1 Peter 5:8-9 New Living Translation “8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. *Remember that your family of believers[a] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”*
Paul had a thorn in the flesh. This is my thorn in the flesh, I wish I had not these evil thoughts, God knows this, if our hearts condemn us let's remember that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things as the scriptures say.
My friend... Your words are beautiful. I've been alone my entire life struggling with this, buried in a tomb of video game addiction and self destruction for 31 years. Thank you for being a beautiful person (:
The thorn in the flesh Paul was referring to were the people persecuting him. You can see this is the truth because it is mentioned in the previous chapter, and also when interpreting scripture you should always go back to the law of first mention. The first time that phrase was used was about the enemies of Israel - referring to people as a thorn in their side. The thorn is referring to having Grace which is sufficient when it comes to people.
This is been spiraling me and causing me a great deal of torment. What really messes me up is the scripture "not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven" The intrusive thoughts whisper to me... What makes you think you are good enough to make it to heaven. Understanding this as performance based legalism is a huge relief. It's like the distortion of the traumatized mind can't help but project our conditional world view onto who we think God is. Please God show me your grace.
John 6:40 Is the Will of God, believe that and rest. Matthew 7:21-23 Is about people Who want to work out their salvation with their works... Matthew 7:21 and John 6:40 are really Beautiful verses
Well I think that verse was in more of a relational context in “knowing” the lord while also trying to uphold the law even though we’re not perfect. I hope that’s right someone can correct me if I’m wrong
I hope that if we frequently know and feel the Holy Spirit we “know” the Lord. But it’s hard to tell with all this legalism and having to spread the gospel to everyone we see type of deal, especially if we are going through our own spiritual battles and life struggles it’s very hard to hit some of those marks. Maybe God has different plans and uses for different people and we just have to accept that as the way it is so we can have peace
@Ninishiningleaf something that helps me is remembering I have NO righteousness of my own. I wear the breastplate of Jesus righteousness. I hope this is beneficial for you. God loves you.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much these videos mean to me. I have battled with what I believe to be religious OCD for the past few years and have only now begun to realize the depth of God’s love for me. I felt so called out in this video lol! When I read the scripture in John about not being under condemnation, I literally struggled word for word with what you spoke on. (I would read it and think “I must be under condemnation... I am a fake Christian then...I must not be saved... “ God is so abundantly good and I can’t wait to spend my whole life learning more about His grace and love really means. This is tough, but it’s a beautiful lesson to learn.
Yes what she said! I actually paused it when you said a person with OCD will read it and think this..I read it and continued the video and it's like you read my mind then fixed how I interepted it
THIS GAVE ME SO MUCH CLARITY RIGHT NOW WOW. “Condemnation is your interpreter” THIS IS WHY I STRAYED FROM READING THE BIBLE AND NOW I FINALLY KNOW WHY THANK YOU SO MUCH
Mark. I am 16 years old and I love the Lord boldly, but a religious spirit and a life with constant and consistent condemnation lingering over me, has caused me so much worry, doubt, fear, etc. THANK YOU for this video, brother. You are a blessing from God to my life. Thank you. Please say a short prayer for me.❤
@@pollyandrade2125 hey man, you aren’t alone. I started in my walk with Christ at 16, im now 17 and i still deal with pretty much exactly what ur saying. Its gotten a little better, some days good some terrible. Ill be honest its not easy but you got this. Well, Jesus does lol
Absolutely weeping!!!! I have been living with perfectionism and religious OCD (unaware) for months now. I absolutes HATED myself bc I couldn’t “get right” these last few months when I spent last year and early this year on fire, reading scripture and worshiping regularly, I then got tangled up in competition because I made friends with another believer that has way more biblical knowledge than me and I felt I wasn’t “as Christian” as them, then I became unmotivated, then distracted/not even wanting to read scripture anymore, worship anymore, to the point I felt totally cut off from GOD and the weight of that was so heavy I was afraid to attempt to even come back. “Why would He want to be bothered with me now? I’ve let Him down so bad.” Was my daily thought every day for months now. I’ve been going through OCD absolute mental and spiritual torture, I was sure there was no way He could want me anymore. Thank you for this video!!! Still weeping!
Recently I’ve been diagnosed with OCD. Specifically scrupulosity. At one time I had thought I had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. I honestly felt so alone and that I was the only one who has ever been through this. I finally found relief and peace with the fact I had not blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Now my main fear is just I’m condemned no matter what. No specific sin or anything like that. Just condemnation. I accepted Jesus, but I felt like I was still condemned. I was looking at salvation through a legalism view point rather than by faith. Your video helped me tremendously to understand I’m not alone, just because I may feel a certain way doesn’t mean it’s true, and most importantly things do get better. Thank you so much! Blessings to you!
@@jordan_jones16 this is so true I've been living through a long time in this. I feel seen while going through people who have gone through this. God is Good always❤
@@jordan_jones16 youre not the only one. I broke promises to God and felt hopeless . Or kept falling back into the same sins. I also had compulsions to do things that felt out of my control. The truth is, we cant save ourselves and we need to trust in Jesus. There is no sin too large or great that His death did not cover.
Christians can be very condemning. I had to take a break from my church because it was too much. The pastor would condemn you online for not coming to church and not actively participating in the church. It really messed me up. I was miserable as a Christian. It wasn't enjoyable at all. Still in it. Learning to think differently. Thank you for this 🙏🏽
@@tyrecematthews1487 I think his point is the people treating OP like that weren’t truly Christians because their fruit didn’t show it. If someone is condemning they don’t truly understand Christ.
I’ve been struggling with exactly all of this to a T. For about 20 years of my life. Knowing I’m not the only one who’s brain spins with anxiety because of legalism. This is really the first time I’ve heard of OCD Christianity, but it feels like God is blessing me with this knowledge.
Wow, a friend sent me your video. I’ve been on a journey of stepping out of condemnation. Just the other day, I was spending time with Lord and kept bringing up all my short comings and how I’ve been struggling to “make” Him Lord in all these areas. I sensed God telling me, He is already Lord in my life, I don’t have to MAKE Him anything. I clearly heard, I Am Lord. Just ALLOW me to be Lord in these areas instead of trying to make be something I already am. He was showing me how much I was striving and how I was SOO fixated on where I was failing instead of coming from a place of grace and how loved I am. Grace is literally meant to empower us to live a life of righteousness, and I can really see where condemnation keeps me in bondage to fear and sin. I love how you said it’s a journey! Amen! So grateful for the resources you are providing and it really helps me to know that I’m not crazy ;) I know there are many Christians who have to struggle with this!
These exact issues have made my life very difficult for a long time. I feel like everything is a sin is some way shape or form. I internalize and question everything I say, do, and think. What makes it harder is that reading the bible seems to make it worse. I just don't feel love, grace and mercy when I read most scriptures. It just all comes off as very condemning. I want to enjoy my life and be at peace but everything I read in the bible seems to suggests that God wants me to be miserable. The dark side of my mind tells me that if I let myself be happy then I am complicit with sin and finding joy through worldly things. If anyone has advice on how I can look at things differently I would appreciate it. I really need help with this. It would help if you can back up any encouraging advice with biblical scripture
We’re all in the same boat, I found a woman who goes into depth of what she went through with religious OCD and how it got better th-cam.com/video/m_wSFdGJfRI/w-d-xo.html
Righteousness peace joy in the Holy Ghost That is the kingdom of God Allow the the peace of God to rule your hearts in Christ Jesus We walk by faith not by sight(or feelings) I believe God wants us to exercise our faith by telling Him thank you for giving us what He said He is giving us and even in confessing our total lack of feeling peace or joy thank Him that all the promises in Christ are yes and Amen They belong to you as an inheritance in Jesus. I think we need to remind ourselves and each other that God is faithful God is merciful God is our Heavenly Father and His heart is toward us. If God is for us who can stand against us. I have these same struggles and I believe it is the devil trying to discourage us. Once a friend told me a quote from an old preacher . It basically encouraged people in their struggle with sin and the flesh to take one look at ourselves and three looks at Jesus. We need to behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
I struggle with this too but Father God is walking me through a deep inner healing and deliverance from trauma. The scripture that instantly came to my mind instantly when I read your comment is (1 John 4:8 ) “God is love.”
I feel compelled to share a scripture that isn't Biblical, but is in the Book of Mormon, a canon of scripture that we use in my religion that is directly connected to the Bible and also about Jesus. This particular verse always speaks to me (it's Jesus speaking) "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them". (Ether 12:27 if you ever want to revisit it). With scrupulosity, it often feels like your awareness of sin in the world is a huge curse. I like this reminder that we are meant to be aware of our weakness so that we will rely on Jesus, but we are not meant to feel condemned or guilty; if we are humble and do our best He takes care of it.
Many negative thoughts don't originate from us, I've heard it said, the enemy interjects thoughts and makes us think it's ours but really its the enemy . It has helped me to say that's not my thought and I don't receive that in Jesus name and let it pass. It is a struggle at times so this is so helpful Mark!
