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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 understanding the New Covenant through the lens of the Old Testament, illustrating how the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites and serves as a powerful symbol of Christ's blood for believers today. He encourages Christians to trust in this blood for not only salvation but also for ongoing deliverance from sin and spiritual strongholds. Wilkerson challenges believers to recognize that while they are saved, they must actively engage in the battle against sin and demonic forces, relying on the power of faith in God's promises. He reminds us that the lessons from Israel's history are meant to guide us in our spiritual warfare and victory over the enemy.
Finding the Keys to Victory
As I studied the New Covenant, its glorious truths leapt out of God's Old Testament dealings with Israel. Paul states, "All these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world have come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). I sensed the Lord asking me, "David, do you want the keys to victory? Do you want to know how to overcome sin, flesh and the devil? Do you want to know how to do battle with the enemy? Then go to my Old Testament and you will learn from the examples there. I have recorded them all for you, so you can learn the lessons of godliness." On the night of Passover, not a single Israelite was in danger from the death angel who swept through Egypt. Every man, woman and child of God rested safely and securely under the blood covering that was spread on the doorposts of their homes (Exodus 12). This picture of safety represents the protective power of our Lord's blood over His children today. As Christians, we are to be a believing, trusting people who have the blood of Christ sprinkled on the doorposts of our hearts. Israel's trust in the blood of the slain lamb accomplished many things in the lives of the people. It not only protected them from the death angel, but it also brought them out of Egypt and delivered them from the bondage of Pharaoh. Yet, there were other enemies from which Israel needed deliverance. Likewise today, our trust in the blood of Christ is about much more than obtaining salvation for eternity. It also involves relying on God's power to deliver us from every stronghold of the enemy. Please do not mistake me. If you are saved — living under the covering of Christ's blood, secured by faith in His work on the cross for you — that is absolutely wonderful. But what about your ongoing battle with the power of sin that rages inside you? What about your besetting habit? What power do you have to do battle with these enemies of your soul? The fact is, even if we have been saved and secured by Christ's blood, we are still engaged in a battle with overwhelming principalities, satanic powers, demonic strongholds. We are to claim the power that is available to us through God's New Covenant, but that power comes only by faith!
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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.