The enemy is trying to make us obsess over figuring out when we prayed a prayer and got saved or if we're even saved at all. Whenever he does this, I simply reply back "I was saved 2,000 years ago when Jesus declared 'It is finished!' Hallelujah! The blood of Jesus Christ alone is my defense!"
Dude the battle is real... I litterly get all tied up in a fight in my head... Remind myself to position my heart to receive his love it was already done. and it all melts away and rest is there with sound mind. Through it though we are learning together and helping each other praise God!!
@@Drog7722 Remember, God prepares a table in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23). It's our job to simply trust him that he will stop the enemy from taking a seat at the table as we continually look to Jesus and trust and rest and only tune our ears to what Jesus is saying. The lies will have no power and will only be distant thoughts if we choose to focus on Jesus who is sitting and dining with us as we walk by faith (it's a slow progression from glory to glory) through the valley of the shadow of death (the earth).
The Holy Spirit definitely led me to your channel Mark!!!🥺🥺🥺 Since the age of 9, I’ve been diagnosed with Scrupulosity OCD, and has been suffering with it for over 16 years now, to the point where it has worsened!!😭😭😭 As a result, I can’t even enjoy life with my husband, I turn down every opportunity to be happy and enjoy life due to my Scrupulosity!! Be mindful, I’m already a devoted baptized Christian who loves Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and body😪😪 And still, I’ve been driving myself to depression and frustration in striving to be perfect!!!😭😭😭 I really needed this!!! Had to subscribe immediately!! Thank you so much Mark!!! As I’m listening your videos, the relief that it brings has me constantly saying “Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus!”☺️☺️ I really hadn’t been focusing on His immense and everlasting Grace & Mercy!!😭😭
Today I choose to starve the compulsion and to take a step of faith that God knows my thoughts better than I do, and knows where I have been all these years and begin walking as the true child of God that I already am.
You are correct. I had stopped reading my Bible because I kept being hit with condemnation instead of receiving the implanted word with love and grace. Indeed, humility is required to receive the truth with love and grace.
@Vanessa Chavez Absolutely, it was the Word of God that set me free. I asked God to uproot the lies of the enemy that I had been believing and plant His seeds of truth of His Living Word deep into the soil of my heart. I'm convinced the fear of reading the Word of God was based upon lies I had been believing about the character of God and my identity in Christ and the only way to break that fear was to take a step of faith and open and hear the word of life.
Just started listening to you. Where have you been all my Christian life??? In few days I'm have gotten answers to questions I have to been asking for years. Thank you so much for following God's call on your life.
It’s possible you were getting building blocks leading up to this teaching. Would it have hit home so well if you hadn’t experienced these struggles so much?
This was such a blessing. Thank you Mark! This is something i have struggled with my whole life. Here recently I had a horrible battle with it, I did not eat for 5-7 days. I had panic attacks. I knew what I believed in my heart but I would catch a feeling of unbelief. It made me think I was never really saved and that I never will be. I am now choosing to trust from this day forward that I believe in Jesus and that he died on the cross for me. Even with these thoughts still swirling around in my head. I am choosing to focus on Jesus and his love and his promises. I am choosing to move forward in the boldness in what he did for me, vs what I can do. God bless you!
You are incredibly caring. Many pastors preach from a tough “get it to together” approach and none really understand the mental health that troubles many believers.
I definitely have this!!! Not only with Salvation, but health, finances- any crises in my life! Great information I have to change my thinking. I’m in therapy now.
Thank you so much. I can't begin to thank you enough for your ministry! People who understand both ministry and mental health are soooo few and far between.
Honestly I never knew other people struggled with this topic as well. I've been a Christian since I was 9 currently 40 and this has been a struggle for so long. I'm sad other deal with it as well but so relieved to know I'm not the only one. 🙏🏼
Me too. I am believer of Christ ever since I was a little girl. I’ve been reborn again. And I suffer so badly with intrusive thoughts… the unpardonable sin. I have prayed and prayed and stay in constant faith. I have to understand. They are only thoughts. I haven’t acted on them. I love the Lord. The enemy sometimes make me feel worthless and say I’m not this or that. But I rebuke it and move on. I am also 40 years old and have been dealing with this since I was in my early 20s. We will keep moving forward and trust in the Lord! Amen! 🫶🏾🙌🏾
Thank you for talking about this! I’ve been struggling with this for YEARS. This is a huge lightbulb moment. I grew up in the church and have always *believed*, but as an adult, especially the last few years, I have been having a hard time with the times where Jesus gets mad at his disciples, or just the people around him at any given time, he sounds exasperated and annoyed, just fed up with people like me it seems. So I have a hard time believing that he loves me and isn’t sitting there disgusted with me as he was disgusted with all those other people because “we should know better.” This is my biggest blockage when it comes to being vulnerable with God. I’m so scared that I’ll take that leap of faith and walk out in confidence that Jesus loves me, only to die and face him and hear him say “get away from me, I never knew you. I’ll spit you out of my mouth.”
This is a sermon my old pastor did, please let the Words soak into your heart.. it just helped me. I know this is awhile from when he did it, and when ya posted, but it popped up. Felt like you might be helped by it th-cam.com/video/3VovXmrk8B8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_2Los0yi6NJVU1Be
I was suffering so badly the other day with not feeling saved and I mean I just felt HORRIBLE like I could just 💀and I was begging God to help me because I already knew that something was wrong in my thinking and I just didn’t know what to do and I woke up the next morning and I believe God told me in my mind and heart that He heard me when I received Him. He knows that I accepted Him as my Savior and that’s all that matters. Our feelings will not align all the time with feeling saved but the important thing is knowing that He knows your heart and deepest feelings/trust you have in Him. Then when I read Psalm 139 it just really was like the cherry 🍒 on top. So I hope this encourages someone. Remember we’re saved by grace through faith not by works. It’s His sacrifice alone and His righteousness alone that gets us into heaven. All He asks us is to receive it not do some insane mental gymnastics to be successful.♥️
Praise God for people like you!! So relieving to hear someone share these things, I can relate to so much of this. This verse helps me greatly with my own OCD struggles: “If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.” 1 John 3:20
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:13-16 ESV Wow! A powerful picture of the cross of Christ even in the Old Testament. His nail scarred hands give us assurance that he will never leave us nor forsake us! Amen and amen. 😀🙏
Not just are you hard on yourself but church leaders are hard on you too! Constant subversive pulpit message: "there is something wrong with you & need to fix it with your obedience and be 'more' faithful".
Hi Mark, I discovered about a month ago that I may have OCD. I am subscribed to you and this video just came to my attention. After watching it I want you to know that you described me 💯 percent. Everything you said perfectly describes my struggle. I'm going to watch this again and also your help page. I'm thanking you and God for leading me finally to an answer . I've been struggling with this for over eight years now. Wow.... Thanks
again so thankful the Lord led me to your page, I have never heard of religious OCD until now, and this is me to a T, it is a constant battle over and over in my head, am I really saved, am I really saved and it is pure torment, and the fact that is a heart issue ouch!!!!! now I don't go to the altar but it is like a needle on the record this is such a eye opener
I feel like your personally speaking to me. Every single thing is so spot on for me. I struggle with fear and condemnation. My worst fear is Matthew 723.. that in the end even know i know Jesus is my Lord and Savior, that because I struggle with this ocd He will turn me away one day. Makes me feel self deceived. That I won't get over this in time and He will come back and I won't be ready. I HATE feeling like this. I haven't been to church in months or read my Bible which brings more shame and fuel to the fire. If I have the spirit why do I feel like im always backsliding. Its a burden I wish on know one. I know when I gave my life to Christ, I know when he changed my life, but why do I feel the condemnation of being self deceived. 💔
The Law ist done my friend. Its fulfilled and there is nothing we can add to this fact. Jesus did it for us. Matthew 7 23 explains how beeing too religous doesnt save you. Not everyone that keeps saying Lord will be saved but the ones who believe in the Father and have faith. You are Not saved by works but by faith and the people in Matthew 7 wanted to come to heaven by doing works and it failed. They didnt say we are saved by faith but they showed Jesus their works and this ist not what saves us. Read Romans chapter 10. Paul describes it perfectly how we are saved by faith and that everything ist alright. God Bless
I want to step out in faith but I genuinely fear I can’t do it and I feel stuck. I feel like I’m such a sinner and unrepentant but I don’t want to be. I feel tortured by God. I feel like my life is over. I have been in this place for years and I’m TIRED. I just want relief. That’s it.
