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Form three answers.
TOPIC ONE: THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Qn a. Explain the meaning of the Pentecost.
Pentecost means fifty days after the harvest.
It was one of the religious festivals celebrated by Israelites annually.
In the Old Testament, the day of the Pentecost was celebrated during the wheat harvest in order to thank god for the blessing of the harvest.
Israelites came from all over the world and gathered in Jerusalem for this celebration.
In the New Testament, the meaning of the festival changed. It was celebrated to commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon God’s people as they gathered in the upper room.
Qn b. Describe the manifestations of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2: 1-40) OR (narrate the events that took place on the day of Pentecost).
Disciples gathered in a room.
Sounds came from heaven like a rush of mighty wind and filled the house.
There appeared tongues of fire.
The tongues of fire were distributed on each one of them.
They were filled with the Holy Spirit.
They were speaking in foreign languages and tongues.
Those who were observing them were amazed, as they could not understand what they were saying.
They accused them of being drunk
Peter stood up and explained that they were not drunk as it was too early in the day to get drunk.
He explained how they were filled with the Holy Spirit as prophesied by Prophet Joel.
He told them that it was Jesus whom they had rejected and crucified who had sent them the Holy Spirit.
The people asked peter what they could do.
Peter told them to repent and be baptized.
On that day about 3000 people were added to the church.
Qn c. write down five teachings we learn about Jesus from Peter’s speech on the day of Pentecost.
Jesus was from Nazareth
He had a divine nature or was son of God
He had a human nature
He was attested by God to work miracles and wonders through Jesus.
Jesus’ death/ crucifixion was according to God’s plan
God raised Jesus from the dead
Jesus conquered death
The death and resurrection of Jesus fulfils the prophecy of David
Jesus was a descendant of David
The Holy Spirit was from Jesus Christ as he had promised.
God has made Jesus Christ both lord and Christ/ messiah
Jesus ascended into heaven. He is exalted at the right hand of God
The risen Christ is a source if hope or salvation to many sinners/crippled/the dead
Qn d. What were the qualities of peter that made him a successful leader for the apostolic church?
He was a man of great faith
He was a good orator
He dedicated his life to Jesus
He was filled with the Holy Spirit
He could perform miracles or wonders
He was an eye- witness of the ministry of Jesus Christ.
He was full of wisdom and knowledge i.e. Anania’s and Saphira’s case
Qn e. what lessons can Christians learn from the events of the day of Pentecost
They learn that Jesus always honors and keeps his promises e.g. he promised to send the Holy Spirit and did it
Baptism in the Holy Spirit is very important for every believer
That obedience yields immediate results i.e. the disciples obeyed Jesus by testifying in Jerusalem and they received the Holy Spirit.
It is important for believers to meet for fellowship. The disciples did this and they received the Holy
Spirit
That the Holy Spirit enables Christians to declare the gospel with boldness
It was the plan of God that Jesus was crucified
Jesus indeed rose from the dead as peter witnessed
Jesus was the son of God
Qn f. state the teachings of Jesus on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit comes from the father
The Holy Spirit will comfort disciples
The Holy Spirit will abide with believers forever. He was to teach the world and reveal the truth about God
The Holy Spirit would guide them into all truth and make them understand or know more about Jesus
The percolate i.e. comforter/make strong/counselor who give advice
He was to help them attain eternal life. If it was necessary for him to die and return to the father so that Holy Spirit will be sent to them. It was to replace Jesus as a counselor and an advocate
He was to give the disciples authority to forgive or not to forgive
The spirit would remind them all that Jesus had taught them
The holy spirit will reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment
He would glorify Jesus amongst the believers
He will enable believers to be witnesses of Jesus in the whole world
He was to strengthen disciples as a wonderful counselor
He was to continue with the work of Jesus as a witness
Qn g. what is the role if the holy spirit according to Jesus?
