INTRODUCTION TO CRE-Grade 7
Importance of studying CRE
The meaning of studying CRE
- CRE involves the study of religious beliefs and practices of Christians.
- It is the study of how human beings depend on God and how God intervenes to save human beings.
- CRE is a subject studied in Kenyan schools to develop the mind, behaviour and character of the learners.
- It is also a subject that shows God’s relationship with man.
Importance of studying CRE
Studying CRE is important because
- It makes one understand that God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit operate as one.
- It helps one dispute knowledge and attitude s to make the right decisions in life.
- Enables one think critically and make moral decisions on challenges affecting one’s life and the society
- One becomes exposed to cultural heritage, enhancing national unity through respect for each community.
- One develops as a whole person, body, soul and spirit
- One becomes courageous in the study of creation one is empowered to utilise the ability to control God’s creation
- It helps you relate with each other well through care and hospitality
- The moral values you acquire helps you to take care of the environment
- One acquires respect for oneself and hence living a productive life
- One acquires the principle of sharing and social justice, enabling them to coexist with others
- One acquires the skills that enable him or her promote economic development
- It enables one to acquire ICT skills as they search for more knowledge
- One develops communication skills through discussion and debate with other learners.
NB
- It provides answers to life mysteries e.g. the question of life after death, the origin of mankind, etc.
- It enables students to develop vivid awareness of God and how God reveals himself.
- It is a career subject, whose learners major in Law and theological training.
- It instils respect, protection and conservation of God’s creation.
- It highly promotes human dignity.
- It helps students to appreciate their culture as well.
- It equips the youth with life skills such as critical thinking, which enables them to face challenges wisely.
- With regard to national goals of education, it promotes national development by instilling a positive attitude towards work. It equips learners with values that promote economic development.
- It helps learners to understand themselves better.
- It enables students to see the power of God controlling their own lives. It enables students to respond adequately to God’s teachings and to relate well to others.
- It is a service of natural guidance.
- It promotes cultural integration.
- It promotes social equality and justice.
How CRE helps us to relate well with others
- It has helped developed skills as ability to listen
- It helps acquire values such as respect for self and others
- It helps someone to make moral decisions. This helps people to associate with the right people
- Obedience to God’s command of loving our neighbour teaches us to care about others.
Moral and religious values acquired from studying of CRE
- Humility
- Respect
- Hard work
- Discipline
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Responsibility
- Unity
- Love
- Hospitality
CREATION
Accounts of Creation
The Biblical accounts of creation
- First account
- Second account
The first biblical account of creation
Genesis 1:131, 2:1-4
- It gives record on what was created within the first 6 days.
- Humans’ beings were created last
| Day | God’s creation |
| First | Day and light and darkness |
| Second | Sky/dome/firmament |
| Third | Earth(land, plants and water bodies |
| Fourth | Heavenly bodies( sun, moon and stars) |
| Fifth | Sea creatures and birds |
| sixth | Land creatures and man |
| seventh | God rested and called the day Sabbath |
- From the first account of creation, we learn God is all powerful because He created the universe with one command.
- He is a God or order. He created the universe and everything in it in an orderly manner.
- God is the provider. He provides for human beings to meet their needs.
- Leisure time was instituted.
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The second Biblical account of creation
Genesis 2;4-25
- In the second account of creation, there was no one to cultivate the land when God created the universe.
- God took soil from the ground and formed man. God breathed life into him
- Human beings were created first.
- Man was created out of dust
- God breathed life into mans nostrils
- Man was put into the Garden of Eden.
- The tree of knowledge and life giving stood in the middle of the garden.
- Men was commanded to use everything in the garden except tree of knowledge of good and evil
- The forbidden fruit from the tree was not supposed to be eaten.
- Eating from the tree would result to death.
- God gave man the responsibility to take care of the environment
- God created all birds and all animals
- Man was given the responsibility of naming all the creatures
- He named all the birds and animals, but none was suitable helper for him
- Adam became lonely.
- A woman was created out of Adam’s rib for companionship and a helper.
Attributes/nature of God from the Genesis stories of creation
- God is omnipotent/ all powerful
- God is orderly and perfect
- God is omnipresent/ everywhere
- God is transcendent
- God is the sustainer/ provider
- God is the sole creator
- He is a moral God
- He is a loving God
- He is a spirit
- He is everlasting/ self existence
- God is source of goodness
- God is Holy
- God is a worker
- There is only one God.
