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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 necessity of surrendering to the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives, illustrating that walking in the Spirit leads to clarity and confidence in decision-making. He reflects on the early Christians who were directed by the Spirit in every aspect of their lives, contrasting their clarity with the confusion often experienced today. Wilkerson shares his personal experience of being called to establish a church in New York City, highlighting the importance of listening to the Holy Spirit for detailed instructions. He encourages believers to seek the Spirit's direction to avoid clouded decisions and to live a life fully surrendered to God's will.
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Detailed Directions and Unclouded Decisions!
God’s purpose for every one of his children is that we surrender to the reign and rulership of the Holy Spirit: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25). In other words, “If he lives in you, let him direct you!” I want to show you what it means to walk in the Spirit. I have not yet fully arrived in this glorious walk—but I am gaining ground! We have heard the expression “walk in the Spirit” all our lives, but what does it really mean? I believe the 16th chapter of Acts is one of the best examples of what it means to walk in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Ghost provides absolute, clearly detailed instructions to those who walk in him. If you walk in the Spirit, then you don’t walk in confusion—your decisions aren’t clouded ones. The early Christians did not walk in confusion. They were led by the Spirit in every decision, every move, every action! The Spirit talked to them and directed them in their every waking hour. No decision was made without consulting him. The church’s motto throughout the New Testament was: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear what the Spirit has to say!” I began ministering in New York City because the Holy Ghost told me very clearly: “Go to New York City and raise up a church.” And he told me when to come. No devil or demon could move me from this—because the Spirit gave detailed instructions. I remember standing between Broadway and Seventh Avenue, weeping and raising my hands. The Holy Ghost said, “In this very area I am going to raise up a church. Obey me, David. Start a church in New York City!” Times Square Church is not an accident. It is the result of clear, detailed instructions from 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.