He comforts believers
He teaches believers all things
He bring into remembrance all that Jesus taught his disciples
The holy spirit would convict the world of their sins and lead them to righteousness
He will guide the believers in all the truth
He will glorify Christ and teach about him
He will tell of the things to come in the future
He would not speak on his own authority but would speak only what he hears from the father
He will enable believers to be witnesses of Jesus in the world
He will counsel believers because he knows the mind of God
He will enable believers know the perfect will of God
Qn h. what is the role of the Holy Spirit in the believers (or Christians or the church)
He enables believers to preach with power
He comforts believers
He guides believers in all truth
He gives believers boldness to witness about Jesus
He enables Christians to produce the fruit of the spirit
He washes sacrifices and justifies the believer in the name of Jesus
He teaches believers all things
He enables Christians to access God the father and son in prayer
He enables Christians talk in tongues in worship
He enables Christians to perform miracles in the name of Jesus
He enables Christians to declare sins and transgressions of others
Qn i. Outline the fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:6-26)
Love showing compassion to one another
Joy deep happiness when one has a good relationship with God
Peace being at peace with all people
Patience being to wait in difficulties
Kindness being caring and helpful towards others
Goodness seeking to do best in their lives
Faithfulness having confidence in God
Gentleness being calm and avoiding violence
Self-control have strong control over their emotions
Qn j. state the criteria for discerning of the spiritual gifts
The gift must glorify Jesus so that one who is under the influence of th Holy Spirit will be able to recognize Jesus as lord and savior
The gifts must not call Jesus accursed
The test of love. The gift must be accompanied with a good or true frit. To discover whether or not the person who has the Holy Spirit must bear the fruits of the spirit
One who is user the influence if the Holy Spirit is known by his or her way of life, He/she will act and behave in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
Doctrinal test for example, prophecy should always in agreement with the scripture because the Holy
Spirit cannot contradict what is written
Loyalty or conformity to Jesus. The gift doesn’t envy other believers
The gift must be subject to the word of God
The true gift will be guided by principles of sincerity and honesty
The true gift will humbly submit to God
The gift should encourage the growth of the church and edify her
Qn k. List down the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The gift of wisdom (a deep understanding of who God is an his purpose for human life)
The gift of knowledge that is the basic understanding of the truth about Jesus Christ
The gift of faith that refers to the confidence or truth in God’s inspiration and help in undertaking difficult tasks
The gift of healing: the power to heal all types of sicknesses
The gift to perform all types of miracles including healing
The gift of prophecy: that is the ability to expound on the scriptures and foretell its future implications
The gift of distinguishing gifts: the ability to tell the difference between gifts that come from the spirit and those that are not
The gift of speaking in tongues: the ability to understand and interpret tongues
Lastly the gift of love, which is the greatest of all the spiritual gifts.
Qn l. Explain why Paul taught that love is the greatest of all spiritual gifts.
Paul taught that love is the greatest of all spiritual gifts. He said that love is patient and kind
It’s not jealous or boastful. It is not arrogant or rude or conceited. It does not hold grudges or ill mannered or selfish
It does not insist on its own way. It is not irritable or resentful
It does not rejoice at wrong doings but rejoices in the truth
Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things
It is ready to deep firm its faith, hope and its patience
Love does not succumb to pressure but always perseveres
He justified that love is the greatest gift of the spiritual gifts because in prayer, the gift of tongues becomes nothing but meaningful when accompanied by love (charity)
On faith, Paul says that even if one has faith that can move mountains but has no love, he is nothing
Charity or generosity including sacrificing own life is nothing without love
Qn m. Explain how the Holy Spirit is manifested in the church today
Through dynamic, power, bold and vigorous teaching of the gospel
Through speaking in tongues in many evangelical churches
Through the gift of healing many people are healed as they are prayed for
Through the gift of love, Christians show mercy to all members of the society regardless of their race, sex or age (helping the poor in the society)
Through the gift of prophecy some believers give proper guidance to the church
Through the gift of discernment of spirits believers are able to tell the type of spirit that is in operation
Through the gift of faith, believers have been able to accomplish tasks that seem rather impossible
Some Christians through the Holy Spirit are able to withstand a persecution to the point of death
The Holy Spirit convicts sinners and makes them confess their sins
Through the Holy Spirit many Christians see heavenly visions and dreams
The fear of the lord is upon many evangelical groups through the Holy Spirit
In some evangelical gatherings, there are many supernatural things during worship e.g. shaking and swaying
It is also manifested through prayer at individual or congregational levels
Through decision making in church i.e. solving problems and issues in church
Through singing and dancing or music
Through offertory and alms or sadaka
Holding fellowship meetings, bible study and reading the bible
Celebration of sacraments e.g. Eucharist and lord’s supper
Bringing new converts to the church
Pastoral cave and counseling It is manifested in Ecumenism: working together of the churches
Writing Christian literature e. g. books, pamphlets and magazines
Enabling Christians to confess their sins and reconciliation meetings
Education and giving instructions
Qn n: State ways in which the gifts of the Holy Spirit have been abused in the church today.