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Similarities in the two biblical accounts of creation
- In both accounts, God is the sole creator
- In both God created male and female
- In both, human beings are special
- In both God provides for human beings
- In both, human beings are given domination over the rest of the creation
- The uniqueness of human beings is brought forth in the second accounts
- Man shares in the life of God since he is made in the likeness of God
- Creation involves both the living and non-living things.
Differences in the two biblical accounts of creation
| First account | Second account |
| Days on the order of creation are given | There is no mention of the days on order of creation |
| Marriage is made for procreation | Marriage is made for companionship |
| Man was created last | Man was created first |
NB
- There is a chronological order of events in the first account of creation as opposed to the second
- In the first account, male and female are created at the same time whereas in the second account man is created first then woman is out of his ribs
- In the first account, creation is out of the command “let there be”, yet, in the second, man is made out of dust
- In the first account, man names what he creates as opposed to the second where man is given the opportunity to name the animals
- A Sabbath day allocated for rest appears on the first while in the second account it wasn’t mentioned
- The Garden of Eden mentioned in the second account wasn’t in the first
- In the second creation account are four rivers (Tigris, Euphrates, Gihon and Pishon), which were not mentioned in the first
- Man was given a responsibility to till the land in the second but not in the first
- In the second account, the forbidden tree appears but this misses in the first account
- In the first account, God created human beings for procreation while in the second account they were created for companionship
- The second account of creation is human centred while the first does not shore this. It is man centred
- In the first account God created in union with the spirit (Holy Trinity) while in the second account God is alone
- In the first account human beings were created last while in the second they came first
- The first account takes six days to be complete unlike the second where days were not mentioned
- In the first account, God appreciates everything he creates. We are not told this in the second.
Importance of learning about creation
- Helps us to know and understand God’s creation work.
- Helps to appreciate God’s great work
- Helps us to know how the first account differs from the second one
Similarities and differences between the biblical account and African creation stories
Africans view creation
- Africans believe that creation originated from God the creator.
- Each community has a myth that explains its origin
- Africans see God as mysterious in his deeds, for they fail to explain how he created the earth.
- Africans see human beings as special and that God creates everything for them.
- God provided the first human beings with all the necessities of life.
- The first people lived happily with God and lacked nothing.
- Marriage was mainly for procreation.
Similarities – biblical account and African creation stories
- In both, God is the sole creator.
- Man is the climax of creation.
- God is supreme.
- In both, man was given a wife for company.
- God is portrayed as a potter.
- God is the provider
- Creation of human took place at the end of the creation of things
Between the biblical account and African creation stories
- In biblical view, the order of creation is given, while the order of creation in the traditional view is not mentioned
- In biblical view , everything was created to benefit human beings, some communities believe that god gave specific things to specific communities
Christian responsibility over animals, fish and birds
Biblical teaching on responsibility given to human beings over animals birds and fish
- Christians have stewardship over Gods creation and they should care for everything in it
- Our responsibility is to take care of these creations and use them for our benefits but in a responsibly way
Pupil’s activity
Page 19-20
Ways in which Christians apply biblical teachings to protect animals , fish and birds
- According to Genesis 2:15-20 and James 3;7 human beings are give authority to name and tame animals , birds and fish.
- The responsibility to name the animals and birds means man was given authority to control all the creatures
- Taming animals is a show of authority over them.
Pupil’s activity
Page 20-21
Ways in which Christians promote and protect animals, fish and birds
- There are different strategies for taking care of God’s creatures like
- Constructing good houses for domestic animals
- Fencing our farms well to keep away wild animals
- Animals need food, shelter and security to be healthy.
Pupil’s activity
Page 21-22
Reducing conflicts between human beings and wild animals
The Kenya constitution protects animals from violence, overworking them when they are unwell, starvation, denial of water, abandonment, poisoning, careless surgery procedures, hunting and killing them.
We should learn to co exist with wild animals to reduce conflicts with them.
Pupil’s activity
Page 22-23
Importance of protecting animals, fish and birds
- Animals, fish and birds are important to human beings
- They provide food, clothing and income.
- Some animals provide manure for farming.
- Animals are companions and help us to work
- Their products support dairy industries, wool industries, leather and fishing industries.
- These sectors employ many people
- Birds help in the pollination of plants. As a result human beings, animals and birds also get food.
