CRK OBJ
1-10: BEBBACCBCD
11-20: EDDEBECBAE
21-30: BCBAEDEDED
31-40: CACEAAEDBE
41-50: DCBBBEACBC
51-60: EEBADDCBBE


(1a)
After God had completed the creation of heaven and earth, there was neither man nor plant or any other living creature to live on earth. There was no rain to water the earth except the dew that came from heaven. God formed man out of the dust of the earth and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils. Man immediately became a living being. God made a garden in Eden and commanded the man to take charge over it.

There were trees (both the trees of knowledge and evil) which God planted in the garden. Four rivers namely Pishon, Gihon, Tigris and Euphrates which flowed out to wet the garden divided the garden into four. God commanded man to eat of every tree of the garden, but the tree of knowledge of good and evil, man should not eat. If man should eat of the forbidden tree, that means disobedience and the consequence of it would be death. God saw that man was lonely in the garden and He (God ) decided to make a partner for him. He caused a deep sleep to befall man and He (God) took a rib out of him and used it to make woman as a life partner for Adam. The woman was named Eve, for she was made out of man's rib. When Adam woke up and saw her, she said: ' This is the bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman because she was taken out of a man'.

OR

(1a)
In the beginning, God made the earth and the heavens. There were no plants nor herbs because rain had not fallen. The Lord formed man out of dust (of the earth) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, thus making him become a living being. God then planted a garden in Eden, put the man there and grew plants and the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Four rivers flowed on four sides to water the garden and the man was to maintain the garden. God directed the man to eat of all the trees but not the fruit of the tree of knowledge, for he would die any day he ate the fruit. The man was alone, hence, there was the need to find a suitable help mate. Then God created all living creatures and the man was charged to give them names. To provide the man a helper fit for him, God made from Adam's rib a woman, gave her to Adam as flesh of his flesh and Adam called her woman.

(1b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Man was to act as God's agent in furthering the act of creation of various types of vegetation.

(ii) Man was to give names to all creations. This is a very important function because by knowing the name of a person or thing, you know his or its nature and can, therefore, exercise power over it.

(iii) Man was to eat of all trees and plants, but, never the tree of knowledge of good and evil. This order refects the dual nature of man, flesh and soul, good and evil. It is unfortunate that this dual nature was soon to play a negative role when flesh overtook soul while evil overtook good, leading to the fall of man.

(iv) By his acceptance of Eve,woman, Adam acknowledged God's institution of marriage.

(v) Man now has a right to choose between life and death.

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(2a)
(a) After Saul's death, there was war between his house and the house of David. Abner made himself stronger as he retained the leadership of Saul's army. lshboshet later accused Abner of having gone in to his father's concubine (Rizpah). This irked Abner and he asked whether he had become a dog's head as to be insulted on a matter concerning a woman. He openly defied lshboshet by telling him that he would renounce his allegiance to Saul's house and transfer same to David. Ishboshet was too weak to react to Abner's threat for he feared Abner. Abner however, sent messengers to David.

He asked him to enter into a covenant with him and he would hand over all Israel to him. David said he would consider his offer (see his face) if only he should restore his first wife, Michal. Saul's daughter, to him, after he had suffered so much to get her betrothed to him. David even sent the same order td Ishboshet to restore Michal to him and he had no choice but to comply. Abner conferred with the elders of Israel and called upon them to demonstrate their desire to make David king of all Israel (as God had destined it). With a delegation (of twenty men), he went to David in Hebron and David received thew warmly. Abner assured David that he would gather all Israel to enter into a covenant with him to reign over them. With the agreement sealed, David sent Abner away in peace.

(2b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) David's forgiveness of Abner who had beer waging a protracted war of attrition against him is worthy of emulation.

(ii) In order to make his claim legitimate as king of Israel, David had to reconcile with Michal, Saul's daughter.

(iii) David exercised wisdom by seizing time by the fore-lock; his reconciliation with Abner worked in his favour more than the many apparent victories his army might have registered against Saul's army.

(iv) David's nature was in contrast with Abner's peremptory and unforgiving stance.

(v) Leaders should strive for peace always.

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(3a)
God asked Hosea to take to himself a harlot as wife. He took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim and she bore him a son. And the Lord said to him 'call his name Jezreel, for yet a little while, I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. She conceived again and bore a daughter called Not Pitied, for God will not pity the house of Israel. She bore a third child, a son named Not my people, for Israel is no longer the people of God, neither is He their God. Gomer's faithlessness later made her abandon Hosea and the children. In love, Hosea paid to bring her back and sent her children to plead with their mother - all in vain. Inspite of her faithlessness and disappointment by her lovers, Hosea's love for Gomer still persisted.

(3b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Despite Gomer's unfaithfulness, Hosea continues to love and pursue her, mirroring God's unwavering love for people, even when they turn away from Him.

(ii) Hosea's willingness to redeem and restore Gomer from her life of waywardness illustrates God's desire to redeem and restore humanity.

(iii) Hosea's patient endurance of Gomer's unfaithfulness over an extended period symbolizes God's long-suffering patience with humanity. God patiently waits for people to turn to Him, providing opportunities for repentance and reconciliation.

(iv) Hosea actively seeks out Gomer when she strays, emphasizing God's pursuit of humanity when they go astray. God is not passive but actively seeks to bring people back into a loving relationship, embodying the idea that He is the Good Shepherd who goes after the lost sheep.