Cheating that one has a certain gift of the Holy Spirit
Commercialization of the gifts. People are asked to pay money before being prayed for or being healed
False interpretation of the bible, prophecy or predicting the future
Unscrupulous Christians may impart demoniac powers or innocent faithful
Some Christians who possess the gifts of the Holy Spirit develop pride or selfishness or superiority complex
Wrong use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit where faithful get into ecstasy or trance which may lead to injuries
Distinguishing oneself as a person with a special call e.g. preacher with intention of exploiting others or situations
TOPIC TWO: UNITY OF BELIEVERS
Qn a. Write down the terms used in the New Testament to refer to believers in Christ
The people of God
The body of Christ
The bride of Christ
The vine and the branches
The Assembly of God
Christians
The people of the way (followers of the way) other terms
Followers of Christ
New Israel
Church
The sheep
The royal church
Brethren
Royal race
Royal priest hood
Holy nation
The children of light
Saints
Brothers and sisters in Christ
Qn b. identify five causes of disunity in the early church
The question on the inclusion of the gentiles in the church. Some Jewish Christians were not ready to accept gentile Christians in the church unless they underwent circumcision
There was negligence of the widows in the distribution of food
Disagreement between and among leaders e.g. Paul and Barnabas, Peter and Paul
Groupings in the church where some Christians owed loyalty to individuals. They said that they belonged to individuals like Apollo others Peter and others Paul
Question of immorality, where some Christians did not live according to the teachings of Christ
The problem of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Some Christians became arrogant because they were more gifted than others
Different interpretations of the doctrines e.g. resurrection, sin, salvation, Christology, Holy Spirit, dressing
Behavior during the Lord’s Supper
Christians took others to a pagan rule of law
Question of the resurrection of the body
Question of celibacy
Question of incest sexual immorality
Different approaches to common life between Christians communities in Jerusalem and Antioch
Qn c. identify factors, which cause disunity among Christians today
Selfishness or greed for money by some Christians
Rivalry or competition for leadership positions or greed for power
Misinterpretation by some Christians of the work of the Holy Spirit
Arrogance or pride by some Christians
Corruption in the church
Failure by some Christians to live according to the law of God or their failure to live exemplary
Lack of concern by some Christians about the plight of others
Misinterpretation of the bible or doctrinal differences
Misuse of church funds or power by some leaders
Lack of transparency and accountability in running church affairs
The emergence of charismatic movements in the church creates a situation where some Christians think that they are more spiritual or holier l than others
Political interference where Christians find themselves in different political camps
Sexism where women are not involved in decision-making. Women are under represented
Discrimination against the youth or churches ignoring the youth in running the church
Tribalism where Christians are divided along tribal lines
International differences
Qn d. Discuss reasons why members of Christian families in Kenya find it difficult to harmoniously live together
Unfaithfulness or promiscuity
Misuse of family resources or lack of resources
Child abuse e.g. beating, raping, incest or favourism
Alcoholism or drug use and abuse
Separation of family members e.g. due to wage labor or education
Denial of conjugal rights
Sickness e.g. HIV/AIDs, impotence, barrenness or cancer
Child delinquency
Lack of tolerance or forgiveness or presence of cruelty
Greed for wealth or self esteemed prestige or professionalism
Religious fanaticism or denominational differences
Traditional or cultural inhabitation or western cultural influences or permissive
Generation gap
Qn e. explain how the church strengthen family relationships today
Through guidance and counseling and mediation
Hold seminars, conferences for couples, children the youth through publications on Christian living e.g. magazines, books or pamphlets
Use of mass media e.g. televisions Radios or videos
Through offering pastoral care in homes or house to house visits
Giving financial support to the needy families
Praying for families
Through preaching, teaching and condemning vices
Offering employment to the jobless
Providing vocational training skills
SELECTED OLD PROPHETS AND THEIR TEACHINGS
Q1. Define the terms prophet and prophecy
Prophet: Refers to one who speaks God’s message. He is God’s spokesman. His message includes predictions of the future.