Pupil’s activity
Page 22-25
Christian responsibility over plants
Different plants found in the environment
Pupil’s activity
Page 27-28
Responsibilities given to human beings over plants
Genesis 1:29, Genesis 2:15, Psalms 104:14
They were to be in charge of the Garden of Eden
To eat from the fruits of the garden
To take care of God’s creation.
- God has provide us with plants. Human being have been given the responsibility to take care of the plants to benefit themselves and animals.
- We care for plants by applying manure, weeding, watering and spraying pesticides. We also take care protecting them from animals that feed them
Pupil’s activity
Page 28
How Christians apply biblical teachings on the care for plants and conserve the environment
Human beings have a responsibility to conserve the environment. We can conserver the environment by
- Through afforestation and reafforestation
- Evading/eradicating environmental pollution.
- Use of proper farming methods e.g. contours farming.
- Conserving water towers.
- Through provision of education, geared towards teaching people how to cope with the environment.
- Carrying out irrigation
Ways in which prudent use of plants contributes to economic growth
- Prudent use of plants contributes to economic growth.
Prudent is the careful use of what you have to benefit you now and in the future.
Prudent use of plants means taking care of plants, using what they produce carefully so that they can benefit us now and in the future
- Economic growth is an increase of plants in the production of goods and services from one period of time to another.
- It is good to take care of plants and harvest them properly. These practices will ensures that there is food for consumption.
The surplus can be sold to avoid wastage and earn revenue.
- Storing farm produce well after harvest is important.
One can use the harvest for a period and save the farmer from buying the same foodstuff in the future.
The money which would have been used to purchase similar produce is used for other purpose.
- Well stores seeds can be planted in the future, saving one from buying the same farm input.
- Reforestation and replanting crops ensure that one has enough to use and at the same time, ensure a regular supply of the produce to the farmer. This contributes to steady source of income.
African teachings on responsibility over plants and animals
There are different types of plants and animals that Africans keep.
Some crops initially grown by specific African communities in specific geographical locations
The Africans took care of plants and animals as a responsibility from God
Types of indigenous plants
- Cassava
- Sweet potatoes
- Millet
- Sorghum
- Yams
- Pumpkins
- Arrowroots
Types of indigenous animals
- Cattle
- Chicken
- Bees
- Goats
- Camels
- Donkey
The importance of taking care of plants and animals in African context
- They were sources of food.
- The plants provided medicinal herbs
- Other plants provided wood for construction of houses and making utensils
- Wood was used as a source of energy
- Plants and animals provided materials for making musical instruments like kayamba
- Some plants and animals were also used as totems.
- Animals provided skins and hides for making clothes
- Some animals like dogs provide security to man
- Other were used as pack animals and others were used for transport. Example donkey
- Animal horns were used for horn blowing which was means of communication.
Ways in which Africans promoted care and conservation of all types of plants
- The Africans protected plants by weeding, pruning, mulching, shading, trapping and scaring away animals that fed on the plants.
- They also preserved seeds of the plants to last longer during dry periods and to protect them from small such as rats and weevils.
This conservation ensured that Africans had seeds to plants during the rainy seasons.
- Preserved seeds and plants served as source of food during drought.
- Africans used fire to make plants sprout out more serving as food for the animals.
How Africans ensured protection of all types of animals and birds
African ensured protection of all animals, fish and birds in different ways
Pupil’s activity
Page 42
How Africans ensured protection of fish
- Avoid overfishing
- Use of proper nets
Pupil’s activity
Page 43
How Africans promoted health of animals
- Africans cared for and protected domestic animals against wild animals by fencing their compounds and sleeping in the same place with the animals.
- They scared away wild animals that predated on their domestic animals by using different methods. Eg use of scarecrows, fire, noise
- In the events of disease. Africans treated their animals using selected plants such as Aloe vera while making them healthier by providing lick stones with mineral salts.
They knew how to take care of animals during birth which ensured the growth in population.
- Animal products such as meat were preserved to last long for use during drought.
Preservation was a way of ensuring food was not wasted
- Young animals were left to suckle up to a time when they could eat grass and other types of vegetation.
THE BIBLE
FUNCTION OF THE BIBLE
The Bible is the inspired word of God.
How the Bible is used in different places and occasions
- The Bible is used when taking oaths in courts of law.
