CRS

HOLY BIBLE (RECOMMENDED TEXT):  REVISED STANDARD VERSION (R.S.V) 

 

WEEK: 2

TERM: THIRD                    

TOPIC- EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of prayer as a means of communicating with God.
• List and discuss at least four (4) factors that make for effective prayer.
• Identify types of prayer.
• Explain any four factors that may hinder effectiveness of prayer.
• Mention any four (4) ways by which prayers are misused by Christians today.
• Compose a prayer appropriate for a specific situation.

EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER

Prayer is a means by which an individual communicates and listens to God. Prayer is very important in the life of a Christian. It is a mean of interacting with God and it also serves as a weapon of defence against evil ones. Jesus taught us the importance of prayer in life because he used every situation or event to communicate with his father.

James teaching on effective prayer/conditions for effective prayer (James 1:2-8, 5:13-18)

According to the passage, a very important condition for effective prayer is that we must pray without doubting the reality of God. James compares such a doubting Thomas to “wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind”.

Faith is therefore a necessary condition for effective prayers. Another necessary condition is that our prayers should spring from the right motive, for this reason, they should ask for God’s wisdom to direct them on the right thing to ask God.

Again, christians must confess their sins before God and take decision to forsake them so that God can hear their prayers.

Finally, there should be an element of righteousness in us, for the bible says that the fervent prayer of the righteous has great power in its effect. James gave example, he said that prophet Elijah was a righteous man whose prayers were effective. Elijah prayed that the rains should cease for three years and six months and it was so, when he prayed again it came pouring on the earth bringing back life.

Jesus Taught His Disciples How to Pray (Matt. 6:7-13)

Jesus taught his disciples to pray in the secret for he who sees in secret will reward them. He also told them to avoid babbling empty words as the Gentiles or unbelievers do with reputation for our heavenly father knows the things we need before asking him.

Jesus taught his followers to pray thus:

Our Father who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread;

And forgive us our debts,

As we forgive our debtors;

And lead us not into temptation;

But deliver us from evil.

 

WEEK: 3

CLASS: SS1

REASONS FOR UNANSWERED PRAYER OR FACTORS THAT MAY HINDER EFFECTIVENESS OF PRAYER (Matt 6:7-13)

• Lack of faith on the part of the person praying.
• Unforgiving spirit on the part of the person praying.
• Unnecessary repetition of words.
• Lack of concentration.
• Asking wrongly. Asking against the will of God or to make a wrong use of what we ask for like spending it on our passions.
• Lack of consistency or not being steadfast in praying.
• Lack of repentance from personal sins.

 

Types of Prayer

James, in his teaching, mentioned various types of prayers that ought to be prayed at various times and conditions, these are:

Prayer of Adoration is mentioned.

“Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise” (James 5:13)

Prayer of Petition and Intercession are also mentioned.

“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him….” (James 5:14)

Prayer of Confession is mentioned as well.

“Therefore confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16).

• Prayer of Adoration: In this type of prayer, we acknowledge God as the maker and controller of the universe by giving him honorific names and praises. Here we mention the titles of God.
• Prayer of Petition: Requesting things from God for personal purposes. Here also the prayer must be specific and resolute. In other words, we have to describe the exact nature of our difficulty and feeling to God.
• Prayer of Intercession: Here, we pray for the good and salvation of others. Thus, praying on behalf of others especially for those who cannot pray for themselves.
• Prayer of confession: In it, we ask God to help us avoid sin, seek forgiveness of our sin when our weakness overcome us. It helps us to restore our relationship with God. We also use this medium to ask God’s assistance in order to curb wrong inclinations.

How Prayers are Misused by Christians Today

• Paying money for prayers/consultation fees for prayers/ commercialization of prayers.
• Cursing people in prayers/praying against enemies.
• Praying at the wrong time when there should be working/substituting prayer for work.
• Shouting or making noise to disturb others.
• Prayers for the highest donors/bidders.
• Substituting prayers for righteousness.
• Praying with selfish motives.
• Praying not in accordance with the word/will of God.
• Idolatry in prayer/praying to religious leaders instead of God.
• Effectiveness of prayers wrongly associated with material objects. e.g. salt, candle, stickers, anointing oil etc.