I'm commenting this email which I sent to Mark a few weeks ago in hopes that it might help someone else struggling with assurance of salvation: Subject: The Blood of Jesus Is Enough! Mark, I'm learning everyday to trust more and more in the blood of Jesus Christ alone and the righteousness of Christ alone. I realize now it takes far greater faith to trust in Christ alone instead of trying to ruminate and fix thoughts which has led me to debilitating fear and condemnation. I realize now the only way to live in peace is to let go of my striving and trust and rest in the finishwork of the cross. God has brought me a long way over the past few months because a few months ago I remember thinking I had to be perfect in order for God to be pleased with me. I was looking at my own righteousness for assurance that I was saved which I know now only exalts myself and only leads to fear and condemnation. I'm now looking to the cross in faith where Jesus truly paid it all for me and he alone is my salvation!!! The burdens I've been carrying for so many years are finally starting to be lifted, the peace of God is finally here, and it's all because of Jesus and only Jesus. I didn't even realize I had been living in lies for so long trying to fix my outward appearance instead of now I've let Jesus in to heal my broken heart with his love and now the actions are naturally a flow out of what the Spirit of God is doing within me transforming everyday to be more like Jesus! Hallelujah! Thank you Mark for your videos! And I'm finally starting to read my Bible again not in fearful obedience but rather because I know that God loves me and my identity is resting in Jesus Christ alone!!! God is truly using you to share the truth and indeed the truth is what will set people free.
@@brandonwillingham123 Just keep crying out to God and trusting in him. I was literally in debilitating fear for more than 3 months and could barely get out of bed before I finally humbled myself and found the peace of God. Take little steps of faith each day and pray bold prayers in faith and God will speak to you directly. Those three months are the closest I've ever been to God and he embedded the truths of His Word deep in the soil of my heart and uprooted the lies of the enemy. God loves you Brandon, he knows you, he sees you, he hears your every prayer, and yes, he will receive you into his glory one day in heaven as you place your trust in Christ alone. What can wash away our sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 😊🙏
David Sandy thank you so much for the encouraging words brother, I’ve been run through the ringer by the enemy and just like Mark says, I obsessed and basically fell into the enemy’s traps. It has been a long time since yes, debilitating fear, anxiety and worries etc have me to where I also don’t want to get outta bed. There is this heaviness upon me. This channel has helped me so much, I had absolutely no idea I was completely double minded. Not to mention my sister called me the other day completely inconsolable and threatening to take a bunch of pills. She makes horrible decisions and leans on me, I was so whipped after trying to calm her down. What little strength I had that day was all used up. I’m so scared when the phone rings. I see little bits of hope here and there. Please pray for us. Thank you brother.
@@brandonwillingham123 Absolutely! I've found that the Living Word truly is living and it affects the spiritual realm. Don't fight back with your own thoughts and words, rather take a step of faith and open the Word and believe the truth. It will take time but just keep praying, trusting, believing, and receiving because he who promised is faithful. Lean into the comforting arms of Jesus and ask God to highlight things for you personally in His Word. I've also started to write in a journal which you may want to consider as well. I will be praying for you and your sister Brandon that you would be filled with the love of God and know that God himself is holding your right hand and he will never let you go. 🙏 'Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.' Psalms 73:21-26
I have new obsession about repentace and godly sorrow. It is so horrible. I continously think of my past sins that "did i REALLY repent?" "Did i REALLY feel godly sorrow?" "What if i did not feel it?" "What if i am beyond repentace?" I have great fear about sinning because i fear that i might not be able to repent anymore if i sin even one more time and it makes me so stressed. I overanalyse my every action to make sure that is not sin. I spend most of my waking hours in tought and i continously think about the past instead of concentrating in the present and future. And every day there is more content added to the past and because of that the thinking and spinning never ends. Self loathing is part of worldly sorrow right? But ocd makes people extremely hard on themselves. I cannot make difference beetween ocd and worldly sorrow. Whenever i feel quilty and anxious i spin about that and think if the guilt and anxiety is produced by sin or is it just symptom of ocd. Ocd makes me confess already confessed sins multiple times and even confess things that maby are not sin at all. Ocd makes me to actively search sin from my life and artifically create new sin if one is not found. This is pure insanity and i need help.
I've been greatly struggling with salvation OCD recently, and it's been preventing me from enjoying things. This video, however, is starting to help me with the OCD. I thank you for your help.
Thank you Mark 💜 between our own selves, Satan and privileged people in the church that believe they’re the Holy Spirit, a sensitive conscience is doomed. The Christian life is impossible without God. When we fail to celebrate everyday, drowning in depression, anxiety and OCD- we do wonder if he’s there. But I can’t get it through my head that my feelings that are so strong, doesn’t mean they’re true, based on God’s Word.
That's about the size of it. The church I grew up in really messed me up, and then I basically became a Satanist because I was always called a monster and all this other crap because no one knew nor cared to know what Asperger's syndrome is, or what OCD is, so I just figured that since the church was pushing me away, and the world wasn't, and I was getting answers to questions from people who were not Christians that actually made sense, I was just going to do as much damage as I could. I never fully admitted to myself until 2017 that I wasn't a christian, but when I admitted it to G-D, I fell apart at the seams. He saved me right there, but then I fell back into drugs and alcohol again when my dad died 6 months after that and I was the first on scene. I started spinning out because I had lost my supposed moral compass when he had died, and of course, this very church that everyone I am related to seems to go to, (they hold pastoral power and all,) we're very glad to try to shove my grandfather's books in my face all the time, cuz they held him as a prophet pretty much, and that sent me into bitterness. Now I'm trying to get everything squared away again..... It's just a never-ending vicious cycle it seems. There have been days where I've just wanted to die because it would mean an end to all of this bull crap.
I’m battling this right now and it’s literally the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. It’s so debilitating at times that I literally can’t even work or do anything. Like I’m terrified of doing anything not relating to God. I spent most of my time crying out to God to please help me I feel like I’m repenting all the time even though I haven’t even sinned that I’ve known of. It’s such a awful awful cycle. I need God to take it from me because I literally can’t take it anymore.
Hang in there sister. You can make it through this dark time I promise. It will take some time but our Father will use all of it for your benefit. He will use all of it to help you grow and prosper. You will end up being confident in your relationship with Him, He will give you revelations of His love for you and more, you will be a blessing to others who are going through what you’ve gone through. Be encouraged, He has you in the palm of His hand.
Rachel you are stronger then you know. Show yourself some love and try not to beat yourself up. I suffer with religious OCD too. It's a rollercoaster ride for us sometimes. Love you and praying for you.
@@jayowens2114 aw love you! God has really opened my eyes since I posted this. Like A LOT. I’m much better now even though I struggle sometimes still it’s not nearly as bad. I can finally read the Bible and not feel condemned and I see beauty in it now and I’m so grateful because I had been praying for peace 💜 love you so much! God bless you!!💜
@@rickyg3107 I’m actually doing a lot better. God has completely opened my eyes to the truth. If you need a friend I’m here I hope it gets better for you! God bless you 💜
So important to have quality fellowship with other believers who know the true Gospel of Grace. When we gather we are to build up (edify) one another in the faith. It's wild how many churches are not a solid community of edification, exhortation, and comfort. Many people like myself have suffered from these issues due to being taught another gospel within religious gatherings as well as at home. I was raised AOG and had a major performance mindset as well as fear of hell and fear of losing salvation.... I find that if I do not fellowship with healthy people I start to erode right back into old patterns of thinking. Toxic relationships will chip away at progress made. So important to guard the heart and have healthy boundaries!
Wow wow wow…My biggest fear in the world is dying and hearing Jesus say “I never knew you”. I didn’t know that others deal with this issue as well. I didn’t know that there was even a name for it. I didn’t know it could even be fixed…. I’ve been saved for years but have always struggled with this. I’ve shared this fears with others before and they’d recommend a scripture, which is awesome. However, I know realize that it’s not a head issue, it’s a heart issue. I’m so happy I found this channel. I can finally start to feel free…
I am only at the beginning of the video but this speaks RIGHT to me. This is exactly what I feel and I didn't know about the OCD stuff. I thought the Lord just didn't want to give me faith to truly believe or that my heart was just a stone when I wanted to believe in the Lord. I thought I wasn't saved since I don't have the assurance and I absolutely want to fix it because this is HEAVEN OR HELL FOREVER. But then I said "If you do something to believe, then this is works and you are saved by faith alone". Thank you so much.
