If you read my entire post, long as it is, you would realize that I studied the references. The COMPLETE REFERENCE. Please realize that when siting references, the reader will not read just the verse you point to, because you will of course put in verses that support your position. Also realize that when siting references, it usually helps to make sure that the reference does actually support your position. And how do you do that? By reading and digesting the verses before and after your verse. I mean, if you're just going to look at single verses, then any position can be supported, but look at it in its wholeness, and some arguments are damned.
So take this advice, study the reference more completely.
All my arguments are taken from Biblical sources, all from the Gospels or the following Chapters. I think I've done my part in [attempting] to elucidate you. And, as you said, we all have our opinions. Mine just happens to be that women are equal to men in the sight of God. I'd rather not say whether or not they're allowed to preach or not, but if anyone brings up a good point, I am obliged to listen and learn. Noone knows everything. As I said (I think) in my first few posts, I'm just trying to learn, the following were arguments, as I see it, based on the Bible, but also based on the Bible in its completeness, not just on the verses I like. (Speaking personally, I was of your persuasion before reading the thread. However, my mind was changed when considering the passages.) I am open to further argument, and maybe persuasion, but that will have to happen on another forum.

Blessed by the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.
Amen.

although,

please think on this:
1st, assuming that you are Christian:
Please, never ever say the Lord's prayer again, if you say no (to marrying a repented prostitute. Because if you do, you're simply cursing yourself. Note that repented means she's/he's seen the error of its (just go to the neuter) ways, has asked for forgiveness, and is putting the old man behind her (no pun intended).
2nd, imagine this:
You are at the throne of Judgement, (realizing that no sin is greater than another), and you tell Jesus, well, I've repented of my sins e.t.c., and he says, well, how am I to know you won't go back to your old ways?

No one is more perfect than another; judge not, that ye be not judged.
If you know she's a prostitute, why are you going after her in the first place, unless if you yourself are the dirty thing you're so repulsed by.

@ Thiefofhearts
please try to sit through an entire bollywood movie in one seating, then come back and post

@ McKren
although I have my own reservations, that is partly my point.

@ Donzman
Overall, I agree. But for some reason, I just can't seem to put a thumb on it, I feel deeply disturbed by your post. Don't know if that's because I agree or that I disagree with one of your points. Hell, I don't even know which point is giving me the jitters.

@ Afam
Please trust and believe me when I say that without the willing support (both monetary and otherwise) of Nigerians outside of Nigeria, you are doomed, simply put. Why? because most of the Nigerians in Nigeria right now are looking for a way to get out of Nigeria (legally or otherwise). Hence, they are too concerned with getting out of the country than they are with making the country better. Those that aren't looking for a way to get out are either trying to take advantage, or are simply daydreaming about "abroad." So please don't tell me that only Nigerians inside Nigeria can change the country. If outside influences had no effect on a country, then we would've never been colonized. So please, again, get your head straightened out. And also note that part of the problem Nigeria faces is the heavy reliance of its next generations on import. In other words, you might try to shut us out ("us" being Nigerians outisde of Nigeria), but the fact remains that you cannot go a single day without using at least 10 elements either brought in through Nigerians abroad or at the least were not made in Nigeria. Hell, you're probably wearing jeans right now!!!
And as 4 play said, we really are sorry that we made the unpatriotic choice of looking for better opportunities (although some of us didn't really have a choice), next time, we'll make sure to choose differently.

@ Bari-kade
Very Good, Bari-Kade, I appreciate your elucidation, for lack of a better word . But I really do appreciate it, thank you. Sounds repetitive.

Yeah, I know it's kind of long, but please bear with me.

Sorry I haven't replied in a while. School started again, so I'm guessing it'll be quite some time before I reply again, although I will try to drop by once in a while. And, like Bobbyaf said, it was very sound reasoning, Analytical, although somewhat flawed overall.
Umm,  interesting, I didn't know that the two Mary's where disciples, thought there were just 12, 13 if you count Matthias. And, why would the angel not count the two Mary's as disciples (as he says "go, and tell his disciples" , when, according to you, the Mary's where themselves disciples? Please note that the word disciple is not the same as follower, as follower is more broad, whereas the word "disciple," at the risk of sounding sexist, connotes a more personal relationship.

@ Matt. 28 v. 10:
The meaning of "brethren" referred to in verse ten is clearly elucidated in vs. 16 of the same chapter, no need to go to Luke, as each of these had their own accounts, although I will get to Luke later on. v. 16: "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, where Jesus had appointed them."

