WAEC Christian Religious Studies 1994 past questions and answers

God blessed man and woman and said, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it" (Genesis 1:28).

Joseph forgave his brothers, saying God had sent him ahead to preserve life (Genesis 45:5; 50:19-21).

Pharaoh told the Hebrew midwives Shiphrah and Puah to kill every Hebrew baby boy (Exodus 1:15-16).

In a holy war everything was devoted to God; Saul was told to utterly destroy Amalek and all they had (1 Samuel 15:2-3).

David said Abner deserved to die because he had not kept watch over his master, the Lord's anointed (1 Samuel 26:15-16).

God left one tribe to Solomon's son "for the sake of David my servant" (1 Kings 11:13, 32).

Elijah challenged Ahab and the prophets of Baal and proved the Lord is God on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).

Elisha told Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan, and he was healed (2 Kings 5:9-14).

Nebuchadnezzar took Jehoiachin captive and carried off the treasures of the temple and the king's house (2 Kings 24:12-13).

Hosea's main message is God's faithful love for unfaithful Israel (Hosea 3:1; 11:1-4, 8-9).

"Let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream" (Amos 5:24).

God offers to cleanse their sins "if you are willing and obedient", after they cease to do evil (Isaiah 1:16-19).

After exposing Israel's guilt (Jeremiah 2:22), God calls, "Only acknowledge your guilt… return… and I will bring you to Zion" (Jeremiah 3:12-14).

John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you" (Matthew 3:14).

Jesus meant that those who do not follow Him are spiritually dead; they can bury the dead, but a disciple must follow Him first (Matthew 8:21-22).

Jesus appointed the twelve to be with Him and to be sent out to preach (Mark 3:14), so they could continue His work.

Jesus said "You give them something to eat" and fed all from five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:15-21).

Only Mark says Jesus "was in the stern, asleep on the cushion" (Mark 4:38).

The man scatters seed and sleeps; the seed grows "he knows not how", showing that growth is God's work, not man's (Mark 4:26-29).

The rich man lived selfishly, ignored poor Lazarus at his gate and did not heed Moses and the prophets; asking for his brothers to be warned came only after death (Luke 16:19-31).

The chief priests bribed the soldiers to say, "His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep" (Matthew 28:11-13).

"The Jews sought all the more to kill him, because he not only broke the sabbath but also called God his own Father" (John 5:18).

The believers shared goods, prayed, broke bread and had fellowship openly in the temple and homes (Acts 2:42-47); they did not hide.

The council said, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching" (Acts 5:28).

Paul said, "I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia" (Acts 22:3; 9:11).

At Lystra the crowd called Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes (Acts 14:8-12).

Abraham is the father of all who believe; the promise rests on faith (Romans 4:11-16).

"We were buried with him by baptism… so that… we too might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

The dead in Christ rise first; then those alive are caught up together with them to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).

"Let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6).

Being enslaved to the elemental spirits was their old state before Christ set them free (Galatians 4:3-7).

"If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14).

Paul asks them to have the same love, be in full accord and count others better than themselves (Philippians 2:2-3).

Paul received from Epaphroditus the gifts the Philippians sent (Philippians 4:18; 2:25).

Paul's letter asks Philemon to forgive and receive back Onesimus (Philemon 10-18).

"Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).

James asks, "Is it not the rich who oppress you, who drag you into court?" (James 2:6).

"When he suffered, he did not threaten, but trusted to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:21-24).

"If one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but under that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:16).

