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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 transformative power of Christ in freeing believers from the bondage of sin. He explains that through the Holy Spirit, we can confront our sinful nature and rejoice in the truth that there is no condemnation for those in Christ. Wilkerson draws parallels between Christ's emancipation of sin and Abraham Lincoln's proclamation, asserting that believers are no longer slaves to sin but are liberated to live a new life. He encourages the congregation to embrace their freedom in Christ, reminding them that they are unchained and victorious over sin and death.
Freed From Sin's Power
Much has been written about the origin of sin: Where did sin come from? How did we get infected with it? What about Lucifer’s involvement in an insurrection against God? How was sin communicated from Adam to the rest of the human race? The Holy Spirit wants to show us how to honestly deal with the evil that is right now present in us … our own sinful nature. Paul made a discovery that caused him to rejoice and say, “No condemnation now hangs over the head of those who are ‘in’ Jesus Christ. For the new spiritual principles of life ‘in’ Christ lifts me out of the old vicious circle of sin and death” (Romans 8:1-2, Phillips). He talks about new principles of life in Jesus that actually stopped the sin merry-go-round, yanked him off the endless ride, and freed him once and for all from its power. One of the new principles Paul talked about is that believers are no longer slaves to sin. We have no obligation to our sensual nature (see Romans 8:12, Phillips). Abraham Lincoln is said to have “freed the slaves” with the Emancipation Proclamation issued on January 1, 1862. This legal document declared slavery dead … and slaves were set free! It may sound too good to be true, but Christ emancipated all the slaves to sin at Calvary. All can throw down their load of sin, walk away from Satan’s dominion, and enter into a new life of freedom. The Bible says, “For he who has died has been freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him” (Romans 6:7-8). What that means is, since the matter of your slavery to sin is a dead issue, seeing that Christ has already declared you emancipated, you are now free to live as a new person in Christ — unchained. “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). When the Bible says we are free from sin, there is no more argument. The matter is not negotiable! Walk in victory today knowing that you are free from sin and death because of Christ.
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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.