@ Luke
Very interesting passages, but you still have to read through the entire passages to fully understand. That aside for a while. I seriously did not know that Acts was written by Luke. Not as a challenge, but could you please send me a link or reference as to where you got that from? I mean, if I were asked where I got that Luke was the author of the Acts, I really wouldn't want to answer that I read it on a thread at Nairaland.com; doesn't really sound convincing 

Note: Acts 1 vs. 2: , Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen. 3: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs (e.t.c.) Please note: the women, when he shewed himself unto them, did not require proof. The men, however, did, notably Thomas Didymus (St. John 20: 27, example). The commandments are, of course, the Great Commission, and as I said, the apostles referred to are the men.

Acts 1 vs. 11: [the two men in white apparel] (e.t.c.) also said, Ye men of Galilee (e.t.c.) Which means that the entire first 10 verses of Acts 1 occurs solely in the presence of men. (although some might say that men, in this case, refers to both men and women, which I seriously doubt).

12: Then returned they unto Jerusalem e.t.c.
13: And when they ["ye men of Galilee"] were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James,
14: These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (brethren, in this case, I think refers to his half-brothers from Mary's marriage with/to Joseph; disputed b/c some believe Mary remained a virgin till her death).
15: And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples e.t.c. [clearly the 11, contrary to your claims], and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
This does not, as I said in the brackets, include the women amongst the number of disciples, neither does it claim that there were a hundred and twenty disciples. What it does claim is that there were 120 people gathered. Although it is a more archaic way of converse, the number simply refers to the number of names registered at the gathering.

@ Acts 2:
Dude, your mistake was in considering chapter 2 of Acts by itself. Read the rest of Chapter 1:
after some stuff about Judas and his fall,
1 vs. 20: For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another man take.
21: Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22: (e.t.c.) must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
24: And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men [note that, at least in my version (King James), emphasis is placed on the word men), shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25: That he [emphasis mine] may take part of this ministry and apostleship (e.t.c.)
26: And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. [note: the subject of discussion has now switched from the congregation, which included women, to the reconstructed 12 disciples]

Acts 2:
1: And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. [as I said, this is no longer the 120, but the 12].
Just in case there's some doubt left, after the multi-lingual confession , this happened:
14: But Peter, standing up with the eleven (e.t.c.)

Last word: as you said, comparing scriptures with scriptures does indeed reveal truth, but please make sure to consider the whole scripture . However, it was a very well crafted argument, I must give you that (had me seriously intimidated, lol).
Again, sorry the reply took so long

@ Bobbyaf


P.S.:
According to Luke 24, those that Jesus talked to, after the women came and told the men of his rising and they didn't believe, were men (just in case), as verse 24 clearly states: And certain onf them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but they saw him not.
Why refer to them as "the women," if they were also women. And listen to the next two verses, as Christ chastises them for not believing he'd risen (remember that the women believed, the men didn't). These same MEN were the ones verse 33 talks about that they "rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem e.t.c.
Also note that their identity is verified when you look at verse 13 in accordance with verse 11: And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. 13: And, behold, two of them went that same day e.t.c. [them in vs 11 referring to the apostles (vs. 10)].

People, people, please, there is a spell check at the bottom. If you can't find it, at least read through your post and see if it actually makes sense!!!
It gets irritating when you read through a post and have to re-read it, and re-read it, and still can't make sense out of it. Speak like you write, not backwards.
You know who you are!!! [clears throat]

@ rojen
Nice post, and I agree.
If you know you can't marry a prostitute, why are you courting one?
And what kind of circle do you move in that you would meet a prostitute? And don't tell me you don't always know who's a prostitute. If you can't tell, then when you find out, tell her to become an actress.

lol, thiefofhearts, bollywood is even worse than Nollywood, the way I see it. They make the longest movies I've ever seen in my life. And they'll literally just have a guy and girl chase each other around a tree with cheesy music in the background for like a half-hour. Now, I'm thinking, sooner or later, one of them is either going to get seriously bored, or really tired.

plz people, do not try to dump the AIDS epidemic on the head of African men. It's really not worth it.

depends what you call decency. Some would go so far as to say that a person able to turn completely from a lifestyle, admitting his/her wrongdoings and making themself better goes a long way towards being 'decent.' Note: Luke 7: 36-50, if Jesus can forgive a known prostitute, who the hell are you? Note: Joshua 2: 1, 6: 17-25. If God can use a harlot for His Glory, who the hell are you?
Every one carries their own burden! Because she was a prostitute does not mean she is not human; and trust me, I have a feeling she's already suffering and will likely continue to suffer for it.
Like Olufidu said, it'll be difficult, yes, seeing as you're human, but not impossible. It'll also likely take your family quite a long time, if not forever (or never), to get used to the idea.
Personally, I feel that if she had no diseases or anything, and you're 100% sure she won't turn back (temptation, ), well, you never know how God will do his work in your life. Just, please, before you do marry her, if you do, pray about it; if He wants you to, you'll know. And if you're about to marry a girl that recites native poems, you'll know.
God help you. Very controversial topic.

