2024 NECO CRS ANSWERS
CRS -OBJ 01-10: BEBBACCBCD 11-20: EDDEBECBAE 21-30: BCBAEDEDED 31-40: CACEAAEDBE 41-50: DCBBBEACBC 51-60: EEBADDCBBE *NECO GCE CRS ANSWERS* (1a) In the second creation story, as contained in Genesis chapter 2, the narrative begins by stating that after God had created the heavens and the earth, He formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, making him a living being. God then planted a garden in Eden and placed the man in it, giving him the responsibility to work it and take care of it. God also commanded the man, stating that he could eat from any tree in the garden except for the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If he were to eat from that tree, he would surely die. God then noticed that it was not good for the man to be alone, so He decided to make a helper suitable for him. God brought all the animals to the man, and he named them all, but none of them were found to be a suitable helper. So, God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while he was asleep, He took one of his ribs and made it into a woman. When the man woke up and saw the woman, he recognized her as his own flesh and bone, and they became one flesh. (1b) (PICK ANY THREE) (i) Stewards of Creation (ii) Creation of Social Relationships (iii) Naming and Naming Responsibility (iv) Responsibility to Obey God’s Command (iv) The Gift of Life (vi) Unity and Companionship ===================================== (2a) The event that led to the reconciliation of David and Abner was the death of Abner’s cousin, Asahel, during a battle between David’s forces and Abner’s forces. Asahel was chasing Abner to avenge the death of his brothers, but Abner warned him to turn back multiple times. When Asahel didn’t listen, Abner reluctantly killed him in self-defense. This event created an opportunity for reconciliation between David and Abner because it demonstrated a willingness on Abner’s part to avoid unnecessary bloodshed and a recognition of the tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict. (2b) (PICK ANY THREE) (i) Forgiveness can lead to peace: David was able to forgive Abner for killing his cousin, and in doing so, he opened the door to reconciliation and a potential end to the conflict. (ii) Communication is essential: Abner and David took the opportunity to engage in open and honest communication after the death of Asahel. This allowed them to understand each other’s perspectives and find common ground. (iii) Conflict is not always personal: Abner and David’s initial rivalry was rooted in the political landscape rather than personal animosity. Their reconciliation demonstrated that it is possible to separate personal feelings from political differences. (iv) The value of a mediator: Joab, David’s commander, played a critical role in facilitating the reconciliation between David and Abner. Having a neutral third party can help bridge the gap and facilitate understanding between conflicting parties. (v) Tragedy can bring people together: The death of Asahel created a shared experience of loss for David and Abner, which ultimately led to their reconciliation. Sometimes, it takes a tragic event to make people realize the unnecessary cost of conflict. (vi) Reconciliation requires compromise: Both David and Abner had to make compromises and let go of their previous grievances in order to reconcile. This emphasizes the importance of finding common ground and being willing to let go of past hurts in the pursuit of peace (3a) Prophet Hosea’s marital experience is a significant aspect of his prophetic ministry. According to the Bible, Hosea was instructed by God to marry a woman named Gomer, who later became unfaithful to him, symbolizing the unfaithfulness of Israel towards God. Hosea’s marriage to Gomer represented the relationship between God and Israel, with Hosea embodying God’s faithfulness despite Israel’s spiritual adultery. Despite Gomer’s infidelity, Hosea continued to love her and even redeemed her from a situation of slavery, reflecting God’s unconditional love and forgiveness for Israel. Through this personal experience, Hosea conveyed God’s message of love, mercy, and the consequences of unfaithfulness. His marital life served as a powerful illustration of God’s enduring love for His people, despite their waywardness and unfaithfulness. (3b) (i) Covenant and Commitment: Marriage symbolizes God’s covenant with humanity. Just as a marriage is a covenant between two individuals to love, cherish, and remain faithful to each other, God’s commitment to humanity is everlasting and unwavering, demonstrating His unending love and faithfulness. (ii) Selfless Sacrifice: The sacrificial love between spouses mirrors God’s sacrificial love for humanity. In marriage, partners are called to love each other unconditionally, putting their partner’s needs above their own. This selfless love is akin to the sacrificial love shown by Jesus Christ for humanity. (iii) Unity and Oneness: The union of two individuals into one entity in marriage reflects the unity found in the relationship between God and humanity. Just as marriage signifies the unity of two distinct individuals becoming one, God desires a close and unified relationship with humanity, emphasizing the concept of oneness and togetherness. ===================================== (4a) In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 9:9-13), Jesus encounters Matthew, a tax collector, sitting at the tax booth. Jesus simply says, “Follow me,” and Matthew immediately rises and follows Him. This encounter is remarkable not only for its brevity but also for its