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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 living in complete dependence on God requires understanding two key guidelines. First, believers must trust that the Holy Spirit is eager to reveal God's will, even in the minutiae of life, guiding them through their decisions. Second, unwavering faith in prayer is essential for receiving the strength to obey God's direction, as doubt can hinder one's ability to follow through. Wilkerson reassures that God will communicate clearly to those who earnestly seek His guidance, especially during times of affliction or uncertainty.
Two Guidelines for Dependence on God
There is no formula for living wholly dependent on the Lord, but there are simple guidelines that you can consider. First, be convinced that the Lord is anxious and willing to make his will known to you, even in the smaller details of your life. The Holy Spirit who abides in you knows God’s will for you and he will guide, lead and speak to you. “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth … He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you” (John 16:13-14). Jesus is telling us that the Holy Spirit will convey to us the mind and will of God. “When He hears [your voice], He will answer you … Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it’” (Isaiah 30:19, 21). You may be in the midst of an affliction or suffering as the result of a hasty decision. The Lord promises you, “Your inner ear will hear my Spirit speaking to you, ‘Go that way. Do this. Don’t do that.” Second, we must pray with unwavering faith for power to obey God’s direction. Scripture says, “Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord” (James 1:6-7). When God tells us to do something, we need power to stay the course and obey him fully. Satan and the flesh will always plant doubts and questions and we need strength from heaven not to say “yes” to a situation when Jesus has said “no.” When you are not sure you recognize the voice of God, reach out to him in faith. Praying, pleading, weeping are not enough if you do not believe the Holy Spirit will guide you. God does not deceive his people and he will make his will clear to you when you seek him.
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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.