I remember one wise Christian I heard say that the enemy stands on one side of you and injects a bad thought into your head then he comes round the other side and condemns you for it! 😂 it’s true!
It’s like a salesman who tries to convince you that you want something when you don’t want it, but you believe him that you do want it, even though you know you don’t want it.
You are here for such a time as this. Awakening those who have been stricken. Opening our spirit to freedom. You speak the language of so many people who had no one that could hear their cries. Thank God and Thank You!!
I have battled this alone for years now. Father God is bringing me into freedom but sometimes I still yo yo like tonight for instance. And I can only thank God I came across this video. I was very frightened even thinking I had lost my salvation. I was repeatedly repenting of things that have already been dealt with. I’m glad I watched this video. I’m much calmer now and hopefully I can get some sleep 😴
I struggle with what I believe to be religious OCD & OCD pure O (according to what I have been told). I’m also high-functioning autistic & have a problem with same sex attraction. I get very condemned over that, even though I’m physically doing nothing. I have many dreadful intrusive thoughts (I have been told that’s the “pure O”) which I try to ignore. At least here, I can see I’m not alone, but I still fear when people say Christians can still go to hell over “xyz”. I also have trouble receiving love. I don’t generally feel confident towards God & ALWAYS feel like a substandard Christian. Thanks for this video.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Ive been struggling with religious condemnation and ocd ever since I gave my life to christ a few months back. I get so nervous and low in my confidence that I find myself stuttering. Ive never had this issue before, but this video has really helped me. Currently looking for a therapy group to deal with this, but the task feels overwhelming and Im not sure where I should start. I struggle with something as simple as deciding what to eat for dinner my ocd is awful.
Very timely. I always feel guilty most of the time, and I have a great fear that God will punish me terribly like what He did to disobedient Israelites in the time of Moses. I am living in so much fear for many years. I am so scared of God. I just realized I have this religious OCD. Please pray for me. Thank you
2024 was a tough year for me, trying so hard to reconnect with God. But this verse has been spinning in my mind ever so often. I feel as if I have to perform to become 'hot' for Christ. Does anyone here feel the same way? 'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.' I feel as if I'm never perfect for God.
SERIOUSLYYYY, right now I’m taking a break from the Bible because I always feel anxiety from it. I don’t feel loved or at peace in it at all but though I’m not reading it I feel “lukewarm”, that He’ll spit me out if I’m not doing what im suppose to be doing..it’s so frustrating because I just wanna enjoy life and be at peace, knowing God loves me and I’m okay :( We’ll get to it brother..just one step at a time
Brother Mark thank you for allowing the Spirit Of God to use you to deliver this message...I have been battling with sexual impurity for over 3 years. And even though I have been doing my best to serve with all I am and all I have. It hasn't helped at all. It's made me hate myself and feel like I am unworthy of God's grace and mercy. Please pray for me this has been a stronghold I have been battling with intensely, each and every single day 🙇🏿♂️
Thank you for this video. As someone whose been living with Chronic anxiety and OCD that was recently diagnosed your voice on Christian Introvervion and Mental health in our faith has been a huge help for me. I've become frustrated with my faith and wondering why I'm not experiencing what others have in Christ. Only recently have a realized that I'm in denial about my diagnosis and the realities of it that I deal with everyday. It's really hard to accept salvation when your brain is hardwired for constant, frustrating introspection that negates everything the bible reveals to us about Grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. My incessant overthinking and anxiety made me realize that I've been trying to get closer to God through works and not by the faith he's given me so graciously through the Holy Spirit. If there's anyone else that has a hard time know you're not alone and that Jesus has your back. It's gonna take a while but just keep going and have faith. ❤️
They should be teaching this concept in every church! This is the freedom we all need that is taught by God, but the enemy doesn't want us to have or know this freedom. God is blessing us in a mighty way by your teaching.
"What is important for my walk with God to be fruitful, that when I stand before Him I be confident? Based on what? That I'm living a good life? No. Based on His love for me, His Grace towards me, what He did for me. That's my confidence." This stuck out to me most. But it's still hard for me to wrap my head around, because in my mind if I'm still struggling with certain sins and strongholds in my life then that means I must not love God enough to stop. And sometimes I feel like He gets sick and tired of me repenting over and over again for the same things. Because when I do abstain from things, I feel better but when I fail, I feel like I failed God and myself.
Im living in my New heart in My New Year-2025!!!- It feels Great!!! Safe....No more Self Condemnation. Living in My New Overflow of Self Originating Holy Spirit Easy Love❤ Thank You Jesus!!! We are FREE INDEED!
Sir, YOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO SPEAK CLEARLY AND SPEAK AS A HUMAN BEING!!!!! I appreciate you so much!!!! Thank you for this video thank you for examples in this video! Mark THANK YOU!! God bless you!!
This was such a great & needed teaching!! I’ve been operating from condemnation for a while now!! I’m gonna focus on the Love God has for me, what’s he’s done, not what I did, give it all to him!! Thank you God bless!! ❤
Thank you!!!!! This has been me for YEARS… decades. I was raised in a psuedo Christian cult that is heavily work based and even has no guarantee of salvation. God saved me 2 years ago and I’ve been baptized in Christ now… it’s taken about a year for me to even get clear enough to know … God sent me your videos! Thank you so much ❤ May he BLESS YOU our brother in Christ
I just cried my eyes out this morning about religious OCD . And I’ve been praying to God for clarity and discernment and I found your videos on it . God bless you . These videos are more helpful than you imagine
Wow!! Exactly what I have been going through the last 27 years. Since I was 8 I have had OCD symptoms. Unfortunately I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 22. I was genuinely saved when I was 13 but OCD has ripped my brain and pounded me with condemnation, anxiety, fear, depression and hopelessness since. OCD has been of all themes. But the moral of the story is God loves us unconditionally and it is important to keep the perspective on how OCD will grab ahold of any theme and attack us. The enemy uses it to distract and deprive us of knowing Gods love. Thank you for your channel and videos and sharing. Our OCD changes themes endlessly and the enemy uses it against us but God is always the same and loves us infinitely through Jesus Christ!
It’s like my brain has a butterfly net that catches every passing thought and examines it as deeply as possible. I’m learning how to deal with it, but it gets hard sometimes.
Look, I had some crazy, disturbing thoughts in the delivery room when my daughter was born, and I felt straight up like I was being possessed by an evil entity; it shook me to my core, and I'm so glad I have found your channel!
It has always astounded me as to how catholics can simply confess when I live in a constant state of confession and prayer. My mind is on the Lord constantly. Learning how to love myself and others.
I want to encourage anyone who is tired and weary and frustrated Thinking there is no change Please keep going there is light at the end of the tunnel Take courage my friend You are not alone and you will overcome I have been there I’m sure others have too Praying for you Mark is being used by God Amen
I feel so so condemned I have to slap myself everytime to even understand what love beyond condemnation means! Help me oh Saviour. Fix me. Help me. Let me understand what your love through grace means and not my works. Help me Holy Spirit.
21:50 This point right here “if something doesn’t make sense right now don’t worry about it, shelve it and come back to it later.” Has helped me so much.
Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling these past few weeks (or could it have been for much longer since being saved!). God loves us and sees us, y'all. He provides EVERYTHING that we need at the right time. God bless you, brother!
Thank you Mark for your sensitive insights. I am so pleased, and relieved, in having found your broadcasts. You are a sincere Christian, no doubt, with a heart to help others in a way that God has surely directed you. While being a highly sensitive personality can have its benefits and rewards, it's downside can bring much interpersonal difficulty and struggles. It is such a relief to know there is some Godly person stepping out to address the issues in helping others to get and maintain a balance in pursuit of a Godly life.
This will be a video I come back to time and time again. My themes of obsessions have jumped from theme to theme the past few weeks. I’d become obsessed with restitution over the years and feeling like I had to right my wrongs to earn salvation. Just yesterday I was triggered by a scripture about making vows and pledges to God. I believe I made a vow to God to confess my sin publicly if He would forgive me for a sin I did and rid me of my guilt. My vow included if I made the mistake again I’d risk punishment and confess publicly. Now I feel condemned to hell because I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain NOR am I brave enough to do so without almost doing it as a compulsion to alleviate the aching and nagging fear
I have similar compulsions. Ive done similar and i think its a type of mental illness. God knows this and remember, theres nothing God cant forgive and no promise Jesus cant free us from.