(v) Hosea's actions go beyond mere words; he demonstrates redemptive love through his deeds. Similarly, God's love is not just theoretical but is manifested in the sacrificial act of sending Jesus Christ for the redemption of humanity.

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(4a)
(i) As Jesus passed by, he saw Matthew sitting at the tax office.

(ii) Jesus called him saying 'follow me'.

(iii) And he arose and followed him.

(iv) Mark called this tax collector Levi, the son of Alphaeus.

(v) Later, Matthew organized a feast in his house for Jesus and his disciples.

(vi) Many tax collectors came to sit at table with Jesus and His disciples.

(vii) As they dined, the scribes and the Pharises murmured: 'why does he eat with tax-collectors and sinners'?

(viii) When Jesus heard it, he said to them: 'Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.

(ix) I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance'.

(x) He asked them to go and learn the meaning of the following statement: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice'.

(4b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Religious calls are mandatory, they need to be obeyed.

(ii) God can use anyone to fulfil His purpose.

(iii) Discrimination should be avoided. There is need to respect and treat people equally.

(iv) No profession is more important than the other.

(v) We should not look down on some professions.

(vi) It shows that one good turn deserves another and the need to reciprocate good gestures or show gratitude.

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(5a)
The resurrection story of Jesus Christ in St. Matthew's gospel holds that early in the morning, on the day after the Sabbath (Sunday), Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James went to the tomb. There, an angel told them that Jesus had risen and that the disciples should go to Galilee to meet him there. As they went to see the other disciples, Jesus met them and said: 'Hail'. They took hold of his feet and worshipped him. Jesus told them not to fear but to go and tell the other disciples to meet him in Galilee. When some of the, guards discovered that Christ had actually risen and had gone out of the grave, they went into the city and told the chief priests what had happened.
They conspired with the elders and bribed the soldiers with money to say, 'his disciples came by night and stole him away while we were sleeping.' The soldiers were assured that if it came to the governor's knowledge, they would satisfy him and keep them out of trouble. So, they took the money and did as they were directed. This story has been spread among the Jews to this day. The eleven disciples went to Galilee where they met Jesus, although some doubted. Jesus told them that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to him. He commanded them to 'go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you and I am with you always, to the close of the age'.

(5b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) It signifies that all who die in the Lord will resurrect at the last day.

(ii) The story of the resurrection is the hope of Christian faith.

(iii) It provides us with the courage and hope that the Lord we worship and adore is a living God.

(iv) Through the resurrection, Christians find assurance that Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was accepted by God as atonement for sin.

(v) The resurrection serves as divine validation of Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the fulfillment of his claims about himself.

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(6a)
In the early days of the Christian community, a theological dispute arose that threatened to divide the believers. The question at hand was whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish practices, particularly circumcision, in order to be fully accepted within the Christian community.
As the controversy intensified, the church in Antioch, recognizing the need for resolution, decided to send a delegation, including Paul and Barnabas, to Jerusalem to discuss the matter with the apostles and elders. The atmosphere was tense as the delegates arrived in Jerusalem, and the issue was openly debated among the believers.
Peter spoke first, sharing his experience of God's acceptance of Gentiles through faith. He recounted the story of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, who received the Holy Spirit without undergoing circumcision. This testimony carried weight and influenced the discussion.
Following Peter, Paul and Barnabas recounted their experiences in preaching to the Gentiles. They spoke of the signs and wonders that God had worked among the non-Jewish believers, emphasizing that faith in Christ alone was sufficient for salvation.
James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, then addressed the assembly. He acknowledged the testimony of Peter and proposed a resolution that would be acceptable to all parties involved. James suggested that while Gentile believers were not required to be circumcised, they should abstain from certain practices, such as idolatry, sexual immorality, and consuming blood.
The decision reached at the Council of Jerusalem was put into writing in the form of a letter addressed to the Gentile believers. The letter affirmed their faith in Christ and outlined the recommended guidelines for their conduct. The Gentile believers were relieved from the burden of unnecessary requirements, and the decision fostered a spirit of unity and reconciliation within the diverse Christian community.
The Council of Jerusalem stands as a significant moment in the early history of the Christian Church, symbolizing the inclusivity of the gospel message for both Jews and Gentiles. The decision made during this council laid the foundation for a more expansive and diverse Christian community, emphasizing the centrality of faith in Christ for salvation.

(6b)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) James, along with the apostles, provided leadership that resulted in a decision acceptable to all, fostering unity and reconciliation.
(ii) The decision to exempt Gentile believers from certain Jewish practices reflects an awareness of cultural differences within the early Christian community.
(iii) The power of personal testimony and lived experiences, as exemplified by Peter, Paul, and Barnabas, played a crucial role in shaping the decision
(iv) The Council of Jerusalem teaches the delicate balance between maintaining unity within the Christian community and recognizing the diversity of cultural practices.
(v) The council underscores the need for reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in resolving theological disputes.

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(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)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) The living water through Jesus leads to eternal life. Christians can find their spiritual nourishment and eternal satisfaction in Jesus.
(ii) Christians, through their relationship with Jesus, have access to the revelation of God and are called to share this knowledge with others.
(iii) Jesus knows and understands the depths of our lives. Christians can approach Him with honesty, knowing that He sees and forgives our past.
(iv) Christians recognize Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah and put their faith in Him for salvation and guidance.
(v) Christians are called to participate in the work of harvesting souls for the Kingdom of God, sharing the message of salvation with others.

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(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.

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(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