Prophecy: Is the message spoken by a prophet. Oracles spoken by prophets
Q2. List the five categories of true prophets
i) Major Prophets.
• These include Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel.
• They are called Major Prophets because the books are long and contain clearly written messages.
• They bear the names of the writers.
ii) Minor Prophets
• These refer to 12 books that are short and contain less important than those in major books e.g. Amos,
Hosea, Joel, Obadiah through to Malachi.
iii) Canonical prophets
• Both the major and minor prophets are together referred to as canonical prophets.
iv) The early prophets
• They belonged to guilds or schools.
• They lived together in communities under a chief prophet. Elijah and Elisha are examples.
• These are those who served in places of worship e.g. at Dan, Bethuel)
• They were called cultic prophets because they were associated with religious activities in shrines.
• They traveled around together delivering oracles.
v) Cultic prophets
• They worked side by side with priests and said prayers especially people’s petition to Yahweh.
Q3. State the difference between true and false prophets
True Prophets false prophets
They were called by God to be His spokesmen Not called by God.
Were obedient to God
Not obedient to Him
Believed in one God
Could worship other gods and led people into immorality.
They were prayerful.
Spoke and acted with authority from God.
No authority from God
They led holy lives.
Were immoral e.g. believed in false gods.
Spoke God’s word
Spoke their opinion
Suffered physically and psychologically because of speaking the truth
Run away suffering
Spoke the truth
False
Did not ask for pay.
Asked for pay
Spoke form a common tradition based on the Mosaic Law.
Did not have any reference.
Q4. In what ways were God’s prophets called?
Some were called through visions or dreams e.g. Amos and Samuel.
Others were called through other prophets e.g. Elisha.
Words or message came into their minds.
Through prophetic symbolic actions e.g. Jeremiah
Through common objects – an object becoming a significant sign of God’s power and activities Jer.1:11-13.
Through prayers
Q5. Outline the similarities and differences between the Old Testament prophets and the Traditional African Ones
a) Similarities:
Both possessed spiritual powers.
Both were mediators between people and a Supreme Being.
Both performed the role of healing people physically and spiritually (miracle).
They received calls mainly through visions/dreams, which were considered supernatural.
Were both expected to be people of integrity and obedient to religious codes.
Gave warnings and solutions to their people in case they offended the Supreme Being.
Foretold the future
b) Differences:
Old Testament Tradition African
Received their message from God Received their message from spirits and ancestors
Appointed by God
Inherited
Rejected by people
Respected and feared in society
Prophecy went to other nations
Confined in tribal community
Prophecies preserved in writing
Passed on orally
Believe and worship of one God
Believe in god spirits
Performed miracles
Q6. What is the relevant of prophets to Christians today?
Through reading their prophecies, Christians get to know the will of God.
Jesus who is the cornerstone of Christianity is stressed throughout prophecy – since Abraham.
Prophecy has helped many to be preachers (i.e. prophecy = preaching).
Christians learn to be faithful to Yahweh just like the Old Testament prophets.
They too learn to be holy and prayerful like them e.g. Jeremiah.
Prophets encouraged justice e.g. Elijah, Christians should do the same.
As prophets, Christians should provide hope to the people in times of suffering.
They learn that they can face suffering just like the prophets did e.g. Jeremiah e.g. persecution, rejection etc.
They should condemn sin like the prophets.
The writings of the prophets strengthen their faith when they need them.
PROPHET AMOS
Q1. List the visions that Amos saw
He saw a swarm of locusts. Amos 7:1-3
He saw a great fire. Amos 7:4-6
The plumb line/crooked wall. Amos 7:7-8
Basket of ripe fruits Amos 8:1-3
The destruction of the temple Amos 9:1-4
Q2. Explain the evils that Amos condemned in his teachings
Sexual immorality (Amos 2:17)
• Amos condemned temple prostitution – 23:17.