Thank you for providing what you do, it’s so incredibly refreshing and needed. This is the freedom Christ wants us to live and relish in! What the verse you expressed in John (regarding our hearts condemning us and God being bigger) reminded me also of psalms which personally for me was what saved me from a lot of scrupolosity, watching another person’s video on it, was something like “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart forever” ❤️❤️❤️❤️ God is the holiest and satan is taking the joyful aspect out of it by convoluting our thinking with only bad when God gave us all of the medicine we need for it to have joy and the fullest life that ever could be possible
Thanks for your ministry once again dear Mark. In my decades walk as a Christian I have never encountered anyone who could understand me and minister to me like you have. In this terrible OCD I have walked as a foreign missionary and a pastor here in the states. I have carried this fight for years, yet have pressed on. There have been some dark pits like you described in this video. I have been slowly gaining traction in a good way. I still have a ways to go but I will keep up the good fight and watch your videos here and there for encouragement and wisdom. God bless you and your family!!
You basically explained my whole situation. I have wanted to know God more, but most of it stemmed from condemnation. I used to fast, pray, read the Bible, and share the Gospel. I often feel pressured into fasting for God. My parents did object bc I’m still young (15) and should be enjoying God’s Creation! This situation led to me feeling very unsettled in my Spirit, and couldn’t enjoy life. Watching this video gave me hope! Lord bless you!
Excellent and felt great relief! I wish and pray , a person called can teach this Truth to my co- missionaries and new believers. Loving brother Bobby - India - Karnataka
Thank you for this video, it made me feel a lot less crazy. I've never been able to "respect" Jesus. I knew I loved Him sort of but when people would constantly rejoice over the cross and resurrection I would tune out, being uninterested. Everyone seemed to get so much peace from it. Not me. I've found myself thinking, "what's even the point of the grace of God? Of course I won't sin intentionally but what's the point in resisting it when I will fail inevitably?" I still think this but God revealed to me that I might struggle with religious OCD. I am living under condemnation, not grace. I struggled with anorexia and self harm for about 3 years ( only now in that genuine recovery stage ), but I still struggle with it. I also have perfectionism and have had strong tendencies of it since the age of 10. It all makes sense now why I am so incredibly introspective, especially when it comes to my faith! If people know anything about the mental illness of eating disorders ( restrictive ones particularly ), you'd know that they HEAVILY encourage 'black and white' thinking errors as well as a very work-to-earn-reward mentality. I am really in the depths of that. Trying to earn my way into salvation... no wonder I feel such a lack of reverence for the resurrection. This has brought an immense amount of clarity. Thank you. I will be revisiting this video and the others on your channel and this topic. I want to feel the freedom and peace intended for me, a believer to receive.
Thank you so much for using your expierence to help other like me for the Glory of God. Ive been feeling like God has told me to stop showering, eating, and drinking or stepping oit of my house... but kept giving in. And i have been losing faith.. i needed this eye opener. Thank you
I'm so thankful God lead me to your channel because this video is exactly how I am. I see this as proof that God is working on me but in his own timing. And to anyone that reads this God is proud of you right where you are. He promises to mold you into the image of his son that is a life long process. ( Romans 8:29)
This addresses my issues of fear when I read God's Word and pray. I always second guess- what if I think I'm right with God and I'm not??!! Rom 5:1-2 has helped me! My Faith in Christ and His Righteousness is where my peace is. This is the core of my anxiety!! Thank you God for using Mark!!!
Mark, I hope you see how much God has used the overwhelming torment you've went through of ocd, for your good and his glory. Look how many people hes used you to help!! This is such an encouragement to me and I hope God continues to use me in the midst of my tormenting OCD to bring glory to himself, and to teach me things like this.Thank you so much Mark!
Wow... You quite literally just made an entire video describing me. I can not even express the blessing this understand is at this point. Thank you Jesus.
Amazing teaching! I love how you expose the religious spirit without seeming judgmental. I hear your heart preaching “Lord free Your children” thank you so much! Lord bless you and yours!
Wowww this was sooo helpful. I’ve been going through spiritual oppression since 2016. I’ve experienced so much condemnation type spirits, and perfectionism types of things. Omigosh it felt like it got bigger recently - just too much for me and i just got exhausted and tired so tired. And talking about adding rules .. I have been feeling so condemned and bad over my struggle with coffee 😞 And other things too. But such a big struggle over I like coffee does God want me to quit am I doing this wrong or that wrong. I could go on. Thank you for this teaching. I appreciate it. And your right His Word should bring life. I just felt so condemned over all these different scriptures...
I’m going through the same thing! For me it’s makeup I’m afraid God is telling me to stop wearing it or a religious spirit, I feel so condemned, I’m afraid of becoming a reprobate
@@awedbyhiswonder no where😂 but these religious spirits don’t give us rest. Anything we enjoy all of a sudden becomes an “idol” In our minds and torments us
@@noellealdi881 and the thing is when you say make up.. I think in my mind, make up? Make up is fine. Oh God help her with this thing. Which is maybe how others see me with the coffee 🥺 😏 ♥️
This video is such a blessing, and a great confirmation for me. Father God has been dealing with this in me, most specifically this year in general. I started my first real personal relationship with Him last year and it fell through by December. I had a sense it had to do with my own striving, and when I found the strength to pick myself up and try again, Father’s been slowly showing me and leading me towards a fuller understanding of His grace and love towards me. I had always leaned towards this sort of legalistic, perfectionistic, and condemning mentality. But now I am practicing leaning FULLY on His grace, His power, His ability, and His timing instead of my own.
I cried a lot of times throughout your video. I currently struggle with religious and moral OCD and I felt EVERY WORD in your video. I felt like I was being spoken to personally and that my life was examined. Thank you for speaking the word of the Lord. I prayed last night for peace, and tonight I stumble upon your video. God bless you more, brother.
I’ve gone through so much trauma. My ocd is on idolatry. It’s hard to explain in a comment but I have been through so much to the point where I became a perfectionist and obsessive about the sin of idolatry. Because there was a time I was accused of it (not rebuked, like actually accused) and was told that God was about to beat me up because of being “out of his will” and how I am an “idolater”. This fear and condemnation has been with me for many years. I felt as if “idolater” has been my identity. It led me to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts 😞
I think I have been the same kind of struggle to some extent, but maybe is true also in my case about idolatry. I quit a certain job I had trained for as I felt guilty and also felt guilty when studying, like I should have been reading the Bible and praying but instead studying IT. I then got afraid that education is a sin, worldly. But then how do we function in life like that?
@@penttimuhli9442 we are in this world but not of it. God FULLY understands that we have to make a living and provide and give time to other things. here is the coolest thing about this life: God created each of our lives individually for us to LIVE! He didn’t create us and create a plan for each of our lives and then expect us to only pay attention to Him and to only focus on Him. living our GOD-CREATED lives is still a form of serving and giving focus to Him, because it’s His plan and life for us.
@@wyattwru Hmm your message came through at an interesting time, I have just reapplied for a job I had to leave in July 2022, have an interview on Friday. Have felt quite heavy about it but am thinking I could do that job for God's glory and can help bless others also. Might be able to work as an entry level network engineer
@@penttimuhli9442 “I could do that job for God’s glory and can help bless others also.” THAT is what He wants! that is His heart. i am also going into the engineering field and whenever i’m concerned with how much of a Godly impact i can make on others in a field like this, i just remember that God’s people need to be everywhere; that’s why God gives His children a wide variety of skill sets and passions. it’s because being a light for Him isn’t needed in JUST a church or missionary setting. anywhere you go, people can tell there’s something special about you by your actions and the way you conduct yourself in a Godly manner. yes, it’s important to reach people and tell them about Jesus through missions and different types of ministry, but… …your employment can also be your ministry and your workplace can also be your mission field.
I came across this video this morning and I am so glad. Finally, someone gets it! For the first time is a long time I see some hope at getting out of this rut and getting into grace. After so many years as a "condemned" Christian I am learning just what has been my problem and how to fix it. I want so bad to know God's love and grace and live in it. every day has been working to fix, to change, thinking that I was always guilty of something, believing that God wouldn't help me with anything until I learned to perform and obey every day. My shame and gulit have kept me from receiving so much because I believed that my perfect obedience and performance were what caused God to love and take care of me. Thank you for posting.
Thanks a lot Mark. I can relate to being introspective while doing something else. Its so tiring. Just yesterday I was serving customers and at the same time trying to figure out my sins and spiritual questions.😮 It is extremely exhausting.
May God bless you RICHLY my brother in Christ. I’ve struggled with this stuff to a degree that I never imagined. I think a big part of falling into this is teachers who teach repentance = stop sinning, and if you still sin you haven’t repented or things along that similar avenue and it’s appalling that it’s so prevalent. Also teaching that confuses conviction with condemnation, or teaches that you can lose salvation by falling into sin. Left me feeling hopeless and unable to get back up and go to God, overwhelmed by the idea that when I get back up I have to maintain a certain level of good behavior which left me in a cycle of discouragement and condemnation.
