FREE KCSE CRE NOTES LATEST EDITION & LATEST UPDATES

REASONS AGAINST KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL AND REASONS WHY SAMUEL WAS AGAINST KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL

16/5/2019

0 Comments

PREVIOUSLY << REASONS FOR KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL

The following are the reasons why Samuel was unwilling to choose a king;

Choosing a king meant rejecting of God as their ruler/king/challenged the kingship of God over Israel.
The king would force people into military services.
The king would introduce forced labour in Israel.
The king would introduce slavery in Israel.
The king would grab their land and property.
The king would impose heavy taxation to maintain the army
The king would demand free food and services.
The king would Force people’s daughters into inter-marriage.
The king would take their daughters to be perfumers and cooks in his palace.
In becoming like other nations, the Israelites would lose their identity as a covenant people.
Hereditary kingship would bring oppression and dictatorship in Israel.
It was a way of not appreciating/ not being thankful for God’s deliverance from Egypt/ Exodus.
If ruled by the king the Israelites would lose their identity as God’s chosen people/people of the covenant.
The king would not be God’s choice and thus would not rule according to God’s will/ demands.
The king would deviate/ divert people’s attention from God and the covenant way of life.
They will cry out to God and He will not listen.

State six reasons why Samuel was against kingship in Israel.

Reasons why Samuel was against kingship in Israel.

The demand for a King was seen as a rejection of Yahweh as their unseen king.
The King would force their sons to serve him as soldiers.
The Israelites would be like other nations which did not know God/ lose their identity as covenant people.
God would reject them as His people/would not hear their pleas when they call.
The King would overtax them.
The King would grab their land/other properties.
The King would make them slaves.
The King would introduce forced labour.
The King would take their daughters as perfumers/cooks/bakers.

Read more on;

Samwel
Kingship in Israel

NEXT >> KING SAUL'S SUCCESSES AND FAILURES

0 Comments

Background to King Saul’s reign

16/5/2019

0 Comments

PREVIOUSLY << REASONS FOR KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL

Background to King Saul’s reign

When the elders of Israel went to Prophet Samuel and asked him to appoint for them a king, Samuel prayed to God seeking his guidance.
God told him to obey the voice of the people.
He sent him to a man called Saul, son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin.
Samuel was to anoint him to become the King over Israel.
Samuel poured oil on Saul’s head from a flask he had with him. (1 Sam 10:1)
Therefore Saul became the first King of Israel.
Samuel made it clear to the Israelites that they still remained God’s people.
An Israelite King would still remain the servant of God. The king was to rule God’s people according to the covenant way of life.
He explained to the people the rights and duties of the king. He wrote them in a book and laid it before the Lord,(1 Sam 12:14 – 15.
The initial appointment of Saul as King of Israel was in accordance to God’s will. He approved of Saul’s leadership in the following ways:
1. Saul was Yahweh’s own choice. (1 Sam 9:16; 10:24).
2. Saul received God’s spirit, which gave him power to act as God’s appointee. (1 Sam 10:10)
3. Through Yahweh’s help, soul fought against all Israel’s enemies everywhere and won e.g.
Fought against the Ammonites (1 Sam 11:1).
Led a successful war against the Philistines, thus saving Israel from their enemy (1 Sam 14:47).
Defeated the Amalekites (1 Sam 15).

More resources on;

King Saul

NEXT >> KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE

0 Comments

The importance of David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ

16/5/2019

1 Comment

PREVIOUSLY << DAVID’S WEAKNESSES

The importance of David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ

Bible Verse: David as the ancestor of Jesus Christ

David intended to build a splendid temple for God after he had accomplished building a palace for himself in Jerusalem, 2 Sam 7:1 – 29.
He felt it was not fair for the Ark of the Covenant to continue dwelling in a tent while he himself lived in a magnificent palace.
He consulted Nathan the Prophet to find out whether it was in order to do so.
The Prophet approved the idea.
Later that night, Nathan received a revelation that stated that David was not to build a house/ temple for God; (2 Sam 7:5 – 6)

Promises God made to David through Prophet Nathan

In 2 Sam 7:9 – 16 is a summary of the divine promises made to David by God. These are as follows;

God promised to Keep David and his descendants safe from all enemies.
God would give David’s descendants a place to settle/their own land.
God promised to raise up an heir from the house of David to sit on the throne.
He promised to let David’s son be the one to build a temple for him. God’s relationship with this king would be like that of a father to his son.
God promised to establish an everlasting kingdom for David and his descendant rule forever.
God promised to make David’s name greater or famous among all other leaders of the earth.
God would protect David’s descendants from oppression and make them live in peace.
God would bury David with ancestors.
God would punish David’s son when he did wrong.
God would always support David’s heirs.
The Messiah would come from David’s lineage.
God would protect David from his enemies.