WEEK: 4

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: ST. PAUL’S TEACHING ON THE EXPECTED LIFE STYLE IF CHRISTIANS LIVING AMONG NON-CHRISTIANS (1 PETER 2:9-25)

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• State behavioural patterns which Peter recommended for Christians living in the community.
• Explain the importance of living through good examples.
• Mention ways of promoting good relationship among non-Christians.

ST. PAUL’S TEACHING ON THE EXPECTED LIFE STYLE IF CHRISTIANS LIVING AMONG NON-CHRISTIANS (1 PETER 2:9-25)

St. peter, appealed to Christians not to conform to the standard of this world. They should avoid the passion of the flesh and things that hinder their spiritual growth. They must maintain good conduct among non-Christians so that in case of false accusation people would see their good deeds and glorify God.

Again, Christians are expected to be subjected to every human institution and to civil authorities. By so doing, they would put to silence, the ignorance of the foolish man. As men who lived under the freedom of Christ, they should not use their freedom as pretext for evil. But as servants of God, they should honour all men, love their brothers, fear God and honour their leaders.

Peter advised servants to submit themselves to their earthly masters. Even when there is a case of unjust punishment, they should bear it. To buttress his point, peter cited the case of unjust suffering of Jesus as an example. When Christ was revived he did not revile back, when he suffered, he did not threaten but he trusted in God. Christians should therefore follow the good examples if Jesus Christ in all things.

In summary, Christians should maintain high moral standard wherever they find themselves.

 

How to Promote Good Relationship Among Non-Christians

• Teaming up with non-Christians to develop community.
• Contributing to the meeting the needs of non-Christians.
• Take part in social activities with non-Christians.
• As much as possible, tolerate the activities of non-Christians.
• Attending programmes organized by non-Christians.
• Christians being tolerant of other religions.
• Christians must be well informed about other religions.

How Christians can live their daily lives to support of Peter’s description of them

• Christians should render quality services to God.
• Christians should have respect for authorities, elders of the community and laws of the country.
• Christians should perform their civic responsibilities such as payment of taxes, dues etc.
• Render possible assistance to the needy.
• Assist security agents whenever possible in maintenance of peace and order in the society.

Paul’s statement as children of the light (Rom. 13:11-14)

Paul admonishing Christians concerning the nearness of their salvation how for as many as believed advised them to cast off the work of darkness and put on the weapon of light. He encouraged them to walk as if it was already the day without reveling and drunkenness, nor in fornication, licentiousness, strife and jealousy.

He concluded by telling them to put on the Lord Jesus and have no provision for the flesh to fulfil it lusts.

TOPIC: INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG CHRISTIANS (1 PETER 5:1-11)

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Explain Peter’s advice to the elders and members of the church in their personal relationship.
• State (4) causes of conflict among Christians.
• State three problems that confront church leaders today.
• Describe the situations which call for humility among Christians.

INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP AMONG CHRISTIANS (1 PETER 5:1-11)

Here, Peter focuses his message on the type of inter-personal relationship that ought to exist among fellow Christians. However before this we wish to point out that the Christian community or the church is a society made up of the leaders, elders and youth with each having its own duties and obligations.

Peter enjoined the elders to find the flock of God not by constraint but willingly not for shameful gain but eagerly, not as domineering over those under them but example of the flock of God so as to be crowned with glory when Jesus is revealed.

The younger ones should be subject to the elders. They should clothe themselves with humility towards one another for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Peter advised Christian generally to humble themselves before God so as to be exalted by him. They should cast their anxieties on God, for he cares for them.

The duties of a good church leader

• To ensure the spiritual and physical development of his followers.
• To serve as a shining example to the church members.
• To live a modest lifestyle.
• It should encourage the people morally and give them spiritual counselling.
• He should pray for the congregation and intercede on their behalf continually.