Thank you so much for this video. I have struggled with this and been in and out of hospital because of this fear. The bit where you pointed out the scripture in 1st John funny that is the very scripture that frightened me because of the very reasons you have described. I grew up with parents who were very legalistic. I was terrified from a young age because I could never please them much as I desperately tried. I can’t say anything more than that. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. The strange thing is that there are times when I am feeling very close to Jesus and I experience such deep intimacy with Him but then other times like tonight I revert back to this condemnation and it starts off very subtle and then builds up. I realise I am listening to the wrong voice. It seems to kick off at night often keeping me awake because I’m so frightened. It’s very overwhelming and intense. I get thrown into complete confusion. And the fear is very intense. Like you can feel the heavy atmosphere in the room. I’m really struggling with this. My church doesn’t understand. I’m just so exhausted. I’m also physically very sick and disabled. Please can you pray for me? Thanks again for your video. My mum had OCD and I think I might have it too. I am different from my mum though in personality.
Hi Peace, i hope you don't mind asking how you've been since you posted your message. Just want to let you know that I can related a lot to what you said; minus hospitalization...but have been close to utter desperation for more than a yr now. I'm afraid to think and feel. Very intense... I'll pray for you. God bless you and heal your heart completely 🙏
Sweet liberty. I have been struggling with this for a long while. Had a huge breakdown yesterday due to this. I didn't know this was a thing. The good Lord provides. On top of the hyperfixation from my autistic, the black and white thinking and perfectionism of religious OCD has worn my out. This will be something I will need to work on... Thank you for this video and God bless you for your work!
Wow #6 resonates so much.. I find myself reading scripture and feeling condemned when a certain sin is being discussed even though I’m in no way living in that sin.. especially the losing the interpretation of scripture whewwww you are helping me! I’ve struggled with this Scrupulosity along with relationship focused ocd where I felt condemned for getting married to my God fearing fiancé, and no we are not living in any sin with each other. Its been so terrible feeling like I can’t enjoy anything (including marriage) or else that means I love the world.. thanks for your encouragement, it’s helpful to know I’m not alone in this.
Dude , word for word you described how I feel and it gave me so much peace , all I have to do is follow stuff like try not to sin , God has the rest , the reason I sin is because I let condemnation be my interpreter and always think that the voice in my head is God giving me punishments
Mark you are such a blessing to me, I only just stated watching you. I have hope in me again seeing somebody who has been healed of Scrupulocity OCD. I have struggled for years and years and never felt understood when I mentioned that I had intrusive thoughts and guilt and shame with them. I have looked around for a long time for someone who has been set free by Gods grace eventually I found you. I know it is going to take work and humbling myself but I am well on the way and I know that your videos are going to be a great help to me. I see myself doing something slimier to you and seeing others delivered. I see myself walking with God taking as long as it takes but holding down a job and living in Joy. I know this is not an OCD video persay but I just wanted to say thank you and I am looking forward to going through your other videos. It is also nice to see other people on here who are working through slimier issues. May we all be able to encourage each other on here.
I've been battling condemnation intensely today and honestly, for years! This was a divine moment to come across this video. Thank you for being an answer to prayer! I'm encouraged that God is up to something in my life and will continue to check out your other videos, website etc and learn more. Thank you so much!
Great! Thank you! I would feel so judged after reading the bible and was afraid to keep reading it because I felt Like such a sinner for not doing things perfect as it is laid out in the bible. This explanation puts things into a new perspective👍
This is exactly what my experience has been until I learned the lesson that you have learned. I was raised in a legalistic church. The only difference between us is that it took you three years and it took me fifty. It’s good to be free and walk in grace and the love of Jesus.
Thank you so much. As a relatively new Christian I've found myself doing a fair bit of research into how to pray in a way that honors God, respects myself, and gets real change rolling. I have used your suggestions often with profound results and just saved this video so I could revisit and grow some more. Thank you for your dedication to your ministry. God bless!
Dear Mark, thank You for this message. I was years sticked in those bad cycles with all of its bad consequences. So much time wasted in false ways of "solving" myself. 30 years a believer and just now around my 50s catching the Truth. God bless You.
I really appreciate the link you make with grace deprivation and repeating behaviour, and I also have a vivid imagination about the unjust condemnation as an ennemi that puts your back to the wall. We never hear to often the need to receive grace to reign in life, as our lives are in the hand that is greater than us and greater than the accuser of the saints. Thanks! Very refreshing!
Maaaaan this is powerful. I've discovered Humble vs Pride as a thing, and Love > Law, God > Pharisee, all of this to be flawlessly true. You are a awesome guy man, thank you
Man, I have been living years in this punishment mentality bc I did make bad decisions that affected my life negatively several times, that were very severe bc I was just a total mess. I struggle with this exact topic and this video shows up, thank you Lord. ❤
Thank you so much for this video. I stumbled upon it just scrambling for a way to sort out the thoughts in my mind, trying to understand, “God is this from you or not?” I’ve found myself going round in circles over the same issue. This morning I sat down and processed over 1 John 3:20 after listening to your video yesterday, and came to the conclusion that I’ve spent far more time in this self condemnation cycle, than I have actually spent doing anything sinful. What started off as initial conviction got blown up in my mind and I’ve been so inward focused. It came at a time too when I’ve found myself growing spiritually so I don’t doubt there is enemy involvement.
Your video on fear not being from God just popped up in my feed and it was exactly what I needed. Now this one is hitting the mark as well! Being a lifelong perfectionist and chronic fixer myself, I love how you explained that this was based in conditional love…this makes perfect sense to me because that is exactly what I grew up with and married into… Ever so slowly I am learning to stop trying to fix myself and rest in Gods mercy and unconditional love. Thank you for explaining this so clearly, simply and beautifully🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much for this, thank you for breaking this down🙏 I'm 39 yrs old but young in Christ and this is what I struggle most with this in my walk. It is so exhausting but thank you brother. This has opened my eyes, I've been praying for this understanding, God bless you 🙏
I have struggled with this all my life and continue to. I desperately want to break this cycle. Thank you so much for this eye-opening message. God bless you.
It makes me want to cry tears of joy to know that there are other Christians that are like me.
I get that this journey makes a feel like we are the only ones when we see there’s so many other believers that struggle
1 Peter 5:8-9
New Living Translation
“8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. *Remember that your family of believers[a] all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”*
Bless you
IKR! It's an amazing feeling. I find that most of the time, the scrupulosity community is so helpful and amazingly. So many great humans.🙏
@vanessadesire7 thank you for that. That actually gave me some encouragement.
Paul had a thorn in the flesh. This is my thorn in the flesh, I wish I had not these evil thoughts, God knows this, if our hearts condemn us let's remember that God is greater than our hearts and knows all things as the scriptures say.
My friend... Your words are beautiful. I've been alone my entire life struggling with this, buried in a tomb of video game addiction and self destruction for 31 years. Thank you for being a beautiful person (:
@@ulisesbernales5969 It’s a struggle.
@@ulisesbernales5969 💜
Did you not watch? That thorn is not from God but from the enemy. God wants you to have freedom
The thorn in the flesh Paul was referring to were the people persecuting him. You can see this is the truth because it is mentioned in the previous chapter, and also when interpreting scripture you should always go back to the law of first mention. The first time that phrase was used was about the enemies of Israel - referring to people as a thorn in their side.
The thorn is referring to having Grace which is sufficient when it comes to people.
Been saved many years and have had cycles of condemnation. This message has set me free
This is been spiraling me and causing me a great deal of torment. What really messes me up is the scripture "not everyone who says to me Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven"
The intrusive thoughts whisper to me... What makes you think you are good enough to make it to heaven.
Understanding this as performance based legalism is a huge relief. It's like the distortion of the traumatized mind can't help but project our conditional world view onto who we think God is.
Please God show me your grace.
Praying for you. Right next to you on this one
John 6:40 Is the Will of God, believe that and rest.
Matthew 7:21-23 Is about people Who want to work out their salvation with their works...
Matthew 7:21 and John 6:40 are really Beautiful verses
Well I think that verse was in more of a relational context in “knowing” the lord while also trying to uphold the law even though we’re not perfect.
I hope that’s right someone can correct me if I’m wrong
I hope that if we frequently know and feel the Holy Spirit we “know” the Lord. But it’s hard to tell with all this legalism and having to spread the gospel to everyone we see type of deal, especially if we are going through our own spiritual battles and life struggles it’s very hard to hit some of those marks.
Maybe God has different plans and uses for different people and we just have to accept that as the way it is so we can have peace
@Ninishiningleaf something that helps me is remembering I have NO righteousness of my own. I wear the breastplate of Jesus righteousness. I hope this is beneficial for you. God loves you.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much these videos mean to me. I have battled with what I believe to be religious OCD for the past few years and have only now begun to realize the depth of God’s love for me. I felt so called out in this video lol! When I read the scripture in John about not being under condemnation, I literally struggled word for word with what you spoke on. (I would read it and think “I must be under condemnation... I am a fake Christian then...I must not be saved... “
God is so abundantly good and I can’t wait to spend my whole life learning more about His grace and love really means. This is tough, but it’s a beautiful lesson to learn.
I am so happy to be an encouragement.
