David recognized that Saul was the anointed king of Israel, and he didn't want to harm God's chosen leader, even though Saul was trying to kill him.
4. He kept a low profile: David and his men hid in the wilderness and didn't provoke Saul or his army. They didn't retaliate or engage in any hostile actions, but instead, they waited for the situation to resolve peacefully.

(b) Self-control is the ability to manage one's impulses and emotions, and it has several benefits, including:

1. Improved health: Self-control can help people make healthier choices, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and alcohol. This can lead to better physical health and a longer lifespan.
2. Better relationships: People with self-control are better able to regulate their emotions and avoid impulsive behavior that can harm their relationships with others. They are more likely to communicate effectively, listen actively, and show empathy, which can lead to stronger and more fulfilling relationships.
3. Increased productivity: Self-control can help people set and achieve goals, stay focused on tasks, and avoid procrastination. This can lead to increased productivity, better performance at work or school, and a sense of accomplishment.
4. Reduced stress: Self-control can help people manage stress and anxiety by regulating their emotions and avoiding impulsive reactions. This can lead to better mental health, improved mood, and a greater sense of well-being.

(a) Discuss the circumstances that led to Jesus saying "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men
(b) Enumerate three factors that prevent people from becoming committed Christians.

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(a) According to the Bible, Jesus said "Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men" to his disciples Peter, James, and John after they had been fishing all night and caught nothing. Jesus then instructed them to cast their nets again, and they caught so many fish that their nets began to break. This miracle made the disciples realize that Jesus was not just an ordinary man, but rather the Son of God. Jesus then told them that they would no longer be catching fish, but instead, they would be catching men, meaning that they would become fishers of men and spread the message of the Gospel.

(b) Three factors that prevent people from becoming committed Christians are:

1. Lack of understanding: Some people may not have a clear understanding of what Christianity is all about, and as a result, they may not see the need to become committed Christians. They may not have had the opportunity to learn about Christianity, or they may have been taught a distorted or inaccurate version of it.
2. Personal beliefs and values: Some people may have their own beliefs and values that conflict with Christianity. For example, they may believe in a different religion or philosophy that they find more compelling than Christianity, or they may have a set of moral values that differ from those espoused by Christianity.
3. Fear of change: Some people may be afraid to change their lifestyles and habits to conform to Christian beliefs and practices. They may be comfortable with their current way of life and reluctant to give it up. They may also be afraid of how others will perceive them if they become committed Christians, and they may fear rejection or ridicule from family and friends.

(a) State in detail, all that Peter expected from the people when he said, "But you are a chosen race, a Royal Priesthood, a holy nation".

(b) Enumerate four factors that prevent Christians from doing the will of God.

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(a) When Peter said, "But you are a chosen race, a Royal Priesthood, a holy nation," he was reminding his readers of their identity as followers of Christ. He expected them to live up to this identity by living holy and blameless lives, avoiding the sinful practices of their former lifestyles. As a chosen race, they were called to be different from the world around them, reflecting the character of Christ in their attitudes and actions. As a Royal Priesthood, they were expected to offer spiritual sacrifices to God, serving as mediators between God and the world. As a holy nation, they were expected to live in such a way that their lives would be a testimony to the power and grace of God, drawing others to faith in Christ.

(b) There are several factors that can prevent Christians from doing the will of God. Firstly, distractions can often take our focus away from God and His purposes. This can include things like social media, entertainment, or even good things like family and work. When we become too focused on these things, we can lose sight of God's will for our lives. Secondly, fear can prevent us from doing the will of God. We may be afraid of failure, rejection, or persecution, and this can lead us to avoid stepping out in faith and doing what God has called us to do. Thirdly, pride can be a major obstacle to doing God's will. When we become too focused on ourselves and our own accomplishments, we can become resistant to God's direction and guidance. Finally, sin can prevent us from doing the will of God. When we allow sin to take hold in our lives, it can cloud our judgment and lead us away from God's plans and purposes for us.

