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The Need to Die - Part 1
Carter Conlon

Carter Conlon (1953 - ). Canadian-American pastor, author, and speaker born in Noranda, Quebec. Raised in a secular home, he became a police officer after earning a bachelor’s degree in law and sociology from Carleton University. Converted in 1978 after a spiritual encounter, he left policing in 1987 to enter ministry, founding a church, Christian school, and food bank in Riceville, Canada, while operating a sheep farm. In 1994, he joined Times Square Church in New York City at David Wilkerson’s invitation, serving as senior pastor from 2001 to 2020, growing it to over 10,000 members from 100 nationalities. Conlon authored books like It’s Time to Pray (2018), with proceeds supporting the Compassion Fund. Known for his prayer initiatives, he launched the Worldwide Prayer Meeting in 2015, reaching 200 countries, and “For Pastors Only,” mentoring thousands globally. Married to Teresa, an associate pastor and Summit International School president, they have three children and nine grandchildren. His preaching, aired on 320 radio stations, emphasizes repentance and hope. Conlon remains general overseer, speaking at global conferences.
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This sermon emphasizes that God's calling is not for the strong or naturally talented, but for those who recognize their need for a Savior and desire His heart. Using the example of Moses, it illustrates how God may need to remove worldly influences and areas of self-reliance from our hearts before we can fully serve Him. The message highlights the importance of being fully committed to God's word and will, allowing Him to purge and refine us for greater fruitfulness in His kingdom.
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The calling of God is not for the strong. The calling of God is not for the naturally talented. The calling of God is for those who know they need a Savior, who want Him, they want His heart. And you're beginning to see it more than you ever had. And the Bible says that Moses headed out, just as many of us are heading out on our journey today. In verse 24 it says, It came to pass by the way in the inn that the Lord met him, that's Moses, Exodus 4, 24, and sought to kill him. That's an incredible thought here. God calls a man, he finally yields to the call, and then God seeks to kill him. Now, first of all, it's important to understand something. The Lord doesn't seek to kill anyone. If He wants to kill you, trust me, you are dead. No, you see, it's not Moses God wanted to kill, it's something in him. You see, Moses had been a man of the world. He had lived 40 years in Egypt. And he had also lived 40 years in the land of Midian. And the world's ways were still in him. And he was not yet fully in his heart separated to the word and to the will of God. He had a son that was born in Midian. And because he had a Midianitish wife, he hadn't bothered to circumcise his son. And you see, circumcision was a sign of the covenant. And really what it means is that Moses, in his heart, was not fully committed to living for God. And God said, before you go, I have to go after that and kill it. I have to get that out of your heart. I have to pierce between soul and spirit, joint and marrow. And I've got to go right in and discern the thoughts and intents of your heart. Moses, I've got to show you some things in your life. Because if you don't see it now, you're going to get out there and you're going to get killed. I've got to show you where you're trusting in yourself. I've got to show you where natural instinct has taken over for the word of God. You are not separated to me, Moses. Let me just read this to you. Jesus Christ himself said in John chapter 15. Listen to this. I am the vine, and my father is the husbandman. And every branch in me that bears not fruit, he takes it away. And every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me. And I in you, as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine. And no more can ye except you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. And he that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. For without me you can do nothing. Without me you are wasting your time. Even preaching the gospel, you're wasting your time. You can do nothing without me. It's not about natural ability. This is not a natural kingdom. This is a supernatural kingdom. It is a spiritual kingdom.
The Need to Die - Part 1
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Carter Conlon (1953 - ). Canadian-American pastor, author, and speaker born in Noranda, Quebec. Raised in a secular home, he became a police officer after earning a bachelor’s degree in law and sociology from Carleton University. Converted in 1978 after a spiritual encounter, he left policing in 1987 to enter ministry, founding a church, Christian school, and food bank in Riceville, Canada, while operating a sheep farm. In 1994, he joined Times Square Church in New York City at David Wilkerson’s invitation, serving as senior pastor from 2001 to 2020, growing it to over 10,000 members from 100 nationalities. Conlon authored books like It’s Time to Pray (2018), with proceeds supporting the Compassion Fund. Known for his prayer initiatives, he launched the Worldwide Prayer Meeting in 2015, reaching 200 countries, and “For Pastors Only,” mentoring thousands globally. Married to Teresa, an associate pastor and Summit International School president, they have three children and nine grandchildren. His preaching, aired on 320 radio stations, emphasizes repentance and hope. Conlon remains general overseer, speaking at global conferences.