- It is used in schools and colleges for learning, during graduation ceremonies, prayers and research.
- It is used in statehouse or during state functions, during the swearing in ceremonies and prayers.
- It is used in churches and during crusades for preaching.
- It is used at home for personal use during prayer time and home study
- In hospitals when praying for the sick
- Some Christians use the Bible before travelling to pray for journey mercies
Importance of Bible
John 1:1-2, Proverbs 30:5-6
- It contains the word of God
- It gives hope to Christians
- It helps us to understand biblical truths
- The Bible helps a person to discover the will of God
- God speaks to people through the scriptures
- The Bible corrects people when they are wrong and teaches them to do right. Christians should used exemplary lives.
- God protects those whose seek his protection and rebukes liars
- The Bible is the word of God and it was written by people who inspired by the spirit of God.
- The Bible unites people of God, strengthens the faith of the belivers and outlines values for quality Christian living.
How the Bible is used to spread the word of God
The Bible is used in spreading the word of God in the following ways:
- Christians songs are composed using Bible messages
- The Bible is distributed to individuals to read the word of God
- It is used for instructing and teaching new converts of Christian doctrine
- It is used to take oaths therefore, increasing the faith of those who participate
- Christians translate the Bible to vernacular so that many people can read and understand.
The role of the Bible for holistic growth
Holistic growth involves physical, emotional, social, intellectual and spiritual growth.
The Bible helps Christians to grow holistically
How the Bible promotes spiritual growth
Spiritual growth includes
- Increasing your knowledge and understanding of the word of God
- Increase in faith and trust in God
- Developing Christ-like qualities
Role of the Bible in promoting physical growth
Pupil’s activity
Page 51
Role of the Bible in promoting moral growth
Moral growth is the process of developing proper attitudes and behaviuour towards other people based on cultural norms and love
Pupil’s activity
Page 51
Role of the Bible in promoting social, emotional and intellectual growth
Social growth
The Bible tells us that everyone is created in God’s image. Therefore we should not discriminate against others.
We should help those in need, respect and love our neighbour as we love ourselves
Emotional growth
The Bible builds our emotions. When facing sad and difficult situations. It brings us close to God. God provides everything for our enjoyment and we should express our joy to him.
Intellectual growth
As we grow in strength, the Bible helps us to grow in wisdom. God gives us the ability to comprehend, think, reason and remember. The Bible helps us to make correct decisions for quality Christian living.
How God’s word inspires different services among Christians
Christian service is demonstration of who we are in Christ.
- The Bible teaches people to love God and humankind. Helping the needy in the society improves a person’s relationship with God
- Service offered to others is part of Christian living and makes the world a better place to live. Serving others makes one happy and enriches other people’s lives.
- The word of God has inspired different services among Christians. For example, Christians visit the orphans, give them food, clothes and even take them to school.
- Christians donate food, money and medicine to help people suffering when disasters like floods, accidents earthquakes, drought and famine occur
- Christians support refugees by counselling, educating and giving medical care. They also offer shelter, food and sometimes employment.
- For people who are unable to attend church service, the gospel is taken to them through crusades and public rallies.
Divisions of the Bible
The Bible has 2 divisions
- Old testaments – 39 books
- New testaments – 27 books
Why are there two divisions of the Bible
- The two divisions were written at different times in human history
- The two divisions were addressed to different people and individuals
- The messages contained in the two testaments address different issues that were of specific concern to the people addressed.
Importance of the two divisions of the Bible to Christians
- The old testaments talks about how the world was created, the Exodus of Israelites and Ten Commandments given to Moses by God.
The testaments also includes real life stories
The function of this testament is to teach Christians through the experiences of other people throughout history.
Several books also foretell the arrival of the Messiah and the end of the world.
- The New Testament focuses more on the life and teachings of Jesus and the early church.
The stories are narrated through gospels and emphasise the importance of the sacrifices of Jesus.
The function of the New testaments is to lead people to follow the example of Jesus more closely. The other books, written by various authors also talk about the end of the world.
The books of the old testaments according to classification
OLD TESTAMENT
It was originally written in Hebrew.
It was written before Jesus Christ came to exist physically.
It was later translated to Greek and other languages.
The following are groups of books in the Old Testament respective of their appearance.
- Torah/Pentateuch/law/mosaic.
- Historical books.
- Major Prophets Books.
- Minor prophet books.
