NECO Christian Religious Studies OBJ
- D — Man
- C — Sin
- A — Gibeon
- A — greed
- B — renting his clothes, putting on sack clothes and fasting
- C — refused to obey the king’s order not to pray to his God
- E — son of the gods
- B — fulfil all righteousness
- A — confirmation of His Sonship
- B — going to the Gentiles
- D — The men were drunk
- E — Thessalonians
- C — Commandment
- B — being watchful in prayer
- D — Shabby treatment
- A — He dreamt about his future dominion over them
- E — Rephidim
- E — treated the Lord’s offering with respect
- B — Gibeah
- A — Forgiveness involves showing mercy to those who wrong us
- D — Honesty
- D — the Lord was God and had supreme power over fire and sacrifice
- C — Leaving the high places where the Canaanites worshipped
- C — Their God could deliver them but they would not bow even if He did not
- A — Andrew, James and John
- B — “Are you the king of the Jews?”
- A — administering relief to the widows
- E — preached Jesus Christ’s crucifixion
- B — resists what God has ordained
- B — participating in what is right
- C — demonstrate God’s love
- E — serve God and others effectively
- B — Every human deserves respect
- A — John the Baptist
- C — just
- D — love for and faith in Jesus
- B — Love, obedience and respect
- A — Counting others as better than themselves
- A — Elijah
- B — non-Christians would see their qualities and glorify God
- D — Shechem
- A — Deborah
- B — disobeyed Him in the war against the Amalekites
- D — he repented of his sins
- D — It was God’s plan to fulfil His words concerning the house of David
- B — sat down, wept, fasted and prayed to God
- C — justice and righteousness
- D — Returning to God in sincerity
- A — It confirmed Him as the Messiah and saviour
- C — Peter, James and John
- A — Chief priest
- E — Simon the magician
- D — Respect for those in authority
- C — demonstrate God’s love
- E — serve God and empower others
- B — peace
- A — faith
- B — has eternal value
- B — cooperation
- D — the gospels would be in vain
COMPLETED!!!
NECO Christian Religious Studies Essay
Number 1
(1a)
In the first creation story in Genesis chapter one, God created the heavens and the earth. In the beginning, the earth was without form and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. The Spirit of God was moving over the waters.
On the first day, God created light. He separated the light from darkness and called the light Day and the darkness Night.
On the second day, God created the firmament to separate the waters above from the waters below. He called the firmament Heaven.
On the third day, God gathered the waters together into one place and dry land appeared. He called the dry land Earth and the gathered waters Seas. He also commanded the earth to bring forth vegetation, plants and fruit trees.
On the fourth day, God created the sun, moon and stars. The sun was to rule the day, while the moon and stars were to rule the night. They were also to serve as signs for seasons, days and years.
On the fifth day, God created living creatures in the waters and birds of the air. He blessed them and commanded them to multiply.
On the sixth day, God created land animals, cattle, creeping things and wild animals. He also created man in His own image and likeness, male and female. God gave man dominion over the fish of the sea, birds of the air and all living creatures.
After creation, God saw that everything He had made was very good. On the seventh day, God rested from all His work and blessed the seventh day.
(1b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) God is powerful: The story shows that God has power to create all things by His word.
(ii) God is orderly: God created things in an orderly manner, day by day, and everything had its proper place.
(iii) God is the source of life: All living things, including plants, animals and human beings, came into existence through God.
(iv) God is good: Everything God created was good, showing that His works are perfect and useful.
(v) God is sovereign: He has authority over the whole universe and gave man dominion over other creatures.
(vi) God cares for His creation: He provided light, water, plants and other things needed for the survival of living creatures.
Number 2
(2a)
Elijah was a prophet of God who faced many struggles during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Ahab and Jezebel promoted the worship of Baal in Israel and turned many people away from the worship of the true God. Elijah was sent by God to warn the king and the people.
