I can do anything I want. I am washed in the blood

[Lenten_ashes]

I have found out since originally posting that his Protestant buddies and his pastor think the same way he does. So of course they are of no use. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. After all the Protestant churches are based on “hey I believe what I want”. If you are right and God has put this kid in my path It’s going to be tough finding time to be able to talk to him. Work is not the right place but even more so it’s way too busy. Meeting him after work is tough too . Most of the time he’s either out doing stuff he shouldn’t be doing or he is practicing with his rock ‘n’ roll performance for his church. Every once in a while the kid and I will go out for a beer after work. Maybe I can engage him the next time we do.

Sorry to hear that.

UGH…

I wonder if he has ever been to Mass. You know many converts have said the Mass kind of arrests them when they walk through the doors and participate.

Plenty of people show up sort of buzzed to midnight Mass for Christmas. That would be the perfect time after you leave the bar lol

On a serious note, sounds like the best thing to do is pray about it. Maybe ask for our Lady’s intercession as well.

 

[Gorgias]

I have found out since originally posting that his Protestant buddies and his pastor think the same way he does.

Not surprising. The only thing that’s changed, though, is that now you know that it’s his congregation, and not just him, that’s misled.

You could ask him if he knows anything about the history of the early Church, back in the first 100 years or so – you know, if he’s ever heard of the ‘Gnostics’. Some of them believed that, since the flesh was of no avail and the spirit was saved, that they could do anything in the flesh that they wanted to. The Church said “uhh… no, dude” to them, too.

John rails against exactly this kind of denial of sin: ‘If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” while we continue to walk in darkness, we lie and do not act in truth. But if we walk in the light as he is in the light, then we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin. If we say, “We are without sin,” we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.’

 

[Kliska]

I have found out since originally posting that his Protestant buddies and his pastor think the same way he does.

You talked to his pastor?

After all the Protestant churches are based on “hey I believe what I want”.

That notion of “protestant” churches is as ill informed as much of the misinformation out there about catholicism.

 

[Son_of_Niall]

I have found out since originally posting that his Protestant buddies and his pastor think the same way he does. So of course they are of no use. I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised. After all the Protestant churches are based on “hey I believe what I want”. If you are right and God has put this kid in my path It’s going to be tough finding time to be able to talk to him. Work is not the right place but even more so it’s way too busy. Meeting him after work is tough too . Most of the time he’s either out doing stuff he shouldn’t be doing or he is practicing with his rock ‘n’ roll performance for his church. Every once in a while the kid and I will go out for a beer after work. Maybe I can engage him the next time we do.

Really? Seriously? With all due respect what business is this of yours? If it’s an antinomian church that actually believes that (and I have my doubts about that), guess what? This is America they have that right. For you to talk to his pastor is WAY over the line. It comes off as a little creepy.
Also, your characterization of Protestant churches is false. They do not ‘believe what they want’.
And uh…one more thing. If I were in charge of your office you would get called on the carpet. You are there to work, not have theological debates.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

I’d be tempted to blurt out:

“Christ died one the cross for you so that you may have eternal life. Maybe a weekend of debauchery isn’t a proper thank you.”

WoW! That was goooood!

Maybe I won’t yell it, but I sure will use it:thumbsup:

 

[gcnuss]

I’d be tempted to blurt out:

“Christ died one the cross for you so that you may have eternal life. Maybe a weekend of debauchery isn’t a proper thank you.”

A great thought. Christ’s death and resurrection opened the gates of heaven, not the doors that lead to dissolute lives.

 

[Tommy999]

I think this is the right topic to put this under.

Looking for a little advice.

I have a young protestant fellow I work with that was in my office the other day just visiting. He knows I am Catholic. You can look at my desk & tell. Most folks there are. He was telling my officemate (there are 2 of us in this office) of some things he had been up to & some plan he had made for the weekend. They were less than proper. It was work, but I could not remain silent. I said “(his name) I thought you were Christian & very active in your church with the band & other things.” He said “Well, yes I am.” Then I asked “Well what is up with all this garbage you are talking about doing & the places you plan to go?” His reply floored me. He said “I’m washed in the blood. I am assured of heaven. Nothing can separate me from God.” I was speechless. Has anyone else heard of this nonsense? How does one educate this young fellow? I like him, but what he was talking about is a path to hell. I do see him after work occasionally for a brew so the opportunity does come up from time to time.