Moses sent twelve men, one from each tribe, to spy out Canaan; Joshua (Hoshea son of Nun) represented Ephraim (Numbers 13:1-16).
They spent forty days and brought back fruit, reporting a land flowing with milk and honey but with strong people and fortified cities (Numbers 13:21-29).
Ten spies gave an evil report: "we seemed like grasshoppers"; the people wept and wanted to return to Egypt (Numbers 13:31-33; 14:1-4).
Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes and said the land is exceedingly good; if the Lord delights in us He will give it; do not rebel or fear the people, for the Lord is with us (Numbers 14:6-9).
The people wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:10).
God punished the faithless generation, but promised Joshua and Caleb would enter the land (Numbers 14:28-30, 38).
Reasons he was chosen: his faith and courage; loyalty to God and Moses; a man in whom is the Spirit (Numbers 27:18); experience as Moses' assistant and army commander (Exodus 17:9-13; 24:13); Moses laid hands on him before the people (Numbers 27:18-23).
Lessons (any four): leaders must trust God; speak the truth boldly; not follow the crowd; encourage the people; be loyal and obedient; faithfulness is rewarded.

Describe Joshua's report, why he was chosen, then four lessons.

Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas were worthless men who did not know the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12).
They took meat by force with a fork and demanded raw meat before the fat was burnt, treating the offering with contempt (1 Samuel 2:13-17).
They lay with the women who served at the entrance of the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:22).
Eli rebuked them only mildly, and they did not listen (1 Samuel 2:23-25).
God said Eli honoured his sons above Him (1 Samuel 2:29).
He knew they were blaspheming God and did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13).
Extent: Eli was largely to blame because he failed to discipline them; but the sons were adults and personally responsible for their wickedness.
God's reaction: a man of God foretold that Eli's house would lose the priesthood and his sons would die on one day (1 Samuel 2:27-36).
God told the boy Samuel He would punish Eli's house for ever (1 Samuel 3:11-14).
Israel was defeated by the Philistines; Hophni and Phinehas were killed and the ark captured (1 Samuel 4:10-11).
Eli fell, broke his neck and died on hearing the news (1 Samuel 4:18).

Weigh Eli's failure against the sons' own guilt, then God's judgement.

Judah forsook the Lord, the fountain of living waters, and hewed broken cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13).
They worshipped Baal and other gods, even burning their children (Jeremiah 2:28; 7:31; 19:4-5).
They trusted in the temple as if it guaranteed safety while doing evil — "This is the temple of the Lord" (Jeremiah 7:4-11).
They oppressed the alien, orphan and widow and shed innocent blood (Jeremiah 7:6; 22:3).
Priests and prophets were corrupt; prophets prophesied lies and said "Peace, peace" when there was no peace (Jeremiah 5:31; 6:13-14).
They committed adultery, swore falsely and stole (Jeremiah 7:9).
They refused to repent despite warnings (Jeremiah 7:13, 25-26).
Therefore God would bring the enemy from the north (Babylon) and send them into exile (Jeremiah 25:8-11).
Today he would condemn (any two): corruption and bribery; idolatry and occult practices; false prophets who preach for money; injustice against the poor; immorality; hypocritical worship.

Give Judah's sins with references, then two modern examples.

Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits and to heal every disease (Matthew 10:1; Mark 6:7).
Go not to the Gentiles or Samaritans but to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 10:5-6).
Preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons; freely you received, freely give (Matthew 10:7-8).
Take no gold, silver or copper, no bag, no two tunics (Matthew 10:9-10; Mark 6:8-9).
Stay with a worthy person in each town; greet the house with peace (Matthew 10:11-13; Mark 6:10).
Where they are not received, shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony (Matthew 10:14; Mark 6:11).
Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves; they will face persecution, but the Spirit will speak through them (Matthew 10:16-20).
Differences (any four): Mark says they were sent two by two (Mark 6:7); Mark allows a staff and sandals, Matthew forbids a staff and sandals (Mark 6:8-9; Matthew 10:10); only Matthew limits them to Israel and excludes Gentiles and Samaritans; only Matthew lists the twelve names at the mission; Matthew includes raising the dead and the longer warnings about persecution; Mark records that they preached repentance and anointed the sick with oil (Mark 6:12-13).

List the instructions, then four clear differences between Matthew 10 and Mark 6.