Yes what she said! I actually paused it when you said a person with OCD will read it and think this..I read it and continued the video and it's like you read my mind then fixed how I interepted it
I have struggled with the same thing. I so get you . Thanks for being honest. I’m starting to realise I’m not alone with this problem ❤️💞
@@PEACEinYESHUA-oj7vc1pk7w I'm so glad God led you to these videos! I still watch them!
Amen!! 🙏🏾
THIS GAVE ME SO MUCH CLARITY RIGHT NOW WOW. “Condemnation is your interpreter” THIS IS WHY I STRAYED FROM READING THE BIBLE AND NOW I FINALLY KNOW WHY THANK YOU SO MUCH
Mark.
I am 16 years old and I love the Lord boldly, but a religious spirit and a life with constant and consistent condemnation lingering over me, has caused me so much worry, doubt, fear, etc.
THANK YOU for this video, brother. You are a blessing from God to my life. Thank you. Please say a short prayer for me.❤
@elysium0093 Thank you, you as well! I will pray for you.
@@pollyandrade2125 hey man, you aren’t alone. I started in my walk with Christ at 16, im now 17 and i still deal with pretty much exactly what ur saying. Its gotten a little better, some days good some terrible. Ill be honest its not easy but you got this. Well, Jesus does lol
@@HaganFowler Thanks friend. You got this too-Jesus is our helper!😄
Absolutely weeping!!!! I have been living with perfectionism and religious OCD (unaware) for months now. I absolutes HATED myself bc I couldn’t “get right” these last few months when I spent last year and early this year on fire, reading scripture and worshiping regularly, I then got tangled up in competition because I made friends with another believer that has way more biblical knowledge than me and I felt I wasn’t “as Christian” as them, then I became unmotivated, then distracted/not even wanting to read scripture anymore, worship anymore, to the point I felt totally cut off from GOD and the weight of that was so heavy I was afraid to attempt to even come back. “Why would He want to be bothered with me now? I’ve let Him down so bad.” Was my daily thought every day for months now. I’ve been going through OCD absolute mental and spiritual torture, I was sure there was no way He could want me anymore. Thank you for this video!!! Still weeping!
❤️
He never leaves nor forsakes us❤
Hope you’re doing alright, friend! Perfect love casts out fear.
God directed me to your video at the perfect time,I needed this so badly. Thank you
Me too, Jasmine. Unbelievably perfect timing. Only from G-D ❤️🙏🏼
@@atarahchomah1463 God bless you dear.
I just came across this too, praise God 🙏🏾✨
@@edenosemwegie5954 God bless you and keep you 🙏❤
@@jasminepaul7291 Amen, and you too! 🙏🏾✨
Recently I’ve been diagnosed with OCD. Specifically scrupulosity. At one time I had thought I had blasphemed against the Holy Spirit. I honestly felt so alone and that I was the only one who has ever been through this. I finally found relief and peace with the fact I had not blasphemed the Holy Spirit. Now my main fear is just I’m condemned no matter what. No specific sin or anything like that. Just condemnation. I accepted Jesus, but I felt like I was still condemned. I was looking at salvation through a legalism view point rather than by faith. Your video helped me tremendously to understand I’m not alone, just because I may feel a certain way doesn’t mean it’s true, and most importantly things do get better. Thank you so much! Blessings to you!
@@jordan_jones16 this is so true I've been living through a long time in this. I feel seen while going through people who have gone through this. God is Good always❤
I have frequently felt fear over thinking I had blasphemed the Holy Spirit.
@@jordan_jones16 youre not the only one. I broke promises to God and felt hopeless . Or kept falling back into the same sins.
I also had compulsions to do things that felt out of my control.
The truth is, we cant save ourselves and we need to trust in Jesus.
There is no sin too large or great that His death did not cover.
@@frenzyviz6296
If your Christianity is Guilt driven or Conscience driven, are you a False Convert?
For I know the Plans I have for You... to Prosper You. Not to harm You. To give You hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11.
Christians can be very condemning. I had to take a break from my church because it was too much. The pastor would condemn you online for not coming to church and not actively participating in the church. It really messed me up. I was miserable as a Christian. It wasn't enjoyable at all. Still in it. Learning to think differently. Thank you for this 🙏🏽
Christians aren't condemning, and the church isn't a building. I hope this helps. God bless
@@IronSharpensIron127 the Christian’s that he spoke to did condemn him though
@@tyrecematthews1487 I don't think you are understanding what I said
@@tyrecematthews1487 I think his point is the people treating OP like that weren’t truly Christians because their fruit didn’t show it. If someone is condemning they don’t truly understand Christ.
@@sarahsunshine78 idk, he condemned the pharisees pretty hard
I’ve been struggling with exactly all of this to a T. For about 20 years of my life. Knowing I’m not the only one who’s brain spins with anxiety because of legalism. This is really the first time I’ve heard of OCD Christianity, but it feels like God is blessing me with this knowledge.
Same here...I'm being tormented 😢
@@amrithaajith726 It’s tough, but know that God loves you despite our issues. I know that doesn’t make it easier, but I will pray for both of us. 😊
@@dylan9wev Thanks dear...me too will pray for you..🙏
@@amrithaajith726 i have this too. especially with guilt
@@jandellko I feel sorry for you..prayer with fasting helps me fight this battle...
Wow, a friend sent me your video. I’ve been on a journey of stepping out of condemnation. Just the other day, I was spending time with Lord and kept bringing up all my short comings and how I’ve been struggling to “make” Him Lord in all these areas. I sensed God telling me, He is already Lord in my life, I don’t have to MAKE Him anything. I clearly heard, I Am Lord. Just ALLOW me to be Lord in these areas instead of trying to make be something I already am. He was showing me how much I was striving and how I was SOO fixated on where I was failing instead of coming from a place of grace and how loved I am. Grace is literally meant to empower us to live a life of righteousness, and I can really see where condemnation keeps me in bondage to fear and sin. I love how you said it’s a journey! Amen! So grateful for the resources you are providing and it really helps me to know that I’m not crazy ;) I know there are many Christians who have to struggle with this!
These exact issues have made my life very difficult for a long time. I feel like everything is a sin is some way shape or form. I internalize and question everything I say, do, and think. What makes it harder is that reading the bible seems to make it worse. I just don't feel love, grace and mercy when I read most scriptures. It just all comes off as very condemning. I want to enjoy my life and be at peace but everything I read in the bible seems to suggests that God wants me to be miserable. The dark side of my mind tells me that if I let myself be happy then I am complicit with sin and finding joy through worldly things. If anyone has advice on how I can look at things differently I would appreciate it. I really need help with this. It would help if you can back up any encouraging advice with biblical scripture
Me too feel the same way since I started my Christian walk..I'm terribly suffering from religious OCD with anxiety and panik attacks
We’re all in the same boat, I found a woman who goes into depth of what she went through with religious OCD and how it got better
th-cam.com/video/m_wSFdGJfRI/w-d-xo.html
Righteousness peace joy in the Holy Ghost
That is the kingdom of God
Allow the the peace of God to rule your hearts in Christ Jesus
We walk by faith not by sight(or feelings)
I believe God wants us to exercise our faith by telling Him thank you for giving us what He said He is giving us and even in confessing our total lack of feeling peace or joy thank Him that all the promises in Christ are yes and Amen
They belong to you as an inheritance in Jesus. I think we need to remind ourselves and each other that God is faithful God is merciful God is our Heavenly Father and His heart is toward us.
If God is for us who can stand against us. I have these same struggles and I believe it is the devil trying to discourage us. Once a friend told me a quote from an old preacher . It basically encouraged people in their struggle with sin and the flesh to take one look at ourselves and three looks at Jesus.
We need to behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world
I struggle with this too but Father God is walking me through a deep inner healing and deliverance from trauma. The scripture that instantly came to my mind instantly when I read your comment is (1 John 4:8 ) “God is love.”
I feel compelled to share a scripture that isn't Biblical, but is in the Book of Mormon, a canon of scripture that we use in my religion that is directly connected to the Bible and also about Jesus. This particular verse always speaks to me (it's Jesus speaking)
"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me and have faith in me, then I will make weak things become strong unto them". (Ether 12:27 if you ever want to revisit it). With scrupulosity, it often feels like your awareness of sin in the world is a huge curse. I like this reminder that we are meant to be aware of our weakness so that we will rely on Jesus, but we are not meant to feel condemned or guilty; if we are humble and do our best He takes care of it.
Many negative thoughts don't originate from us, I've heard it said, the enemy interjects thoughts and makes us think it's ours but really its the enemy . It has helped me to say that's not my thought and I don't receive that in Jesus name and let it pass. It is a struggle at times so this is so helpful Mark!
I remember one wise Christian I heard say that the enemy stands on one side of you and injects a bad thought into your head then he comes round the other side and condemns you for it! 😂 it’s true!
Amen
@@PEACEinYESHUA-oj7vc1pk7w Wow I needed to see that. Thank you.
