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Am I Saved?

1 John 1:8-10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 3:6-10
6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 7 Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 8 The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work. 9 No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.

I read this last night after a weekend of heavy drinking and eating.

This is not a habitual thing for me. I have drank less than 10 times this year but I have been struggling with overeating due to heavy restriction of calories, since the beginning of this year, in an effort to lose weight.

I have lost about 50 pounds and am only 10 pounds away from goal weight. But, the stress of it all (turning away all social engagements, business engagements, family time etc) causes me to overeat when I start to eat any sugary foods and drinking magnifies the craves and reduces all inhibition and self-control.

So, to my way of thinking, I am not only drinking to excess but then engaging in gluttony, or self sabotage or, I don't really know 100% what the exact sin would be but the action of drinking too much and then overeating seems sinful. Also, I don't view these things as glorifying God or being a light to unbelievers (my family) so it would seem to me that I am indeed sinning.

In an effort to understand, I read the above verses last night.

With regards to 1 John 1:8-10, I believe I am a sinner, have confessed my sins, asked for forgiveness and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and savior.

With regards to 1 John 3:6-10, sin is of the devil, and 'No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God. 10 This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are,'

Am I truly saved then if I continue to sin? Am I sinning? I have prayed and acknowledged that I'm not sure about either of these points but, really, I am sure I am saved because I have done what the Bible says saves us according to Romans 10:9-13:

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”[e] 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[f]

Any and all help is appreciated. On one hand, I feel broken hearted. I certainly do not want to be of the devil and I want to live my life for Christ and have assurance that I will be with Him when the time comes. On the other hand, I feel like I'm misunderstanding something and overreacting. On the other hand, I feel like I could want that to be the case because the consequences are devastating and I wouldn't know what the point of anything was anymore...

If you could help me, I would be forever grateful, thank you and God bless.
First, congratulations! It is not easy to lose weight and I commend you for your achievement. As for drinking and eating as sinful, please give yourself a break.... please. God knows your heart and knows how hard you have worked to live a healthier lifestyle that being said, He doesn't want you to dwell in self pity and isolation. This certainly does not glorify Him.
So what can you do? Ask Him to help you overcome temptations. This is why He gave us His Holy Spirit, to be our "Helper". Soon enough you will see a change from avoidance to engagement. I am certain your family and friends miss you and with the full Armour of God you will have that self- control you are seeking.
Be blessed.
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Who then can be saved?

As I have already explained earlier, the early Church has nothing but confusion and strife to offer. We now have 2000 years of refinement behind us during which time the Church has got rid of all those Gnostic heresies, which you are desperately trying to resurrect.

Why would any reasonable person look to the ancient Gnostics for instruction, while todays Church possesses the whole counsel of God and the completed Canon of Scripture which none of the prophets or apostles had. We know more about God today, than all of the prophets and apostles combined. So you need to deal with the facts before you make silly claims which are based on nothing but your emotions and feelings.
Ok genius explain to everyone what Gnosticism is and how we even know anything about it. Where did you learn about Gnosticism?
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Who then can be saved?

I'm not making the foolish claim, but if one believes in predestination in the manner you seem to, that man has no say, no choice in his eternal destiny, then the only conclusion available is that God makes the choice for him. And Calvinism, from my understanding, makes that very claim, that God predestines the reprobate to hell="double predestination", as it's called.

And while the bible isn't crystal clear on this, it's pretty darn near to it. So, for those past 2000 years it's been well enough understood that God, Himself, is what makes heaven heavenly, and separation from Him is primarily what makes hell what it is: punishment. Even man's present misery is already attributed to the lack of union with God which will be totally overcome only when we meet Him "face to face" in the next life.

"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed." 2 Thess 1:8-10
  • Matthew 25:31-46: The parable of the sheep and the goats, which results in the goats being sent into "eternal punishment" and the sheep into "eternal life".
  • Revelation 20:12-15: Describes the final judgment where the dead are judged and those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire.

    • Matthew 13:42 and 25:30: Speak of "weeping and gnashing of teeth".
    • Mark 9:43-48: Refers to "unquenchable fire" and the "worm that does not die".
    • Isaiah 66:24: Mentions the "worm" and the "fire" in a way that is used to describe the eternal nature of punishment.
    • Luke 16:23-24: Describes Lazarus and the rich man in Hades, with the rich man crying out in "torment" and begging for water.
    • Matthew 10:28: States that God can "destroy both soul and body in hell".
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Can democratic Socialism save America?

