tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post5183982244125109853..comments2023-12-01T07:00:17.135-08:00Comments on The Scrupe Blog: Bingo!Robert Elart Watershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-78666744336811878322020-03-25T09:14:49.621-07:002020-03-25T09:14:49.621-07:00And that 's all we ever need to do!And that 's all we ever need to do!Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-48731471427576381222020-03-25T09:14:06.210-07:002020-03-25T09:14:06.210-07:00It's perfectly fine to drink beer up until the...It's perfectly fine to drink beer up until the point where your judgment becomes clouded. Luther said it's OK "to the point of hilarity." It becomes a problem thereafter.<br /><br />To drink two or three beers is to make grateful use of a gift of God. Benjamin Franklin was hardly an accomplished theologian, but he once said that beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. Luther, whose wife brewed his, certainly thought so!<br />Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-6200112993294637172018-05-04T17:52:57.794-07:002018-05-04T17:52:57.794-07:00Thank you for this post ! Whenever I’m struggling ...Thank you for this post ! Whenever I’m struggling against unwanted OCD thoughts or struggling against sin- I’m going to remember to turn away from myself and go to Jesus — on the cross for me- for all. BaileyDhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16859185972228760653noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-11628399359357334112016-12-26T10:27:08.022-08:002016-12-26T10:27:08.022-08:00Repentance isn't "feeling bad." The ...Repentance isn't "feeling bad." The word the New Testament uses for repentance is "metanoia-" "changing your mind." And everyone has "pop-up" thoughts. They are not sins and mean nothing. They don't need to be repented of. They need to be ignored. They're background noise. They're static. Nothing more.Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-83216532844254537562016-12-26T10:23:22.320-08:002016-12-26T10:23:22.320-08:00It doesn't. That's not what he's talki...It doesn't. That's not what he's talking about. Some people think that Paul himself may have had OCD or some other affliction which today we would consider psychological. Paul is more concerned about having your worldview on straight. You'll never find Paul downplaying the important of accurately stating the Gospel, whatever our postmodern world might say!Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-4675941644220769342016-10-31T14:24:11.097-07:002016-10-31T14:24:11.097-07:00First, "what if?" questions are almost a...First, "what if?" questions are almost always OCD. Secondly, Prohibition is no longer in effect. The trick is to recognize that WHENEVER you feel that anxiety- nothing else feels like OCD- you HAVE to ignore it and go with what you know. As Dr. Schwartz says, "If it feels like OCD, it is."<br /><br />Secondly, the Group would be the appropriate place to be having this conversation. The comments section of a blog isn't really ideal! :)<br />Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-23644727784194680972016-10-31T14:20:44.342-07:002016-10-31T14:20:44.342-07:00I'm glad to hear it!I'm glad to hear it!Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-81700677356172754972016-10-31T14:14:41.466-07:002016-10-31T14:14:41.466-07:00I actually have a Skype session booked with Ian Os...I actually have a Skype session booked with Ian Osbourne coming up. I found out about him on this website.Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-78794367798857610902016-10-31T14:12:12.835-07:002016-10-31T14:12:12.835-07:00Thank you Robert,
I realize Scripture does not fo...Thank you Robert,<br /><br />I realize Scripture does not forbid drinking alcohol as such, it's more like. "Is this giving the appearance of evil?" and stuff like that. Or in the case of going over the speed limit, I remember passages about obeying the governing authorities. Thankfully I nipped that one in the bud by just letting my anxiety build as much as it wanted over the course of a day and now I cant believe something like that ever bothered me. On most issues I actually KNOW what's right, but simple "what if" questions can still spike my anxiety to the point that I treat them like a threat. <br />I think I did join the group but I haven't posted yet. I'll double check tonight when I get off of work. Thanks again!Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-18192982145607157252016-10-29T07:51:15.448-07:002016-10-29T07:51:15.448-07:00Typical scrupe. In fact pretty much the definition...Typical scrupe. In fact pretty much the definition. Why don't you join the Group?Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-29321363188141066132016-10-28T16:26:42.803-07:002016-10-28T16:26:42.803-07:00Why don't you join the Group?Why don't you join the Group?Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-60316899600602827572016-10-28T16:24:46.140-07:002016-10-28T16:24:46.140-07:00What Scripture can you cite that indicates that ha...What Scripture can you cite that indicates that having a couple of beers, as opposed to being blotto, even might be a sin? Would Proverbs say that God created wine to help the poor forget their troubles? Would Paul have advised Timothy to drink it? Would Jesus have turned water into wine at a party?