• Father and son were going to the same woman.
• They copied these from the Canaanite pagans, which was wrong and unfaithful to Yahweh.
Slavery: (Amos 2:6)
The righteous, the rich made the poor slaves. This is because they borrowed from the rich and could not repay so they made them work like slaves and treated them harshly. Some sold them for a pair of sandals. This was breaking God’s laws, which guided them on how to treat their poor fellow Israelites.
Idolatry: Amos 5:26
Amos accused them for breaking God’s covenant by worshipping other gods.
Cheating in Business: He condemned the following:
• Merchants used false measures
• They overcharged the poor
• Sold goods of low quality
• They sold poor people for not paying debts
• They too charged high interest rates
Bribery and Corruption Ex. 23:8
• He condemned elders who were unjust and corrupt.
• They took bribes and grew rich from heavy levies from innocent people in law courts.
Greed and excessive luxury
• He condemned women of Samaria who drink and lived in luxury when there were poor needy people.
Breaking God’s law on garments secured for pledges
• God gave Israelites items that were to be given out to the creditors as guarantees for the goods borrowed e.g. Millstones for grinding, were to be taken and returned in the evening because they were used daily.
Robbery and Violence
• Poor were being oppressed and violated.
Self – Indulgence and false sense of security
• Leaders thought God could not punish them because they were a chosen race.
• But Amos told them they would be attacked.
Q3. Give reasons why Prophet Amos condemned idol worship in Israel
It broke the covenant way of life.
It was against the 10 commandments, which directed the Israelites to worship one God.
It was a sign of disobedience to God.
It promoted immorality e.g. temple prostitution.
The worship of God belittled and degraded God.
It promoted falsehood in the society.
Religion became commercialized.
Led to false prophecy
People got concerned with external behavior and not internal.
Q4. List evils in society today that Amos would condemn
Tribalism
Bribery and corruption
Robbery with violence
Dishonesty in business
Grabbing of public land and property
Stealing
Oppression of the poor e.g. underpayment
Immorality e.g. prostitution
PROPHET JEREMIAH
Q1. List evils that Jeremiah condemned
• Human sacrifice
• Hypocrisy in worship
• Dishonesty in business
• Defilement of the temple – temple prostitution
• Social injustice
• Idolatry
• False prophecy
• Necromancy
• Exploitation of the poor
Q2. What are some of the evils that the church leaders condemn today?
• Hypocrisy/pretence in worship
• Murder/suicide/abortion/genocide
• Exploitation of the poor/robbery
• Dishonesty
• False prophets
• Human sacrifices among devil worshippers
• Sexual immorality e.g. adultery
Q3. Explain the symbolisms used during the call of Prophet Jeremiah
God touched Jeremiah’s mouth. This was to symbolize that God was the source of the message.
Jeremiah was to deliver.
A branch of an almond tree that was base – God was watching to see the fulfillment of the message he gave to Jeremiah.
A pot of boiling facing away from the north and about to tilt toward Judah. God would use a nation from the North to bring judgment on the people of Judah because of their wickedness.
A fortified city. A bronze wall and an iron pillar. God was going to protect him even though he was going to meet opposition.
To uproot and pull down, to destroy and overthrow. God would pass judgment on the nation of Judah and other nations.
To build and to plant. There was still hope of the restoration of people of Judah after exile.
Q4. What did Jeremiah teach about t the New Covenant?
The new covenant was to be written in people’s hearts.
The covenant was to be made between God and the remnant community after exile.
The people were to have a personal knowledge of God in the new covenant.
God was to forgive their sin and remember them no more.
Each individual was responsible for his own sins.
The new covenant was to be initiated by God.
The new covenant was to last forever.
It was as a result in the emergence of a new people of God or new Israel.
Q5. Why did Prophet Jeremiah condemn the way the Israelites worshipped?
They broke God’s commands e.g. the 1st and do not worship other gods – they worshipped idols.
They practiced hypocrisy i.e. they were concerned with external religious observance while their hearts were far from God.
They forgot the saving history of God and worshipped other gods e.g. Asherah.
