₦airaland Forum

@Poster, Tudor is free to air her views just like everyone else whether you like what she's saying or not. And opening a thread to "threaten" her is not in spirit with either the forum rules or even the christianity you profess.

For this reason, thread locked.

Pastor AIO:
I say that there is an actual effect that occurs due to the partaking of the eucharistic meal.  And this effect is more than just having a full belly where a few minutes earlier you have an empty one.  A divine influence is actually imparted to the partakers of the meal.
The same with Singing praise songs.  Song has the power of attuning the human soul to the right frequency in which to connect to the divine. 
Similarly Baptism has a real tangible effect.  It is indeed an ablution.  A purification, a washing away of what was.  Holy Spirit cannot abide with filth so it is necessary to purify oneself before the Holy spirit can take it's place within someone.  Contrary spirits cannot co-exist together in one person at the same time.

I like your breakdown here above, however I'm going to have to solicit further 'breaking of downs' on the bolded portion .

  I hesistate to say that the act of baptism itself is an ablution regardless of the state of mind or heart of the person undergoing it. Shuffle back to why I insisted "of understanding". There are obviously people who have been baptized (and I know a few) but with no change to show for it. Hence why I believe the physical act of baptism does not have the same and equal effect on everyone who partakes of it. 

  ^but all this is just besides the point, I'm sure you don't necessarily antagonize those points. What I really want to get to is this portion of your quote:

Holy Spirit cannot abide with filth so it is necessary to purify oneself before the Holy spirit can take it's place within someone

I will use myself if I may as an example. I didn't get baptized until well after a decade after I believed - not for any reasons but there just wasn't really an opportunity (believe it or not) for that to happen. Are you saying that the HolySpirit did not begin to walk with me until I took the holy plunge? Because for me, the Holy Spirit has walked with me, taught me, led me from the first moments when I first believed.

So are you of the belief until one is baptized, they cannot be indwelt by the Holy Spirit?

But I think you may have already answered me by adding this disclaimer:

Although I would hesitate to say that Baptism is the only way in which a man can be made pure.

I say that communion, baptism, praise singing etc are not representations of something else that is occurring on another level but are rather the event themselves.

I will even say that they are both - both the outward manifestation of something inside and simultaneously a powerful event that turns around and echoes again inside - resulting a perfect spiritual circle.

^Sam you don miss road oh lol.

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=170354.msg7103998#msg7103998 date=1289242792]@Jesoul
Hahaha have you forgotten what happened when last we met during the 06 championship run?
Which bling? Bling wey go don dey rust! Pikin wey dem born when una win una last SB go don dey grow bia bia[/quote]Go siddon jor you think say na aba them dey make those rings?

[quote author=lai-lai link=topic=344420.msg7102221#msg7102221 date=1289225367]westbrook's still immature. . .they couldn't have thought things were gonna be easy, this is the NBA!![/quote]You're right about the immaturity. But somehow I believe once a ball-hog, always a ball-hog. A guy is either a team player or he's not.

pius4luv:
My name is pius nwaifor,i need to know the procedure of getting a Mexican tourist visa.student visa and how much it will cost me,all information should be forwarded to piusnwaifor4real@yahoo.com

Hmm, so you just want to sit down at home and wait for someone else to do all the work for you and "forward" it to your email? na wa oh.

And you may want to re-think Mexico as your prefered destination. If you've done any research at all you'd know its not a very safe place to be right now.

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=170354.msg7103438#msg7103438 date=1289236556]@Jesoul
Yeah but you lost scandalously to the Browns! You guys usually fail to win when it matters most! Remember the Giants?[/quote] scandalously wrong choice of words . . . Pats usually fail to win? the giants was one prominant loss in a flood of overwhelming success or has the intense bling from Brady's 3 superbowl rings somehow blinded your eye?

luap:
Not sure what a gas cooker is? Is it a gas operated four burner range? Is so, there might be a gas cut off valve somewehre? I'd figure out where the gas valve is, train everyone in the home where it is and how to turn it off. Good thing to know in case you ever get a gas leak in your home. Don't turn on the light when there is a gas leak cause you might blow up your home. Just turn off the main valve and open the windows.