 

Factors which may cause conflict in the church

• Negligence of one’s duties and obligations.
• Lack of respect or regard for constituted authority.
• Failure to forgive one another.
• Unwillingness to participate in societal building.
• Jealousy and envy.

Causes of conflict among Christians

• Bribery and corruption in the church
• Jostling for power and position in the church
• Differences in doctrines
• Ostentatious lifestyle of some church leaders and their followers.
• Determining who is using the real spirit of God and who is not.
• Envy and jealousy
• Fornication among the young and between the young and the old.

Problems that confront church leaders today

• Disregard for authority
• Rivalry between the youth and the elders
• External opposition from government
• The status of women, gay marriage
• The finance of the church
• Doctrinal differences among various denominations.

Situations which call for humility among Christians

• Opposition from members of other faith
• Opposition from unfaithful.
• Opposing examination malpractices.
• In the performance of civic responsibilities like payment of taxes.

 

WEEK: 5

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: SOCIAL VICES AND WITNESSING TO CHRIST

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Explain the meaning of being a true witness for Christ.
• Point out the importance of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.
• Describe some of their civic responsibilities.

SOCIAL VICES AND WITNESSING TO CHRIST

Christians are to be loyal to their masters and as well behave in accordance with their high calling. Paul advised the Christians to live the life of Jesus by avoiding all disgraceful conduct as a son. Christians are to live above social vices such as: corruption, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity, cheating, examination malpractice, smoking and fornication so that those who might speak against them might see their good deeds and as well promote the spread of the gospel.

Tolerance and Peaceful Co-Existence

Tolerance is fair, objective and permissive attitude towards opinions, beliefs and practices that differ from one’s own.

OR

Tolerance is being patient, understanding and accepting of anything different. Examples of tolerance: Muslims, Christians and atheist being friends.

Peaceful Co-Existence

Competition without war or a policy of peace between nations or widely deferring political systems and ideologies especially between communist and non-communist nations e.g. between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.

Moreover, for peaceful co-existence to exist, Christians should behave well in the community so as to distinguish them from non-Christians attitude. They should live in harmony with both Christians and non-Christians irrespectively of what the community might look like. They should submit to the constituted authorities, promote inter-personal relationship indiscriminately in the community where they bring they belong. They should be loyal to their masters and as well fulfil their civic obligations.

Civic Responsibilities

Civic responsibilities refers to the duties we have to perform as citizens of the country to promote order, peace and progress development.

These duties must be done in obedience to the constituted authorities.

Examples of Civic Responsibilities of the Citizens are:

• Obey the laws of the land.
• Respect all laws fully made by constituted authorities.
• Pay all taxes, bills and levels as at when due.
• Respect other people’s right.
• Protect public properties.
• Voting during elections.

 

 

 

WEEK: 6

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: PETER’S TEACHING ON CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION (1 PETER 1:3-17, 4:12-19)

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Explain how persecution and suffering are part of the effects witnessing for Christ.
• Explain how Christ was also persecuted.
• Recognise and describe the right Christian altitude to persecution and how some Christians are being persecuted in some parts of Nigeria.

PETER’S TEACHING ON CHRISTIAN PERSECUTION (1 PETER 1:3-17, 4:12-19)

Firstly, persecution in an act of molesting a person or a group of people. It involves harassment, intimidation, oppression, incarceration and physical assault which may lead to the death of the victims. Persecution may come as a result of one’s religious or political belief. In the case of Christianity, persecution comes as a result of the Christian’s faith, determination, boldness and full commitment to the service of God.

Secondly, Peter advised the Christians to see persecution as a necessity to the test of their faith. He advised Christians to rejoice when they are always encountering trials and persecution as it is their share of Christ’s suffering. Since Jesus Himself, the role model passed through suffering during his ministry.