They practiced syncretism i.e. they worshipped both Yahweh and foreign Gods.
They listened to false prophets and rejected God’s prophets e.g. Jeremiah. They even killed some.
They dishonored the sanctity of human life by offering human sacrifice.
They neglected the disadvantaged (widows & orphans).
They were dishonest in business and deceitful to one another.
They narrowed themselves in necromancy, divination and magic.
They rebelled against God by breaking the covenant relationship.
Q6. Explain Jeremiah’s temple sermon as recorded in Jeremiah 7:1-15
God commanded prophet Jeremiah to speak in the temple.
It was a response to the people of Israel to stop understanding religion through the practice of syncretism and immorality.
At the gate to the temple, Jeremiah proclaimed that the people of Judah had to change their way of life and stick to the covenant they made with God.
They had to stop defiling the temple of placing idols in it.
They had to stop committing social injustices and as murderer/exploitation of the weak, orphans widows and foreigners.
The practice of human sacrifice was murder and displeasing to God.
Hypocrisy was bad.
The Israelites believed that the temple was secured from destruction because of its holiness was not true.
God would destroy Israelites/Jerusalem through invasion of a foreign nation.
If the people stopped their evil ways, God would not bring judgment upon them.
God would destroy the temple of Jerusalem and send the people to exile.
Q7. What forms of punishment did Jeremiah prophesy that God would use on Judah?
The punishment would be in form of a foreign body that God use to conquer Judah.
They would be attacked and their city destroyed.
People would suffer and die due to their sins.
The punishment would in form of drought. This would affect people and animals.
God’s punishment would come through death, diseases and sword.
Their punishment would be a defeat inflicted to them by Babylonian.
The punishment would be the loss of their land to a foreign nation and their enslavement.
God would allow the enemy to destroy Jerusalem and take survivors to captivity.
Q8. Outline the content of Jeremiah’s letter to exiles in Babylon (Jer. 29)
He encouraged the Israelites in Babylon to build houses and live in them.
Plant gardens and eat their produce.
Marry and increase
Pray for their ruler
Not to worship false gods
Not to be cheated by false prophets
To obey their masters.
Worship one God
Q9. Explain four symbolic acts related to judgment and punishment as demonstrated by Prophet
Jeremiah
Linen waist cloth – the rotten/useless linen cloth that had been hidden in the caves and lift to rot stood for Israel’s state of being useless before the eyes of God. A sign that they had soiled their priesthood.
Jeremiah was asked not to marry the solitary life symbolized solitude in exile.
Two baskets of fig fruits – the bad fruits signified that the bad people would be punished.
Wooden yoke – he was asked to carry a wooden yoke and work around with it signifying suffering in Babylon – exile.
Breaking an earthly flask – destruction of the temple
Visit to a potter whereby the potter destroyed a pot due to poor shape and remolded it, God would remold Israel to a shape befitting them.
Not to comfort anybody – these would be sorrow and suffering, no help while in exile.
Q10. Identify the relevance of Jeremiah’s teaching to Christian’s life today
Christians are called to preach God’s gospel as Jeremiah did.
Christians should accept suffering like Jeremiah did.
They should learn to distinguish between false and true prophets.
Like Jeremiah, they should condemn evil in society.
They have a duty to call people to repentance as Jeremiah did.
Christians should be good examples to the people by living, holy and upright lives as Jeremiah did.
People should be able to know the nature of God through the lives of Christians.
They should believe they are the new community as prophesied by Jeremiah in the new covenant.
Q11. In what ways is the prophetic mission of Jeremiah similar to that of Jesus?
Both were rejected by their own relatives and communities.
Both experienced opposition from political and religious authorities.
Both prophesied the destruction of the temple.
Both lamented over the stubbornness of the people of Jerusalem.
Both predicted divine judgment and punishment in Israel.
Jeremiah predicted the new covenant that is fulfilled by Jesus.