Right on. The first thing to do is to cut off whatever is fueling the fire - in this case it is the gas supply. You should shut off the knob or valve. Then open the windows to ventilate the room and get rid of the gas. Water will certainly do you no good if its a gas-fueled fire.

  I was about 14 or so when there was a fire in our kitchen and I instinctively shut off the gas supply instead of running for the extinguisher and the fire went out quickly thank God. If the fire has spread, then a wet blanket or towel will be a quick solution to stopping it. Also note that there are different types of fire extinguishers depending on the 'type' of fire - electrical, gas etc . . .

Busybody, Godbless you for your kindness to David .

David,

mafe23:
@ JeSoul

I can describe the way I feel inside my soul. My eyes are glistening with tears. Indeed the patient dog eats the fattest bone.

You know, I am still the son of an immigrant to the US, that's how they'll address me.
So,I have the responsibility of joining other sons and daughters of Nigeria to make the name of Nigeria Great again.Nigeria flows in my veins.I can't escape it.I surely have my own account to give to GOD Almighty. By God's Special Grace,I SHALL not do anything to tarnish your and our collective image as a people.

I sent an e-mail to :hollarissa@yahoo.com. Isn't that your e-mail. Kindly send your message to aiyesweet@gmail.com for confirmation. mobile no:+2348032421125

Thank you so much for your warmth and love. I'll always remember all of you and your bloodlines for this great act of kindness.

May GOD bless you all.

No problem my dear. I sent you the details using my other email address. You can reply there in the future as its my main account. Keep us all updated on how things are going okay? Godbless.

bawomolo:
[s]i was intoxicated when i made that statement [/s]

ehm, small korrection: i am always intoxicated when i make any statement

---

Life is going to be very interesting for the Thunder this year now that people actually have expectations from them. Its quite different to play free and easy when no one expects you to win - just ask Atlanta. I was thoroughly disappointed with Westbrook's performance . . . I didn't know he was such a selfish ball-hog who doesn't get his teammates involved, dribbles for 6 secs and then jacks up a shot.

Anyways ride on Celtics . . . Dallas is on the butchers menu tonight

^ look at these boys when the Pats were winning week after week and racking up the best record in the nfl una stayed silent one loss and they come out celebrating You people should not make me jazz your teams permanently

oh and also, I did not get the email you said you sent to my yahoo acct. Please resend, thanks.

InesQor:
@JeSoul: Howdee? I tried and tried to call you, sis. . . Inbox me your new number if it changed please. . .

Inesqor no vex my brother. I'm sorry I missed the calls. I didn't see the number though, please try soon again and definitely leave me a msg with your number if I miss it so I can call you back. I disabled receiving texts on my phone so sorry if you tried to send that as well.

  tsmith, you are awesome beyond awesome. Thanks for extending a hand to Mafe, we always reap what we sow and may yours be 1000-fold.

  Gideon, I am glad you're taking something good away from this thread

Now Mafe,
     As soon as I saw your msg on this thread, I got on the phone and called my friend. I think it is beyond providence that you will be landing in DC as that is where my friend lives and works. Her job in govt/non-profit opportunes her to have extensive contacts and know all kinds of organizations. I mentioned you want to volunteer to get on your feet first, and need a place to stay - good news - in her exact words "DC loves volunteers! don't worry, we will find something for him to do, and housing for him to stay"  The only issue may be the short time (as you'll be arriving in just a few weeks). She asked me to forward her email/number to you so you can discuss with her the options available. I will send details to your inbox . . .

Now that being said, mafe, please do the nigerian name & our names proud by being straight once you get there. I refered to you as a friend when I spoke to her and I know she will do everything within her power to make sure you're taken care of. She is a very very dear friend to me and it will break my heart if I am responsible for any wrong thing that befalls her. Do not make tsmith and myself regret helping you.