profound implications. Tax collectors were often despised in society, seen as collaborators with the oppressive Roman regime. Yet, Jesus extends a direct and transformative invitation to Matthew, demonstrating His inclusive ministry that reaches out to those considered societal outcasts. The subsequent scene at Matthew’s house, where Jesus shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, further emphasizes His willingness to associate with those marginalized by society. This encounter with Matthew not only marks the beginning of a disciple’s journey but also symbolizes the radical inclusivity and transformative power of Jesus’ call. (b)(i) *Inclusive Call:* Jesus’ call of Matthew illustrates the inclusive nature of His ministry. Regardless of societal judgments, Jesus reaches out to those considered outsiders, emphasizing that everyone is worthy of redemption. (ii) *Transformative Power of Grace:* Matthew’s swift response to Jesus’ call reflects the transformative power of grace. Despite his societal status as a tax collector, Jesus sees beyond labels, highlighting the capacity for radical change through encountering Christ. (iii) *Priority of Mercy:* Jesus’ response to the Pharisees underscores the priority of mercy over religious rituals. The encounter teaches that compassion and forgiveness are central to Jesus’ message, emphasizing a heart of mercy rather than rigid adherence to religious traditions. (5a) In Matthew’s Gospel, the resurrection of Jesus is narrated in Matthew 28:1-10. After the crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to the tomb. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and an angel descended from heaven, rolling back the stone from the entrance. The guards were terrified, but the angel reassured the women, proclaiming, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said.” The angel instructed them to go quickly and tell the disciples that Jesus had risen from the dead. As they hurried away, Jesus himself met them, and they fell down, worshiping him. Jesus reiterated the angel’s message, urging them not to be afraid and instructing the disciples to go to Galilee, where they would see him. (b) (i) Victory Over Death: The resurrection signifies Jesus’ triumph over death, offering Christians hope for eternal life. (ii) Foundation of Faith: It serves as the cornerstone of Christian belief, validating Jesus’ divinity and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. (iii) Assurance of Future Hope: The resurrection assures believers of their future resurrection, emphasizing the promise of life beyond death. (6a) The Council of Jerusalem, a pivotal event in early Christianity, took place around 50 AD and is described in the Book of Acts, specifically in Acts 15:1-29. The primary issue at hand was whether Gentile believers needed to adhere to Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, in order to be considered part of the Christian community. The gathering brought together apostles, elders, and believers to address the growing tension between Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus. The atmosphere was charged with debate and differing opinions. Some argued for the strict observance of Jewish laws and traditions, emphasizing the need for Gentiles to be circumcised. Others, including the apostle Paul and Barnabas, advocated for the inclusion of Gentiles without imposing Jewish customs upon them. Amidst the debates, Peter, who had already witnessed the conversion of the Gentile Cornelius, spoke in favor of not burdening the Gentiles with the yoke of Jewish legalism. He emphasized that both Jews and Gentiles are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. James, the brother of Jesus and a prominent leader in the early Christian community, played a crucial role in proposing a resolution. He suggested a compromise that would not alienate the Gentile believers while still maintaining unity within the diverse Christian community. The resolution, accepted by the council, outlined that Gentiles should abstain from idolatry, sexual immorality, consuming blood, and strangled animals. This decision reflected a significant shift from strict adherence to Jewish laws to a more inclusive approach, welcoming Gentiles into the Christian fold without imposing unnecessary cultural requirements. The Council of Jerusalem marked a crucial moment in the development of Christianity, establishing a precedent for a faith that transcended cultural and ethnic boundaries. The decisions made during this council laid the foundation for a more inclusive and diverse Christian community, setting the stage for the global spread of the Christian faith in the centuries to come. (b) (i) Inclusivity and Unity: The Council of Jerusalem teaches the importance of fostering inclusivity within a diverse community. The decision to not impose unnecessary Jewish customs on Gentile believers demonstrated a commitment to unity despite cultural differences. This lesson is relevant in contemporary contexts, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and acceptance within religious, cultural, and social communities. (ii) Leadership and Decision-Making: The meeting showcased effective leadership and decision-making within the early Christian community. James, as a leader, proposed a resolution that sought a middle ground, considering the perspectives of both Jewish and Gentile believers. This highlights the significance of leadership that listens to diverse opinions, seeks compromise, and works towards decisions that benefit the entire community. (iii) Grace and Freedom in Faith: The