Torah/Pentateuch/law/mosaic.
They were written by Moses.
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Leviticus
- Numbers
- Deuteronomy
Genesis means origin or beginning
Exodus means coming out or departure
Numbers means census
Leviticus explains rules and regulation of priests.
The Ten Commandments (Decalogue) are found in the book of exodus and Deuteronomy.
Historical books.
Contains the history of what happened to the Israelites and its neighbours.
| BOOK | WRITER |
| Joshua | Joshua |
| Judges | Samuel |
| Ruth | Samuel |
| 1 Samuel | Samuel, Gad, Nathan |
| 2 Samuel | Gad and Nathan |
| 1 kings | Jeremiah |
| 2 kings | Jeremiah |
| 1 Chronicles | Ezra |
| 2 Chronicles | Ezra |
| Ezra | Ezra |
| Nehemiah | Nehemiah |
| Esther | Mordecai |
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Poetic/wisdom books
| BOOK | WRITER |
| Job | Moses |
| Psalms | David |
| Proverbs | Solomon |
| Ecclesiastes | Solomon |
| Song of Solomon | Solomon |
Major prophetic books
| BOOK | WRITER |
| Isaiah | Isaiah |
| Jeremiah | Jeremiah |
| Lamentation | Jeremiah |
| Ezekiel | Ezekiel |
| Daniel | Daniel |
Minor prophetic books
| Book | writer |
| Hosea | Hosea |
| Joel | Joel |
| Amos | Amos |
| Obadiah | Obadiah |
| Jonah | Jonah |
| Micah | Micah |
| Nahum | Nahum |
| Habakkuk | Habakkuk |
| Zephaniah | Zephaniah |
| Haggai | Haggai |
| Zechariah | Zechariah |
| Malachi | Malachi |
NB:
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and the Old Testament.
Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament.
The books of the New testaments according to classification
The New Testament is the period after Christ is born, it is the fulfilment of tthe old testament prophecies of Jesus.
NEW TESTAMENT
- It was originally written in Greek.
- Written after Christ.
- The groups of books found in the new testament are:
- Gospel books.
- Historical books.
- Pauline epistles.
- General epistles.
- Prophetic book
Gospel books
They explain the events in life of Jesus from birth to his ascension in Bethany.
| BOOK | WRITER |
| Matthew | Matthew |
| Mark | Mark |
| Luke | Luke |
| John | John |
Gospel books are divided into two groups:
- Synoptic books
- Non- synoptic book.
Synoptic Books
They explain full life history of Jesus
They are: Matthew, mark and Luke.
Non- Synoptic Book.
It does not explain full history of Jesus.
It is the book of John.
Historical book
- Acts of apostle
The writer of acts of apostle was Luke.
It explains the life of believers in the early church.
Pauline epistles
These are letters which were written by Paul while he was in prison.
They are
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
General epistles
Written by different writers who were inspired by God.
| BOOKS | WRITER |
| Hebrews | Unknown |
| James | James the brother of Jesus |
| 1 peter | Apostle peter |
| 2 peter | Apostle peter |
| 1 john | John |
| 2 john | John |
| 3 john | john |
| Jude | Jude the brother of Jesus |
Prophetic books
- Revelation/apocalypse/disclosure
It was written by John after having a vision on Patmos Island.
Revelation contains the writings about the last days.
NB;
Matthew is the first book of the New Testament.
Revelation is the last book of the Bible and the New Testament.
Bible translation
To translate means to express spoken or written words in a language that is different from one that was initially used.
How people benefited from different translations of the Bible
- Spread of the word of God and the general growth of the church.
- Higher demand for formal education in Africa so as to read the Bible.
- It increased the number of Africans in church leadership.
- Unity of mankind, especially through ecumenism.
- It made African Christians more active than passive.
- Africans leaned foreign languages e.g. English.
- Many missionaries were able to learn African languages.
- African languages developed from oral to written form.
- Introduction of new concepts and terms into local languages.
- Development of African theology.
- Many employment opportunities. For instance, people are employed to work for the Bible Society of Kenya.
- Emergence of African indigenous churches.
- Africans rediscovered their culture and developed confidence in it.
- Fast growth of the printing industry.