Persecution to Peter is the strengthening of the Christ faith just as the fire refines gold, so hope in him for the crown of glory provided the suffering is not as a result of criminal involvement.

Suffering for the sake of Christ and for one’s faith in him, Christians should rejoice and serve God with gratitude, knowing their present trials and sufferings are temporal since the glory of Jesus would be revealed unto them.

According to Peter, Christians should not be ashamed of suffering for Christ, for the sake of our religion for the time had come for judgement to start in the household of God. Since salvation could not easy for the righteous man. He advised them to live a holy life since the creator Himself is holy.

 

Jesus Message on Love of Enemies (Matt. 5:38-48)

Jesus reminded the Christians of this message which commanded them not to reward evil with evil, nor refuse to lend to anyone that counts to borrow from them. Here He instructed them to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them for them to become sons of their father who is in haven for He causes sun to rise on the evil and good and send rain on the just and unjust.

Loving only one’s lover, to him has no reward for him even the tax collectors and Gentiles do the same. He concluded by asking them to be perfect as their heavenly father is perfect.

THE PERSECUTION OF CHRIST

Jesus was persecuted for the sins He committed not. He passed through arrest, trial and crucifixion. Jesus during His persecution uttered seven words on the cross and one of them is “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”.

Jesus asked His father to forgive His enemies just as He had taught on the love of one’s enemies.

Sufferings and the Christian Faith

• Suffering is meant to prove the genuineness of their faith and make them worthy to reach heavenly inheritance.
• It is regarded as the Christians share in Christ suffering which will finally reach to eternal glory.
• Persecution should not be seen as evil but as something that strengthen, only genuine faith in Christ.

Christian’s Attitude to Persecution

• Persecution should be received with joy and gladness for it is the share of the Christians in Christ’s suffering.
• The fear of God should be the Christians watch word.
• Christians should praise and as well pray to God during persecution.
• Christians should not allow themselves to be weighed down by their sufferings rather should remain holy for God is holy.

 

WEEK: 8

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: MEANING OF IMPARTIALITY

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Describe the meaning of impartiality.
• Recount specifically the teaching of James on impartiality.
• Mention negative effects of discrimination in the church.
• Explain at least four (4) effects of partiality in the society.
• Mention areas of partiality in today’s churches.

Impartiality, in the literal sense means “the practice of treating persons and issues on their own merits and the intrinsic worth as human beings and as principles”.

It means the non-inclination of human beings to such repulsive tendencies as favouritism and preferential treatment as well as other obnoxious. That is to say that, it the act of not following one person more than another.

To be partial means to discriminate/to be unjust and unfair to a person or group of people.

St. James’ Teaching on Impartiality (James 2:1-13)

James advised all Christians to do away with any act of partiality in the church. He says that partiality is made known when well dressed and poorly dressed people come to church and the poorly dressed are asked to stand up for a well-dressed person. This is partiality. God often honours those who are despised on earth but are humbly faithful in spiritual affairs because it is the earthly rich who are oppressors of the faithful poor. They drag them to court without a cause. All Christians should observe the royal law which says “love your neighbour as yourself”.

If you show partiality, you commit sin and you are convicted by the law, for point has become guilty of all of it. If one commits adultery but does not kill, he is guilty of breaking the law.

Therefore all our thoughts and actions must be in consonance with observation of the law of liberty. A Christian who fails to show mercy to the oppressed will receive God’s condemnation.

 

Negative Effects of Discrimination in the Church

• It creates division in the Church.
• Discrimination discourages unbelievers from accepting the gospel.
• It creates under utilization of the talents of members.
• Discrimination creates frustration and discord in the church and society.
• Discrimination could lead to break-away of members.
• Discrimination retards the spiritual growth and the expansion of the church.
• Discrimination reduce the commitment level of the congregants.

The Effects of Partiality in the Society

In any country where partiality exists, there are bound to be tribalism, sectionalism, favouritism and nepotism. And these have a great negative effect on a country in the following ways:

• It brings disunity in the nation.
• It promotes disunity and unhealthy rivalry.
• It does not foster sense of belonging.
• It encourages greediness and selfishness.
• It encourages sycophancy and praise singing.
• At the end, the nation will have no chance to develop because partiality is an enemy of progress and development.