Are you trusting in your feelings or the unchanging Word of God? Confused emotions of fear are not from God. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33 So, if you feel fearful condemnation when reading the Word of God then it's the enemy trying to distort the Word. Rather, humble yourself and ask God to reveal the truth of His Word through the eyes of love and grace and to receive the truth that will set you free.
To everyone here: I’ve read many of your comments and can entirely relate to your worries. I’m worrying so much as I type this! But a thought came to my mind: God delights in YOU, and desires to clothe YOU in His mercy in your struggles. *breathe* He sees you for where you’re at, and He understands your pain entirely. I’m preaching to myself here cause I need this too! I feel like I’m going insane again, trying to even believe. But I must remember that God loves me so much, and it doesn’t end or waiver.
Hi Mark. I was driving yestrday listening to your podcast as i often do and thought rhar mist if my OCD struggles are in the past . Nope. Today i got the crippling fear of weather or not i am truly saved. The Word says works and change are evidence if faith. I dont see any good works or any real change in me. Ive recommited my life to the Lord many times in fear if this very thing. In facr ive been struggling since i was 13. Im 22 now, please help.
I’ve never had this fixation with my OCD tendencies before. Until recently when I heard a pastor/ dear brother in Christ I know and that I have had deep respect for starting to mock “once saved always saved” beliefs and coming across as condemning all in the name of scripture and the love of Christ while also saying his understanding of God’s love is different than most churches and believers in so many ways…I have been spinning out. I’m utterly disappointed by these statements. Might even say I’m heartbroken 😢🙏💙
Struggled for years with the unpardonable sin . I could write a book myself . God has gotten me through and I praise Him for it . Your victory will come , but I know with OCD … “yeah but …”
Thank you for allowing God to use you and speak truth. I have OCD and all you are saying rings true. God is working in my life and he is helping me work through my OCD . He has always been there through the journey and has given me a husband who has been a great support but also someone who is firm with me to not feed it.
Pro tips 1. Did you believe on (or even just ask) Christ to save you? He puts His blood to your account when you do. 2. Remember, He saves you through your belief, not for your belief. 3. Does Christ wish any should parish? No? Didn't think so. 4. If you didn't believe, then you wouldn't be worried... 5. 2 Timothy 2:13 proves Christ keeps you saved even if you stop believing. He adopted you, so you are His responsibility now. You are no longer your own responsibility. He thought this through.
So far my therapist thinks I have MDD and GAD but I just know I have OCD so I’m praying it all goes well. I relate to at least 90% of what you’re saying.
Thank you Mark for the work you do. I have had to take medication but I am now able to not overreact when someone is rude to me or might come across as rude. I also am trying to be more present get outside my head and not be so selfish. I still have bad days today my thoughts are how I come across as rude and I push people away. I have become fully isolated and have no friends. The ruminating keeps me from having any friends or reaching out or doing anything I won’t sleep after any socializing. Today I’m trying to say so what to my thoughts and not feed them so grateful for these videos on bad days to help me calm down. My marriage and kids were suffering greatly from my symptoms but trying to give myself grace and forgive myself and moving towards the best that I can without being so perfectionistic and it’s okay to make mistakes. I am also reading your book the rejection mindset very helpful thank you!
@Donta I am on medicine and have an addiction to a nicotine vape and kratom. I take the kratom like how I would drink my coffee. And Our Heavenly Father has healed me from so much that I feel I won’t be stuck forever because I love Jesus with every bit of my DNA! Hallelujah
@Donta I feel I ran into these videos for a reason, they just popped up one day. And I believe God has me in a learning season of His Grace and acknowledging and admitting the legalism I live by. It is only by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and putting all our trust in Him. I trust I have salvation from here on out and will therefore see progress in His beautiful love and mercy. Praise God!!!
This is the conclusion I’ve come to after many many years of fear and doubt, That is that He died for me!!! I ACCEPT it And that trumps EVERYTHING All of my faults and failures included Hope this helps someone God bless
For myself the obsessions has been less about morality and sin and more about faith and belief. Much of the wrestling I have dealt with has been over questioning if I really believe and if I have enough faith even though I do believe in Jesus. I do realize the thought loops are unhealthy and for a little while I can feel comfort and then get back in that spiral. It doesn't really answer the questions because I can get an answer and then go back to the spiral. I have been practicing giving this over to God to deal with and trusting God with the anxiety though I find it hard to let go completely. I feel the root is that I just want to know that Jesus accepts me as I am and the fear is of being rejected. I think the reason behind having trouble letting go of trying to figure things out is the fear of trusting God and fear of him not taking care of me which goes back to the fear of rejection. Reading the Scripture however I feel that it is fears that are not biblically based as much of Scripture teaches the blessedness of trusting in God and reading about Jesus I perceive that Jesus accepted people who came to him for help. I have read so often how Jesus has welcomed those who came to him.
I've convinced myself I am a vessel of wrath. I've convinced I haven't repented genuinely or enough. I've almost convinced myself that I've tried to be saved and God is going to say, "no."
What if in trying to gain assurance by diagnosing ourselves with OCD we are actually deceiving ourselves. What if our repentance was not genuine and we think it was thus deceiving ourselves? I don't want to think that I'm saved and then later and dreadfully find out that i was a tare among the wheat, a goat among the sheep. It's terrifying to live with such thoughts. I feel empty inside and my desires for God have faded away. I want to love God, not in my mind trying to convince myself, but for real. I want to be a true child of God and not deceive myself.
@@abemontes2518 hello! I hope you are no longer struggling with this issue, but if you are, here is my ERP thought that I tell my OCD to combat this. “Maybe I am not saved, this could be true, but regardless of if I am I am saved or not I am going to choose to believe and seek after Jesus. Thank you for trying to help me (OCD), but regardless of these thoughts I am seeking after God” and then you sit in the uncertainty and don’t fight the thought. If you do this enough, the thoughts begin to lose their power.
@abermontes2518 I can relate to that. My experience is as follows, I said a sinner's prayer some time ago after realizing that I was lost, and then later on ended up not understanding how I even got saved... how do I know if I am saved, I had those questions, and the reason for that is because I did not hear the gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Now for everyone that does not know, we get saved by trusting the Gospel only, after we hear it and understand it because Romans 10:14 and Ephesians 1:13. After that moment, I finally heard the gospel and believed it through a preacher from which I learned that I did not have to do anything to gain it, but then asked myself when did I get saved? And I proceeded to believe that I actually believed through the prior prayer that I said. Because of this, I found myself giving credence to feelings, emotions, and prayer, but then later on after experiencing doubts and having attempts "to believe again in the form of a prayer", I decided to examine myself, and found out that I did not get saved when I "believed" through the prayer that I said (of course belief can be expressed in the form of a prayer, but has to be from the heart). I was just worried that I have trusted works + faith gospel, that I have been trusting my own understanding feelings and emotions. Yet, I still found myself having attempting of praying again to express my trust in the gospel only to get saved, waiting for some "special" moment, feeling, and emotion. I eventually gave up on the fact that I believed through the prayer, but then what about the time when I have been looking at other things instead of the Gospel, e.g., feelings, understanding, etc. I ended up going back and forth, still looking at those things, which drove me nuts. Right now I am just wondering if I actually need to trust the Gospel for sure to get saved or just take that step of faith further and grow in good works - faith, love and stop the cycle of OCD, the introspection process and cycle in both cases, whether I am saved or just need to move one. So any updates regarding yourself? Mark, if you have anything to say regarding this, please do thanks.
I can tell you what caused my scrupulosity OCD was watching testimonies about near death experiences, and visions about Jesus. In most of those testimonies, the yoke is put back on the person. I have to stop watching those and just get my facts from the Bible. Because the devil can distort visions in near death experiences as well. That’s exactly what warped the joy that I had of salvation.
It’s not the prayer that saves you, it’s faith in Jesus Christ that saves you. 1 John 5:13 “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” You can know you have eternal life if you have put your faith in Christ alone to save you.