- Establishment of Bible societies in Africa e.g. the Bible society of Kenya
Reasons that led to the translations of the Bible into local languages
- To enable the word of God to reach more people
- To train local people to take leadership skills
- To facilitate the expansion of the church
- To indigenise Christianity
- To establish local translation society for example Kenya’s Bible society
The different translations of the Bible
- When missionaries began to evangilise in African there was a need to translate the Bible into local languages of the local people to have the scripture in a language they could understand
- Today the Bible has been translated into local languages
- In Kenya , the Bible society of Kenya is the main body mandated to translate the Bible
- Some of the translated Bibles include Kamba, Swahili, kikuyu, Kimiiru/kimeru, Somali, Samburu, Borana, Luhyia Bibles
The different versions of the Bible
A version is the construction of the languages that a translator of the Bible uses in their work
- The Revised Standard Version;
- Good News;
- King James Bible;
- The Living Bible;
- The Jerusalem Bible;
- The New International Version;
- The Gideon International Bible;
- The Holy Bible;
- The New English Bible;
- The Jerome Bible;
- The African Bible;
- The Common Bible;
- The New Life Version;
- The Authorised Bible;
- The New King James Version
Social effects of the translation of the Holy Bible into local languages
- People can now read the Bible in their local languags and understand it better
- It has led to the development of African independent churches
- It has led to the development of local languages which have ben put down in written form
- Africans have become leaders in their established churches as catechists, priests , pastors and deacons
Economic effects of the translation of the holy Bible into local languages
- It has led to the establishment of BIBLE translations societies. The societies offer employment opportunities
- It has led to the development of the Christian printing press and bookshops.
Leadership in the Bible: Moses
Exodus 2:11-13, exodus 3:1-2, Exodus 6:12
During the call of Moses, god told Moses that he had heard the cry of his people (Israelites)
God wanted to send Moses to the king of Egypt so that he could lead his people out of the country
Characteristics of a good leader
- God fearing.
- Ready to serve
- Hardworking
- Good decision maker
- Gentle
- Have respect
- Honest
- Humble
- Loyal
- Loving
- Peaceful
- Be a role model
- Have integrity
How God prepared Moses for Leadership
Exodus 2:11-13, Exodus 3:1-2, Exodus 6:12
- In the society leaders are prepared to take up their position in different ways, for example through training
- Like today leaders, God prepared Moses for leadership in different ways
- Speaking from a miraculously burning bush, God says he will send Moses to lead His people from Egyptian slavery
- This mission was overwhelming to Moses. He responded to Gods call with doubt. He did not see himself as the best person to free the jews or an appropriate leader for the task. However God often calls the most unlikely people to accomplish his greatest tasks
God prepare Moses for leadership by making him witness the suffering of the Hebrews under the Egyptians
God prepare Moses to solve conflicts among his people and the Israelites
Life in the desert made Moses bold and ready to face hardship
As a shepherd, Moses learnt to be keen and responsible in leading Israelites
Roles performed by Moses during the Exodus
- Moses was the prophet who led Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and brought them to the edge of the promised land
- Moses played various roles during the exodus
- He asked Israelites to trust in god and not to be afraid
- He interceded on behalf of the Israelites
- He led the people of Israel away from the red sea. The seas waters separated when Moses lifted his rod and held it over the sea.
- Moses sought for providences for the people of Israel when they were in the wilderness. God responded to his prayer and made bitter water fit to drink.
- Moses received the laws God had given the people of Israel. the laws would help to safeguard their relationship with God and among themselves
- Moses also appointed judges to help him administering justice among isrealiteis . he taught the Israelites the ten commandments and advertised them to obey
Qualities of Moses that Christians can emulate
- Responsibility
- Obedience
- Honesty
- Justice
Advantages of choosing good leaders in the society
- A good leader, among other qualities should be God fearing, trustworthy, a team player, obedient, responsible, and humble.
- Good leadership promotes peace, love, unity and development of many nation
- Leaders should follow the example of Moses.
Pupil’s activity
Page 75
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THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS CHRIST
BACKGROUND TO THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST
Prophecies about the coming of Jesus Christ
- The coming of Jesus Christ was predicted by many prophets such as Isaiah and Jeremiah.
- A prophecy is a prediction of what will happen in the future.
- It is declared by a prophet who is inspired by the spirit of God.
