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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.
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Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the power of redemption through the blood of Jesus, which not only forgives sins but also liberates believers from fear and condemnation. He highlights that many who are redeemed still struggle with guilt and anxiety, which can hinder their relationship with God. Wilkerson encourages believers to stand firm in their faith, using the authority of Christ's blood to combat spiritual attacks and to walk in the light of the Holy Spirit. He calls for a proactive approach to faith, urging believers to invite God's light into their hearts and to rejoice in the victory that comes from Jesus' sacrifice. Ultimately, he reassures that through Christ, we are more than conquerors and should celebrate the promise of redemption.
Redemption Through His Blood
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus’ blood redeems us from sin and the power of darkness. A lot of people have been redeemed and justified by the blood of Jesus, but they still needlessly live in fear and condemnation. “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God” (1 John 3:21). The shed blood of Jesus cleanses us from evil so that our conscience no longer condemns us. Your conscience does an evil work when it does not wake you or stir you to obedience to the gospel. It also does evil when it unnecessarily condemns you, accuses you, constantly reminds you of how you failed God, causing depression and fear. “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). Believers in Christ are to be warriors who call on the power and authority of Christ’s blood when they are under enemy attack. Some may call their best friend or a counselor, or wallow in fear and condemnation, but the Lord wants us to immediately stand on the Word of God and plead the blood of Jesus. Truly, we can be more than conquerors through Him. Believers in Christ are willing to walk in the light and allow the Holy Spirit to expose all darkness in them (see 1 John 1:7). John is clearly talking about someone who is in love with the Word of God and unafraid of reproof. Someone who says, “Lord, shine Your Holy Ghost light into every crevice of my heart. I want to walk in the light.” Your heavenly Father wants you to proclaim the victory of Jesus’ blood in your life and begin praising him now for the promise of that great day of redemption ahead. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).
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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.