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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 being in Christ means we are new creatures, despite the struggles we face with sin and habits. He reassures believers that the battle between the flesh and the Spirit is common, and that God’s love remains unwavering regardless of our struggles. Wilkerson highlights that our victory is not based on our actions but solely on the cross and our faith in God. He encourages believers to trust in their identity in Christ, reminding them that God sees them through the lens of Jesus, free from guilt and condemnation. Ultimately, he calls for a firm stand in the grace provided by God, assuring that victory is attainable.
A New Creature
“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live…” (Galatians 2:20). “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). You may say, “I know I’m in Christ by faith. I realize I’m a new creature, but I still struggle terribly with a habit. It makes me so discouraged.” Satan would love to convince you that God has given up on you. He wants you to think God sees you as dirty, filthy with sin. But it’s all a lie. What you’re experiencing is the flesh battling against the Spirit in you. This battle is common to all believers. And while you’re in the midst of it, Satan wants to convince you that the “old man” is still in control. No matter what your condition, God does not waver in his love for you. He never stopped loving Adam’s race, in spite of all its wickedness, idolatry and lustful ways. He preserved them throughout history to the last days, when he stepped in with his rescue plan. Through the cross, it was possible that all of Adam’s race could be reconciled. You have to know that your standing with God is based on one thing: you are victorious because of the cross. This victory doesn’t come through any good thing you do. As Paul says, “They that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8). Our victory comes solely through repentance, faith, belief, trust in God’s care for us. And our part is to stand firmly on the position he has graciously given us in Christ. His Word assures us, “You may fail at times. But when I look at you, I see only my Son, Jesus. You’re going to come through this battle victorious, with no guilt or condemnation.”
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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.