One major intervention of God in Elijah’s struggle was during the contest on Mount Carmel. Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to prove who the true God was. The prophets of Baal prepared their sacrifice and called on Baal from morning till evening, but there was no answer. Elijah then repaired the altar of the Lord, arranged the sacrifice and prayed to God. God answered by fire from heaven, which consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the water. Through this, God proved that He alone was the true God.
God also intervened when Elijah was hungry and in danger during the period of drought. God directed him to the brook Cherith where he drank water, and ravens brought him bread and meat. When the brook dried up, God sent him to a widow at Zarephath. Although the widow had only a little flour and oil, God miraculously provided food for Elijah, the widow and her son throughout the period of famine.
Another intervention was when the son of the widow of Zarephath died. Elijah prayed to God, and God restored the child’s life. This showed that God had power over life and death.
God also helped Elijah when Jezebel threatened to kill him after the defeat of the prophets of Baal. Elijah ran away in fear and became discouraged. God sent an angel to give him food and water. Strengthened by the food, Elijah travelled to Mount Horeb where God encouraged him and gave him further instructions.
Therefore, God intervened in Elijah’s struggles by protecting him, feeding him, answering his prayer by fire, raising the widow’s son and strengthening him when he was weak and afraid.
(2b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) God is powerful: He answered Elijah’s prayer by sending fire from heaven, showing that He has power over nature.
(ii) God provides for His servants: He fed Elijah through ravens and later through the widow of Zarephath.
(iii) God protects His people: He preserved Elijah’s life when Ahab and Jezebel were against him.
(iv) God answers prayers: Elijah prayed, and God answered him on Mount Carmel and also restored the widow’s son to life.
(v) God is the true God: The contest on Mount Carmel proved that Baal was powerless and that the Lord alone is God.
(vi) God strengthens the weak: When Elijah was tired and discouraged, God sent an angel to feed and encourage him.
Number 3
(3a)
During the reign of King Josiah, he ordered the repair of the temple of the Lord. While the temple was being repaired, Hilkiah the high priest found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord. Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan the secretary, and Shaphan read it.
Shaphan later went to King Josiah and reported the progress of the temple repair. He also told the king that Hilkiah the priest had found a book in the temple. Shaphan then read the Book of the Law before the king.
When King Josiah heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his clothes. This showed his sorrow, fear and repentance because he discovered that the people of Judah had disobeyed God’s commandments.
Josiah then commanded Hilkiah the priest, Shaphan and other officials to go and enquire from the Lord concerning the words of the book. They went to Huldah the prophetess, who told them that God would punish Judah because they had forsaken Him and worshipped other gods.
However, Huldah also said that because Josiah humbled himself before God, tore his clothes and wept, the punishment would not come during his lifetime.
After this, King Josiah gathered the elders, priests, prophets and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem. He went to the temple and read the words of the Book of the Law to them. The king then made a covenant before the Lord to obey Him and keep His commandments with all his heart and soul. The people also agreed to the covenant.
(3b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Josiah removed the vessels and objects used for Baal, Asherah and other false gods from the temple.
(ii) He destroyed the high places where idol worship was practised.
(iii) He removed the idolatrous priests who served false gods.
(iv) He destroyed the Asherah image and other idols.
(v) He stopped the worship of the sun, moon and stars.
(vi) He removed the mediums, wizards and other evil practices from the land.
(vii) He commanded the people to keep the Passover according to the Law of Moses.
(viii) He renewed the covenant between the people and God.
Number 4
(4a)
After Jesus had been baptized, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. He fasted for forty days and forty nights, and afterward He became hungry.
The devil first came to Jesus and said that if He was the Son of God, He should command the stones to become bread. Jesus overcame this temptation by quoting the scripture, saying that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. This showed that Jesus refused to use His divine power for selfish satisfaction.
Secondly, the devil took Jesus to the holy city and set Him on the pinnacle of the temple. He told Jesus to throw Himself down, saying that God would command His angels to protect Him. Jesus overcame this temptation by saying that one should not tempt the Lord God. This showed that Jesus refused to test God or misuse His protection.