<br /><br />Why would it be sinful? That's a question. And it's not an unreasonable one to ask when you're wondering about whether something is sinful. Where's the evidence?Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-87493971895838303752016-10-19T17:51:36.076-07:002016-10-19T17:51:36.076-07:00Guilt-feelings are one of the main things I'm ...Guilt-feelings are one of the main things I'm struggling with, sometimes even over things I know to be ridiculous (going 2 mph over the speed limit). Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-2028687460482014492016-10-19T17:47:35.957-07:002016-10-19T17:47:35.957-07:00For example, I used to be able to have a few beers...For example, I used to be able to have a few beers and enjoy them as I watched a ball game or was at a party or something, but now I'm asking questions like, "What if I get a slight 'buzz' and sin? How much is ok to drink? If I'm thinking this way does it mean I'm going against conscience if I do have a couple beers?" I'm guessing my therapist will tell me to have the beers and tolerate the uncertainty.Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-4311342755477313772016-10-19T17:12:13.102-07:002016-10-19T17:12:13.102-07:00My guess is that you're making the common mist...My guess is that you're making the common mistake of thinking that "conscience" is an emotion. It's not. Conscience is what you believe is right, not what you feel.Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-6184931329026426812016-10-19T16:58:30.665-07:002016-10-19T16:58:30.665-07:00I am going to be beginning ERP pretty soon and was...I am going to be beginning ERP pretty soon and was wondering how to approach the whole matter of going agsinst conscience. I know the bible teaches that whatever is not of faith is sin and I have a feeling I will be asked to do things that I'm in doubt about. Any suggestions? I figured you would be a good person to ask having exoerience with OCD.<br />THANKS,<br />JOEJoe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-2771850917215276032016-10-17T13:24:50.464-07:002016-10-17T13:24:50.464-07:00Thanks a lot for your response. My blasphemous tho...Thanks a lot for your response. My blasphemous thoughts are of a sexual nature dear friend. How can I have such horrible thoughts... God knows. I choose to believe that I am among His flock, sinful though I am.<br /><br />Sometimes I do, in irritation, dwell on the thoughts somewhat willingly.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17877464398943325337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-90204037047202359472016-10-17T10:30:56.707-07:002016-10-17T10:30:56.707-07:00You are not to blame at all. It is your humanity t...You are not to blame at all. It is your humanity that causes them- everyone has random thoughts- and the brain is designed to retain thoughts we pay attention to rather than exclude them (try for sixty seconds to think of anything in the world other than polar bears. You won't be able to think of anything else).<br /><br />Your OCD causes the thoughts to become obsessions. Again, this is not your fault. You don't need to repent because you are not responsible and they are not sins.<br /><br />You do need to see a doctor and get a prescription for medication. SSRI's can really help. If Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is available, I would advise pursuing that, too. Remember that as long as you do not deliberately indulge the thoughts they are not sins and you should simply ignore them. Don't try to push them away; just think of something else.<br /><br />I'd also invite you to join the Scrupe Group where you will be among a thousand or so other Christians with the same struggle. Click on the link at the top of the page or on the Cranach portrait.<br /><br />Jesus died for all of your sins- and what you describe are not sins at all.Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-53915419328783487662016-10-17T04:32:49.992-07:002016-10-17T04:32:49.992-07:00Dear Robert.
I am a new Christian. I have been pla...Dear Robert.<br />I am a new Christian. I have been plagued by heinous blasphemous thoughts about God. I don't know if I am to blame alone or if it is my OCD which causes these, or perhaps a mixture of both?<br /><br />Before I became a Christian. I willfully exposed myself to all sort of filth, including blasphemy and thus forever downloading bad images in my head.<br />OCD is a chemical imbalance in my brain and thus I am not responsible for the thoughts I get. How should I view these two factors?<br /><br />I am very confused. I can't truly repent of these thoughts because I don't feel responsible and thus I can't feel sorry..<br /><br />Jakob, Denmark. 19 years oldAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17877464398943325337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-86946937040216765612016-10-17T04:32:33.852-07:002016-10-17T04:32:33.852-07:00Dear Robert.