The immediate fulfillment of these promises was seen in the reign of King Solomon, David’s son and successor.

Solomon did build the Temple of God (1 Kings 6:1)
Solomon’s reign was marked by a period of peace and prosperity since David had subdued all the enemies of Israel.

David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ

Jesus was born in the family of David.
Joseph was a descendant of David Luke 1:26
Angel Gabriel in his annunciation message to Mary says that Jesus will be like his ancestor David Luke 1:32 – 33.
Zechariah in his Benedictus says that God has raised up a savior descended from the house of David Luke 1:69.
Jesus was born in Bethlehem which was also the birth place of David. Luke 2:4.
The blind man at Jericho hailed Jesus as the son of David and looked to him to restore his sight Luke 18:38.
Jesus was hailed by the crowd as the Messiah descended from David during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem (Math 21:9).
God promised David that he would have an everlasting kingdom and Jesus established the Kingdom which does not have geographical boundaries/an everlasting kingdom.
The early apostles like Peter and Paul made a number of references to Jesus as a descendant of David. Acts 2:29 – 35, 13:23.

Related searches;

Questions on topic

Explain the significance of David as an ancestor of Jesus to Christians today.
1. The promises that God made to King David pointed to the mission of Jesus in the world to save sinners.
2. Through Jesus a descendant of David, Christians are blessed/protected/have peace.
3. Through David, Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom/the church.
4. David recognized the divinity of Jesus as Lord/Saviour who Christians also recognize as Lord/saviour.
5. David as an ancestor of Jesus established proper worship of God in Israel which has been emulated by Christians.
6. David the ancestor of Jesus made preparations to build a temple for God which has been realized in the modern day places of worship built by Christians.
7. Through David Christians have been promised a place to settle in heaven.
Identify seven ways in which David demonstrated faith in God. (7 marks)
1. He brought back the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem.
2. He made Jerusalem a religious centre
3. He composed hymns
4. He showed respect to God’s prophets
5. He wanted to build a house for God.
6. He represented when he sinned.
7. He constantly sought God’s guidance.
8. He humbled himself before God and submitted to the will of God.
9. He praised and danced for God.
Give seven reasons why David’s successors failed to lead Israel towards the covenant way of life.
State seven promises of God to David through prophet Nathan. (7 mks)
Outline six of God’s promises to David to Christians today. (6 mks)
Outline six promises that God gave David.
1. - God promised him and his descendants protection.
2. - God promised his descendants land.
3. - One of his sons would build the temple for God.
4. - God would raise up a heir for His throne.
5. - God would establish an everlasting kingdom for him.
6. - God would make David’s name famous.
God’s relationship with David’s son would be that of a Father to his son.
Explain seven ways how King David is an ancestor of Jesus Christ
1. Saint Paul asserted that the good news of salvation is about the Son of God who took human nature and was born from David’s lineage.
2. The Gospels say that Jesus was born in the family of David as the Virgin Mary was betrothed to Joseph of the house of David.
3. In Matthew’s genealogy, Jesus was a descendant of King David.
4. In his annunciation message to Mary, the angel says that Jesus will be a king like his ancestor David.
5. Zechariah says that God has raised up a savior descended from the house of David.
6. Jesus was born in Bethlehem which was also the birth place of David.
7. The blind man at Jericho hailed Jesus as the Son of David.
8. In his triumphant entry to Jerusalem, Jesus was hailed by the crowd as the Messiah descended from David.
9. The early apostles like Peter made a number of references to Jesus as a descendant of David in their sermons.
State seven qualities of a good leader that modern leaders can learn from King David

