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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 Holy Spirit is actively working beyond the confines of the church, reaching out to both believers and nonbelievers alike. He highlights that the Spirit convicts of sin, comforts the broken, and is present in every situation, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Holy Spirit is portrayed as the leading evangelist, bringing life to those lost in sin and inspiring dreams and visions in the hearts of sinners. Wilkerson encourages Christians to expand their understanding of the Spirit's work and to trust in His power to transform lives. Ultimately, the message is a call to recognize and participate in the Holy Spirit's mission to reach all of humanity.
The Holy Spirit Is at Work
Too often Christians want to keep the Holy Spirit confined to their own small world but Jesus said he would pour out his Spirit on all flesh; not just believers but nonbelievers, as well. “I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh” (Acts 2:17). Jesus associated with sinners and ministered to them. Today, the Holy Spirit seeks to lead sinners into all truth, to convict of sin and comfort those who need it most. The Holy Spirit is Christ’s leading evangelist. “I will shake all nations” (Haggai 2:7). “Whose voice then shook the earth … ‘Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven’” (Hebrews 12:26). He is already at work everywhere Christ sends us, so do not ever be surprised when you go into impossible situations and see his handiwork. The Holy Spirit is never shocked by what he sees — he came to bring life to those who are dead in sin and living in broken conditions. He is the very breath of God, convicting of sin but not condemning, rebuking or moralizing. We must preach that he is everywhere and working on everybody. The Holy Spirit responds to a hungry heart but he also comes to those who have not even called upon God’s name. “I was found by those who did not seek Me” (Isaiah 65:1). He will actually enter the dreams of sinners and give them visions. We may think that all dreams and visions are given to Christians but that is not so. Some sinners have recurring dreams in which the Holy Spirit shows them what they could be, what life could be like if they came to Christ. The Word says, “I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh … Your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). The Holy Spirit is doing this miraculous work right now all over the world, healing and bringing people to Christ. If you are going to be used by the Spirit, you must expand your world and take off all limitations trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit!
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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.