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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 importance of recognizing our dependence on God as His children, contrasting this with the self-sufficient mindset prevalent in society and even within the church. He points out that many believe they can achieve anything through their own efforts and mental strength, often neglecting the need for divine assistance. Wilkerson highlights Jesus' teaching on humility and dependency, using the example of a child to illustrate that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from recognizing our inability to function without His help. He challenges listeners to rethink their relationship with God and to embrace a childlike faith that relies on the Holy Spirit for guidance and support.
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Self-Sufficient People
The apostle Paul wrote, “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). The phrase “children of God” is often used to describe believers but the words may be used too flippantly, with little understanding of the power and depth of their true meaning. To be a child of God means simply to be God’s dependent; that is, “one who is unable to exist or function without help.” The child of God knows he cannot control his own life without the Lord’s daily help. Many sinners are self-sufficient people who see themselves as high achievers — can-do people. They preach that whatever the mind can conceive, it can achieve — that with the right mental attitude, a person can do anything. The church has been flooded with self-help books of all kinds, many about winning your own victory over self, doubt, fear and loneliness. Many in the church believe if you have the right formula, you can figure out everything for yourself and solve your own problems. This attitude says, “God, you gave me a good mind so I’ll just think this through and work it out.” Jesus once found his disciples arguing among themselves about which one was going to be the greatest in God’s kingdom and he gave them a lesson. “Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 18:2-3). Jesus was saying, “Forget about who will be greatest. You must rethink your relationship to me and learn how to walk in this life.” This child represented a life of total dependency, because children cannot adequately take care of themselves. Have you learned to be wholly dependent on the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Come to him as a little child and he will revolutionize your thinking!
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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.