Areas of Partiality in Today’s Churches

• Appointment to church offices are often based on other considerations other than merit.
• Allocation of seats in churches during occasions depends on social status not morality. Some even ask the poor to get up for the rich who must have come late.
• Contributions made by the poor are not recognized.
• Burial services of the rich are better attended by church dignitaries than the burials of the poor faithful Christians.
• Only the poor participate in daily church labour.
• People who contribute much money are the ones known in the church and given positions of honour.
• Even some pastors visit only the well to do members of their congregation.
• The various committees in the church are open headed by the rich and they are not allowed a say in the affairs of the church.
• Only the rich have access to product at bazaars.

Human Beings are Equal before God

Before God, everyone is equal especially in the church. Christians should not show any form of distinction or discrimination as is against God’s command. Christians are expected to live a life free of partiality by preaching against it in all ramifications and its total eradication. Christians should love their neighbour as themselves.

The Golden Rule

Therefore all that you wish men would do to you so also do to them for this is the law and the prophets. Christians should not, coming to their part show favouritism but must show mercy, since mercy, influence judgment.

 

 

WEEK: 9

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AS NARRATED BY THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Describe the accounts of the resurrection in the synoptic gospels.
• Explain the significance of the resurrection to the Christian faith.
• Explain the activities of women in the story of the resurrection
• Compare and contrast three accounts of resurrection in the synoptic gospels.

THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AS NARRATED BY THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS

Resurrection is the act of bringing what is dead back to life. Jesus resurrected to life through the power of God. Resurrection is the reward which Christ has promised to all believers.

Mark’s Account (Mk 16:1-18)

He puts the story this way: on the Sabbath day following his crucifixion, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Salome brought spices to go and anoint the body of Jesus. On their way, they said to one another “who will roll away the stone for us from the gate of the tomb, when they reached the place, they saw that the large stone has been rolled away. They rather saw a young man dressed in a white robe and sitting on the right hand side. They were all amazed but the angel told them not to be afraid.

The angel said to them: “I know that you seek Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He is not hear, but has risen. Come and see the place where they put him”. They should also go and tell the disciples including Peter what they had seen. Again, that Jesus had gone before them to Galilee. They should go there to see him, they began to run as fast as they could filled with fear. They said nothing to anyone because they were afraid.

Matthew’s Account (Matt. 28:1-8)

On Sunday which was the first day of the week after which Jesus was crucified on Friday. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the sepulchre, the tomb in which Jesus was buried. The angel of the Lord descended from the earth which was followed by an earthquake. The angel appeared like the lightening as the servant appeared dazzling as white as snow. The angel told the women not to be afraid for Jesus whom they seek has risen. The angel also showed them where he laid and asked them to make the resurrection of Christ known to his disciples.

Luke’s Account

Luke’s account was similar to that of Mark except that he added that as the women were perplexed over what happened to the body of Jesus, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. It was these women that told the news to the disciples, they did not believe them.

Significance of Resurrection to the Christian faith

• The resurrection of (Christians) Jesus Christ is the basis of Christian faith. Without his resurrection, there would be no Christian faith.
• Resurrection equally forms the basis of Christian hope of salvation.
• Resurrection of Jesus leads to the successful spread of Christianity as the disciples got motivated and preached the gospel with boldness.
• To Christians, the resurrection is an assurance of Christ’s victory over sin and death.
• It is an assurance that as God raised Jesus from the dead, so will God raise every Christian that die in Lord on the day of resurrection.

Women’s Activities in the Story of Resurrection

• It was the women who discovered the empty tomb, which proved that Jesus was truly risen.
• It was also through the women that the angel sent the message to Jesus disciples and to Peter.
• The women believed what they saw and what the angel told them related the message with faith. It showed that they were fearless and full of love for Christ irrespective of confusions and amazing situations around them.