I am a new Christian. I have been pla...Dear Robert.<br />I am a new Christian. I have been plagued by heinous blasphemous thoughts about God. I don't know if I am to blame alone or if it is my OCD which causes these, or perhaps a mixture of both?<br /><br />Before I became a Christian. I willfully exposed myself to all sort of filth, including blasphemy and thus forever downloading bad images in my head.<br />OCD is a chemical imbalance in my brain and thus I am not responsible for the thoughts I get. How should I view these two factors?<br /><br />I am very confused. I can't truly repent of these thoughts because I don't feel responsible and thus I can't feel sorry..<br /><br />Jakob, Denmark. 19 years oldAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17877464398943325337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-28202597543888662512016-10-15T08:37:08.230-07:002016-10-15T08:37:08.230-07:00Thank you.
Do you know how christians with OCD wh...Thank you. <br />Do you know how christians with OCD who are often filled doubt about things,have racing and intrusive thoughts,uncertainty, etc.--how is it that God's promise of having a "sound mind" applies to them? I suppose the same question could be asked of people with other mental or mood disorders. Thanks pastor Robert. <br /><br />Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-3255363409241518332016-10-05T21:19:24.936-07:002016-10-05T21:19:24.936-07:00The word the New Testament uses for "repentan...The word the New Testament uses for "repentance' is "metanoia-" literally, "to change one's mind." That's it. If you regret something, you have contrition. If you are sorry, and desire (not vow or promise or any of that presumptuous nonsense) not to do it again, there is no requirement as to the emotions you must feel or the degree to which you must feel them. We are not saved by the good work of feeling bad, much less of feeling bad enough.<br /><br />If you've come that far, that needs to be added to it in order for it to be as true a repentance as fallen human beings are capable of is faith in Christ's promise to forgive it. <br /><br />We are not saved by the good work of feeling sorry. We are saved by grace thorough faith. And think about it a moment: how insane is it to be in agony over whether or not you feel bad enough?Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-31843768749770950522016-10-05T19:50:10.976-07:002016-10-05T19:50:10.976-07:00I have spent years thinking about my sins long aft...I have spent years thinking about my sins long after having comitted them--or more precisely,I've spent untold amounts of time examining myself to see if I was sorry enough for my sins. Being "truly" sorry was evidence of salvation, and the lack of such sorrow meant I had reason to be concerned. I'm slowly learning not to look at my feelings so much. <br /><br />Thanks again. Your blog is a huge help!Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-80375609036217371042016-10-05T19:41:13.801-07:002016-10-05T19:41:13.801-07:00Legalists often try to rationalize Romans 7 away t...Legalists often try to rationalize Romans 7 away that way. The problem is that the text simply doesn't permit it The verb tenses are all present tense. The technical term for what you were taught is eisegesis- reading one's own agenda or preconceived notions into the text. <br /><br />People who teach that will have a great deal to answer for on Judgment Day, because they're undercutting the entire Gospel and gutting Paul's whole argument, especially in Galatians.<br /><br />What I've described is simple Reformation Christianity. Calvin would have no time for people who teach what you were taught- and I tremble to think what Luther would say!<br /><br />The Third Use of the Law- as a guide- is gracious information given to someone who loves God and wants to please HIm as to how to live in such a way as to do so. It is not a prescription for achieving what Paul called "a righteousness of my own." The only righteousness any of us will ever have this side of the grave is Christ's, and it's ours by grace through faith. Sanctification, as well as justiifcation, is by grace alone.Robert Elart Watershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18182251436190781481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934218315464674587.post-31760968334308530002016-10-05T19:33:23.646-07:002016-10-05T19:33:23.646-07:00Thank you so much for that very helpful reply! I w...Thank you so much for that very helpful reply! I was taught for a long time that romans 7 is paul describing his prechristian experience of trying to obey God's law. A saved christian, I was taught,does not struggle like that--at least not with the same type of sins. But that being said, I think a lot of guilt that I feel is generated from the OCD. In my calmer, less anxious moments I'm able to brush them off and wonder what all the fuss was about. I'M still new to learning how to deal effectivly with OCD and debating going on medication for it.. "A constantly forgiven child of God." That's what I need to remember!Joe Piphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04512588352811574588noreply@blogger.com