^that also being said, please do not thank me until you're safe in DC and have a roof over your head. I'll send you an email by tonight or tomorrow. Godbless brother.

bawomolo:
quick question, who has more range, rondo or rose.   rondo takes shots around the rim and shies away from jump shots.  i would be efficient too with 3 HOF'ers on my team.   what a tough job

Stop talking out of both sides of your mouth boy    one minute the Celtics are old and crippled, next they are hofers elevating Rondo's stats    pick one story and stick to it jor 

liar liar, where is the ppg and blocks per game category.     olojoro 

I laugh like laughter    is it ppg & bpg that you're looking for to save your rosy-boy? Anybody can get 20ppg as long as they take enough shots. Its the shooting percentage that is a true teller of how efficent a player plays.

only on NL would a poor man's jason kidd be compared to derrick rose.   it's hilarious that rose is neck and neck with rondo who has had a 2 year headstart over him.   that shows rose is improving at a faster rate (with larger offensive responsibility) than rajon rondo.

No, it shows Rondo has been consistent for a longer period of time.

another thing, who started on the team USA team during the FIBA championships, rondo or rose? that's right it was rose.

FIBA my foot  who has the championship bling on his finger, blazed thru last yrs playoffs dropping triple dubbs like it was going out of fashion and was 2 minutes from winning another title last year? that's right, its NOT Rose.

we need to institute drug testing in this sport section 

Agreed wholeheartedly. You continue to scare us on the daily with your ever increasing delusions of chicago grandeur. How many playoff series have you guys won this decade by the way? 

^ouch!  Chic2pimp who dey vex you today?

Rondo Vs. Rose Career Statistics:

FieldGoal% -  48%  48%
3-point% - 25%  21%
FreeThrow% - 62%  77%
Rebounds - 4.4  3.9
Assists - 6.9  6.2
Steals - 1.9  0.8
Turn overs - 2.3  2.6

    The only category Rose is beating Rondo in is in Free throw% numbers don't lie baby . . . Bawo, you can cover your head in shame

Chukwudi, like I mentioned earlier, we have already discussed the issue of baptism and salvation before. There's no need to take up Seun's cyberspace with repition. If you or anyone else is interested, here's the thread:

Would Someone Go To Hell If He Doesn't Do Water Baptism? https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-420977.msg5797330.html

bawomolo:
by the way, did you guys hear KG called charlie villanueva a cancer patient.

that's messed up but what do you expect from a team of old cranky washed up bullies.

Market man stop spreading false allegations jor    KG said that's not the truth and Doc Rivers who also heard the statement when it was uttered backs KG up fully. Next! 

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=344420.msg7074980#msg7074980 date=1288842412]Shut that sewer-trap you call your mouth! Rondo has murdered Rose so far[/quote]May the Good Lord in Heaven never cease to smile on you 

bawomolo:
shebi the bulls would play the celtics on friday. rondo is overrated. no jump shot having mofo

Abeg make we hia word jare  Rondo has no jump shot etc etc . . . guess which PG had the highest field goal pctg last season second only to Steve Nash? The guy is efficient when he's on the floor. That trumps jacking up a 35% FGP and getting 20ppg.

I had this discussion with a friend yday . . . scoring point guards are over-rated. By definition a point guard's duty is first to distribute the ball to the scorers and manage the offensive flow of the game. This is why bball is a[u] team [/u] sport. Each player has their own role, not one player jack of all skills and master of none.

Please mention one prolific scoring point guard in the NBA that has won a championship as the primary offensive player/scorer on the team?

Joagbaje:
@OP,
As I have said in some of my posts, some customs under the law are still valid in Christianity because they are based on spiritual principles. The fact the the law is done away with does not take away such practises . Thats why we dedicate children in the house of God, that's why we give thanks over food, that's why we give tithes still and that's why we still honour our parents, they didn't pass away with the law.

. . . and as long as we don't turn around and declare these "practises" as a law and requirement for today's christians.

PastorAIO, no contradiction at all.

Performing the act of baptism does not have the power to save or is not necessary for salvation. But this does not mean it is devoid of any power at all. Again, why do we take communion? isn't it a symbolic spiritual act? does it have power when we perform it? of course, if it were just a meal then why do it at all. The real issue I think (and as you noted too) is what is the "power" contained in the act of baptism? but then one might as well be asking, what is the "power" contained in the act of "praising" or "worshipping" or taking "communion"? you cannot quantify the spiritual, it just is and I think is different from believer to believer.

Your analogy of a child taking medicine is insufficient in this case I think. Please see some of my responses to Enigma. The command to be baptized was directed at those who have already come to believe - not to random people who felt like taking a dip in the red sea - this is central to my argument. As far as I can scripturally see, you don't baptize and then hope through the act that they come to the faith.