If it helps the understanding, he goes to a “Bible only church” & is VERY active there.

Hi Dirk,
If the Bible is his authority, I would be interested in hearing his interpretation of Romans 6:1-2:

“*What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”. *

I think this verse applies to all Christians.

 

[Dirk_Skene]

Hi Dirk,
If the Bible is his authority, I would be interested in hearing his interpretation of Romans 6:1-2…stians.

I am going to have to wait till I can get some after work time with him. Over half the people at work are Catholic. Most of the others are at least some variety of Christian. I’m very surprised I seem to be the only one that’s ever challenged him.

 

[The_Old_Maid]

Really? Seriously? With all due respect what business is this of yours? If it’s an antinomian church that actually believes that (and I have my doubts about that), guess what? This is America they have that right. For you to talk to his pastor is WAY over the line. It comes off as a little creepy.

It doesn’t sound to me as though he did. I suggested upthread that the Original Poster ask the braggart what his pastor would say about his activities: *“invite the pastor to join you.” *And it sounds to me as if the youngster replied something to the effect that in his opinion the pastor wouldn’t mind and wouldn’t correct him. That’s dreadful, but not the same as if OP had sought out said pastor or even would have a clue where to find him.

Also, your characterization of Protestant churches is false. They do not ‘believe what they want’.

To be fair, I do believe there are individuals and congregations like that. But I don’t think that problem is confined to any one branch of the household of faith.

And uh…one more thing. If I were in charge of your office you would get called on the carpet. You are there to work, not have theological debates.

I mentioned that possibility upthread too. “Protect his soul, but protect your job.” I’d say it’s a coin toss as to whether the OP would get into trouble for challenging this co-worker, or whether the co-worker is being unprofessional and disruptive in the workplace. Secular law would have spanked the youngster by now if, say, he had repeated his weekend-of-sin activities to an unwilling female audience. “Creating a hostile workplace environment,” it’s called. Should the rules be different if he is speaking smut that he knows is bothering other men?

What I would suggest is that the OP is not exactly shy either, and the balance of power will stay with him only as long as he is able to show more restraint and professionalism than the Antinomian Antagonist.

 

[rcwitness]

Yes, I do know that is not what the Catholic Church teaches and I don’t know of a Protestant church that would condone or teach what the original posters friend says either. The ignorant and immature are found everywhere in all churches.

Yes, and I have been an ugly hypocrite… which is worse than ignorant!

I think if Dirk Skene is as able to “straighten out” an ignorant Catholic, then he should know how to assist this little brother.

 

[rcwitness]

It doesn’t sound to me as though he did. I suggested upthread that the Original Poster ask the braggart what his pastor would say about his activities: *“invite the pastor to join you.” *And it sounds to me as if the youngster replied something to the effect that in his opinion the pastor wouldn’t mind and wouldn’t correct him. That’s dreadful, but not the same as if OP had sought out said pastor or even would have a clue where to find him.

Asking this young man if it is possible to speak with his pastor is a very strong measure. Of course done respectively, can be equally effective. If not a positive outcome, a definite knowledge of the grave problem this group of believers are under.

But I don’t think that problem is confined to any one branch of the household of faith.

Interesting phrase…

 

[rcwitness]

Hi Dirk,
If the Bible is his authority, I would be interested in hearing his interpretation of Romans 6:1-2:

“*What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? 2May it never be! How shall we who died to sin still live in it?”. *

I think this verse applies to all Christians.

and the Scriptures are authority to all Christians!

 

[Rosebud77]

Nothing surprises me any more and I have learned to watch my own ways and my own life rather than assessing others. I trade at street markets, to support the work of my family saving babies in India. I am in Ireland and a group of young evangelists from the north surrounded me ( Rosaries are a big item I sell so they knew my affiliation. ) They heard me out then jeered " That won’t get you to heaven!" For once i had the reply. " Thankfully young man that is not up to you or me to judge…" I know the Bible better than they did so they gave up their conversion attempt. Another time, in a queue in the supermarket I was chatting to a US pastor who accused me of working with the poor to curry favour with Jesus… I quoted Matthew but it really hurt… Little we can do except keep our own ways pure, love all we meet. stay calm. Not judge.

 

[The_Old_Maid]

For a moment I thought there was a language or translation difference.

Asking this young man if it is possible to speak with his pastor is a very strong measure. Of course done respectively, can be equally effective. If not a positive outcome, a definite knowledge of the grave problem this group of believers are under.