Thirdly, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. The devil promised to give Him all these if Jesus would bow down and worship him. Jesus rejected the offer and said that it is written that only the Lord God should be worshipped and served. Jesus then commanded Satan to go away.
After Jesus had overcome all the temptations, the devil left Him, and angels came and ministered to Him.
(4b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Christians should depend on the word of God when facing temptation.
(ii) Christians should not use their gifts or positions for selfish purposes.
(iii) Christians should not test God or misuse His protection.
(iv) Christians should worship and serve God alone.
(v) Christians should reject worldly glory, power and wealth when they lead to sin.
(vi) Christians should be prayerful and disciplined in times of temptation.
(vii) Christians can overcome temptation through faith and obedience to God.
Number 5
(5a)
As Jesus was going on His journey, some people came to Him and showed interest in becoming His disciples. Jesus used the opportunity to teach them the demands and cost of discipleship.
The first man said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied that foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. This means that anyone who wants to follow Jesus must be ready to endure hardship, discomfort and lack of worldly security.
Jesus said to another man, “Follow me.” But the man replied that he should first be allowed to go and bury his father. Jesus told him to leave the dead to bury their dead, but he should go and proclaim the kingdom of God. This shows that the work of God must be given priority over personal and family concerns.
Another person also said that he would follow Jesus, but he first wanted to go and say farewell to those at home. Jesus told him that no one who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God. This means that a true disciple must be fully committed and should not be distracted by worldly attachments.
Therefore, Jesus demanded total commitment, sacrifice, readiness to suffer, and putting the kingdom of God first from anyone who wants to be His disciple.
(5b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Love of money and material things can prevent Christians from following Jesus faithfully.
(ii) Fear of suffering, persecution or rejection can make some Christians avoid true discipleship.
(iii) Family pressure and worldly attachment can distract Christians from serving God fully.
(iv) Lack of faith and spiritual commitment can prevent Christians from obeying Christ.
(v) Desire for comfort and easy life can make some Christians unwilling to sacrifice for God.
(vi) Bad friends and negative influence can discourage Christians from living as true disciples.
(vii) Pride and selfish ambition can prevent Christians from submitting fully to the teachings of Jesus.
Number 6
(6a)
After the death of Judas Iscariot, the apostles felt it was necessary to choose another person to replace him. This happened after the ascension of Jesus Christ, when the disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem.
Peter stood up among the believers, about one hundred and twenty persons, and explained that the scripture had been fulfilled concerning Judas. He said that Judas had been one of them and had shared in the ministry, but he betrayed Jesus and later died.
Peter then said that someone should be chosen to take the place of Judas as an apostle. The person to be chosen had to be one of those who had followed Jesus from the time of the baptism of John until the day Jesus was taken up into heaven. Such a person would be a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.
Two men were nominated for the position. They were Joseph called Barsabbas, also known as Justus, and Matthias.
The apostles prayed to God, asking Him to show the one He had chosen, since God knows the hearts of all men. After the prayer, they cast lots between the two men. The lot fell on Matthias, and he was then added to the eleven apostles.
(6b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) The election restored the number of the apostles to twelve.
(ii) It showed that the early Church depended on prayer and divine guidance before making important decisions.
(iii) It showed that leaders in the Church must be faithful and qualified.
(iv) It ensured the continuation of the apostolic ministry after the death of Judas.
(v) It showed that the resurrection of Jesus was central to the work of the apostles, since the person chosen had to be a witness to the resurrection.
(vi) It showed unity among the early Christians because the believers gathered together and took part in the process.
(vii) It taught that unfaithful leaders can be replaced by more faithful people in the service of God.
Number 7
(7a)
The event took place at Bethany after the death of Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha. Lazarus was sick, and his sisters sent a message to Jesus that the one He loved was sick. When Jesus heard the message, He did not go immediately. He stayed where He was for two more days.
Later, Jesus told His disciples that Lazarus had fallen asleep and that He was going to wake him. The disciples thought He meant ordinary sleep, but Jesus later told them plainly that Lazarus was dead.