[quote author=lai-lai link=topic=344420.msg7065940#msg7065940 date=1288725000]@jesoul, so far you dont break the neck[/quote]lol. I cannot break my own neck now

These Lakers are looking straight. One can only hope the injury bug plague pays them an extended visit after the all-star break, and stay on preferably until the playoffs

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=170354.msg7066094#msg7066094 date=1288726680]I heard Randy Moss just signed with Young Money [/quote]kai! men, that is cold Rumors abound the Jetss may cut Santonio Holmes and pick up Randy.

Bawo wassup now? you don't like my Jay Cutler cartoon?

chukwudi44:
does that also mean we should stop taking our kids to church nor teaching them about God until they are of age and understanding to partake of them ?

In otherwords one cannot be a christian until he/she is an adult what a ridiculous teaching.What a ridiculous teaching


here is what the scripture teaches


Acts 2
37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call.

40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.

41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Chukwudi, I know what the catholic stance on this is and respect their beliefs and respectfully decline to engage in a tussle-match with you on it. I believe we have already talked about this once before here https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-420977.msg5797330.html.
Cheers.

Enigma:
@Jesoul, you keep making me jealous of the little guy aka enigmalet.  However, no we haven't 'done' him yet; we do plan to though.

I wish I could be a fly on the wall in the church when that happens. I've never witnessed an infant baptism ceremony.

In baptism of infants (and children) the parents and God-parents make promises to bring up the children in the Christian faith and the Church i.e. the Universal Christian Church promises to provide support in this respect; thus, it is connected to the 'suffer the children to come unto me' statement in that the parents/God-parents/Church all help the infant/child in 'coming unto Him'. It is thus important that the parents/Godparents/Church themselves understand their important duty and the gravity of the promises that they make.

Maybe I'm crazy, but all this may be much ado about nothing as the above to me perfectly super-imposes on the practice "child dedication" - at least in its modern carnation. Is this just a matter of semantics?

In addition, it seems it's predominantly the[b] family [/b] that is really undergoing the ritual not the infant - the promise to bring the child up right, the public declaration etc . . . the child itself is completely clueless as to what is happening . . . and we've come full circumference, why term it baptism at all? if this is what happens. Which is a perfect segway to your next point . . .

I like your response on JTB, though I disagree with it.  You see we often make the debate in terms of 'infant/child' baptism but what of the 'household'? A good example was given in terms of some Old Testament 'rituals' e.g. circumcision which were based on God's promises to a people - a chosen people. The Passover was for the household; many people in the OT stated: 'as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord'. And as I said before, the 'household' of Cornelius was baptised ------ arguably after they were already saved.

Thus if the household is committed to the Christian faith, I see nothing wrong with the baptism of infants and children in the household.

I understand that in a christian household, there is a collectivity to the faith - it is the family business so to speak. But the individuality of the faith obviously trumps and outranks the corporate one - and I would argue that scripturally, the act of baptism falls under the jurisdiction of 'individuality'. What I mean by that is this -

Littered all over the NT, we see baptism as a consequence of repentance. Which is why I completely believe the households (as you noted too) baptized together were already of the faith. Jesus' and the apostles commands were "repent - and be baptized". The repentance part it would seem to me must come first, then followed by baptism - and infants are incapable of repentance at that stage.

  But hey, if a christian sincerely wants to perform the act out faith and hope in Christ that their child will grow up into the Lord, fitted in the body of Christ - then I have no beef with 'em. I still believe the practice its poster child(pun intended) for baptism misappropriation. But to each his own abi?

I have deliberately, so far, kept away from the 'dedication' part of the discussion. A couple of brief points: firstly, Jesus was not in fact 'dedicated' as such but rather was presented in the temple which was a requirement concerning every male that opens the womb who was regarded as holy to the law Lord. Thus if we were strictly following that, no female child needs to be presented or 'dedicated' and no child, male or female, that is a second (onwards) child needs to be presented or 'dedicated'. Secondly, people have already made the distinction between the 'dedication' that is done today and the dedication of Samuel for example. However, I do not wish to speak per se against the type of 'dedication' that is done today.

