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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's work in our lives is purposeful and focused on preparing us as a bride for Christ. He explains that the Holy Spirit is not merely a helper for life's challenges but is actively guiding us towards a deeper relationship with Jesus. Every act of the Holy Spirit is aimed at revealing truth and breaking the bonds of sin, leading us to a passionate love for Christ. The ultimate goal is to present us as spotless and ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The Holy Spirit's mission is to manifest Jesus to the church, fostering a love that sustains us.
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The Holy Spirit Knows What He Is Doing!
The Holy Spirit does not perform his work in us in some disjointed, haphazard way. He doesn’t exist to simply help us cope with life, to get us through crises and to see us through lonely nights. He isn’t there just to pick us up and pump in a little more strength before putting us back into the race. Everything the Holy Ghost does is related to his reason for coming—to bring us home as a prepared bride. He acts only in keeping with that mission! Yes, he is our Guide, our Comforter, our Strength in time of need. But he uses every act of deliverance—every manifestation of himself in us—to make us more suitable as a bride. Neither is the Holy Ghost here to just give gifts to the world. No, his every gift has a purpose behind it. The Holy Spirit has only one message: everything he teaches leads to one, central truth. He may shine in us like a many-splendored jewel, but every ray of truth is meant to bring us to a single truth, and it is this: “You are not your own—you have been bought with a price. You have been chosen to be espoused to Christ. And the Spirit of God has been sent to reveal to you the truth that will set you free from all other loves. Truth will break every bondage to sin and deal with all unbelief. For you are not of this world; you are headed for a glorious meeting with your espoused and are being readied for his marriage supper. All things are now ready and I am preparing you! I want to present you spotless, with a passionate love in your heart for him.” That’s the work of the Holy Spirit—to manifest Jesus to the church, so that we will fall in love with him. And that love will keep us!
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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.