When Jesus arrived at Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Martha went out to meet Jesus and said that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus told her that her brother would rise again.
Martha replied that she knew Lazarus would rise again in the resurrection on the last day. Jesus then said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live.”
After this, Mary also came to Jesus, weeping. Jesus was deeply moved and also wept. He went to the tomb and asked that the stone be taken away. Martha was worried because Lazarus had been dead for four days, but Jesus told her that if she believed, she would see the glory of God.
Jesus prayed to God and then cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” Lazarus came out of the tomb alive, with his hands and feet bound with grave clothes. Jesus then asked them to loose him and let him go.
(7b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Jesus has power over death and life.
(ii) Christians should have faith in Jesus even in difficult situations.
(iii) Jesus cares for those who are sorrowful, as He wept with Mary and Martha.
(iv) With God, no situation is hopeless.
(v) Believers in Christ have the hope of resurrection and eternal life.
(vi) Delay in answer to prayer does not mean that God has forgotten His people.
(vii) The miracle shows the glory of God and strengthens people’s faith in Jesus.
Number 8
(8a)
James taught that Christians should not show partiality or favouritism among people. He warned believers not to honour the rich while treating the poor with contempt. According to James, if a rich man wearing fine clothes enters the assembly and a poor man in shabby clothes also enters, Christians should not give the rich man a good seat and ask the poor man to stand or sit in a low place.
This teaching implies that all human beings should be treated with dignity and respect because everyone is created by God. Christians should not judge people by their wealth, appearance, social class, education or position in society.
It also means that the Church should be a place of love, justice and equality. The rich and the poor should be accepted as brothers and sisters in Christ. No one should be made to feel inferior because of poverty or low social status.
James also taught that showing partiality is a sin because it goes against the royal law which says, “Love your neighbour as yourself.” Therefore, Christians must show love to all people without discrimination.
The teaching further implies that Christians should defend the poor and weak rather than oppress them. They should avoid pride, class distinction and unfair treatment in the Church and society.
(8b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Some churches give more honour and attention to rich members than poor members.
(ii) Some church leaders favour wealthy people when sharing positions or responsibilities.
(iii) Poor members are sometimes neglected when they need help.
(iv) Some churches judge people by their dressing, status or appearance.
(v) Some members are treated specially because of their donations or financial support.
(vi) Some churches fail to speak against injustice and oppression in society.
(vii) Some Christians discriminate against others because of tribe, gender, education or social class.
Number 9
(9a)
Humility is the quality of being modest, gentle and not proud. It is the attitude of not thinking of oneself as better than others, but being willing to serve, obey and respect others.
(9b)
Paul taught that Christians should live in humility and avoid selfishness, pride and vain glory. He advised believers to do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility they should count others better than themselves.
Paul also taught that Christians should not look only to their own interests, but should also consider the interests of others. This means that a Christian should care for the welfare of other people and not live a selfish life.
Paul used Jesus Christ as the perfect example of humility. Although Jesus was in the form of God, He did not count equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. Instead, He humbled Himself by taking the form of a servant and being born in human likeness.
Jesus further humbled Himself by becoming obedient unto death, even death on the cross. Because of His humility and obedience, God highly exalted Him and gave Him a name above every other name.
Therefore, Paul’s teaching shows that humility involves selflessness, obedience, service, sacrifice and respect for others. Christians are expected to follow the example of Jesus Christ in their relationship with God and with fellow human beings.
(9c)
(PICK ANY TWO)
(i) A Christian can demonstrate humility by serving others without pride or selfish interest.
(ii) A Christian can show humility by respecting others and not looking down on the poor, weak or less privileged.
(iii) A Christian can demonstrate humility by admitting his mistakes and asking for forgiveness.
(iv) A Christian can show humility by obeying God’s word and submitting to His will.
(v) A Christian can demonstrate humility by avoiding boasting and giving glory to God for his achievements.
COMPLETED!!!