Prophet Nehemiah
Qn 1 Describe the political background of Nehemiah
He worked during the Babylonian exile which lasted between 589- 538 BC
During his vacation, Israelites were oppressed politically
The Israelites hoped that God would soon liberate them from this bondage
In 538 BC the Babylonians were conquered by Cyrus the great king of Persia
In 538 BC king Cyrus allowed Israelites to return to Judah
King Cyrus gave the Israelites a decree to rebuild the temple of Jerusalem
In 538BC the first exile under Zebu Babel
Joshua the priest departed from Babylon and started to rebuild alters of God
Under the guidance of prophets Haggai and Zachariah the temple was rebuilt and dedicated
The second exile arrived under prophet Ezra; after king Artaxerxes authorized Ezra to re establish Israelites religious and moral expectations of the Mosaic Law.
Nehemiah was a servant the king Artaxerxes palace. The king authorized him to go and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem
Amidst all opposition from Samaritan, Nehemiah accomplished the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. He then dedicated the walls to God.
This restored the sense of political pride in Israel. However the Israelites remained subjected to the
Persians and continued to pay tribute. The Persians were later overthrown by Romans who ruled the entire region until the time of the birth of Jesus
Qn 2 Describe the social background to the vacation of Nehemiah
Israelites men married foreign women
Children spoke different languages from their mothers
Hebrew language almost became extinct
Nehemiah condemned mixed marriages and even banned them
Exiles who returned home were humiliated by foreigners who partially occupied their land
The Samaritans threatened Nehemiah’s life as the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem
Rich Jews oppressed the poor e.g. they would confiscate their property for failure to repay debts
Qn 3 Describe the religious background to the vocation of Nehemiah
While in exile the Babylonians allowed the Jews to continue with their religious lives
The exiles became the period of purification
They returned with a new zeal to worship God; they rebuilt the altar under Zerubbabel for offering burnt offerings to God
The returnees built the temple of Jerusalem under Haggai and Zachariah and dedicated to god by Ezra
Nehemiah embarked on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem amidst opposition in 52 days the wall was complete. Consequently, Jerusalem once more became the centre of worship for Israel. Idolatry was not allowed again in Israel after the exile.
The temple of Jerusalem was dedicated to Yahweh. The Israelites renewed their covenant with God under prophet and priest Ezra. Nehemiah carried out various religious reforms
Qn 4 Describe occasions when Nehemiah prayed
When he heard about the suffering of his fellow Jews back in Judah
When he learned about the state of ruin of Jerusalem and king Atarterxes to request him to allow him go back to Judah
When his enemies e.g. Tobiah and Samballat ridiculed him as he reconstructed the walls of Jerusalem
When he learned of his enemies’ conspiracy to attack Jerusalem
When his enemies conspired to destroy his life/ kill him
When Shemiah attempted to frighten him to hide in the temple as hi life was in danger
When he cleansed and arranged the temple as a house of God
When he warned the people of Judah against violating the Sabbath law
After chasing away the son in law of Samballat from the temple
After cleansing the Israelites of foreign influence
Qn 5 State occasions when Christians pray
When they are faced with diverse persecutions. They ask God to protect them
When they don’t understand certain scriptures. They ask God to give them revelation
When they are faced with certain difficulties of life. They ask God to help them
When the nation is facing political crisis. They pray for peace
When they feel inadequate and sinful. They ask God to perform certain miracles for them e.g. healing
Qn 6 what is the importance of prayer in Christian life?
Prayer helps Christians to praise God, give thanks to him and to repent
It helps Christians to pour out their hearts to God
It helps Christians to rely to God for emotional and mental stability. It helps put our problems to God
It strengthens Christians. It gives them determination and character to remain steadfast in their responsibilities despite the challenges
Through prayer a Christian can request to stand against personal attacks and temptations
Prayer is the source of courage and strength in times of tribulations
It brings one closer to God, we use it to praise God, use it to ask for God’s supply of their needs, used to ask for forgiveness and promotes important virtues e.g. persistence and patience and promotes unity among different communities
Qn 6 Identify the leadership of Nehemiah’s patriotism
He was a tune patriot i.e. after talking to the Jews and getting the news of distribution of Jerusalem, he was forced to go back home.