(a) Give an account of Solomon's prayer during the dediçation of the temple.
(b) Explain three ways leaders can use their resources for the development of the society.

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(a) Solomon's prayer during the dedication of the temple is recorded in 1 Kings 8:22-53. In his prayer, Solomon acknowledged God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to David, and he recognized that no temple or building could contain God's presence. He also prayed that God would continue to dwell in the temple and listen to the prayers of the people who would come to worship there. Solomon asked God to forgive the people when they sinned and to show them mercy. He also prayed for God's protection and provision for the people, especially in times of famine, war, and distress. Finally, Solomon expressed his desire for the temple to be a place where people from all nations could come and learn about God and worship Him.

(b) Leaders can use their resources for the development of society in various ways:

1. Investing in education: Leaders can allocate resources towards education by building schools, hiring qualified teachers, and providing scholarships and other incentives to students. This can help increase the literacy rate, improve the quality of education, and empower people with knowledge and skills needed to build a better future.
2. Building infrastructure: Leaders can use their resources to build roads, bridges, hospitals, and other public facilities that can benefit the community. This can help improve access to healthcare, reduce transportation costs, and create job opportunities.
3. Supporting entrepreneurship: Leaders can provide financial and technical support to entrepreneurs who have innovative ideas that can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. This can help reduce poverty, promote innovation, and increase productivity. Additionally, leaders can create a conducive environment for business by simplifying regulations and providing tax incentives.

(a) Highlight the steps taken by God to change a formless earth to a place of life and activity
(b) ldentify four ways human beings are destroying God's creation.

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(a) In the creation story found in Genesis 1, the Bible describes the steps God took to transform a formless and empty earth into a place of life and activity. The steps are as follows:

1. Light: God created light and separated it from darkness, creating day and night.
2. Sky: God created an expanse to separate the waters and called it the sky.
3. Dry land: God gathered the waters and made the dry ground appear, creating land and sea.
4. Vegetation: God created plants and trees to grow on the land, yielding fruits and seeds.
5. Sun, moon, and stars: God created the sun, moon, and stars to govern the day and night and to mark seasons, days, and years.
6. Sea creatures and birds: God created sea creatures and birds to fill the waters and the sky.
7. Land animals and humans: God created land animals, including livestock, wild animals, and small creatures, and then created humans in His own image to rule over the earth and take care of it.

(b) Human beings are responsible for many forms of destruction of God's creation. Here are four ways they do so:

1. Pollution: Human activities, such as industrial processes, transportation, and waste disposal, release harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, water, and soil, which can harm plants, animals, and human health.
2. Deforestation: Human activities such as logging and clearing of forests for agriculture or development destroys habitats and disrupts ecosystems, leading to loss of biodiversity and soil erosion.
3. Overfishing: Uncontrolled fishing practices by humans can lead to depletion of fish populations, which can negatively impact ocean ecosystems, food security, and the livelihoods of fishermen.
4. Climate change: Human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have led to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise, sea levels to rise, and weather patterns to change, which can negatively impact ecosystems and human life.

(a) Explain, in detail, how James addressed the subject of prayer.
(b) Mention at least two roles prayer can play in the life of a Christian.

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(a) James addresses the subject of prayer in several ways throughout his letter:

In James 1:5-8, he encourages his readers to ask God for wisdom when they lack it, without doubting that God will give it to them. He also emphasizes the importance of praying in faith, rather than with doubt or skepticism. In James 4:2-3, he warns against praying with selfish motives, as this will not be pleasing to God. He also suggests that if we are struggling with sin or sickness, we should call upon the elders of the church to pray for us (James 5:13-16). Overall, James portrays prayer as a powerful tool for communication with God, which can bring us wisdom, healing, and spiritual strength.

