- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- How Can You Obtain A Walk In The Spirit?
David Wilkerson
David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes that walking in the Spirit is a command for all believers, not just a select few. He encourages individuals to earnestly seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and to surrender fully to Him, as highlighted in Galatians 5:16. Wilkerson stresses the importance of focusing on the Spirit rather than past failures or future worries, urging believers to cultivate a deep communion with the Holy Spirit through patience and worship. He reassures that the Holy Spirit is greater than any challenges we face, encouraging a mindset of faith and trust in God's leading.
How Can You Obtain a Walk in the Spirit?
The command to walk in the Spirit is given to all—not just a few super-saints! Here is how you can obtain this walk: “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit…” (Galatians 5:16). 1. You must go after this walk with everything in you! First, ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide and friend. “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9). If you are saved, the Holy Spirit has already been given to you. Now ask him to take over—surrender to him! You have to determine in your heart that you want him to lead and guide you. Moses, speaking of the latter days, said, “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). 2. Focus on knowing and hearing the Spirit—and get your eyes off your trouble and temptation. Paul, Silas and Timothy would have wallowed in fear and depression if they had focused on their troubles. Instead, they focused on God—praising and worshiping him. Most of the time when we go to prayer, we focus on past failures. We replay our defeats time after time, saying, “Oh, how far up the road I could be if I hadn’t failed God and messed up in my past.” Forget everything in your past! It’s all under the blood! And forget about the future, too, because only the Lord knows what’s ahead. Instead, focus only on the Holy Spirit, with your whole mind and heart. 3. Give much quality time to communion with the Holy Spirit. He will not speak to anyone who is in a hurry. Wait patiently. Seek the Lord and minister praises to him. Take authority over every other voice that whispers thoughts to you. Believe that the Spirit is greater than these, and that he will not let you be deceived or blinded. “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.