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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 that the blood of Jesus is the most precious gift from God to His church, yet many Christians fail to grasp its true value and significance. While believers often sing about the power of the blood, they may not fully understand its benefits beyond forgiveness, such as redemption from sin, sanctification, and access to God. Wilkerson encourages Christians to recognize that Jesus' blood not only redeems and sanctifies but also breaks down barriers and empowers believers to overcome evil. He challenges listeners to articulate the worth of Christ's blood and to embrace the boldness it grants in approaching the Father.
Scriptures
The Most Precious Gift
The blood of Jesus is the most precious gift our heavenly Father has given to His church. Yet few Christians understand its value. Christians often sing about the power of the blood. Indeed, the anthem of the Pentecostal church is, "There is power, power, wonder-working power in the precious blood of the Lamb." But most believers seldom enter into the power of that blood, probably because we simply do not comprehend its great significance. For example, we constantly "plead the blood" as some kind of mystical formula of protection but few Christians can explain its great glory and benefits. If I were to ask you what the power of the blood means, you might answer, "It means that all my sins are forgiven and I am free." Yet, beyond forgiveness, what does the blood of Jesus Christ mean to you? Can you explain to your family or to a coworker the worth and significance of the blood of Jesus? Let me share with you the benefits that flow from the blood of Jesus. Jesus’ blood redeems us from sin and the power of darkness. “In whom we have redemption through his blood” (Ephesians 1:7). We are no longer under condemnation. Jesus’ blood has purchased the whole church of God. “Feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). Jesus’ blood breaks down all walls. “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Ephesians 2:13-14). Jesus’ blood sanctifies us. “The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin” (1 John 1:7). Christ’s blood overcomes Satan. “And they overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). The blood gives us access to the Holy of Holies — to our heavenly Father. “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Through the blood of Jesus we are able to come to our Father boldly — without fear!
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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.