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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 learning to fight our own battles, rather than relying solely on others for deliverance. He draws parallels with Gideon, who, despite God's promise of support, initially hid in fear and doubt. Wilkerson encourages believers to stand firm on God's Word, reminding them that they are stronger than they realize and that God's presence is their true strength. He asserts that transformation begins when one is fully convinced of God's companionship and acts upon that belief. Ultimately, the message is about empowerment through faith and personal responsibility in spiritual warfare.
Scriptures
Learn to Stand Up and Fight on Your Own
You have to learn to fight your own battles. You can’t depend on someone else for your deliverance! Perhaps you have a prayer warrior friend you can call and say, “I’ve got a battle before me. Will you pray for me? I know you have power with God!” That is scriptural—but it is not God’s complete will for you! God wants you to become a warrior! He wants you to be able to stand up against the devil. God promised Gideon, “Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). God told him, “I have sent you—I will be with you!” But then the people of the city came looking for the one who tore down their idols (see Judges 6:28–30). Where was Gideon? He was hiding—still unsure of God’s promises, still wondering if God was with him. Gideon said: “If the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? And where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of…?” (v. 13). And so it is with many of us! Jesus has promised us, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). And yet we have not learned to stand on his Word and fight! Things will begin to change—the moment you are fully persuaded that God is with you. That he speaks to you and that he will show you all you need to know! You are stronger than you think! Like Gideon, you may wonder, “How can I fight? I’m so weak, so inexperienced.” But God told Gideon, “Go in this thy might” (6:14). “What might?” you ask. Gideon’s might was bound up in God’s word to him: “Surely I will be with thee.” Beloved, that same word—“I am with you”—is your strength! And you will receive that strength believing this word is true—and by acting on it!
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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.