It’s like a salesman who tries to convince you that you want something when you don’t want it, but you believe him that you do want it, even though you know you don’t want it.
@@thankyou62 that's a really good way to put it.
You are here for such a time as this. Awakening those who have been stricken. Opening our spirit to freedom. You speak the language of so many people who had no one that could hear their cries. Thank God and Thank You!!
It is an honor. Thank you
I have battled this alone for years now. Father God is bringing me into freedom but sometimes I still yo yo like tonight for instance. And I can only thank God I came across this video. I was very frightened even thinking I had lost my salvation. I was repeatedly repenting of things that have already been dealt with. I’m glad I watched this video. I’m much calmer now and hopefully I can get some sleep 😴
Oh spot on,cast down also.. halleluyah..
I struggle with what I believe to be religious OCD & OCD pure O (according to what I have been told). I’m also high-functioning autistic & have a problem with same sex attraction. I get very condemned over that, even though I’m physically doing nothing.
I have many dreadful intrusive thoughts (I have been told that’s the “pure O”) which I try to ignore. At least here, I can see I’m not alone, but I still fear when people say Christians can still go to hell over “xyz”. I also have trouble receiving love. I don’t generally feel confident towards God & ALWAYS feel like a substandard Christian. Thanks for this video.
This is EXACTLY what I needed to hear. Ive been struggling with religious condemnation and ocd ever since I gave my life to christ a few months back. I get so nervous and low in my confidence that I find myself stuttering. Ive never had this issue before, but this video has really helped me. Currently looking for a therapy group to deal with this, but the task feels overwhelming and Im not sure where I should start. I struggle with something as simple as deciding what to eat for dinner my ocd is awful.
Very timely. I always feel guilty most of the time, and I have a great fear that God will punish me terribly like what He did to disobedient Israelites in the time of Moses. I am living in so much fear for many years. I am so scared of God. I just realized I have this religious OCD. Please pray for me. Thank you
Thanks 🌅✝️ for revelation regarding condemnation, this has helped me 💛🌅✝️
2024 was a tough year for me, trying so hard to reconnect with God. But this verse has been spinning in my mind ever so often. I feel as if I have to perform to become 'hot' for Christ. Does anyone here feel the same way?
'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.'
I feel as if I'm never perfect for God.
SERIOUSLYYYY, right now I’m taking a break from the Bible because I always feel anxiety from it. I don’t feel loved or at peace in it at all but though I’m not reading it I feel “lukewarm”, that He’ll spit me out if I’m not doing what im suppose to be doing..it’s so frustrating because I just wanna enjoy life and be at peace, knowing God loves me and I’m okay :( We’ll get to it brother..just one step at a time
Brother Mark thank you for allowing the Spirit Of God to use you to deliver this message...I have been battling with sexual impurity for over 3 years. And even though I have been doing my best to serve with all I am and all I have. It hasn't helped at all. It's made me hate myself and feel like I am unworthy of God's grace and mercy. Please pray for me this has been a stronghold I have been battling with intensely, each and every single day 🙇🏿♂️
🙏🏻
You are clean my brother. Sanctified and made new. Don’t look at your struggles look at Jesus. We are in this together you are not alone.
Pray for deliverance, brother. and god will set you free!
I pray you're doing better now, brother!
@@aliyahclarke827 in all honesty still struggling, but I am still fighting on🙇🏿♂️✝️🌠
God, I thank you for Mark DeJesus. Thank you for using him to nurture me back into healing. GOD BLESS YOU MARK
Great video Mark. People need to know they are loved unconditionally. Without Gods grace we would have no hope.
It’s not about what we do or don’t do, it’s all about what He did for us!
Thank you for this video. As someone whose been living with Chronic anxiety and OCD that was recently diagnosed your voice on Christian Introvervion and Mental health in our faith has been a huge help for me. I've become frustrated with my faith and wondering why I'm not experiencing what others have in Christ. Only recently have a realized that I'm in denial about my diagnosis and the realities of it that I deal with everyday. It's really hard to accept salvation when your brain is hardwired for constant, frustrating introspection that negates everything the bible reveals to us about Grace and salvation through Jesus Christ. My incessant overthinking and anxiety made me realize that I've been trying to get closer to God through works and not by the faith he's given me so graciously through the Holy Spirit. If there's anyone else that has a hard time know you're not alone and that Jesus has your back. It's gonna take a while but just keep going and have faith. ❤️
Great stuff! I thought I've had religious OCD for years, self diagnosed. Living under condemnation, not grace. Thank you so much for these insights!
I want to thank you mark for your ministry to the body. Coming back to your videos is always helpful
They should be teaching this concept in every church! This is the freedom we all need that is taught by God, but the enemy doesn't want us to have or know this freedom. God is blessing us in a mighty way by your teaching.
Same thoughts and opinion. Amen
Pastors are afraid if they teach grace like this, it'll greenlight sin.
"What is important for my walk with God to be fruitful, that when I stand before Him I be confident? Based on what? That I'm living a good life? No. Based on His love for me, His Grace towards me, what He did for me. That's my confidence."
This stuck out to me most. But it's still hard for me to wrap my head around, because in my mind if I'm still struggling with certain sins and strongholds in my life then that means I must not love God enough to stop. And sometimes I feel like He gets sick and tired of me repenting over and over again for the same things. Because when I do abstain from things, I feel better but when I fail, I feel like I failed God and myself.
What i've learned is to just take your walk with God one day at a time
@@doriek6803 How are you doing today?
Im living in my New heart in My New Year-2025!!!- It feels Great!!! Safe....No more Self Condemnation. Living in My New Overflow of Self Originating Holy Spirit Easy Love❤ Thank You Jesus!!! We are FREE INDEED!
"I spent most of my life interacting with God through a condemning lense" Man that hit me right in the heart and that's the story of my life😢
Sir, YOU ARE THE FIRST PERSON TO SPEAK CLEARLY AND SPEAK AS A HUMAN BEING!!!!! I appreciate you so much!!!! Thank you for this video thank you for examples in this video! Mark THANK YOU!! God bless you!!
This was such a great & needed teaching!! I’ve been operating from condemnation for a while now!! I’m gonna focus on the Love God has for me, what’s he’s done, not what I did, give it all to him!! Thank you God bless!! ❤
Thank you!!!!! This has been me for YEARS… decades. I was raised in a psuedo Christian cult that is heavily work based and even has no guarantee of salvation. God saved me 2 years ago and I’ve been baptized in Christ now… it’s taken about a year for me to even get clear enough to know … God sent me your videos! Thank you so much ❤ May he BLESS YOU our brother in Christ
I just cried my eyes out this morning about religious OCD . And I’ve been praying to God for clarity and discernment and I found your videos on it . God bless you . These videos are more helpful than you imagine
Wow!! Exactly what I have been going through the last 27 years. Since I was 8 I have had OCD symptoms. Unfortunately I didn’t get diagnosed until I was 22. I was genuinely saved when I was 13 but OCD has ripped my brain and pounded me with condemnation, anxiety, fear, depression and hopelessness since. OCD has been of all themes. But the moral of the story is God loves us unconditionally and it is important to keep the perspective on how OCD will grab ahold of any theme and attack us. The enemy uses it to distract and deprive us of knowing Gods love. Thank you for your channel and videos and sharing. Our OCD changes themes endlessly and the enemy uses it against us but God is always the same and loves us infinitely through Jesus Christ!
Don't let the worldly doctors put labels on you (diagnose). They are paid to put you on "medication". It is really a spiritual battle. God vless
It’s like my brain has a butterfly net that catches every passing thought and examines it as deeply as possible. I’m learning how to deal with it, but it gets hard sometimes.
Look, I had some crazy, disturbing thoughts in the delivery room when my daughter was born, and I felt straight up like I was being possessed by an evil entity; it shook me to my core, and I'm so glad I have found your channel!
It has always astounded me as to how catholics can simply confess when I live in a constant state of confession and prayer. My mind is on the Lord constantly. Learning how to love myself and others.
Thank you. I am like that. Perfectionist and ocd. I needed to hear that.
I want to encourage anyone who is tired and weary and frustrated Thinking there is no change Please keep going there is light at the end of the tunnel Take courage my friend You are not alone and you will overcome I have been there I’m sure others have too Praying for you Mark is being used by God Amen
I feel so so condemned I have to slap myself everytime to even understand what love beyond condemnation means! Help me oh Saviour. Fix me. Help me. Let me understand what your love through grace means and not my works. Help me Holy Spirit.
@@halimakariuki395 yes I need this too, Amen.
21:50
This point right here “if something doesn’t make sense right now don’t worry about it, shelve it and come back to it later.” Has helped me so much.
I needed this. This is what I've been searching for.
Thank you for putting into words what I have been feeling these past few weeks (or could it have been for much longer since being saved!). God loves us and sees us, y'all. He provides EVERYTHING that we need at the right time. God bless you, brother!