NEXT >> WAYS IN WHICH DAVID DEMONSTRATED HIS FAITH IN GOD/PROMOTED WORSHIP OF YAHWEH

1 Comment

King Saul’s failures/ weaknesses

16/5/2019

0 Comments

NEXT >> REASONS FOR KINGSHIP IN ISRAEL

King Saul’s failures/ weaknesses

He became impatient and offered sacrifices to God at Gilgal instead of waiting for Prophet Samuel, 1 Samuel 13:1 – 14. He assumed priestly duties by offering sacrifices.
He disobeyed God’s command and failed to carry out the law of total destruction of a conquered enemy/ The Law of herem or the ban (1 Sam 15:1 – 23) failing to destroy everything i.e. during the mission against the Amalekites.
The spirit of God left Saul and was replaced by an evil spirit which tormented him and made him like a madman. 1 Sam 16:14.
He was jealous of David for his success as a warrior (1 Sam 18:7 – 8, 19:1 – 22)
He massacred the Gibeonites contrary to an Oath taken during the time of Joshua.
Saul committed the sin of necromancy when he consulted a medium after the death of Samuel. (1 Samuel 28:3 – 25)

Lessons learnt from king Saul’s failures

Christians should be patient and wait for God’s intervention in times of crisis. Saul lost patience when Prophet Samuel delayed in coming on the appointed day.
Christians should be obedient and faithful in God/patient.
Political leaders should be more accommodating to people who hold different views and ideas from their own.
Christians should be sincere in the worship of God. To be sincere means to be truthful or honest about our actions.
Leaders should be God fearing so as to succeed in their leadership.

Related resources on;

State six lessons Christians learn from the failures of King Saul.

Lessons Christians learn from the failures of King Saul

Christians learn that they should be patient/wait upon God.
Christians should avoid evil deeds/thoughts in their lives.
They should obey God/His teachings/authority.
They should have faith in God alone.
Christians should have faith in God/ trust in the saving power of God alone.
They should respect people anointed to do the will of God/church leaders.
Christians should not be greedy/selfish.
They should be responsible/true to their duties.
Christians should repent/ask for forgiveness.
Christians should be honest in their dealings.

NEXT >> KING DAVID’S IMPORTANCE

0 Comments

Importance of covenants in modern life

8/5/2019

0 Comments

PREVIOUSLY: COVENANTS IN MODERN LIFE

Importance of covenants in modern life

Through baptism, Christians are encouraged to have the right relationship with God and be able to work for the good of the society.
Through Baptism one is able to acquire Christian principles/rules with inspires one to live a virtuous life. This helps one to fight against evils e.g. sexual immorality, drug abuse, and corruption.
It makes people to be committed to their work.
Makes people to have confidence in their leaders.
Helps to create a peaceful environment.
Brings unity between individuals and communities that were separated before.
Strengthens one’s faith in God.
Enlightens citizens on their rights.

NEXT >> JEWISH CIRCUMCISION

0 Comments

CHRISTIANS Approaches to Law, Order and Justice

6/5/2019

0 Comments

previously: CHRISTIAN VALUES RELATED TO WEALTH, MONEY, AND POVERTY

Approaches to Law, Order and Justice

Introduction

Law, order, justice are essential for the survival of any society
Following laws leads to order and justice lack of following leads to disorder and injustice laws of Kenya are laid down in the constitution

A. Law

Established rules by an authority to regulate human behaviour in the community Schools laws, religious laws, factory laws, hospital laws etc. laws differ from society to society. Laws are dynamic. Laws cover all aspects of life

B. Order

Condition brought about by obedience to set rules or laws. Order leads to peaceful co — existence in the society. Where there is order, things are done systematically. The opposite of order is disorder.

Types of laws

Non — legal laws — no court action e.g. school rules
Customary traditional laws — based on culture, social traditions. They have to agree with state ‘laws'. They are respected by state
Statutory laws / legal laws -- laws made by local council or national government and citizens are expected to obey them

Kenya's chief Justice David Maraga [from 2016 to ...]

Types of statutory laws

a) Civil laws — made by parliament on issues such as taxes, labour, divorce etc
b) Criminal law — on crime / punishment
c) Constitutional law — matters of state and governance
d) Company law
e) Religious laws e.g. Islamic law ‘sharia’

C. Justice — treating others the way they deserve in relation to the law. Its administration of rightful dealings in a fair manner according to their actions. A just society follows rules and administers legal action to those who offend others or disobey rules. Justice means treating people the same way without discrimination.