He who enters the sheepfold by the door is the shepherd; one who climbs in another way is a thief and robber (John 10:1-2).
The gatekeeper opens to him; the sheep hear his voice; he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3-4).
Jesus said, "I am the door of the sheep"; whoever enters by Him will be saved and find pasture (John 10:7, 9).
The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy; Jesus came that they may have life abundantly (John 10:10).
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
The hireling flees when the wolf comes, for he does not care for the sheep (John 10:12-13).
He knows His own and His own know Him; He has other sheep (Gentiles) to bring into one flock (John 10:14-16).
He lays down His life of His own accord and takes it again (John 10:17-18).
Leadership (any two): leaders should care for and protect their members; be ready to sacrifice for them; know their members personally; lead by example; not exploit people for gain like hirelings; unite all into one flock.

Explain both "I am" sayings from John 10 and apply them to church leaders.

On the day of Pentecost the disciples were together in one place (Acts 2:1).
Suddenly a sound came from heaven like a rushing mighty wind and filled the house (Acts 2:2).
Tongues as of fire rested on each of them (Acts 2:3).
They were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance (Acts 2:4).
Devout Jews from every nation heard them speak in their own languages and were amazed and perplexed (Acts 2:5-12).
Some mocked, saying they were filled with new wine (Acts 2:13).
Peter explained it was the fulfilment of Joel's prophecy and preached Jesus crucified and risen (Acts 2:14-36).
The hearers were cut to the heart and asked what to do; Peter told them to repent and be baptised; about three thousand were added (Acts 2:37-41).
Significance: fulfilment of Jesus' promise; gave the apostles power and boldness to witness; birth of the church; unity of believers from many nations; gifts of the Spirit for ministry; guidance and comfort for believers.

Narrate Acts 2:1-41, then give the significance.

Paul rejoiced that the Philippians had revived their concern for him (Philippians 4:10).
They shared in his trouble; no other church entered into partnership in giving and receiving except them (Philippians 4:14-15).
Even in Thessalonica they sent help more than once (Philippians 4:16).
He did not seek the gift itself but the fruit that increases to their credit (Philippians 4:17).
He received from Epaphroditus their gifts, "a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God" (Philippians 4:18).
He assured them God would supply every need of theirs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).
He also learnt contentment in plenty and want (Philippians 4:11-13).
Situations (any four): to support ministers and missionaries; to help the poor, widows and orphans; during disasters such as flood or fire; to support church projects; to help the sick; to assist needy students; harvest and thanksgiving.

Use Philippians 4:10-19, then four occasions for giving.

If any lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously without reproach (James 1:5).
He must ask in faith, with no doubting; the doubter is like a wave of the sea (James 1:6-8).
You do not have because you do not ask; you ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions (James 4:2-3).
Is anyone suffering? let him pray; cheerful? let him sing praise (James 5:13).
Is anyone sick? call the elders to pray over him, anointing him with oil (James 5:14).
The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up; sins will be forgiven (James 5:15).
Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another (James 5:16).
The prayer of a righteous man has great power, like Elijah who prayed and it did not rain, then prayed and it rained (James 5:16-18).
Hindrances (any four): doubt or lack of faith; selfish motives; unconfessed sin; unforgiveness; pride; quarrelling with others; prayerlessness.

Summarise James 1:5-8, 4:2-3 and 5:13-18, then four hindrances.

Rejoice even though you suffer various trials, which test and refine faith like gold (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Endure suffering for doing right; this is approved by God (1 Peter 2:19-20).
Follow Christ's example: He did not sin, did not revile in return or threaten, but trusted God (1 Peter 2:21-23).
Do not return evil for evil, but bless (1 Peter 3:9).
Do not fear them; reverence Christ as Lord and always be ready to give a defence of your hope with gentleness (1 Peter 3:14-15).
Keep a clear conscience so that those who abuse you are put to shame (1 Peter 3:16).
Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal; rejoice in sharing Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-13).
Do not suffer as a murderer or wrongdoer; if one suffers as a Christian, do not be ashamed but glorify God (1 Peter 4:15-16).
Entrust your souls to a faithful Creator while doing right (1 Peter 4:19).
Be sober and watchful; resist the devil, firm in faith, knowing others suffer the same (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Give Peter's attitudes with references.