Council of Jerusalem underscored the central theme of grace in Christian theology. The decision to abstain only from specific practices, rather than imposing an array of Jewish laws, reflected an understanding of freedom in Christ. This lesson encourages believers to focus on the core principles of faith and grace, allowing for diversity in cultural expressions and practices without compromising the essence of the faith. (7a) In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus described Himself to the Samaritan woman at the well as the one who could provide living water. He said, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14, NIV) This conversation illustrated Jesus’ identity as the source of spiritual fulfillment and eternal life. OR (7a) Jesus met a woman at Jacob’s well and asked her to give him water to drink. The woman was surprised that Jesus, a Jew would ask for water from a Samaritan. Jesus said if she knew the gift of God and who asked her for water, she would have asked him for a living water. The woman wondered how Jesus could give her water without even a vessel for drawing it out of the well. She questioned whether Jesus was greater than their father Jacob who dug the well. Jesus said every one who drank of that water would thirst again, but whoever would drink of the water he gave would never thirst, for the water he gave would become a spring of living water, leading to eternal life. The woman then asked for the living water so that she might no longer take the pains to come to the well to draw. (7b ) (i) Spiritual Fulfillment: Christians can find lasting satisfaction and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus offered living water to the Samaritan woman, believers can experience spiritual nourishment, peace, and satisfaction by having a personal relationship with Him. (ii) Eternal Life: Jesus’ promise of living water symbolizes eternal life. Christians believe that through faith in Christ, they receive salvation and the assurance of eternal life. This teaching encourages believers to focus on spiritual matters and to seek a deeper connection with God. (iii) Sharing the Gospel: Christians can apply this teaching by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Like the Samaritan woman who shared her encounter with Jesus, believers can spread the message of hope and salvation, inviting others to experience the spiritual fulfillment found in Christ. 8a) Paul commanded the Thessalonian believers to avoid any lazy person among them. He reminded them that he did not extort money from any one of them but had worked hard to earn his living. Paul told them that he had a right as a preacher to depend on them for maintenance, but had chosen to work in order to lay an example for them. He had earlier instructed that anyone who is not willing to work should not eat. He commanded and encouraged the lazy brethren to work hard to earn their living. Paul also advised them as brethren not to be fed up in well-doing. However, he advised that anyone who refuses to obey the instructions in this letter, should be isolated. Such a lazy one should not be regarded as an enemy though. Rather, he should be warned as a brother. (8b) (PICK ANY THREE) (i) Diligence and hardwork enables believers to contribute positively to their communities, churches, and the broader society, reflecting the selfless love exemplified by Jesus. (ii) Laziness contradicts the industrious and responsible behavior that reflects the values of a Christ-centered life. (iii) Laziness brings hardship (iv) Persistent laziness can lead to an unhealthy dependence on fellow believers, burdening the community and hindering the individual’s personal responsibility (v) Engaging in meaningful work and contributing to the welfare of others can be a channel for spiritual growth (vi) Laziness represents a failure to fulfill the responsibilities and opportunities that God has entrusted to each believer. (9a) In the Book of James, Apostle James taught about the use of words while speaking. James says our tongue is like a small rudder on a big ship, steering it wherever it goes. Even though our tongue is small, it has a huge impact on our lives. James points out that we use our tongue for both good and bad things. We might use it to praise and thank God, but then we turn around and use the same tongue to say hurtful or negative things about other people. He says this isn’t right and that our words should be consistently positive. James also admits that controlling our tongue is tough. He describes it as restless and full of poison. But he encourages believers to work on controlling what they say because it shows maturity and self-control. One of the big things James emphasizes is that our faith should be reflected in our words. He criticizes the idea of praising God on one hand and then speaking negatively about others with the same tongue. He believes that true faith involves not just going through religious motions but also being careful with our words. This includes caring for those in need and living a morally upright life. According to James, it’s important for believers to be aware of the power of their words, try to keep their speech consistently positive, and make sure their words reflect the love and faith they profess in their Christian journey. (9b) (i) James mentions that those who fail to control their tongue will face judgment (ii) Those who fail to tame their tongue brings destruction to themselves (iii) Inability to control the tongue brings curse.Categories: NECO SSCE Syllabus Questions
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