Reliance to God- He totally relied on God and to his call i.e. in most cases he prayed before carrying out an activity
Devoted/ talented- As a cupbearer to the emperor he was an educated, talented and trustworthy young man
Visionary- He had a vision and he shared it with enthusiasm to inspire Jerusalem leaders to rebuild the wall
Initiative
He took the initiative to persuade the emperor to put things right
Excelled organizer-He carefully organized the rebuilding process. He organized how the wall of
Jerusalem was to be built in steps
Careful planner-He carefully examined and inspected the wall before starting the work
People’s representative- He was a proper representative of his people in Israel. He had a sense of responsibility to his community
Shrewd-He avoided the meetings organized by his opposer and overlooked the abuses placed on him
Impartial- He appointed men of integrity and God fearing to keep guard over Jerusalem
Selfless and kind-He had the skill of solving problems. He hence cancelled all debts that people had
Homogenous- He employed different strategies to counteract his opposer
Qn7. explain the relevance of Nehemiah’s leadership to a Christian today
A Christian should use his/her present position to serve God
Christians should acknowledge God as their source of power and giver of gifts
A leader should appoint people who are trustworthy and honest to help him/ her in ruling the country
God answers our prayers as a result of asking others for help
A Christian leader should keep his /her plans a secret until it matures to make an announcement
Christians should share their visions with others the way Nehemiah did
Leaders should take care of the needy in the society
As a Christian one could be lured to temptations; the way Nehemiah was opposed we should be ready to resist temptations
Christians should be ready to help in solving problems in the society Christians should act as role models by carrying out spiritual activities with the truth and helping in work after starting projects.
Qn 8.Explain the relevance of Nehemiah’s experience to Christians
They should not exploit the needy and disadvantaged
They should defend the rights of the weak and use their work place, family and friends
They should ask God to protect them from the mischief of their enemies
That they should pray to God to give them guidance in their endeavors
That they should persevere in all difficulties as Nehemiah did
They should condemn the injustices in the society
They should know that leadership involves challenges and difficulties
They should be practically involved in problem solving e.g. HIV/AIDs scourge
Qn 9 Explain the problems that Nehemiah encountered in his vocation
Oppression of the poor Jews by the rich Jews e.g. demanded high interests on borrowed money
Great opposition from the enemies they tried to frustrate his/her efforts to build the walls of
Jerusalem
Threat to his own life- His adversaries wanted to kill him
Lack of co-operation and support from the Jews- They refused to work with him on the wall project
Excessive foreign influence in Israel- Intermarriage brought about foreign influence which threatened
to extinct the Jew culture and language
Violation of the Sabbath laws- Israelites went on to do their daily chores on the Sabbath day
Abuse of the temple- Eliaship housed Tobias the heathen and God’s enemies
Misuse of offerings- The levies were denied their share of sacrificial offerings as required by the law
Qn 10-Describe the steps taken by Nehemiah to renew the covenant
Ezra the priest read the book of the covenant and explained the meaning of the Law of Moses. The
Israelites listened carefully and their lives changed. They responded Amen, amen
Celebration of the feast of shelters- After reading the scriptures, they realized that they had not been celebrating the feast of shelters. This was to remember their deliverance from Egypt. They were also to think about God’s protection and guidance
The Israelites confessed of their sins as they learnt that they had not been following God’s commandments. Nehemiah was devoted to confession of national sin and prayers to God’s grace
Recital of God’s dealings with Israel- They recital of God’s mighty acts is done in this. They remembered their history and this renewed God’s grace and power in them
A renewed covenant sealed. The covenant was renewed in writing and the leaders put seals
The binding agreement that people and God was done by the Israelites joining hands
Qn 11 State the promises that Israelites made during the renewal of the covenant
That every seventh year, they would cancel debts according to the Mosaic Laws
That they should observe God’s commandments and live according to his laws
That they would offer the first of their harvests as required by Torah
That they would dedicate their first-born sons to God
That they will not intermarry with foreigners at all
That they will not buy corn or anything else on the Sabbath day
That they will remit their arrival temple expenses to ensure that God’s house was okay
That they will provide sacrifices and offerings at the temple
That they will pay their tithes according to the law
Group study activities
1. Read and study the book of Luke by
2. Dividing up the chapters in the book of Luke among the members of the class and let every group present a summary of the chapters allocated to them.
3. Check out movies about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ but note that your study according to the syllabus is based on St. Luke’s gospel.