- Prophets communicate God’s message, condemns evils in the society, give hope to people, anoint kings and teach people the ways of God
Isaiah’s prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ
Isaiah 9:6-7
Isaiah prophesied that
- The messiah shall be called
- Wonderful counsellor
- Mighty God
- Eternal father
- Prince of peace
- The messiah shall sit upon the throne of David and shall rule with justice and righteousness forever
Jeremiah prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ
Jeremiah 23:5-6
Jeremiah prophesied that
- The messiah would be a righteous king from the house of David
- The messiah shall execute justice and righteous in the land
- He shall guarantee security and safety in the land of Israel.
- He shall be called “the lord of righteousness”
- He would bring salvation upon Judah
- He would reign as a king
- He would rule wisely
Fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies about the coming of Jesus Christ
Mathew 1:18-23, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Isaiah 9:6-7
| Old testament prophecies | How they were fulfilled |
| The Messiah would be a descendant of David | Jesus established an everlasting kingdom of God |
| He would bring salvation upon Judah | Mary conceived as a virgin |
| The messiah would rule on the throne of David forever | Joseph, the father of Jesus was descendant of king David |
| A virgin will become pregnant and have a son and He will be called Immanuel | Jesus brought salvation to the whole world |
The annunciation and the birth of John the Baptist
Luke 1:5-25
- To announce means to make known.
- The old testaments said that John the Baptist was to prepare the way for the Messiah.
- Angel Gabriel announced the birth of John the Baptist during the reign of king Herod.
- Angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, who was a priest in the temple.
- Both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were advanced in age and did not have children , Elizabeth was barren.
- Zechariah, the priest was burning incense at the temple when Angel Gabriel appeared to him
- The angel told him that his wife Elizabeth would bear him a son. His name would be John.
- The angel said the following about the child that would be born
- The child would bring joy and gladness to many
- He will be great before the Lord
- He will not drink wine or strong drink
- He will be filled with the Holy Spirit
- He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the lord their God
- He would be source of joy to his parents
- He will go ahead of the lord strong and mighty
- He will prepare people for the Lord
- Zechariah, due to his old age, could not believe the Angel’s message. The angel told him that he would be dump until all was fulfilled. His wife conceived after five months.
Relating the birth of John the Baptist to the coming of Jesus Christ
Luke 3:16, John 1:29-30
- Jesus was the son of God whom John the Baptist had come to prepare the way for.
- John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
- John acknowledged Jesus as one before him
- Jesus was greater than John the Baptist
| John the Baptist | Jesus Christ |
| John baptized people with water but said Jesus would be greater | Jesus Christ was greater than John the Baptist |
| John introduced Jesus as the lamb of God | Jesus Christ came to where John was batising as the lamb of God |
| John said Jesus came to forgive sins | Jesus Christ came to forgive sins |
| John baptized people with water | Jesus Christ would baptize people with the holy spirit and fire |
How Christians apply the message of John the Baptist
| Teaching | How Christians apply the teaching |
| The warning of people on God’s punishment | Christians repent their sins |
| Urging people to repent their sins | |
| Share clothes and food with the needy | |
| Do not collect more tax then what is allowed by the law | |
| Do not take money from any one by force | |
| Do not accuse anyone falsely | |
| Be happy with whatever amount of money you are paid |
Skills that Christians need to avoid evils condemned by John the Baptist
- Creative thinking
Enables one to have ideas on how to avoid evil
- Critical thinking
Enables one to make an informed judgement not to commit sin
- Decision making
Helps us to make moral decisions that are appropriate
- Self esteem
Have a feeling of self worth
- Assertiveness
Express one’s actions with confidence
Appreciating the fulfilment of the Old TESTAMENT Prophecies
Pupil’s activity
Page 86-87
The birth and childhood of Jesus Christ
Events that took place during the annunciation and the birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 1:26-38
- An event is something that takes place and it is of importance.
- The annunciation of the birth of Jesus Christ was important
- During the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy . angel Gabriel was sent to a virgin woman named Mary, who was engaged to Joseph, a descendant of King David.
- Mary was troubled and he (the angel) told her not to be afraid for she had found favour in the Lord
- The angel announced the following concerning Jesus to mary
- He shall bear a son
- He shall be called Jesus
- He will be great
- He will be called the son of the Most High God.
- He will rule over the house of Jacob forever.
- The Lord would give Him the throne of his Father, David
- His kingdom would last forever
- He will be conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit
Events that took place during the Birth of Jesus Christ
Luke 2:1-20
