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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 being receptive to God's Spirit, as expressed in Mark 4:24, where Jesus teaches that the measure we use will determine what we receive. He explains that God's glory is manifested in varying degrees in our lives and churches, with some experiencing an ever-increasing presence of Christ. Wilkerson reassures that despite challenges, God's promise to pour out His Spirit remains, leading to a triumphant church. He highlights that each believer is given a measure of grace and faith, aimed at achieving unity in faith and knowledge of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for openness to God's Spirit to experience His glory more fully.
Scriptures
An Ever-Increasing Glory
“He said to them, ‘Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given’” (Mark 4:24). Jesus knew these words might sound strange to nonspiritual ears, so he preceded his message by saying, “If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear” (4:23). He was telling us, in essence, “If your heart is open to God’s Spirit, you will understand what I have to say to you.” What, exactly, is Jesus saying in this passage? He is speaking of the glory of God in our lives — that is, Christ’s manifest presence. The Lord measures out his glorious presence in various amounts, whether to churches or to individuals. Some do not receive any of his glory, yet others receive an ever-increasing measure emanating from their lives and churches in greater and greater amounts. God has promised to pour out his Spirit on his people in these last days. Indeed, all of scripture points to a triumphant, glory-filled church at the close of time. Jesus himself said the gates of hell will not prevail against his church, so no matter how fiercely Satan bares his teeth, he cannot stop God’s work. Jesus has removed his bite! Paul writes, “To each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). We have each been given a measure of God’s Spirit according to his divine allotment. Paul writes, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). What is God’s goal in measuring out his Spirit — his glory and presence — to us in varying amounts? He does this for a single purpose: “Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God” (Ephesians 4:13).
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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.