(b) Prayer can play several important roles in the life of a Christian:

Firstly, prayer can be a means of expressing gratitude and thanksgiving to God for His blessings in our lives. It allows us to acknowledge the goodness of God and the many ways in which He has provided for us. Secondly, prayer can be a source of comfort and strength in times of hardship or distress. When we pray, we are reminded that we are not alone, and that God is always with us, ready to offer us help and support. Additionally, prayer can deepen our relationship with God, as it allows us to communicate with Him on a regular basis, sharing our thoughts, feelings, and concerns. It is a way for us to align ourselves with God's will, and to seek His guidance and direction in our lives.

(a) Narrate the circumstances under which Peter was rescued from prison.
(b) Mention any three lessons that can be learnt from the above incident.

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a) The circumstances under which Peter was rescued from prison are described in the Bible in the book of Acts, chapter 12. King Herod Agrippa I had arrested Peter and put him in prison, intending to bring him out to the people to be executed after the Passover. However, an angel of the Lord appeared to Peter in prison and freed him, leading him past the guards and out of the prison gates. The church was praying for Peter's release, and when he suddenly appeared at the home of Mary, the mother of John Mark, they were overjoyed.

b) Three lessons that can be learned from this incident are:

1. The power of prayer: The church was praying for Peter's release, and their prayers were answered through the intervention of the angel of the Lord. This shows the power of prayer and the importance of having faith in God's ability to answer our prayers.
2. God's protection: Peter was freed from prison by an angel of the Lord, demonstrating that God is able to protect and deliver his people from danger and harm.
3. The importance of perseverance: Despite the difficult circumstances, the church continued to pray for Peter's release, and their faith was rewarded with his miraculous rescue. This shows the importance of persevering in our faith and not giving up, even when things look bleak.

(a) State the instructions God gave to Joshua on Joshua's assumption of leadership over Israel.
(b) Briefly explain the various lessons political leaders can learn from Joshua's experience.
 

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(a) The instructions God gave to Joshua on Joshua's assumption of leadership over Israel are recorded in the Bible in the book of Joshua, chapter 1. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, and to lead the Israelites in taking possession of the land that God had promised to their ancestors. God also told Joshua to meditate on the law of Moses day and night, so that he would be careful to obey all that was written in it.

(b) Political leaders can learn several lessons from Joshua's experience, including:

1. The importance of being strong and courageous: God told Joshua to be strong and courageous, which is an important quality for leaders to have in difficult times.
2. The importance of having a clear direction: Joshua was given clear instructions by God on what he was to do, and he was able to lead the Israelites in taking possession of the land that God had promised to their ancestors.
3. The importance of following the law: God told Joshua to meditate on the law of Moses and to be careful to obey all that was written in it. This shows the importance of leaders following the law and being guided by a moral code.
4. The importance of putting faith in God: Joshua was able to lead the Israelites to victory with God's help, demonstrating the importance of leaders putting their faith in God and relying on His guidance and support.

(a) Give an account of the burial of Jesus as narrated by the Synoptic Gospels.
(b) Mention three ways money is overspent during funerals in society.

Answer Details

a. The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all give a similar account of the burial of Jesus. According to their narratives, after Jesus was crucified and died, a man named Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus' body down from the cross and bury it. Pilate granted his request, and Joseph, with the help of another man named Nicodemus, took Jesus' body and wrapped it in linen cloth.

They then placed the body in a tomb that had been carved out of rock, which was located in a garden near the place where Jesus had been crucified. They rolled a large stone in front of the entrance to the tomb to seal it.

b. Three ways money is overspent during funerals in society are:

1. Expensive coffins: Some people spend a lot of money on expensive coffins for their loved ones, even though the coffin will be buried and never seen again. They may feel that an expensive coffin is a way to show respect and honor to the deceased, but it can be a significant expense that adds little value to the funeral.
2. Lavish decorations: Some people may overspend on flowers, decorations, and other embellishments for the funeral. While these items can be a way to create a beautiful and memorable service, they can also be an unnecessary expense that adds little to the overall experience.
3. Extravagant receptions: Some families may feel the need to provide a lavish reception or meal after the funeral to thank guests for attending. While it is good to show appreciation to those who have come to support the family, an extravagant reception can be a significant expense that may not be necessary.