Hear the personal testimony of an ordained minister, upright member of society, and family man...who was on his way to Hell and didn't even know it.This is a message by Min. Howard Pittman; a Baptist minister who, on August 3rd 1979, died in an ambulance after suffering a massive internal hemorrhage when the main artery in his abdomen ruptured from animism. Through this experience, he finally came to know Jesus Christ...after spending decades thinking he already did. Jesus gave him a vision of the current day church and showed him the deception which has taken over much of the church world.
Listen to him retell what he saw and experienced from God, as well as the remarkable message he was sent back to deliver to the church.
I would highly recommend that you take a few minutes to listen to this minister's humble testimony. It could change your life.
As a result of his interactions with the Lord, Minister Pittman has authored several books, including the one referenced in this video called "Placebo". An excerpt is posted below. You can find his books listed all over the Internet, including the European American Evangelistic Churches website.
Placebo
Webster's dictionary defines "placebo" as a "medication prescribed more for the mental relief of a patient than for the actual effect on his disorder, or something tending to sooth." The doctors tell us that if we know we are being treated with a placebo, it does not work. In our minds we must think that it is a real medication and has the strength or power to heal.
If the patient believes this, then the treatment has been known to work wonders in many cases that otherwise could not have been treated. Placebo treatment is, in fact, nothing of substance, but in the mind of the patient it is real. In order for this kind of treatment to work, the doctor must convince the patient of the work of the medication.
My friend, I declare unto you that this is exact "treatment" that most "mouth-professing" Christians are using today. The doctor administering this "medication" is Satan himself. He gives the "patient" a sugar-coated religion, a shallow experience, and whispers half-truths into his ears. He then tells the "patient" that it is real and that it is all the "patient" needs. The "patient", having been taken in by Satan, believes this and goes on his merry way declaring to all that he has been born again, his salvation is real, and this experience is all that he needs.
Doctor Satan will allow his "patient" to continue to go to church and will allow him to take part in any church, that is, singing, leading in prayer, teaching Sunday School, and even preaching. He will allow the "patient" to do all and to make any kind of statement in connection with his "mouth-professing" religion, even to the point of the saving power of Jesus. Yes, he will allow the "patient" to do all and say all with one exception. That exception is that the "patient" will not be allowed to live the life that he confesses with his mouth.
Sister Mia...thank you once again for a tremendous post! The Holy Ghost spoke to me through this testimony.
ReplyDeleteThank you from the bottom of my heart for your obedience to our Father...thank you.
Hi TikaStar!
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Min. Pittman. He is a remarkable man. Not only is his story amazing, but he has a sort of folksy, down home way of talking that I could just listen to for hours. :-)
I also happen to have a number of his books which are good resources as well. I'll try to find a link to them to add to the post.
God Bless!
Unbelievably life changing testimony...I finally understand what it means to deny SELF...now I know where to start...after 20 years of being a "christian"...wow!
ReplyDeleteI am confused. He said that he was taken to the third Heaven and was talking to God about what he had done on Earth (he as in Mr. Pittman.) I thought that we are not saved by our works but by the grace of God because Jesus died on the cross for our sins. If our works are not what saves us from eternal damnation, then why did God in this mans experience, talk of what Mr. Pittman did in his life, that made it sound that was the reason he was going to hell? There are so many stories about going to Heaven, some talking to Jesus face to face. I'm not saying all are false, but when I listen to these stories, I do so with doubts about their experience.
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWe are not saved by works. However, Scripture is clear that we will be judged by our works, because our works reveal what we really believe (not just what we profess).
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." James 2:17-18
Alot of people - like Min. Pittman at one time - believe that they are "saved" because they go to church, or prayer meetings, or because they preach, or sing, etc. Yet, they are not really converted.
Min. David Pawson put it this way:
* Legalism says we are saved by works.
* License says we are saved without works.
* But Liberty says we are saved for works.
He teaches on this topic here, if it helps: http://thelatterdays.blogspot.com/2010/08/license-legalism-or-liberty-part-2.html
Also, keep in mind the following:
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." II Cor. 5:10
I listened to Howard Pittmans 'encounter' and came away confused and 'unsettled'. Was Howard not saved at the time when he approached God? Jesus Christ is The way,the Truth and the Life'.I am stunned that a man standing before THE HOLY GOD would beleive God was in error in His estimation of his life. When we stand in Gods presence we will know absolutely the truth in what God says to us..there will be no confusion as in the case of Howard.On the other hand Jesus tells us many who stand before Him will claim they did this or that in His name and will be told by Jesus He never knew them. But these are religious folk who beleived by their works they will be saved. Jesus says 'for by grace through faith in Him,not by works are we saved.it is a gift from God. Jesus also said 'apart from me you can do nothing' Its ALL of Jesus and His work on the cross+nothing.I heard much about works but nothing about Jesus Christ. Something was 'missing'.
ReplyDeleteHello Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteMin. Howard Pittman is one of the most plain-talking folks I have ever had the pleasure to meet. What I further respect about him is the way he uses Scripture continually to ground his testimony and preaching in God's word.
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." Matthew 7:21
If you are confused by his sermon, then I can only assume you are likewise confused by the texts above.
Lots of people use the word "works" to absolve man of any responsibility in salvation, but such is false.
Do not be deceived into thinking that you can be saved without obeying God. Those who do may find themselves in the same position as Min. Pittman originally; finding their time has come and coming to realize that they never really knew the Lord or was known by Him (Matthew 7:23).
You may find articles on eternal security here: Eternal Security