That is incorrect. They are supported just as much as Capitalism.
Explain how that is the case especially communism.
That is also incorrect. There ate several Social Democracies which are quite successful. They people are really happy.
Then those who want that life style are free to move there.
America has had socialism, in some concept, since our foundation. The preamble's text fits comfortably in with Social Democracy.
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. What is currently being proposed in this country as democratic socialism or what ever variation of that is not compatible with the preamble as you claim. “the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity” is not in the future promoted by the likes of Bernie, Mamdani, Omar, Cortez and many others .
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Who then can be saved?

OK, ,so you believe Paul was including the reprobate in his letter to Timothy. Anyone with a second grade education knows that is nonsense
No Paul was including both Timothy and himself in that statement. If WE deny Him, He will deny US. The only reason you can’t accept what is ACTUALLY WRITTEN IN SCRIPTURE is because it contradicts your theology. And the worst thing about it is that you don’t care what the scriptures say.
Upvote 0

Who then can be saved?

I'm not making the foolish claim, but if one believes in predestination in the manner you seem to, that man has no say, no choice in his eternal destiny, then the only conclusion available is that God makes the choice for him. And Calvinism, from my understanding, makes that very claim, that God predestines the reprobate to hell="double predestination", as it's called.

And while the bible isn't crystal clear on this, it's pretty darn near to it. So, for those past 2000 years it's been well enough understood that God, Himself, is what makes heaven heavenly, and separation from Him is primarily what makes hell what it is: punishment. Even man's present misery is already attributed to the lack of union with God which will be totally overcome only when we meet Him "face to face" in the next life.

"He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed." 2 Thess 1:8-10
The Bible Doctrine of election onto salvation, can't be twisted, to extract an opposite doctrine such as "the doctrine of predestination to hell" (as you are attempting to do). Nobody from the Reformed Church has ever made such a foolish claim.
John Calvin never made such a foolish claim, and neither did any of the Reformers, and neither does any Reformed Church teach such nonsense. This silly idea is born out of ignorance by those who are afraid of the truth of the gospel. They hold on to a false gospel, (which can't save anyone), while ignoring the truth of the gospel.

The fact that God chose to save some before He created the world and wrote their names in His book of life, doesn't mean that He created the rest for the purpose of tormenting then in hell fire for all eternity.
The unbelievers deserve nothing less than eternal torment in hell, even if you disagree with God and hate Him for it, that changes nothing. God still does exactly what He promised to do to them.


  • Matthew 25:46: "And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
  • Revelation 14:11: "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night..."
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9: "...they will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord..."
  • Jude 7: Describes Sodom and Gomorrah as undergoing "the punishment of eternal fire".
  • Revelation 20:10: Describes the devil being tormented "day and night forever and
    • Matthew 25:31-46: The parable of the sheep and the goats, which results in the goats being sent into "eternal punishment" and the sheep into "eternal life".
    • Revelation 20:12-15: Describes the final judgment where the dead are judged and those not found in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire.
    • There is no denying the reality of Eternal Conscious Torment of hell fire.
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Zions New Children

So which of the 12 tribes do we belong to, if the promise to the 12 was correct in Matthew 19:28?
This tribe:
John 10:16
Jesus said, "And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one Shepherd."
Upvote 0

Who then can be saved?

As I have already explained earlier, the early Church has nothing but confusion and strife to offer. We now have 2000 years of refinement behind us during which time the Church has got rid of all those Gnostic heresies, which you are desperately trying to resurrect.

Why would any reasonable person look to the ancient Gnostics for instruction, while todays Church possesses the whole counsel of God and the completed Canon of Scripture which none of the prophets or apostles had. We know more about God today, than all of the prophets and apostles combined. So you need to deal with the facts before you make silly claims which are based on nothing but your emotions and feelings.
You don’t even know what Gnosticism is. You’ve already demonstrated that with your ridiculous statement that free will is a gnostic teaching.
Upvote 0

Weekly homilies

Homily Tuesday, November 18 2025

33rd OT



2M 6:18-31

"I’m suffering it with joy in my soul because of my devotion to the Lord."