Importance of Law, Order and Justice

They are essential to preserve harmony and protect people
Laws guide people and ensure people’s rights are protected
They protect people’s property and enable people to live in harmony
They protect the consumer from exploitation
They safeguard religious freedom
Laws control power of those in authority and promote political stability
Provides stability, encouraging economic growth
Helps to control discontentment among people
Helps implementation of taxes effectively
Provides / help in maintenance of security
Ensures human rights are upheld
Enables the government to protect its citizens from internal or external threats
International law regulates relations between countries

Rights and duties of Citizens

Who is a Citizen? -- person who is a member of a state, kingdom, empire. A person who has full rights as a member of a country by birth, descent, registration, naturalization. What are Rights? -- legal claims that one is entitled to from the government
What is a Duty? -- ones responsibility to the government

Kenya citizens entertaining a tourist

Examples of Rights

Right to life — to live securely
Right to education
Right to liberty / freedom e.g. one should not be imprisoned, detained, without trial. One is innocent until proven guilty
Right to protection of property
Right to own a family — right to marry and raise a family
Right to health
Freedom of movement
Right to freedom of association
Right to freedom of assembly
Freedom of religion
Right to own property
Right to equality — non discrimination
Protection of freedom of expression and speech (own opinions, ideas)

Examples of Children's rights

Right to life
education
parental care
health
protection from exploitation
right to identity etc.

Duties of citizens (responsibilities)

Pay taxes to the government
Respect the flag and national anthem
Respect those in authority
Respect the laws of the land
Register as a voter and vote in national elections
Be responsible at work
Participate in national development
Promote peace and harmony in the society
Report errant members of the society to law enforcement agents
Protect the environmental — clean, plant trees, avoid poaching etc

Questions you will most likely meet in an examinations

1. State reasons why it is important for Christians to promote law, order and justice in society today.

Law, order and justice enable members of society to make sensible choices and sound decisions/give direction/avoid confusion.
They promote a harmonious existence in the society/regulates people’s behaviour.
They enhance provision of others’ needs by disregarding selfishness/greed.
Order and justice define the relationship between persons and groups of people.
They promote good work ethics and healthy working conditions.
They promote economic growth and social development due to stability in society.
They allow people to enjoy their rights e.g.to own property.
They promote morality as people uphold virtues and avoid vices.
Hey promote unity in the society due to mutual concern for one another.
They enable the government to implement its policies effectively for overall development of the country.

2. State seven practices that promote law, order and Justice in traditional African society

Punishment of the offender
Installation of rulers/Kings/Chiefs/elders to maintain law , order and Justice
Administration of oaths
Observing taboos and those who break them are punished
Inter- marriages are encouraged
Initiating dialogue among the conflicting groups
Sending emissaries/mediators to unite the warring communities.
Sharing meals/drinks by elders from the same pot as a sign of peace
Returning spoils/the loot from raids
Having a common stand in administering discipline to children
Young people are expected to respect older members.
Acquisition and property ownership is done in accordance to established regulations
Religion permeates all aspect of life and helps in maintaining order

3. State ways in which the church is helping to reduce crime in Kenya

Condemning evils in the society.
Rehabilitating wrong doers.
offering vocational training to the youths
Establishing income generating activities to create jobs for the members.
preaching and praying for peace in the country
Disciplining deviants members of the church
Educating people on civil rights.
providing pastoral guidance and counseling
Encouraging citizens to obey the laws of the country
Reporting criminals to authorities
providing for the needs of the poor.

next >> CAUSES OF SOCIAL DISORDERS AND THEIR REMEDIES

0 Comments

Traditional African Practices And Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice, that Promote Law, Order, Justice

6/5/2019

0 Comments

PREVIOUSLY: APPROACHES TO LAW, ORDER AND JUSTICE - CRE FORM 4 NOTES

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE LAW, ORDER, JUSTICE

Some of the practices that promote law, order and justice are-

a) Punishment of offenders

People who committed offences such as stealing, murder, witchcraft were punished through death, curses, paying heavy fines etc. this promoted law, order, justice

b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders

They were installed to maintain law, order and to execute justice in their areas of jurisdiction

c) Administration of oaths

-Administered by specialists and are used as a method of establishing and maintaining law and order

d) Making of covenants

-Covenants were made if there was a conflict between two communities. They would promise to live in peace and harmony

e) Observing of taboos and customary law

-Taboos were prohibitions. Those who went against taboos were severely punished

f) The kinship system

-defined how people related one to another

g) Rites of passage

-ensured customs, laws were adhered to

h) Religious practices

-such as praying, singing, sacrificing and giving of offerings had the effect of maintaining order

Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE LAW, ORDER, JUSTICE

Luo council of elders in a function to choose their leader

How God initiated Law, order, and justice

God’s creation is orderly. God desires order
Man was created with a conscience to know right from wrong sin has consequences or punishment. God does punish disobedience i.e. justice
God instituted the laws as part of his plan for salvation e.g. law of circumcision, Torah (10 commandments), circumcision of the heart, laws on what to eat etc
God’s law governed kingship in Israel. National prosperity depended on a king’s ruler ship. Kings were to ensure law and order
In the New Testament John the Baptist urged people to observe the law (social justice)
Jesus taught that the kingdom of God is based on law, order and justice. There should be fair treatment for all people
Jesus said that the law of Moses was given to guide people
Christians should obey the law of the land and respect those in authority
The apostolic teachings stress the need for law, order, justice (1 Cor 14: 33)
Christians should be orderly
The birth of Jesus was orderly. His ministry was also orderly hence should Christians.

NEXT >> CAUSES OF SOCIAL DISORDERS AND THEIR REMEDIES

0 Comments

The call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-9)

2/5/2019

0 Comments

previously >> ways in which the church today disciplines errant members

The call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-9)

Genesis 12:1-9 New International Version (NIV)

The Call of Abram
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran. 5 He took his wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, all the possessions they had accumulated and the people they had acquired in Harran, and they set out for the land of Canaan, and they arrived there.
6 Abram traveled through the land as far as the site of the great tree of Moreh at Shechem. At that time the Canaanites were in the land. 7 The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring[c] I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.
8 From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.
9 Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev.

the call of abraham in summary

God called Abraham in Haran after the death of his father.
He commanded Abraham who was 75 years old then to leave his family to an unknown land.
During the call, God made the following promises to him:

A great nation.
Many blessings.
A great name.
A source of blessings.
Blessing to those who bless him.
Curse to those who curse him.

Abraham obeyed and set off for the unknown land with his wife, nephew Lot, servants and his flock.
In Canaan God appeared to him at Bethel and Sechem where he was shown the land that would belong to his descendants.
Abraham built two altars at the two places and worshipped God.

next >> lessons learnt about god from the call of abraham

0 Comments

The following are the reasons why Samuel was unwilling to choose a king;

State six reasons why Samuel was against kingship in Israel.

Background to King Saul’s reign

The importance of David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ

Promises God made to David through Prophet Nathan

In 2 Sam 7:9 – 16 is a summary of the divine promises made to David by God. These are as follows;

The immediate fulfillment of these promises was seen in the reign of King Solomon, David’s son and successor.

David as an ancestor of Jesus Christ

Questions on topic

King Saul’s failures/ weaknesses

Lessons learnt from king Saul’s failures

​State six lessons Christians learn from the failures of King Saul.

Importance of covenants in modern life

Approaches to Law, Order and Justice

Types of laws

Types of statutory laws

​Importance of Law, Order and Justice

Rights and duties of Citizens

Examples of Rights

Examples of Children's rights

Duties of citizens (responsibilities)

Questions you will most likely meet in an examinations

1. State reasons why it is important for Christians to promote law, order and justice in society today.

2. State seven practices that promote law, order and Justice in traditional African society

3. State ways in which the church is helping to reduce crime in Kenya

TRADITIONAL AFRICAN PRACTICES THAT PROMOTE LAW, ORDER, JUSTICE

a) Punishment of offenders ​

b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders ​

c) Administration of oaths

d) Making of covenants

e) Observing of taboos and customary law

f) The kinship system

g) Rites of passage ​

h) Religious practices

Biblical Teaching on Law, Order and Justice

How God initiated Law, order, and justice

​The call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-9)

the call of abraham in summary

Categories

Archives

Send Us a Message

State six lessons Christians learn from the failures of King Saul.

Importance of Law, Order and Justice

a) Punishment of offenders

b) Installation of rules, kings, chiefs, elders

g) Rites of passage

The call of Abraham (Gen. 12:1-9)