lol, Mariory
Btw, since we're all engrossed with grammatical concerns, there's no need for quotations, and it should read <Is it true that Kano has a higher population than Lagos?>

@ Topic,
With regards to the exact numbers, I have no idea if those numbers are accurate. Hell, I haven't even seen them. But my father was one of the directors for the 1991 consensus, and is absolutely sure that Kano does have a higher population than Lagos. Once again, I'm not sure, but I trust that's not a fact he can gain anything from (as he's retired from that stuff), and so, I'm inclined to believe it is true.

@ Big1 and MamaJama

OH! Thank you!!! That's all I've been trying to say.

@ Analytical
Actually, those were all men
Matthew 28: 16 says "Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17: And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18: And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and earth, 

In other words, that statement, contrary to what some think, was directed specifically, at least as I see it, at the eleven apostles, who just so happened to be all male.

@ TV01
Yes, I'd say premarital sex is wrong, because I have the Bible to back me up . But then again, I'm not really judging, am I? I mean, there's no judgement to make, is there? I make no condemnation when I say I think premarital sex is wrong. I mean, is it wrong to have an opinion? I'm pretty sure Jesus didn't tell us not to judge others because he wanted us all to be automatons? As Matthew 7: 3 says, as our dear friend Donzman has pointed out, 'Why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?' Hence, you might judge yourself but not others, since you are NOT perfect. i.e. you'll always have a beam in your eye, so don't bother with the mote in another's eye, get yours out first .
Although, Donzman, I don't agree with everything you said (depends on who judges), yes, you might accept criticism, but also realize that NO ONE is fit to judge you but your Maker. I find it curious that Paul would use the word 'examine' instead of 'judge' (King James Version if you want to check), and I can't find anywhere were it says that we should accept judgement.

thank you!!!
God!!! people, stop being plankton, man. Be a freaking whale, swim to the surface a make a huge splash. Why wouldn't the officials take us for a ride? They're enboldened because they know we Nigerians will just bend over and take it up the pooper!!!

lol, u did miss the irony. And actually, I'm completely accurate in what I said: Matthew 7: 1 says "Judge not, that ye be not judged."That's from the Sermon on the Mount.
ah, but who are you to say that you are worthy to judge anyone else? Your Christianity does not buy you a JD (juror's doctorate), neither does your Christianity make you God, nor Jesus, leave the judging to He who is Perfect. I have a feeling that no one is supposed to judge (at the very least not by God's Law, although of necessity, there is the law laid down by man, and, sometimes, enforced by man).
Lol Kellorah.
And Donzman, isn't that Paul talking about in what order people should eat?

God, I hate that show. I watched it once for like 14 hours straight (overnight), literally!!!, no eating, no sleeping no nothing (season 5, I think). If I were to go back to watching that show, I really wouldn't be able to do any work at school. lol, I'll try my best to stay away from the show until I have a lot of time on my hands, and I'll make sure to set a day aside.

hey there people, I'm guessing we've agreed to disagree over whether women are allowed to preach?
Anyway, TV01, so what if a pastor is gay (we're all free to do as we please), as long as he's teaching the Bible and stays away from Romans 1 ^24-32. And the Bible does tell us, in Mat. 7: 1 to not judge others, else we ourselves will be judged.

@ Afam
Quite an interesting post, and please, since (I'm assuming you live in Nigeria) you're one of those Nigerians who live in Nigeria? And pray tell, why haven't you come around to changing the country?
And, when you get around to changing the country, where will you get the resources to do so, seeing as most of these resources are controlled by those you're presumably going to oust?
Please reread your post, you cannot seriously mean to say that only Nigerians living in Nigeria know what's happening in Nigeria.
Actually, I guess I do agree to a certain extent, Nigerians in Nigeria will know a lot more, but does that mean those outside should abandon it? Think man!!!

@ Mazaje
Thank you for your post, at least someone gets it!!!

@ 4 Play
Nice post, I agree. Especially with your second to last point (Nigeria is not worse off because of migration.Migration is a symptom of a general malaise and not the cause of our problems). And I'll even go a little farther, that we can turn migration on its head and use it as part of a remedy for an ailing nation.