Let us live each day in joy. This is a good practice for the more difficult, painful moments.



Lk 19:1-10

Jesus says: "Zacchaeus, come down quickly; for today I must stay at your house."



Let us replace Zacchaeus's name with our own:

"(Name), come down quickly; today I must stay at your house."



Jesus is really saying: (Name), come down quickly within yourself, in peace and joy; I am in your house, in your heart.



With this joy and peace, my Love will touch the hearts of those around you.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
Upvote 0

Weekly homilies

Homily Monday, November 17 2025

33rd OT



1 M 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64

"In those days there appeared in Israel transgressors of the law who seduced many, saying: “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles all around us.'"



Oh, to stray from the Love of God leads to evil.



Letting oneself be Loved by God distances oneself from evil.



Lk 18:35-43

"He follows Jesus, giving glory to God."



The man who has regained his sight and of whom Jesus says, "Your faith has saved you," discovers the joy and peace of God within himself.



By remaining with the Lord, in His Love, he can give glory to God throughout his existence.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
Upvote 0

Weekly homilies

Homily Monday, November 17 2025

33rd OT



1 M 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64

"In those days there appeared in Israel transgressors of the law who seduced many, saying: “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles all around us.'"



Oh, to stray from the Love of God leads to evil.



Letting oneself be Loved by God distances oneself from evil.



Lk 18:35-43

"He follows Jesus, giving glory to God."



The man who has regained his sight and of whom Jesus says, "Your faith has saved you," discovers the joy and peace of God within himself.



By remaining with the Lord, in His Love, he can give glory to God throughout his existence.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
Upvote 0

Release from Epstein files

The fact that Trump was caught creeping into the dressing room of under-aged females (he even privately bragged about it) does indicate that he was interested. So motive plus opportunity...

Trying to sow chaos again.
Once one gets caught at something like that, people always suspect the same person. It's not just creeping into girls' dressing rooms. A court found that he had sexually assaulted a woman. Why do you think Americans suspect that he's guilty?

Nearly half of Americans believe Trump was ‘involved with Epstein’s crimes’, new poll finds

Trump’s overall job approval as president sits at 40 percent, the poll found


Trump has been embroiled in ongoing controversy over his handling of files related to Epstein. Initially, the White House ordered a review of the case and said it would publish names and evidence about Epstein's associates. However, a July memo by the FBI and Justice Department said there was no Epstein "client list" and that no further charges would be brought. The announcement triggered a backlash among those who called for more transparency about the case.

Even Biden didn't find anything. And he had it for four years.
What makes you think he was looking? Not every politician is crooked enough to weaponize the Justice Department. Biden had the Trump pandemic and an economic disaster to deal with when he took office.
Upvote 0

Weekly homilies

Homily Monday, November 17 2025

33rd OT



1 M 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-64

"In those days there appeared in Israel transgressors of the law who seduced many, saying: “Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles all around us.'"



Oh, to stray from the Love of God leads to evil.



Letting oneself be Loved by God distances oneself from evil.



Lk 18:35-43

"He follows Jesus, giving glory to God."



The man who has regained his sight and of whom Jesus says, "Your faith has saved you," discovers the joy and peace of God within himself.



By remaining with the Lord, in His Love, he can give glory to God throughout his existence.



Biblical texts: NAB-RE

Normand Thomas.
Upvote 0

Gallup: Drop in U.S. Religiosity Among Largest in World

You put far too much stock into voting...
I'd rather have the vote in an imperfect system then not have the vote in another imperfect system which would also see everyone's lives dictated to by religious beliefs.

So that would be a secular system as opposed to a theocracy.
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Can democratic Socialism save America?

I received a warning for speaking of the dems leaning to socialism. Is it ok now to talk about it here? I believe my warning should be removed. It was not long ago.
Why would there be a warning for speaking a truth that is proudly and openly admitted by many democratic leaders in our government?
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B flat B♭

At my longitude it is southeast for the Astra 28.2 satellite system. But yes, geostationary satellites are situated above the equator, which also means the further north the latitude, the nearer to the horizon the dish needs to be aligned towards.
I’m not going to bother to do it, but you could use this information to calculate the circumference of the earth.
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