Christian Religious Knowledge 2009 Jamb Examination

Judges 6:24 records that Gideon built an altar to the LORD and called it 'The LORD is Peace' (Yahweh-Shalom).

2 Kings 25:12 and Jeremiah 39:10 show that Nebuchadnezzar left the poorest people of the land to work the vineyards and fields.

Ezekiel 3:1–5 explains that after eating the scroll, Ezekiel was sent to speak to the house of Israel, not to people of a foreign language.

2 Kings 22:13 shows that Josiah realized God’s wrath was against Judah because their fathers had not obeyed the words of the Book of the Law.

Ezekiel 2:1–2 records that when God told Ezekiel to stand, the Spirit entered him and set him on his feet.

The story of Nineveh in the book of Jonah reveals the mercy of God towards a repentant people. When Jonah delivered the message of impending judgment, the people, from the king to the least person in the land, responded with humility and genuine repentance. They fasted, wore sackcloth, and turned from their evil ways, showing a complete change of heart rather than merely outward religious rituals. This act of repentance moved God to spare them from destruction. The lesson is clear: God desires true transformation rather than mere sacrifices or punishments. His pity on Nineveh shows that divine mercy is always available to those who sincerely repent and turn away from evil. It also teaches believers the importance of heeding God’s warning promptly and wholeheartedly.

The division of Israel into the northern and southern kingdoms was a direct result of poor leadership choices and unwise policies made by the kings. After the death of Solomon, his son Rehoboam inherited the throne. Instead of following the wise counsel of the elders to ease the burden of heavy taxation and labor, he listened to the advice of his peers who encouraged him to be harsher. This reckless decision led to dissatisfaction among the tribes. As a result, ten tribes rebelled and formed the northern kingdom under Jeroboam, while only Judah and Benjamin remained loyal to the house of David in the south. The event highlights how the folly of leaders can bring about division and long-lasting consequences for a nation.

This statement underscores the absolute omnipotence of God. By declaring Himself as the God of all flesh, He reminds His people that He has ultimate authority over all creation. Nothing in the natural or spiritual realm can limit His power or prevent Him from accomplishing His will. This truth is a source of comfort to believers who may face seemingly impossible situations. The rhetorical question, “Is anything too hard for me?” reassures us that no challenge, difficulty, or circumstance is beyond God’s control. It calls for unwavering faith in His power and sovereignty. By recognizing God as the most powerful, we are encouraged to trust Him fully, knowing that He can overturn impossibilities and bring about outcomes beyond human understanding.

The contest on Mount Carmel was a dramatic display of God’s supremacy over the false prophets of Baal. After proving through fire that the LORD was the true God, Elijah continued to seek God’s intervention for the drought-stricken land. He prayed earnestly, sending his servant multiple times to look for a sign of rain. Eventually, a small cloud appeared, which grew into heavy rain as a sign of God’s faithfulness. The rainfall was not just a natural event but a divine confirmation that God restores and blesses when His people return to Him. It demonstrated that the same God who controls fire also controls the rain. Elijah’s persistence in prayer teaches us that God’s promises require patient and fervent intercession before they are fully realized.

Amos, known as the prophet of social justice, emphasized the importance of righteous living in everyday life. His call to hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the gate was a reminder that God requires more than outward worship. The gate was the place of judgment and administration, so ensuring justice there reflected fairness and integrity in society. God’s response to such obedience was to show His grace and favor. The promise of divine graciousness reveals that God desires a community built on justice, mercy, and love. This teaches that genuine devotion is reflected not in religious ceremonies alone but in practicing fairness and kindness in dealing with others. When justice and goodness prevail, God’s blessings follow naturally.