@ Easyy
Good man, but I feel a need to at the very least try to make it better. To know that I did something to make it just a little better. And I am proud of my identity too, I'd just rather my children not have--as you put it--rubbish to be proud of. Maybe it'll only be that I start a business or something there, but God knows it's better than nothing.

Oh come on!! For Christ's sakes, it was just a thought, Nigerians abroad should not forget that they are nevertheless Nigerian, and should at least make a concerted effort to improve the country, i.e. invest in the country. That's all! but hey, if you want aggressive language, well, we all have a pocketful of that.

@ daviddylan
A couple of questions first: are you abroad or in Nigeria? are you Nigerian?
If you had read my post carefully, you'd realize that it says I'm for national pride, not stupidity. And actually, I do intend to go back to Nigeria once my education is finished (senior, St. John's U, then grad school 2.5 years total). And if you are abroad and unwilling to go back or at the very least invest in your "home", frankly put, you should not call yourself a Nigerian. And yes, I mean that. And please remember that with opportunity and privilege comes a bit of responsibility and accountability. Remember that not all who would leave the country have been able to, keeping in mind that your betters, YES your betters, have been left behind.

@ Jakumo
Are you serious? And please, don't even come up with some b* about the grass is always greener on the other side. My parents brought me here with the hope of a better education, the least I can do is get that education, the U.S. is not my home, I can make it so, but it is not my home. Why? because I consider myself Nigerian, not American. So yes, the grass is greener on the American side. But I'll stick to the Nigerian side and try to make it better, thank you.

@ 4 Play
Oh please, don't give me that 'you don't know what we're going through' bull. I mean, come on, man! And trust me, there's is nothing about Nigeria to romanticise about, with your example as evidence. Now, does that mean that we should stay away? Well why not, all of us just move out of Nigeria (and please remember that we all have family and friends there), that way it'll get better. It is because of people like you that the country is becoming worse and worse off. Yes, we shouldn't forget where we come from, and we damn well shouldn't forget why we left in the first place, like you said, THAT'S MY ENTIRE POINT, FOR GOD'S SAKE!!! So future generations won't feel the need to leave their home. As I said before, Note: a tree without roots, no matter how big it is/becomes, will crumble.

I gotta go right now, a couple of hours from now, I'll respond to the other posts.

Open your eyes, brothers and sisters, Nigeria dies.
Yet, here we are, enjoying the fruits of America. A tree without roots, no matter how large, WILL crumble. We might become rich and famous in this land, indeed, some of us have done so. Nevertheless, whatever we become here is but a mere shell of what we might become.
Understand me well, siblings. I do not say that we should all rush to Nigeria. I am for national pride, not stupidity. However, we should not get so comfortable in this land as to forget what we are. Wake up people, we are a different breed. Ajo l'awa, ko si'bi bi ile. And whatsoever we we may do, we should do it with the expectation to go back: hence, helping those in Niberia build up the country by creating businesses there, hence jobs, (then comes the problem of trusting people, what with 419 and whatnot); assisting fellow Nigerians here, We are a generation ripe for the exploitation of the opportunity given us, in the form of not only better education, but also better job opportunities post-grad, e.t.c. Just, invest in Nigeria.
This is all I say, ladies and gentlemen, let us at the very least attempt to make Nigeria a better place to live. Make it a place people emigrate to, not immigrate from.

@ Dennylove and Charla

We each have our own specialties, mine happens to not be the movie industry, but that does not mean I don't know what's good from what's less than . And, as Radiant said, criticism can do wonders, especially when provided in the right way. So please don't tell me not to criticize. What you could do is tell me to criticize positively, i.e. not just say that nollywood sux, but also make suggestions as to how it can be made better e.t.c.

@ Orikinla

I have to admit that I haven't seen many naija movies that I'd say were particularly good. And it would help if the "good" producers advertised themselves a little, there IS a difference between bragging and making your expertise known. And it IS good that we have geniuses. Hell, with all the 419ners we have, I'd be seriously disappointed to find there were no good actors and actresses, or directors. And, as you said, too many of us are opportunists, so maybe what we need more isn't so much a better Nollywood, but a philosophical revolution, if you get my drift. We all know our society is fraught with corruption, opportunists, and the like. Unfortunately, they seem to always find their way to power, even to the upper echelons of our government. Really interesting,  we need reform, but everyone seems to be satisfied sitting on their backside complaining (me included). Everyone, that is, except for those who want to get rich, who doesn't know, after all, that the quickest way to riches is through our government? And, although sad, what you said is true: that a lot of "them" are opportunists, lacking honesty, e.t.c.; but then again, honesty doesn't put food on the table .