No, some people really really care, and think they are saved, or question it, but are decieved into thinking salvation depends upon what they do. Cult mentality
Do you think that some people worry if they were “properly converted”, meaning, they have one “salvation experience” that they genuinely feel was effectual, only to hear preachers describe being saved as different as time goes on and then the sufferer feels maybe their original experience is not valid? 🤷🏼♂️
Hi! This is an old video but I see people still come here and comment so i hope someone reads this. My salvation ocd is a little bit different, it’s hard for me to accept that i dont have to do anything to be saved, I just have to accept Christ in my heart, I like it cause its simple, but then i see people abusing it. I heard alot of times that you can be a horrible person and do horrible things and dont really change but you are still saved cause Jesus did all the work and changing yourself, moving away from sin for these people is work, and they just jump to “salvation is not work based”. It’s makes me angry that someone thinks that you can just live how you want cause Jesus paid the price… I learned that we have to rely on Jesus only, doing works means we rely on ourself, which helped me, but i still dont believe that it means you can live in sin and still be saved. Im spinning over sins that im doing, that im not accepting Jesus in my heart and that im not struggling with fear, i just agree with it. It makes me spin when i think that i can do whatever i want and im still saved. Ive been criticized by christians cause i think if you accept Christ your life should change(Jesus actually says this in the bible) but those people think that’s works… So im really afraid that i can do horrible things cause im still saved, and the other side of this im thinking that im not actually saved cause i question if the things i hear about that are sinful, i question them cause i dont really feel like those are sins, but i spin cause the bible talks a little bit about that but i spin that it means everything looking similar is a sin. Or if i dont feel like i want to go to church or listen christian music or focus on praising God, cause i want to do something that makes me happy right now, i feel like im not really a christian, cause i do what is good for me. It really feels like theres no solution cause i keep landing on both sides and each answer contradicts the other answer.
When I hear this and perhaps other believers including those who call themselves or claim to be BORN AGAIN, their mind bring up Philippians 2:12… )Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION with fear and trembling) It is not enough that one has admitted to being a sinner, accept and declare Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour as well get baptised, I’m still dealing with this question and/ or doubt I’m I saved? And how can I prove it daily instead of thinking I have repented and receive/ accepted God’s grace through Christ Jesus? This mindset is tiring/ exhausting and not of God
Right when you feel like you’re doing something wrong… STOP right there in your tracks and say out loud or in your mind, “It’s okay that this feeling is here right now :) I welcome it” and push forward no matter what your thoughts and feelings are telling you. I’ve learned to start doing something else right away, maybe start listening to a song or start singing. Your thoughts are going to be screaming for you to ruminate & etc.. but nope! The reason this works is because when you try to push the thoughts away and you allow yourself to go into that spiral 🌀 your brain will keep bringing these thoughts back but if you say it’s okay for them to be here and smile or something like that then you’re helping your brain understand that these thoughts/feelings aren’t dangerous. So basically you’re *starving your compulsions.* Also, like Mark says, in that moment remind yourself that you are loved by the Father in the midst of it all.❤
What happens when you believe you’re FEELING in the Spirit…and when you go into worship you have this “conviction” feeling…and even though everyone keeps telling you you’re not hearing from God but this phenomenon happens when I begin seeking God and the feeling is stronger that I’m going in the wrong direction or that im ignoring what God is saying…does this happen to anyone? Mark, has this happened to you?
I question my salvation everyday. Have been for the past 20 years. Today I feel numb. I want to really love God and be loved by God. Even though I sin I also don't live practicing sin. But I still question, because even though I pray and read the Bible some I fee as though something is wrong with me. I ask if I'm deceiving myself or worst, maybe I'm a tare among the wheat. It's discouraging and feels terrible. I have been a "christian " for more than half my life and the terrible thing is that when reading the Bible I feel more anxiety than assurance. How pathetic is that? I understand that unbelief is a grave sin and that's why most of the people of Israel did not enter into the promised land. I only ask God to have mercy on me. My heart feels hardened and my holy affections have evaporated. All I have are the good memories of the past.
Only been struggling a little over a year myself, so I really feel for you all. OCD is a bully and will tell you all kinds of things, but the thought that you can’t come back to God for wasted time, that’s a lie from the Devil. He don’t want you to serve God but the truth is you are God’s child and He will never let you go no matter how much time you’ve been away from His will. Something that helps me sometimes is to remember that Jesus said there was never a man born of a woman greater than John the Baptist. John was prophesied to tell of the Messiah from birth and filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb. Yet, when Herod put him in jail, he doubted if Jesus was even the Christ and sent his friends to go ask Jesus if He really was. Even a great man like that had his doubts because of his humanity. I hope that helps you all ❤
Does anyone have repetitive intrusive and non intrusive thoughts about selling their soul? Do you think will forgive that - the non intrusive ones? Have you been able to get past it?
I have had those thoughts pop in my head and it is only a thought. Just because you have it doesn’t mean it’s true. Yes he can forgive it and already has.
Really whant you're book but payment is really difficult from south Africa with fraud and and....how can I maybe get pdf download.....been following you a while now and yes pastors and traditions are a big problem in our society......thanks for you're time explaining OCD.....holy spirit send me you're video and really appreciate all the videos....>🔥God bless keep going
Salvation OCD is the enemy trying to make people question God's loving character and our identity in Christ as Sons of the Living God... namely the truth is all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. God truly loves us that much and His arm is not too short to save nor His ear too dull to hear. Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:13-16 ESV
I keep getting demonic dreams about death and not being saved this is so horrible to wake up to and your whole walk in christ seems ruined' But we all must understand the truth it is all lies and attack from the Enemy principalities spiritual warfare the enemy will constantly attack you with doubts and fears anxiety feeling of impending doom' this is how the enemy attacks us.
The enemy is trying to make us obsess over figuring out when we prayed a prayer and got saved or if we're even saved at all. Whenever he does this, I simply reply back "I was saved 2,000 years ago when Jesus declared 'It is finished!' Hallelujah! The blood of Jesus Christ alone is my defense!"
Amen
Yes amen
Dude the battle is real... I litterly get all tied up in a fight in my head... Remind myself to position my heart to receive his love it was already done. and it all melts away and rest is there with sound mind. Through it though we are learning together and helping each other praise God!!
@@Drog7722 Remember, God prepares a table in the presence of our enemies (Psalm 23). It's our job to simply trust him that he will stop the enemy from taking a seat at the table as we continually look to Jesus and trust and rest and only tune our ears to what Jesus is saying. The lies will have no power and will only be distant thoughts if we choose to focus on Jesus who is sitting and dining with us as we walk by faith (it's a slow progression from glory to glory) through the valley of the shadow of death (the earth).
Do I need to speak in tongues to be saved?
The Holy Spirit definitely led me to your channel Mark!!!🥺🥺🥺 Since the age of 9, I’ve been diagnosed with Scrupulosity OCD, and has been suffering with it for over 16 years now, to the point where it has worsened!!😭😭😭 As a result, I can’t even enjoy life with my husband, I turn down every opportunity to be happy and enjoy life due to my Scrupulosity!! Be mindful, I’m already a devoted baptized Christian who loves Jesus with all my heart, soul, mind and body😪😪 And still, I’ve been driving myself to depression and frustration in striving to be perfect!!!😭😭😭 I really needed this!!! Had to subscribe immediately!! Thank you so much Mark!!! As I’m listening your videos, the relief that it brings has me constantly saying “Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus, Thank You Jesus!”☺️☺️ I really hadn’t been focusing on His immense and everlasting Grace & Mercy!!😭😭
I just discovered your channel, and it feels like you're speaking statements directly from my brain. Thank you for this ministry.
Today I choose to starve the compulsion and to take a step of faith that God knows my thoughts better than I do, and knows where I have been all these years and begin walking as the true child of God that I already am.
“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” - 1 John 3:20
@carolanne8162
Absolutely!!!!! Thank you!!!!! 🙂 I love this verse!!!!
You are correct. I had stopped reading my Bible because I kept being hit with condemnation instead of receiving the implanted word with love and grace. Indeed, humility is required to receive the truth with love and grace.
Hallelujah! Amen, brother! May God’s richest blessings be upon you and your family! Been helped so much thru your teachings.
Did you get back to the Bible?:)
@Vanessa Chavez Absolutely, it was the Word of God that set me free. I asked God to uproot the lies of the enemy that I had been believing and plant His seeds of truth of His Living Word deep into the soil of my heart. I'm convinced the fear of reading the Word of God was based upon lies I had been believing about the character of God and my identity in Christ and the only way to break that fear was to take a step of faith and open and hear the word of life.
@@DavidSandyOfficial Wow! Yes!✝️🥰 I’m so happy for you. God is faithful, amen?
@@vanessadesire7 Yes and amen. 😊🙏🏻
Hey Mark. I am a Christian and I also suffer from very severe OCD. This video really helped me out. Thankyou so much!
Just started listening to you. Where have you been all my Christian life??? In few days I'm have gotten answers to questions I have to been asking for years. Thank you so much for following God's call on your life.
Hiya! I found him yesterday. Been in word of faith, Prosperity for years. Needed feeding so bad. God suggested this Brother. Yayyy. Blessings to you 🙏
Right!! I feel the exact same way.