I must given the wrong impression. It was not my intention that the OP [Dirk Skene] should contact the Antinomian Antagonist’s pastor, or even ask to do so. Rather, I suggested that OP should ask the Anti-Anta, *“if you think your weekend of sin is both Christ-honoring and Big Fun, you should invite your pastor to go with you!” *And apparently the kid’s response was something like *“Invite him? It was his idea!” *or some such dreadful response.

Originally posted by TOM:

But I don’t think that problem is confined to any one branch of the household of faith.

Reply originally posted by** rcwitness**:

Interesting phrase…

Galatians 6:10: “So then, while or, as] we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

It’s an appropriate phrase, because in both a family and a church there may be people whom we wouldn’t have chosen as friends, but we have a bond that means we’re stuck with them.

 

[rcwitness]

For a moment I thought there was a language or translation difference. I must given the wrong impression. It was not my intention that the OP [Dirk Skene] should contact the Antinomian Antagonist’s pastor, or even ask to do so. Rather, I suggested that OP should ask the Anti-Anta, *“if you think your weekend of sin is both Christ-honoring and Big Fun, you should invite your pastor to go with you!” *And apparently the kid’s response was something like *“Invite him? It was his idea!” *or some such dreadful response.

Galatians 6:10: “So then, while or, as] we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.”

It’s an appropriate phrase, because in both a family and a church there may be people whom we wouldn’t have chosen as friends, but we have a bond that means we’re stuck with them.

Sure… I didn’t see some of these details about the man’s pastor. I have actually confronted a man about his accusations towards my faith and asked him to confirm them with his pastor because they were uncharitable. It was a last resort if we were going to continue fellowship. He shrink ed away from it.

But it’s a personal choice whether or not to pursue that kinda thing. And I see your point about this situation.

I would give him a handful of Scriptures which condemn a Once Saved, Always Saved heresy.

 

[Son_of_Niall]

I mentioned that possibility upthread too. “Protect his soul, but protect your job.” I’d say it’s a coin toss as to whether the OP would get into trouble for challenging this co-worker, or whether the co-worker is being unprofessional and disruptive in the workplace. Secular law would have spanked the youngster by now if, say, he had repeated his weekend-of-sin activities to an unwilling female audience. “Creating a hostile workplace environment,” it’s called. Should the rules be different if he is speaking smut that he knows is bothering other men?

What I would suggest is that the OP is not exactly shy either, and the balance of power will stay with him only as long as he is able to show more restraint and professionalism than the Antinomian Antagonist.

You know the best way to show you are a Christian?
Do your job. Simple as that.
Some of the absolute WORST employees I ever had were Bible-wavers who somehow believed because they were ‘born again’, the rules did not apply to them. They would show up late, moved at a snail’s pace, spent more time chatting than working. There were exceptions of course.
I had a basic rule: Show up for work on time, do your job. You want to argue religion? Do it on your own time.

 

[jlhargus]

I can identify with the feeling it gives you. I have a couple of Catholic acquaintances who like to justify their behavior with “I know I’ll have to tell the priest sooner or later that I am sorry …”

Knowing one will have to repent and confess their sins, to be restored to grace, is a far cry from being deceived into a false belief one can do whatever they want and remain in grace. One can be saved by repentance no one can be saved without repentance.

 

[Wannano]

Knowing one will have to repent and confess their sins, to be restored to grace, is a far cry from being deceived into a false belief one can do whatever they want and remain in grace. One can be saved by repentance no one can be saved without repentance.

I see your point. Intentionally sinning with the idea that one will repent after enjoying the sin to be restored to grace seems rather presumptive though as well.

 

[rcwitness]

I see your point. Intentionally sinning with the idea that one will repent after enjoying the sin to be restored to grace seems rather presumptive though as well.

Yes. And this makes true contrition more difficult. And feeds future temptation to do it more.

But what matters, in the end, is if there is genuine remorse and turning away from the sin, knowing that Jesus gives forgiveness to those who confess and ask for pardon.

He died to be able to forgive. Not so we would continue, but overcome with His grace.

 

[Wannano]

Yes. And this makes true contrition more difficult. And feeds future temptation to do it more.

But what matters, in the end, is if there is genuine remorse and turning away from the sin, knowing that Jesus gives forgiveness to those who confess and ask for pardon.

He died to be able to forgive. Not so we would continue, but overcome with His grace.

Worded beautifully, thanks.