Good points. And I think is why many of us were clear to state it is based on biblical examples. And again I think its all a matter of semantics. In the modern arena, child "dedications" are simply the presentation of children to the church for prayer and thanksgiving.

archaic20:
Everytime i discuss with all this diehard extremists in the garb of born again christians, they will always remark that Catholic church goers dont know God,Pls for Heavens sake,is not all about speaking in tongues, doing marathon prayers, engaging in hypocritical form of prayer and also flounting dresses,What is pertinent is engaging in the real thing, which is what Catholic Church and its Doctrines is known for.Pls criticise constructively

Perhaps you need more discussions with non-diehard non-extremists? Personally, I think there are some fabulous people of the catholic faith both present and departed and I'm certain of future as well.

MyJoe:
This JeSoul! See doctorate questions.

If you were to post your own, your own go be super-duper, steroid-injected doctorate questions na lie?

Pastor, I think I read some parts of your post too quickly. Forgive any misapplications

Enigma:
Naaah, I am not of 'the catholic persuasion'.  However, I have nothing against infant/child baptism; in fact, I support it positively.

Wahala dey oh! Have you already baptized my small husband? 

For now, I will just make two quick points: (1) Jesus said: "suffer the little children to come unto me" i.e. do not hinder the little children from coming to Him ----- think about the potential ramifications of that for infant/child baptism.

I'm thinking. But I'm falling short of seeing the connection you're making. I have no issues if the child is of age but more importantly understanding (shout-out to pastor AIO here ) to decide to be baptized. What are the motives for baptizing an infant that is not developed enough to know the red-hot stove is not the same as his red fire-engine toy truck?

(2) Do you reaaaaally think that John the Baptist would have turned away little children if they were brought to him for baptism (which was a very very very likely scenario)?

Very likely? maybe. But I insist the examples we're given in scripture of baptism candidates renders the likelihood less and less. Maybe JTB instead blessed and dedicated the children that were brought to him for baptism  . Once we cross over into "what was likely" the standard can be constantly adjusted and re-adjusted and that's a problem. And this goes back to my question - what's the motivation for baptizing an infant? vs simply dedicating her/him?

Pastor AIO:
Good morning.

Goodmorning afternoon to you too Pastor

What exactly is the point of Baptism? Is it not an ablution, a cleansing away of the sinful life before? Is it not a rite (the word ritual seems to have scary undertones and is reserved for 'other religions') in which one dies with christ and is then subsequently raised into the new life with Christ?

If this rite has potency in, and of, itself then why does someone have to be 'of understanding' to comprehend what is going on? The necessity of being 'of age' and 'of understanding' suggests that in and of itself it is an empty ritual but the 'understanding' mind can fill it with significance. Actually the significance will be solely in the head of the person that 'understands' what is happening.

I don't think so at all, and I think perhaps you're approaching the statement from the left side.

No one gets up one day and simply says "I am going to get baptised today". Some kind of experience sparks or initiates it, it is undertaken in response to a stimulus - this is the understanding I'm refering to and this is what we see in the bible. Take the case of the Ethopian Eunuch. As the scriptures were explained to him by Philip, his mind and heart were opened - this indicates an understanding of the importance of performing the symbolic act in obedience to Christ's command.

Is baptism an act that is empty of power? of course not. Why then would we be commanded to perform it? There is power in all the spiritual traditions handed to us by Christ such as communion, and yes baptism too. But it is also not an isolated impulsive act, but rather follows a change that has already occured in the heart - this is what I mean by understanding my pastor.

Krayola once sent me some lectures in which the lecturer was trying to explain how traumatising Paul's ideas were to the Jewish community. His idea that circumcision wasn't necessary and was an empty ritual, he said, was like telling christians that you didn't have to be baptised to be a christian.

In Jewish scripture Yahweh himself tells Jews (and abraham before them) to circumcise themselves and their babies as a mark of the covenant between them. This mark of Judaism was dismissed by Paul as unnecessary.

I wonder, is there any christian that can stand up to say that baptism isn't necessary to be a christian? Especially as we consider that Baptism is not effective in itself but rather only when we project such significance unto it by our mature mind of understanding.