SO many people need to hear this man
It’s possible you were getting building blocks leading up to this teaching. Would it have hit home so well if you hadn’t experienced these struggles so much?
Amen to that 💪
This was such a blessing. Thank you Mark! This is something i have struggled with my whole life. Here recently I had a horrible battle with it, I did not eat for 5-7 days. I had panic attacks. I knew what I believed in my heart but I would catch a feeling of unbelief. It made me think I was never really saved and that I never will be. I am now choosing to trust from this day forward that I believe in Jesus and that he died on the cross for me. Even with these thoughts still swirling around in my head. I am choosing to focus on Jesus and his love and his promises. I am choosing to move forward in the boldness in what he did for me, vs what I can do. God bless you!
Me too, I have struggled but with hope .
This comment has help me to want to do the same
@@jacobnoah5209 best advice I can give you is be honest with god and press into him and his word. He will meet you there! Prayers for you!
You are incredibly caring. Many pastors preach from a tough “get it to together” approach and none really understand the mental health that troubles many believers.
I definitely have this!!! Not only with Salvation, but health, finances- any crises in my life! Great information I have to change my thinking. I’m in therapy now.
Thank you so much. I can't begin to thank you enough for your ministry! People who understand both ministry and mental health are soooo few and far between.
Honestly I never knew other people struggled with this topic as well. I've been a Christian since I was 9 currently 40 and this has been a struggle for so long. I'm sad other deal with it as well but so relieved to know I'm not the only one. 🙏🏼
You are certainly not alone
I suffer over this , thought at times , no one else does.
Me too. I am believer of Christ ever since I was a little girl. I’ve been reborn again. And I suffer so badly with intrusive thoughts… the unpardonable sin. I have prayed and prayed and stay in constant faith. I have to understand. They are only thoughts. I haven’t acted on them. I love the Lord. The enemy sometimes make me feel worthless and say I’m not this or that. But I rebuke it and move on. I am also 40 years old and have been dealing with this since I was in my early 20s. We will keep moving forward and trust in the Lord! Amen! 🫶🏾🙌🏾
isn't the holy spirit supposed to comfort you? seems like a contradiction
Thank you for talking about this! I’ve been struggling with this for YEARS. This is a huge lightbulb moment.
I grew up in the church and have always *believed*, but as an adult, especially the last few years, I have been having a hard time with the times where Jesus gets mad at his disciples, or just the people around him at any given time, he sounds exasperated and annoyed, just fed up with people like me it seems. So I have a hard time believing that he loves me and isn’t sitting there disgusted with me as he was disgusted with all those other people because “we should know better.”
This is my biggest blockage when it comes to being vulnerable with God. I’m so scared that I’ll take that leap of faith and walk out in confidence that Jesus loves me, only to die and face him and hear him say “get away from me, I never knew you. I’ll spit you out of my mouth.”
This is a sermon my old pastor did, please let the Words soak into your heart.. it just helped me.
I know this is awhile from when he did it, and when ya posted, but it popped up. Felt like you might be helped by it
th-cam.com/video/3VovXmrk8B8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=_2Los0yi6NJVU1Be
Also listen to Andrew Farley. His teachings is biblical and sooo filled with the grace that you need. 🙏🏽❤️
I was suffering so badly the other day with not feeling saved and I mean I just felt HORRIBLE like I could just 💀and I was begging God to help me because I already knew that something was wrong in my thinking and I just didn’t know what to do and I woke up the next morning and I believe God told me in my mind and heart that He heard me when I received Him. He knows that I accepted Him as my Savior and that’s all that matters. Our feelings will not align all the time with feeling saved but the important thing is knowing that He knows your heart and deepest feelings/trust you have in Him. Then when I read Psalm 139 it just really was like the cherry 🍒 on top. So I hope this encourages someone. Remember we’re saved by grace through faith not by works. It’s His sacrifice alone and His righteousness alone that gets us into heaven. All He asks us is to receive it not do some insane mental gymnastics to be successful.♥️
Honestly thought I was the only one going through this. Thank you sir currently going through all your videos. God bless you
Thanks! This video is a big blessing. Big thanks from me.❤
Praise God for people like you!! So relieving to hear someone share these things, I can relate to so much of this.
This verse helps me greatly with my own OCD struggles:
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
1 John 3:20
So thankful God put that verse in the Bible. He knew people like us OCDers would desperately need it. 🥰
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Isaiah 49:13-16 ESV
Wow! A powerful picture of the cross of Christ even in the Old Testament. His nail scarred hands give us assurance that he will never leave us nor forsake us! Amen and amen. 😀🙏
💯 percent! I'm so glad God is good and patient and gentle. I should have worked as a researcher as much as I look up stuff.
Not just are you hard on yourself but church leaders are hard on you too! Constant subversive pulpit message: "there is something wrong with you & need to fix it with your obedience and be 'more' faithful".
Hi Mark, I discovered about a month ago that I may have OCD. I am subscribed to you and this video just came to my attention. After watching it I want you to know that you described me 💯 percent. Everything you said perfectly describes my struggle. I'm going to watch this again and also your help page. I'm thanking you and God for leading me finally to an answer . I've been struggling with this for over eight years now. Wow.... Thanks
again so thankful the Lord led me to your page, I have never heard of religious OCD until now, and this is me to a T, it is a constant battle over and over in my head, am I really saved, am I really saved and it is pure torment, and the fact that is a heart issue ouch!!!!! now I don't go to the altar but it is like a needle on the record this is such a eye opener
I feel like your personally speaking to me. Every single thing is so spot on for me. I struggle with fear and condemnation. My worst fear is Matthew 723.. that in the end even know i know Jesus is my Lord and Savior, that because I struggle with this ocd He will turn me away one day. Makes me feel self deceived. That I won't get over this in time and He will come back and I won't be ready. I HATE feeling like this. I haven't been to church in months or read my Bible which brings more shame and fuel to the fire. If I have the spirit why do I feel like im always backsliding. Its a burden I wish on know one. I know when I gave my life to Christ, I know when he changed my life, but why do I feel the condemnation of being self deceived. 💔
The Law ist done my friend. Its fulfilled and there is nothing we can add to this fact. Jesus did it for us. Matthew 7 23 explains how beeing too religous doesnt save you. Not everyone that keeps saying Lord will be saved but the ones who believe in the Father and have faith. You are Not saved by works but by faith and the people in Matthew 7 wanted to come to heaven by doing works and it failed. They didnt say we are saved by faith but they showed Jesus their works and this ist not what saves us. Read Romans chapter 10. Paul describes it perfectly how we are saved by faith and that everything ist alright.
God Bless
That exact scripture has been my biggest fear for years.
I am like you. Its torture. God help us have peace🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Thank you Mark, this has caused me much strain... and has robbed me of much peace, I need to dig deeper into your materials to be free.
I want to step out in faith but I genuinely fear I can’t do it and I feel stuck. I feel like I’m such a sinner and unrepentant but I don’t want to be. I feel tortured by God. I feel like my life is over. I have been in this place for years and I’m TIRED. I just want relief. That’s it.
how are you now ?
How are you now? ❤
How are you doing now?
I'm commenting this email which I sent to Mark a few weeks ago in hopes that it might help someone else struggling with assurance of salvation:
Subject: The Blood of Jesus Is Enough!
Mark,
I'm learning everyday to trust more and more in the blood of Jesus Christ alone and the righteousness of Christ alone.
I realize now it takes far greater faith to trust in Christ alone instead of trying to ruminate and fix thoughts which has led me to debilitating fear and condemnation. I realize now the only way to live in peace is to let go of my striving and trust and rest in the finishwork of the cross. God has brought me a long way over the past few months because a few months ago I remember thinking I had to be perfect in order for God to be pleased with me. I was looking at my own righteousness for assurance that I was saved which I know now only exalts myself and only leads to fear and condemnation. I'm now looking to the cross in faith where Jesus truly paid it all for me and he alone is my salvation!!! The burdens I've been carrying for so many years are finally starting to be lifted, the peace of God is finally here, and it's all because of Jesus and only Jesus. I didn't even realize I had been living in lies for so long trying to fix my outward appearance instead of now I've let Jesus in to heal my broken heart with his love and now the actions are naturally a flow out of what the Spirit of God is doing within me transforming everyday to be more like Jesus! Hallelujah!
Thank you Mark for your videos! And I'm finally starting to read my Bible again not in fearful obedience but rather because I know that God loves me and my identity is resting in Jesus Christ alone!!! God is truly using you to share the truth and indeed the truth is what will set people free.
Thanks for sharing this,as I read it I identified with it in its entirety.