Your last point is true enough, but I doubt Nigeria is going to be doing any leading (no matter how good Nollywood is) if we don't change how we approach our government and government officials (not to make this into a political argument or anything).

There is evidence to support both sides, unfortunately. At least the way I see it, I would greatly appreciate help.
Note: Mark 15: 41, if we are using the word Minister.

@Analytical, just a couple of corrections, I think:


Nymphia was male (Col. 4¹⁵): Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

Priscilla: note that there is no mention (with her in dominance) wherein she and Aquila taught an apostle. In 18 ²⁶, she is mentioned secondarily. Same goes for Cor 16 ¹⁹. Romans 16: 3, is also disputable, as he calls them "helpers".

Phoebe: he (paul) commends her as a servant of the church, not as a Minister, a point I'm not willing to allow unless if you provide a link to a respected source (not just a random website naming her as a deacon, please). Romans 16 ² says she has been a succourer of many, and of Paul also, that does not make her a minister. If anything, it more helps the case that the woman fits more into the role of a comforter.

Junia: regardless of

Analytical:
NB:  Some scholars actually dispute the gender of Junia, the Apostle, for obvious reasons.  However, from studies, it's more likely a woman, Junia being a common feminine name of the 1st century, mentioned with Andronicus, likely to be her husband or brother.

the point still remains that he calls Andronicus and Junia his kinsmen.

If anything, consider Romans 16: 15, more in keeping with your argument.

For all of that, though, this argument is very interesting. I think it would settle my doubts if someone found a quote by Jesus himself, though, because as someone said before (I'm not inclined to find the quote), Paul at times speaks as a man, working to build unity in the church.

Please, for Christ's sakes, can't Nigerians ever do anything just slightly original? And that goes for the music industry as well, "Sampling" entire songs, the whole background? come on!!! And that freaking movie 'Lion King'. really, wow! And what's with the extra, extra, extra long storylines that, after a while, just makes no sense, and then you wonder what you're supposed to take away from the movie, then comes the retarded, pointless flashback, I swear I can feel one coming on, so much so that if I haven't seen a flashback, I feel like the movie wasn't Nigerian, then they try for the twists, and it's just, no, then the actors (I won't mention names) that try to be funny, but just are not funny, then the overacting, e.t.c. e.t.c. And what's with the messed up sound? I turn up the volume for the movie, then comes the freaking ad that's inordinately loud!

The One thing that really gets to me, though, is when they just cut the movie off at the middle of a scene, and I'm like, what the ****?, then comes the "Watch out for stupid movie part 2". And does every movie have to have 2 discs? I honestly feel like if I started buying (or copying  ) movies, I'd soon run out of storage space. And I might be Nigerian, but I'm not that dim, it's pretty obvious they have the entire thing on hand, but greed capitalism, or whatever you want to call it, has pretty much pervaded every part of Nigerian society, although that's for another day.

And, unfortunately, part of the fault does rest with the viewers. I mean, come on, how on earth do you expect the industry to progress when the movie sells one original copy, then that original is copied thousands of times? And, to make it worse, the retards (although smart) copiers then insert adverts for other movies that are pretty much the entire movie into the movie? Seriously, when one person buys a copy, makes ten copies for each of their friends, and those each make ten copies, , who's going to buy the stuff? And, Hollywood has had a lot more time for this than 'Nollywood' has, so please don't expect the same quality picture as Hollywood produces.

And please don't tell me they have $1 mil. budgets, cause those movies look more like they cost a grand to make, in total. (REALLY, how on earth am I supposed to take this industry seriously when I hear the director telling the actor to "go slowly, go slowly"?, unfortunately, I don't remember the title of the movie, but I swear to God it's true.) And there was another one where you could see part of one of the stagehands in the pic. Whatever happened to post-editing? Or does no one ever watch the entire thing after they make it before they sell it?

Grab your own copy, lmao.

hmm, is sex outside of marriage fornication? yeah, I'd say so. I'm not about to change my understanding of a concept because of the root meaning of a ***king word.

Please don't go about trying to define sex now! If you don't know what the hell it means, look in the dictionary. And if that doesn't suit you, then go ahead and do whatever the hell you want, when He comes again, I'd rather have been overly cautious than have been promiscuous.

And people, PLEASE, THERE IS A SPELL CHECK BUTTON RIGHT NEXT TO THE PREVIEW, JUST CLICK IT!!! NO HARD THINKING INVOLVED!!! It even works sometimes.