You are the first person I have ever heard teaching about religious OCD.
Thank you Mark for your sensitive insights. I am so pleased, and relieved, in having found your broadcasts. You are a sincere Christian, no doubt, with a heart to help others in a way that God has surely directed you. While being a highly sensitive personality can have its benefits and rewards, it's downside can bring much interpersonal difficulty and struggles. It is such a relief to know there is some Godly person stepping out to address the issues in helping others to get and maintain a balance in pursuit of a Godly life.
This will be a video I come back to time and time again. My themes of obsessions have jumped from theme to theme the past few weeks. I’d become obsessed with restitution over the years and feeling like I had to right my wrongs to earn salvation. Just yesterday I was triggered by a scripture about making vows and pledges to God. I believe I made a vow to God to confess my sin publicly if He would forgive me for a sin I did and rid me of my guilt. My vow included if I made the mistake again I’d risk punishment and confess publicly. Now I feel condemned to hell because I didn’t hold up my end of the bargain NOR am I brave enough to do so without almost doing it as a compulsion to alleviate the aching and nagging fear
Fellow Child Of God if you don't mind me asking how is it going now? 🙂🙇🏿♂️
Fellow Child Of God if you don't mind me asking how is it going now? 🙂🙇🏿♂️
I have similar compulsions.
Ive done similar and i think its a type of mental illness. God knows this and remember, theres nothing God cant forgive and no promise Jesus cant free us from.
Thank you for providing what you do, it’s so incredibly refreshing and needed. This is the freedom Christ wants us to live and relish in! What the verse you expressed in John (regarding our hearts condemning us and God being bigger) reminded me also of psalms which personally for me was what saved me from a lot of scrupolosity, watching another person’s video on it, was something like “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart forever” ❤️❤️❤️❤️ God is the holiest and satan is taking the joyful aspect out of it by convoluting our thinking with only bad when God gave us all of the medicine we need for it to have joy and the fullest life that ever could be possible
Thanks for your ministry once again dear Mark. In my decades walk as a Christian I have never encountered anyone who could understand me and minister to me like you have. In this terrible OCD I have walked as a foreign missionary and a pastor here in the states. I have carried this fight for years, yet have pressed on. There have been some dark pits like you described in this video. I have been slowly gaining traction in a good way. I still have a ways to go but I will keep up the good fight and watch your videos here and there for encouragement and wisdom. God bless you and your family!!
You basically explained my whole situation. I have wanted to know God more, but most of it stemmed from condemnation. I used to fast, pray, read the Bible, and share the Gospel. I often feel pressured into fasting for God. My parents did object bc I’m still young (15) and should be enjoying God’s Creation! This situation led to me feeling very unsettled in my Spirit, and couldn’t enjoy life.
Watching this video gave me hope! Lord bless you!
God bless this ministry
Wow!!!! You’ve given verbiage to how I’ve feel feeling for years!!!!! Religious OCD!!!! 🤯 Thank you!!!!
Excellent and felt great relief! I wish and pray , a person called can teach this Truth to my co- missionaries and new believers. Loving brother Bobby - India - Karnataka
God bless u
Thank you for this video, it made me feel a lot less crazy. I've never been able to "respect" Jesus. I knew I loved Him sort of but when people would constantly rejoice over the cross and resurrection I would tune out, being uninterested. Everyone seemed to get so much peace from it. Not me. I've found myself thinking, "what's even the point of the grace of God? Of course I won't sin intentionally but what's the point in resisting it when I will fail inevitably?" I still think this but God revealed to me that I might struggle with religious OCD. I am living under condemnation, not grace. I struggled with anorexia and self harm for about 3 years ( only now in that genuine recovery stage ), but I still struggle with it. I also have perfectionism and have had strong tendencies of it since the age of 10. It all makes sense now why I am so incredibly introspective, especially when it comes to my faith! If people know anything about the mental illness of eating disorders ( restrictive ones particularly ), you'd know that they HEAVILY encourage 'black and white' thinking errors as well as a very work-to-earn-reward mentality. I am really in the depths of that. Trying to earn my way into salvation... no wonder I feel such a lack of reverence for the resurrection. This has brought an immense amount of clarity. Thank you. I will be revisiting this video and the others on your channel and this topic. I want to feel the freedom and peace intended for me, a believer to receive.
Thank you so much for using your expierence to help other like me for the Glory of God. Ive been feeling like God has told me to stop showering, eating, and drinking or stepping oit of my house... but kept giving in. And i have been losing faith.. i needed this eye opener. Thank you
I had never heard of religious OCD before. This is great stuff! Thank you for sharing with us what God has shared with you!
I'm so thankful God lead me to your channel because this video is exactly how I am. I see this as proof that God is working on me but in his own timing. And to anyone that reads this God is proud of you right where you are. He promises to mold you into the image of his son that is a life long process. ( Romans 8:29)
This addresses my issues of fear when I read God's Word and pray. I always second guess- what if I think I'm right with God and I'm not??!! Rom 5:1-2 has helped me! My Faith in Christ and His Righteousness is where my peace is. This is the core of my anxiety!! Thank you God for using Mark!!!
Mark, I hope you see how much God has used the overwhelming torment you've went through of ocd, for your good and his glory. Look how many people hes used you to help!! This is such an encouragement to me and I hope God continues to use me in the midst of my tormenting OCD to bring glory to himself, and to teach me things like this.Thank you so much Mark!
This is a gem. Praise God for this truth you have shared brother.
Wow, I needed this. Praise the Lord that He is greater than my heart and condemnation.
Wow... You quite literally just made an entire video describing me. I can not even express the blessing this understand is at this point. Thank you Jesus.
Thank you Lord Jesus for leading me to hear exactly what I needed 🙏🏼
wow, I definitely have religious OCD. I love your teaching and you help me so much. thank you
My name might as well be at the top of your whiteboard. So thankful I’ve found your channel!
I LOVE YOU BRO, THIS WILL HELP ME SO MUCH!!!
Amazing teaching! I love how you expose the religious spirit without seeming judgmental. I hear your heart preaching “Lord free Your children” thank you so much! Lord bless you and yours!
Wowww this was sooo helpful. I’ve been going through spiritual oppression since 2016. I’ve experienced so much condemnation type spirits, and perfectionism types of things. Omigosh it felt like it got bigger recently - just too much for me and i just got exhausted and tired so tired. And talking about adding rules .. I have been feeling so condemned and bad over my struggle with coffee 😞 And other things too. But such a big struggle over I like coffee does God want me to quit am I doing this wrong or that wrong. I could go on. Thank you for this teaching. I appreciate it. And your right His Word should bring life. I just felt so condemned over all these different scriptures...
I’m going through the same thing! For me it’s makeup
I’m afraid God is telling me to stop wearing it or a religious spirit, I feel so condemned, I’m afraid of becoming a reprobate
Where in the Bible does it say it is a sin to drink coffee?
@@awedbyhiswonder no where😂 but these religious spirits don’t give us rest. Anything we enjoy all of a sudden becomes an “idol” In our minds and torments us
@@noellealdi881 Omigosh you have no idea ! 🥺 or maybe you do!! Aaah it’s been such a process ♥️ God bless you sister.
@@noellealdi881 and the thing is when you say make up.. I think in my mind, make up? Make up is fine. Oh God help her with this thing. Which is maybe how others see me with the coffee 🥺 😏 ♥️
This video is such a blessing, and a great confirmation for me. Father God has been dealing with this in me, most specifically this year in general. I started my first real personal relationship with Him last year and it fell through by December. I had a sense it had to do with my own striving, and when I found the strength to pick myself up and try again, Father’s been slowly showing me and leading me towards a fuller understanding of His grace and love towards me. I had always leaned towards this sort of legalistic, perfectionistic, and condemning mentality. But now I am practicing leaning FULLY on His grace, His power, His ability, and His timing instead of my own.
I cried a lot of times throughout your video. I currently struggle with religious and moral OCD and I felt EVERY WORD in your video. I felt like I was being spoken to personally and that my life was examined. Thank you for speaking the word of the Lord. I prayed last night for peace, and tonight I stumble upon your video. God bless you more, brother.
Thanks so much,for 53 years im living under condemation.its time i start living under grace.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11
Just found this channel today 02/26/23 and appreciate this . Thank you.
I’ve gone through so much trauma. My ocd is on idolatry. It’s hard to explain in a comment but I have been through so much to the point where I became a perfectionist and obsessive about the sin of idolatry. Because there was a time I was accused of it (not rebuked, like actually accused) and was told that God was about to beat me up because of being “out of his will” and how I am an “idolater”. This fear and condemnation has been with me for many years. I felt as if “idolater” has been my identity. It led me to anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts 😞
I think I have been the same kind of struggle to some extent, but maybe is true also in my case about idolatry. I quit a certain job I had trained for as I felt guilty and also felt guilty when studying, like I should have been reading the Bible and praying but instead studying IT.