I’m dealing with the same issues
@@brandonwillingham123 Just keep crying out to God and trusting in him. I was literally in debilitating fear for more than 3 months and could barely get out of bed before I finally humbled myself and found the peace of God. Take little steps of faith each day and pray bold prayers in faith and God will speak to you directly. Those three months are the closest I've ever been to God and he embedded the truths of His Word deep in the soil of my heart and uprooted the lies of the enemy. God loves you Brandon, he knows you, he sees you, he hears your every prayer, and yes, he will receive you into his glory one day in heaven as you place your trust in Christ alone. What can wash away our sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make us whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. 😊🙏
David Sandy thank you so much for the encouraging words brother, I’ve been run through the ringer by the enemy and just like Mark says, I obsessed and basically fell into the enemy’s traps. It has been a long time since yes, debilitating fear, anxiety and worries etc have me to where I also don’t want to get outta bed. There is this heaviness upon me. This channel has helped me so much, I had absolutely no idea I was completely double minded. Not to mention my sister called me the other day completely inconsolable and threatening to take a bunch of pills. She makes horrible decisions and leans on me, I was so whipped after trying to calm her down. What little strength I had that day was all used up. I’m so scared when the phone rings. I see little bits of hope here and there. Please pray for us. Thank you brother.
@@brandonwillingham123 Absolutely! I've found that the Living Word truly is living and it affects the spiritual realm. Don't fight back with your own thoughts and words, rather take a step of faith and open the Word and believe the truth. It will take time but just keep praying, trusting, believing, and receiving because he who promised is faithful. Lean into the comforting arms of Jesus and ask God to highlight things for you personally in His Word. I've also started to write in a journal which you may want to consider as well. I will be praying for you and your sister Brandon that you would be filled with the love of God and know that God himself is holding your right hand and he will never let you go. 🙏
'Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant- I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.'
Psalms 73:21-26
I have new obsession about repentace and godly sorrow. It is so horrible. I continously think of my past sins that "did i REALLY repent?" "Did i REALLY feel godly sorrow?" "What if i did not feel it?" "What if i am beyond repentace?"
I have great fear about sinning because i fear that i might not be able to repent anymore if i sin even one more time and it makes me so stressed. I overanalyse my every action to make sure that is not sin.
I spend most of my waking hours in tought and i continously think about the past instead of concentrating in the present and future. And every day there is more content added to the past and because of that the thinking and spinning never ends.
Self loathing is part of worldly sorrow right? But ocd makes people extremely hard on themselves. I cannot make difference beetween ocd and worldly sorrow.
Whenever i feel quilty and anxious i spin about that and think if the guilt and anxiety is produced by sin or is it just symptom of ocd.
Ocd makes me confess already confessed sins multiple times and even confess things that maby are not sin at all. Ocd makes me to actively search sin from my life and artifically create new sin if one is not found.
This is pure insanity and i need help.
You’re not alone there.
Literally same
OH MY GOSH IM GOING THROUGH SOMETHING SO SIMILAR TO THIS
Same!!!!
Forgetting those things that are behind
I've been greatly struggling with salvation OCD recently, and it's been preventing me from enjoying things. This video, however, is starting to help me with the OCD. I thank you for your help.
Thank you Mark 💜 between our own selves, Satan and privileged people in the church that believe they’re the Holy Spirit, a sensitive conscience is doomed. The Christian life is impossible without God. When we fail to celebrate everyday, drowning in depression, anxiety and OCD- we do wonder if he’s there. But I can’t get it through my head that my feelings that are so strong, doesn’t mean they’re true, based on God’s Word.
That's about the size of it. The church I grew up in really messed me up, and then I basically became a Satanist because I was always called a monster and all this other crap because no one knew nor cared to know what Asperger's syndrome is, or what OCD is, so I just figured that since the church was pushing me away, and the world wasn't, and I was getting answers to questions from people who were not Christians that actually made sense, I was just going to do as much damage as I could. I never fully admitted to myself until 2017 that I wasn't a christian, but when I admitted it to G-D, I fell apart at the seams. He saved me right there, but then I fell back into drugs and alcohol again when my dad died 6 months after that and I was the first on scene. I started spinning out because I had lost my supposed moral compass when he had died, and of course, this very church that everyone I am related to seems to go to, (they hold pastoral power and all,) we're very glad to try to shove my grandfather's books in my face all the time, cuz they held him as a prophet pretty much, and that sent me into bitterness. Now I'm trying to get everything squared away again..... It's just a never-ending vicious cycle it seems. There have been days where I've just wanted to die because it would mean an end to all of this bull crap.
Right on time, God knows what we need to hear ❤️🙏
Listening to this message again today - so helpful!!
I’m battling this right now and it’s literally the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. It’s so debilitating at times that I literally can’t even work or do anything. Like I’m terrified of doing anything not relating to God. I spent most of my time crying out to God to please help me I feel like I’m repenting all the time even though I haven’t even sinned that I’ve known of. It’s such a awful awful cycle. I need God to take it from me because I literally can’t take it anymore.
Hang in there sister. You can make it through this dark time I promise. It will take some time but our Father will use all of it for your benefit. He will use all of it to help you grow and prosper. You will end up being confident in your relationship with Him, He will give you revelations of His love for you and more, you will be a blessing to others who are going through what you’ve gone through. Be encouraged, He has you in the palm of His hand.
Rachel you are stronger then you know. Show yourself some love and try not to beat yourself up. I suffer with religious OCD too. It's a rollercoaster ride for us sometimes. Love you and praying for you.
@@jayowens2114 aw love you! God has really opened my eyes since I posted this. Like A LOT. I’m much better now even though I struggle sometimes still it’s not nearly as bad. I can finally read the Bible and not feel condemned and I see beauty in it now and I’m so grateful because I had been praying for peace 💜 love you so much! God bless you!!💜
Hey I struggle with the same thing too. You got this, if you keep praying, God WILL help you! Don’t ever give up.
@@rickyg3107 I’m actually doing a lot better. God has completely opened my eyes to the truth. If you need a friend I’m here I hope it gets better for you! God bless you 💜
So important to have quality fellowship with other believers who know the true Gospel of Grace. When we gather we are to build up (edify) one another in the faith. It's wild how many churches are not a solid community of edification, exhortation, and comfort. Many people like myself have suffered from these issues due to being taught another gospel within religious gatherings as well as at home. I was raised AOG and had a major performance mindset as well as fear of hell and fear of losing salvation.... I find that if I do not fellowship with healthy people I start to erode right back into old patterns of thinking. Toxic relationships will chip away at progress made. So important to guard the heart and have healthy boundaries!
Wow wow wow…My biggest fear in the world is dying and hearing Jesus say “I never knew you”. I didn’t know that others deal with this issue as well. I didn’t know that there was even a name for it. I didn’t know it could even be fixed…. I’ve been saved for years but have always struggled with this. I’ve shared this fears with others before and they’d recommend a scripture, which is awesome. However, I know realize that it’s not a head issue, it’s a heart issue. I’m so happy I found this channel. I can finally start to feel free…
You are amazing. Thank you so much for your work. Incredible how you are able to describe this stuff
I am only at the beginning of the video but this speaks RIGHT to me. This is exactly what I feel and I didn't know about the OCD stuff. I thought the Lord just didn't want to give me faith to truly believe or that my heart was just a stone when I wanted to believe in the Lord. I thought I wasn't saved since I don't have the assurance and I absolutely want to fix it because this is HEAVEN OR HELL FOREVER. But then I said "If you do something to believe, then this is works and you are saved by faith alone". Thank you so much.
You look for unbelief and you will find it. - Mind blown!
Are you trusting in your feelings or the unchanging Word of God? Confused emotions of fear are not from God. "For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." 1 Corinthians 14:33
So, if you feel fearful condemnation when reading the Word of God then it's the enemy trying to distort the Word. Rather, humble yourself and ask God to reveal the truth of His Word through the eyes of love and grace and to receive the truth that will set you free.
This teaching is so important. Yes salvation is the biggest issue in life but obsessing over it daily is so painful and wasteful.
Everything you said, I relate to. It’s a tormenting fear that gets you ruminating.
I absolutely can't believe there are others that feel like I do, thank you
To everyone here: I’ve read many of your comments and can entirely relate to your worries. I’m worrying so much as I type this! But a thought came to my mind: God delights in YOU, and desires to clothe YOU in His mercy in your struggles. *breathe* He sees you for where you’re at, and He understands your pain entirely. I’m preaching to myself here cause I need this too! I feel like I’m going insane again, trying to even believe. But I must remember that God loves me so much, and it doesn’t end or waiver.