Compare and Contrast the three Accounts of Resurrection in the Synoptic Gospels

The differences are:

• The mentioning of Peter’s name as one of those to be told that Jesus had risen is peculiar to Mark.
• That when the women reported the resurrection to the eleven disciples, they did not believe them is peculiar to Luke.
• The occurrence of an earthquake is peculiar to Matthew.
• That the guards trembled and were like dead is peculiar to Matthew.
• As regards to who the women saw at the tomb: Matthew said an angel, Mark – a young man in white robe, Luke – two men in dazzling apparel.
• Matthew used the word sepulchre for tomb while Mark and Luke called it tomb.
• Matthew did not made mention of the spices or ointment that the women took to the grave.
• Matthew did not mention the other Mary as he mentioned only Mary Magdalene.

The similarities are:

• Jesus rose from death on Sunday, the first day of the week.
• When the women got to the tomb, the stone was rolled away.
• It was the women who reported the resurrection to disciples.
• When the women got to the tomb, they met a strange figure who gave them the resurrection message for the disciples

 

 

WEEK: 10

CLASS: SS1

TOPIC: THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST: SIGNS OF THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD (1 Thess. 4:13-18, and Thess. 2:1-2)

Performance Objectives:

At the end of this topic, students should be able to:

• Recognize that Jesus will come again at the end of time
• Describe the signs of the second coming of Christ.
• Mention 4 factors that can make Christians turn away from pleasing God.

Paul advised the Thessalonians not to feel sad like people who had no hope about those who had fallen asleep or dead before the second coming of Jesus.

Paul went further to outline the signs of the second coming as

• Christ will descend from heaven with a cry of command with the arch angle’s call and the sound of he trumpet of God.
• The dead in the lord will rise first, while those who are alive will be called together with them in the clouds to join the lord.
• There will be certain destruction for the unwary.

He finally told the Thessalonians to comfort one another with these words.

Preparing for this coming (1 Thess 5:1-11)

Paul told the brethren that the day of the lord’s coming was unknown but would be sudden like a thief in the night who takes people by surprise.

How we ought to prepare for the second coming of Christ (Matt 25:31)

Jesus will come back in his glory and all the angels with him he will sit on his glorious throne for judgement. He will send those at the right hand side to come, “you who are blessed of my father to inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”. He also mentioned these words of praise to them.

• You are by the father and will inherit his external kingdom.
• You fed me and gave me water when I was hungry and thirsty.
• You welcomed me as a stranger.
• You clothed me when I was naked.
• You visited me when I was sick and in prison.

The righteous one’s will ask:

“Lord when have we seen you hungry and gave you food, thirsty …….. etc” Christ will answer that in as much as they did it to one of these little ones, you did it for me.

The Lord will give those at his left hand his words of condemnation:

“Depart from me, you cursed, into eternal fire”.

“I was hungry and thirsty but you gave me no food and no drink”.

When they ask questions, the Lord will answer them saying; “in as much as you have done nothing to one of the least of the three you have done it to me. He will send them into eternal punishment but the righteous will go into eternal life.

The summary of this, is that Christians preparing for the coming of Christ, Christians must love one another and in case for the less privilege by providing for their needs and visiting those in trouble and sickness.

Factors that can make Christians Turn Away from Pleasing God

• Desires of the flesh/greed.
• Harsh economic conditions.
• False doctrines.
• Ignorance of the word of God.
• Persecution/fear of men.
• Difficulty/bitter or unpleasant experience/situations.
• Culture/traditional practices.
• Unforgiving spirit.
• Lack of faith.

 

Name of Teacher: MR. ONYEKA  ALOREMEZIE

 PHONE NUMBER: 08064832232

 EMAIL: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

THE END OF C.R.S THIRD TERM NOTES FOR SS1. FOR ASSIGNMENT AND QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS. VISIT OUR TELEGRAM GROUP OF C.R.S SS1.