I then got afraid that education is a sin, worldly. But then how do we function in life like that?
@@penttimuhli9442 we are in this world but not of it.
God FULLY understands that we have to make a living and provide and give time to other things.
here is the coolest thing about this life: God created each of our lives individually for us to LIVE! He didn’t create us and create a plan for each of our lives and then expect us to only pay attention to Him and to only focus on Him. living our GOD-CREATED lives is still a form of serving and giving focus to Him, because it’s His plan and life for us.
@@wyattwru Hmm your message came through at an interesting time, I have just reapplied for a job I had to leave in July 2022, have an interview on Friday. Have felt quite heavy about it but am thinking I could do that job for God's glory and can help bless others also. Might be able to work as an entry level network engineer
@@penttimuhli9442 “I could do that job for God’s glory and can help bless others also.” THAT is what He wants! that is His heart.
i am also going into the engineering field and whenever i’m concerned with how much of a Godly impact i can make on others in a field like this, i just remember that God’s people need to be everywhere; that’s why God gives His children a wide variety of skill sets and passions. it’s because being a light for Him isn’t needed in JUST a church or missionary setting. anywhere you go, people can tell there’s something special about you by your actions and the way you conduct yourself in a Godly manner.
yes, it’s important to reach people and tell them about Jesus through missions and different types of ministry, but…
…your employment can also be your ministry and your workplace can also be your mission field.
I came across this video this morning and I am so glad. Finally, someone gets it! For the first time is a long time I see some hope at getting out of this rut and getting into grace. After so many years as a "condemned" Christian I am learning just what has been my problem and how to fix it. I want so bad to know God's love and grace and live in it. every day has been working to fix, to change, thinking that I was always guilty of something, believing that God wouldn't help me with anything until I learned to perform and obey every day. My shame and gulit have kept me from receiving so much because I believed that my perfect obedience and performance were what caused God to love and take care of me. Thank you for posting.
Thanks a lot Mark. I can relate to being introspective while doing something else. Its so tiring. Just yesterday I was serving customers and at the same time trying to figure out my sins and spiritual questions.😮 It is extremely exhausting.
Thank you for the encouragement
May God bless you RICHLY my brother in Christ. I’ve struggled with this stuff to a degree that I never imagined. I think a big part of falling into this is teachers who teach repentance = stop sinning, and if you still sin you haven’t repented or things along that similar avenue and it’s appalling that it’s so prevalent. Also teaching that confuses conviction with condemnation, or teaches that you can lose salvation by falling into sin. Left me feeling hopeless and unable to get back up and go to God, overwhelmed by the idea that when I get back up I have to maintain a certain level of good behavior which left me in a cycle of discouragement and condemnation.
Thank you so much for this video. I have struggled with this and been in and out of hospital because of this fear. The bit where you pointed out the scripture in 1st John funny that is the very scripture that frightened me because of the very reasons you have described. I grew up with parents who were very legalistic. I was terrified from a young age because I could never please them much as I desperately tried. I can’t say anything more than that. I didn’t grow up in a Christian home. The strange thing is that there are times when I am feeling very close to Jesus and I experience such deep intimacy with Him but then other times like tonight I revert back to this condemnation and it starts off very subtle and then builds up. I realise I am listening to the wrong voice. It seems to kick off at night often keeping me awake because I’m so frightened. It’s very overwhelming and intense. I get thrown into complete confusion. And the fear is very intense. Like you can feel the heavy atmosphere in the room. I’m really struggling with this. My church doesn’t understand. I’m just so exhausted. I’m also physically very sick and disabled. Please can you pray for me? Thanks again for your video. My mum had OCD and I think I might have it too. I am different from my mum though in personality.
Hi Peace, i hope you don't mind asking how you've been since you posted your message. Just want to let you know that I can related a lot to what you said; minus hospitalization...but have been close to utter desperation for more than a yr now. I'm afraid to think and feel. Very intense... I'll pray for you. God bless you and heal your heart completely 🙏
Sweet liberty. I have been struggling with this for a long while. Had a huge breakdown yesterday due to this. I didn't know this was a thing. The good Lord provides. On top of the hyperfixation from my autistic, the black and white thinking and perfectionism of religious OCD has worn my out. This will be something I will need to work on... Thank you for this video and God bless you for your work!
Wow #6 resonates so much.. I find myself reading scripture and feeling condemned when a certain sin is being discussed even though I’m in no way living in that sin.. especially the losing the interpretation of scripture whewwww you are helping me!
I’ve struggled with this Scrupulosity along with relationship focused ocd where I felt condemned for getting married to my God fearing fiancé, and no we are not living in any sin with each other. Its been so terrible feeling like I can’t enjoy anything (including marriage) or else that means I love the world.. thanks for your encouragement, it’s helpful to know I’m not alone in this.
Dude , word for word you described how I feel and it gave me so much peace , all I have to do is follow stuff like try not to sin , God has the rest , the reason I sin is because I let condemnation be my interpreter and always think that the voice in my head is God giving me punishments
Mark you are such a blessing to me, I only just stated watching you. I have hope in me again seeing somebody who has been healed of Scrupulocity OCD. I have struggled for years and years and never felt understood when I mentioned that I had intrusive thoughts and guilt and shame with them. I have looked around for a long time for someone who has been set free by Gods grace eventually I found you. I know it is going to take work and humbling myself but I am well on the way and I know that your videos are going to be a great help to me. I see myself doing something slimier to you and seeing others delivered. I see myself walking with God taking as long as it takes but holding down a job and living in Joy. I know this is not an OCD video persay but I just wanted to say thank you and I am looking forward to going through your other videos. It is also nice to see other people on here who are working through slimier issues. May we all be able to encourage each other on here.
I've been battling condemnation intensely today and honestly, for years! This was a divine moment to come across this video. Thank you for being an answer to prayer! I'm encouraged that God is up to something in my life and will continue to check out your other videos, website etc and learn more. Thank you so much!
Great! Thank you! I would feel so judged after reading the bible and was afraid to keep reading it because I felt Like such a sinner for not doing things perfect as it is laid out in the bible. This explanation puts things into a new perspective👍
This is exactly what my experience has been until I learned the lesson that you have learned. I was raised in a legalistic church. The only difference between us is that it took you three years and it took me fifty. It’s good to be free and walk in grace and the love of Jesus.
Thank you so much. As a relatively new Christian I've found myself doing a fair bit of research into how to pray in a way that honors God, respects myself, and gets real change rolling. I have used your suggestions often with profound results and just saved this video so I could revisit and grow some more. Thank you for your dedication to your ministry. God bless!
Dear Mark, thank You for this message. I was years sticked in those bad cycles with all of its bad consequences. So much time wasted in false ways of "solving" myself. 30 years a believer and just now around my 50s catching the Truth. God bless You.
I really appreciate the link you make with grace deprivation and repeating behaviour, and I also have a vivid imagination about the unjust condemnation as an ennemi that puts your back to the wall. We never hear to often the need to receive grace to reign in life, as our lives are in the hand that is greater than us and greater than the accuser of the saints. Thanks! Very refreshing!
Maaaaan this is powerful. I've discovered Humble vs Pride as a thing, and Love > Law, God > Pharisee, all of this to be flawlessly true. You are a awesome guy man, thank you
Man, I have been living years in this punishment mentality bc I did make bad decisions that affected my life negatively several times, that were very severe bc I was just a total mess. I struggle with this exact topic and this video shows up, thank you Lord. ❤
Thank you so much for this video. I stumbled upon it just scrambling for a way to sort out the thoughts in my mind, trying to understand, “God is this from you or not?” I’ve found myself going round in circles over the same issue. This morning I sat down and processed over 1 John 3:20 after listening to your video yesterday, and came to the conclusion that I’ve spent far more time in this self condemnation cycle, than I have actually spent doing anything sinful. What started off as initial conviction got blown up in my mind and I’ve been so inward focused. It came at a time too when I’ve found myself growing spiritually so I don’t doubt there is enemy involvement.
Yep! Gonna be listening to this ten times a day. Thanks for this incredibly encouraging video. God bless.
Your video on fear not being from God just popped up in my feed and it was exactly what I needed. Now this one is hitting the mark as well! Being a lifelong perfectionist and chronic fixer myself, I love how you explained that this was based in conditional love…this makes perfect sense to me because that is exactly what I grew up with and married into…
Ever so slowly I am learning to stop trying to fix myself and rest in Gods mercy and unconditional love.
Thank you for explaining this so clearly, simply and beautifully🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much for this, thank you for breaking this down🙏 I'm 39 yrs old but young in Christ and this is what I struggle most with this in my walk. It is so exhausting but thank you brother. This has opened my eyes, I've been praying for this understanding, God bless you 🙏
I have struggled with this all my life and continue to. I desperately want to break this cycle. Thank you so much for this eye-opening message. God bless you.
That’s me 100 percent. I’ve been tossed about for years. God has been showing me these things. This video is a great blessing! Glory to God!