Hi Mark. I was driving yestrday listening to your podcast as i often do and thought rhar mist if my OCD struggles are in the past . Nope. Today i got the crippling fear of weather or not i am truly saved. The Word says works and change are evidence if faith. I dont see any good works or any real change in me. Ive recommited my life to the Lord many times in fear if this very thing. In facr ive been struggling since i was 13. Im 22 now, please help.
Bro i am 💯 with the new "MENTAL HEALTH PASTOR" thing i believe you are on to sumthin' good!!!!
I’ve never had this fixation with my OCD tendencies before. Until recently when I heard a pastor/ dear brother in Christ I know and that I have had deep respect for starting to mock “once saved always saved” beliefs and coming across as condemning all in the name of scripture and the love of Christ while also saying his understanding of God’s love is different than most churches and believers in so many ways…I have been spinning out. I’m utterly disappointed by these statements. Might even say I’m heartbroken 😢🙏💙
36:51 I’m gonna trust that I’m saved, not because my feelings are alright but because of you
Struggled for years with the unpardonable sin . I could write a book myself . God has gotten me through and I praise Him for it . Your victory will come , but I know with OCD … “yeah but …”
Yesterday I googled if I am even saved and then this came on your channel...
Not a coincidence for sure. May I ask how you're doing now man?
Mark, thank you for injecting humour. It’s helps so much!!!
Thank you for making this video ! It makes sense and I choose to step out in faith today!!!
Thank you for allowing God to use you and speak truth. I have OCD and all you are saying rings true. God is working in my life and he is helping me work through my OCD . He has always been there through the journey and has given me a husband who has been a great support but also someone who is firm with me to not feed it.
Thank you. How I wish I could have had access to this when I was a child/teenager/young adult. I still benefit greatly from it now.
Same. Love you brother
@@toddlinder-flowman6687 awesome mr show reference btw!
@@matthewadamson4687 why thank you kind stranger
You are God sent, Mark. Thank you so much for using your gift. God is so good.
Pro tips
1. Did you believe on (or even just ask) Christ to save you? He puts His blood to your account when you do.
2. Remember, He saves you through your belief, not for your belief.
3. Does Christ wish any should parish? No? Didn't think so.
4. If you didn't believe, then you wouldn't be worried...
5. 2 Timothy 2:13 proves Christ keeps you saved even if you stop believing. He adopted you, so you are His responsibility now. You are no longer your own responsibility. He thought this through.
Thank you been struggling with the o. Panic disorder have been seeing the heart. Thank you
Mark. Mark. Mark. You hit the nail on the head. You’re a blessing to us all. Continue to spread the word and the truth! Thank you for all you do! 🫶🏾
Mark, what you are doing is CRITICAL for Christians battling with OCD. GOD BLESS YOU!
Thanks so much mate
Exactly what I’m going through.
Praise Jesus for his everlasting love!
These vids are incredible !!! ❤❤❤❤
I am struggling with this so bad and im thanking you and Jesus for bringing me to your videos. God Bless you 🙏
So far my therapist thinks I have MDD and GAD but I just know I have OCD so I’m praying it all goes well. I relate to at least 90% of what you’re saying.
Thank you for your videos.
I’ve struggled with this since I accepted Christ. I thought I was alone.
i thought the holy spirit was supposed to comfort people?
This podcast is excellent. Right at the top of my favorites. I watched it twice.
Thank you Mark for the work you do. I have had to take medication but I am now able to not overreact when someone is rude to me or might come across as rude. I also am trying to be more present get outside my head and not be so selfish. I still have bad days today my thoughts are how I come across as rude and I push people away. I have become fully isolated and have no friends. The ruminating keeps me from having any friends or reaching out or doing anything I won’t sleep after any socializing. Today I’m trying to say so what to my thoughts and not feed them so grateful for these videos on bad days to help me calm down. My marriage and kids were suffering greatly from my symptoms but trying to give myself grace and forgive myself and moving towards the best that I can without being so perfectionistic and it’s okay to make mistakes. I am also reading your book the rejection mindset very helpful thank you!
Do you still take medication. My doctor trying to put me on meds but i don’t want to rely on them.
@Donta I am on medicine and have an addiction to a nicotine vape and kratom. I take the kratom like how I would drink my coffee. And Our Heavenly Father has healed me from so much that I feel I won’t be stuck forever because I love Jesus with every bit of my DNA! Hallelujah
@Donta I feel I ran into these videos for a reason, they just popped up one day. And I believe God has me in a learning season of His Grace and acknowledging and admitting the legalism I live by. It is only by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and putting all our trust in Him. I trust I have salvation from here on out and will therefore see progress in His beautiful love and mercy. Praise God!!!
I just listen to your video titled “the stages of spiritual heart disease” thank you so much for spreading the word. I am grateful for God and you! ❤️
Thank You!! Thank You!! You are a Godsend…..your explanations are spot on!! ❤
This is the conclusion I’ve come to after many many years of fear and doubt,
That is that He died for me!!! I ACCEPT it And that trumps EVERYTHING
All of my faults and failures included
Hope this helps someone
God bless
Thank you! 🙏
For myself the obsessions has been less about morality and sin and more about faith and belief. Much of the wrestling I have dealt with has been over questioning if I really believe and if I have enough faith even though I do believe in Jesus. I do realize the thought loops are unhealthy and for a little while I can feel comfort and then get back in that spiral. It doesn't really answer the questions because I can get an answer and then go back to the spiral. I have been practicing giving this over to God to deal with and trusting God with the anxiety though I find it hard to let go completely. I feel the root is that I just want to know that Jesus accepts me as I am and the fear is of being rejected. I think the reason behind having trouble letting go of trying to figure things out is the fear of trusting God and fear of him not taking care of me which goes back to the fear of rejection. Reading the Scripture however I feel that it is fears that are not biblically based as much of Scripture teaches the blessedness of trusting in God and reading about Jesus I perceive that Jesus accepted people who came to him for help. I have read so often how Jesus has welcomed those who came to him.
I struggle with this same thing.
Thank you so much for talking about this!
I've convinced myself I am a vessel of wrath. I've convinced I haven't repented genuinely or enough. I've almost convinced myself that I've tried to be saved and God is going to say, "no."
Can you do subject on addictions? Like alchohol and cigarettes...any type of addictions... Keep the good work ❤️
What if in trying to gain assurance by diagnosing ourselves with OCD we are actually deceiving ourselves. What if our repentance was not genuine and we think it was thus deceiving ourselves? I don't want to think that I'm saved and then later and dreadfully find out that i was a tare among the wheat, a goat among the sheep. It's terrifying to live with such thoughts. I feel empty inside and my desires for God have faded away. I want to love God, not in my mind trying to convince myself, but for real. I want to be a true child of God and not deceive myself.
@@abemontes2518 hello! I hope you are no longer struggling with this issue, but if you are, here is my ERP thought that I tell my OCD to combat this. “Maybe I am not saved, this could be true, but regardless of if I am I am saved or not I am going to choose to believe and seek after Jesus. Thank you for trying to help me (OCD), but regardless of these thoughts I am seeking after God” and then you sit in the uncertainty and don’t fight the thought. If you do this enough, the thoughts begin to lose their power.
@abermontes2518 I can relate to that. My experience is as follows, I said a sinner's prayer some time ago after realizing that I was lost, and then later on ended up not understanding how I even got saved... how do I know if I am saved, I had those questions, and the reason for that is because I did not hear the gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. Now for everyone that does not know, we get saved by trusting the Gospel only, after we hear it and understand it because Romans 10:14 and Ephesians 1:13. After that moment, I finally heard the gospel and believed it through a preacher from which I learned that I did not have to do anything to gain it, but then asked myself when did I get saved? And I proceeded to believe that I actually believed through the prior prayer that I said.
Because of this, I found myself giving credence to feelings, emotions, and prayer, but then later on after experiencing doubts and having attempts "to believe again in the form of a prayer", I decided to examine myself, and found out that I did not get saved when I "believed" through the prayer that I said (of course belief can be expressed in the form of a prayer, but has to be from the heart). I was just worried that I have trusted works + faith gospel, that I have been trusting my own understanding feelings and emotions. Yet, I still found myself having attempting of praying again to express my trust in the gospel only to get saved, waiting for some "special" moment, feeling, and emotion. I eventually gave up on the fact that I believed through the prayer, but then what about the time when I have been looking at other things instead of the Gospel, e.g., feelings, understanding, etc. I ended up going back and forth, still looking at those things, which drove me nuts.