Being there, done that

This thread might interest you, your good ol' friend Noetic was strong in attendance


Would Someone Go To Hell If He Doesn't Do Water Baptism? https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria/topic-420977.msg5797330.html

JeSoul:
In the same way baptism is an act of obedience to Christ who commanded that we be baptised - hence it is important. However, it is not the act of baptism itself that saves - but instead the repentance. The physical act of baptism is simply the manifestation of the repentance.

---

So is it the Faith that saves? or the baptism? is the baptism not merely a response to the faith that is already there? and not infact the requirement for salvation?

And oh, thanks for posting that OT verse P-AIO. Sometimes I forget the goodies that are over on that side.

[quote author=lai-lai link=topic=344420.msg7059405#msg7059405 date=1288647840]wow, that's definitely twisted after all these years of hating, you see i've been trying to bring you to the light. . . . where's chiogo, its never to late to jump on the wagon o[/quote]lol. You know say una may be the head, but we are the neck whichever way we bend, na so e go be

@bawo, is chicago still looking to trade? . . . i suggest y'all save that draft pick, rose is young enough

I don't think Boozer will have the impact they're hoping for. They should've tossed out Joking Noah for Carmelo. That was a no-brainer.

Rhino how body now?

No vex too much ehn. Underneath the tough-axing order-keeper, Mukina is really a cool cat. It's not easy being in her shoes, she's only human and can get upset just like all of us. She has to deal with all kinds and levels of fuses and loose cannons all over the forum and that is not easy, and oftentimes she has to be the "bad-guy". Just try small take am easy ehn. Hope to see you back and posting soon.
Godbless.

bawomolo:
we don't miss rexy turnovers now that we have cutler to remind us about it.

When we tried to warn you you did not listen 
[img]http://creatorsincubator.files./2009/11/cutlerdartsjpg.jpg[/img]

haha vikings waive randy moss. memo to the league - do not trade with the patriots, they don't trade fair.

Hehe, somebody got scammed . If you do bizniz with the Pats you berra shine your eye 

[quote author=A-40 link=topic=170354.msg7065329#msg7065329 date=1288718845]Chei! Still smarting from that beatdown ooh! Who do we play next? The Pats? Dayummm[/quote] it's on 40-boy, its on 

Cowboys are 1-6. SMH

Don't you feel even a small tinge of pity for your old team? 

Ah see me, I did not read slowly enough

Justwise, have you secured your own? time is running out oh!

KunleOshob:
@Jesoul
The teachings of christ makes it clear that all christian commandments are based on two principles namely "love for God" and "love for our fellow men".

Agree.

To me any doctrine that doesn't fall under these principles is either false or no longer valid. I recommend to fellow christians to base their doctrines on these commandments which Jesus described as the greatest commandments. All laws and commandments fall under the LOVE principle.

Hmmm . . . this is tricky ground isn't it? Once you introduce subjectivity into the equation then you get different measurements and estimations by varying standards of what qualifies as "love". And this problem is further enhanced by our unfailing ability to convince ourselves we are doing right when we may be wrong. Although I would readily submit much of our "working out of the salvation" are exercises in subjectivity.

  On this issue of women pastors, I agree with you. And I also believe under the ideal circumstances (which it hardly ever is) it would be best for a man - mature and qualified, rightly handling the word and flock, to lead - for obvious reasons, I hope. Pastors are supposed to be servants. A woman can be a servant that is pleasing to God without the unnecessary, ego-massaging title of "pastor" too many strive for today.

---

Joagbaje:
I don't know if I fully comprehend your question. The revelations of God to us transcend dispesations and ages. There are things under the OT that are valid now in our lives. There are things in the law that are applicable to us in the now. Because they are based on spiritual laws and spiritual principles. So we have to compare scriptures with scriptures and compare with the whole body of truth. That's when we get the spirit of the writings and not the letters.

I like this entire quote a lot. I think it cuts to the heart of the matter.

I do want to point out though that you may perhaps be terming & mixing "revelations of God" with "instructions of Paul to a church". Paul does say he's giving his opinion in one instance. What to you are "revelations of God" and what are "instructions to a specific group, in a specific context" and not intended to become law for all future christians? I hope the question is clearer?