Right now I am just wondering if I actually need to trust the Gospel for sure to get saved or just take that step of faith further and grow in good works - faith, love and stop the cycle of OCD, the introspection process and cycle in both cases, whether I am saved or just need to move one.
So any updates regarding yourself?
Mark, if you have anything to say regarding this, please do thanks.
This is so good.
Amen! It does feel like a bait and switch!
I can tell you what caused my scrupulosity OCD was watching testimonies about near death experiences, and visions about Jesus. In most of those testimonies, the yoke is put back on the person. I have to stop watching those and just get my facts from the Bible. Because the devil can distort visions in near death experiences as well. That’s exactly what warped the joy that I had of salvation.
Thank you
Thanks for sharing!
36:10 sometimes you really just have to start here. Taking a step of faith.
47:00
It’s not the prayer that saves you, it’s faith in Jesus Christ that saves you.
1 John 5:13
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life”
You can know you have eternal life if you have put your faith in Christ alone to save you.
I have never had someone read me my life just like you did in this video! This was so helpful!!!! How can I get more help?
Welcome to the club my friend there are many of us.
@@jayowens2114 indeed
Great video . Thanks for this
If you're worried you're not saved, it probably means you are saved. People that aren't saved also don't care.
No, some people really really care, and think they are saved, or question it, but are decieved into thinking salvation depends upon what they do. Cult mentality
Yeah I'm in this bad boat.
@@amyw37 Agree. What about you Amy, do you relate to these issue of OCD?
@@danielcalota2170 used to, but I don't anymore:)
Do you think that some people worry if they were “properly converted”, meaning, they have one “salvation experience” that they genuinely feel was effectual, only to hear preachers describe being saved as different as time goes on and then the sufferer feels maybe their original experience is not valid? 🤷🏼♂️
Yes !
Growing up catholic I was always going to hell. I'm left Catholicism, but I still feel guilt & shame
Mark, I really need your guidance, I wish I could talk to you
Hi! This is an old video but I see people still come here and comment so i hope someone reads this. My salvation ocd is a little bit different, it’s hard for me to accept that i dont have to do anything to be saved, I just have to accept Christ in my heart, I like it cause its simple, but then i see people abusing it. I heard alot of times that you can be a horrible person and do horrible things and dont really change but you are still saved cause Jesus did all the work and changing yourself, moving away from sin for these people is work, and they just jump to “salvation is not work based”. It’s makes me angry that someone thinks that you can just live how you want cause Jesus paid the price… I learned that we have to rely on Jesus only, doing works means we rely on ourself, which helped me, but i still dont believe that it means you can live in sin and still be saved. Im spinning over sins that im doing, that im not accepting Jesus in my heart and that im not struggling with fear, i just agree with it. It makes me spin when i think that i can do whatever i want and im still saved. Ive been criticized by christians cause i think if you accept Christ your life should change(Jesus actually says this in the bible) but those people think that’s works… So im really afraid that i can do horrible things cause im still saved, and the other side of this im thinking that im not actually saved cause i question if the things i hear about that are sinful, i question them cause i dont really feel like those are sins, but i spin cause the bible talks a little bit about that but i spin that it means everything looking similar is a sin. Or if i dont feel like i want to go to church or listen christian music or focus on praising God, cause i want to do something that makes me happy right now, i feel like im not really a christian, cause i do what is good for me.
It really feels like theres no solution cause i keep landing on both sides and each answer contradicts the other answer.
When I hear this and perhaps other believers including those who call themselves or claim to be BORN AGAIN, their mind bring up Philippians 2:12…
)Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION with fear and trembling)
It is not enough that one has admitted to being a sinner, accept and declare Jesus as one’s Lord and Saviour as well get baptised,
I’m still dealing with this question and/ or doubt I’m I saved? And how can I prove it daily instead of thinking I have repented and receive/ accepted God’s grace through Christ Jesus?
This mindset is tiring/ exhausting and not of God
My issue is that when it starts to feel good and easy I’m like no I’m doing it wrong and then I start spiraling
Right when you feel like you’re doing something wrong… STOP right there in your tracks and say out loud or in your mind, “It’s okay that this feeling is here right now :) I welcome it” and push forward no matter what your thoughts and feelings are telling you. I’ve learned to start doing something else right away, maybe start listening to a song or start singing. Your thoughts are going to be screaming for you to ruminate & etc.. but nope! The reason this works is because when you try to push the thoughts away and you allow yourself to go into that spiral 🌀 your brain will keep bringing these thoughts back but if you say it’s okay for them to be here and smile or something like that then you’re helping your brain understand that these thoughts/feelings aren’t dangerous. So basically you’re *starving your compulsions.* Also, like Mark says, in that moment remind yourself that you are loved by the Father in the midst of it all.❤
@@vanessadesire7 Thank you, Sister! I am so happy to hear that you're working through the OCD so well! God bless you! Thank. you for your advice =)
@@Eve90 You’re very welcome. You got this in Jesus name.🥳
What happens when you believe you’re FEELING in the Spirit…and when you go into worship you have this “conviction” feeling…and even though everyone keeps telling you you’re not hearing from God but this phenomenon happens when I begin seeking God and the feeling is stronger that I’m going in the wrong direction or that im ignoring what God is saying…does this happen to anyone? Mark, has this happened to you?
Is this conviction a felling from the chest area?
I need help with this my mind is a battle field please pray for me…
I'll pray 🙂 God bless
How are you today?
I question my salvation everyday. Have been for the past 20 years. Today I feel numb. I want to really love God and be loved by God. Even though I sin I also don't live practicing sin. But I still question, because even though I pray and read the Bible some I fee as though something is wrong with me. I ask if I'm deceiving myself or worst, maybe I'm a tare among the wheat. It's discouraging and feels terrible. I have been a "christian " for more than half my life and the terrible thing is that when reading the Bible I feel more anxiety than assurance. How pathetic is that? I understand that unbelief is a grave sin and that's why most of the people of Israel did not enter into the promised land. I only ask God to have mercy on me. My heart feels hardened and my holy affections have evaporated. All I have are the good memories of the past.
Right there with you. About 22 years for me. I feel like I can't come back from this after all these wasted years in mental purgatory.
Been 10 years for me, still struggling.
Only been struggling a little over a year myself, so I really feel for you all. OCD is a bully and will tell you all kinds of things, but the thought that you can’t come back to God for wasted time, that’s a lie from the Devil. He don’t want you to serve God but the truth is you are God’s child and He will never let you go no matter how much time you’ve been away from His will. Something that helps me sometimes is to remember that Jesus said there was never a man born of a woman greater than John the Baptist. John was prophesied to tell of the Messiah from birth and filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb. Yet, when Herod put him in jail, he doubted if Jesus was even the Christ and sent his friends to go ask Jesus if He really was. Even a great man like that had his doubts because of his humanity. I hope that helps you all ❤
@@1985cora Where is this in the Bible ? Keen to go read it
Does anyone have repetitive intrusive and non intrusive thoughts about selling their soul?
Do you think will forgive that - the non intrusive ones?
Have you been able to get past it?
HE God will reply to you
I have had those thoughts pop in my head and it is only a thought. Just because you have it doesn’t mean it’s true. Yes he can forgive it and already has.
@@logankelley4210 thank you!
Yes I have evil thoughts that I hate and I know God sees them which scares me. Praying for you.
I thought I was the only one
Really whant you're book but payment is really difficult from south Africa with fraud and and....how can I maybe get pdf download.....been following you a while now and yes pastors and traditions are a big problem in our society......thanks for you're time explaining OCD.....holy spirit send me you're video and really appreciate all the videos....>🔥God bless keep going
Mark how do we heal from this
Mark is a HARDEN HEART involved in OCD?
A person who doesn't suffer from OCD won't be impacted negatively by "do you really know" however someone who isn't saved, may become saved.
Salvation OCD is the enemy trying to make people question God's loving character and our identity in Christ as Sons of the Living God... namely the truth is all who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. God truly loves us that much and His arm is not too short to save nor His ear too dull to hear.
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth; break forth, O mountains, into singing! For the Lord has comforted his people and will have compassion on his afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me; my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.
Isaiah 49:13-16 ESV
I keep getting demonic dreams about death and not being saved this is so horrible to wake up to and your whole walk in christ seems ruined' But we all must understand the truth it is all lies and attack from the Enemy principalities spiritual warfare the enemy will constantly attack you with doubts and fears anxiety feeling of impending doom' this is how the enemy attacks us.