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Command Me Partial
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
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not just preaching the gospel, but also praying for a supernatural transaction between God and fallen man. He highlights the need for the Holy Spirit to do the work and bring about a heavenly transformation. The preacher references the story of Ezekiel, where he prophesied as commanded by God, and breath came into the lifeless bodies, turning them into an exceeding great army. The sermon emphasizes the power of prayer and the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing about spiritual revival and transformation.
Sermon Transcription
Breathe upon them! Breathe upon them! Yes, we can go to Jamaica, and yes, we can preach the gospel, but it's in vain if all they do is agree with the theory about God. It's in vain if we don't pray. There has to be a heavenly transaction, there has to be a supernatural transaction between God and fallen man. That's where the light comes from. I can speak, but the Holy Spirit has to do the work, prophesy. He said, so I prophesied as he commanded me. It's interesting that Ezekiel doesn't see this as a suggestion, he views it as a command. I prophesied as he commanded me. And breath came into them and they lived. And they stood up on their feet an exceeding great army. They stood up. An army. Remember he said, I sought for a soldier and couldn't find one. And Ezekiel says, I did what God said. And then I cried out to the Holy Ghost and I watched them stand up. And they were an army. An exceeding great army. For the glory of God. Hallelujah. But my time this week with God and my prayer has been, oh God, command me. God, command me. Command me. Command me to go into the prayer closet. Command me, oh God, to speak your word. Command me. Put it in my heart beyond just something that I know I should do. But oh God, let it be like a fire in my bones. Command me to do it, oh God. Give me a heart. Give me a heart that burns with passion and compassion for lost humanity around me. Beginning in my own house. Give me a heart, oh God. Give me the tenderness to speak to others the way you speak to me. That wooing that I always know. That tender hand, that tender voice of God that always draws me to life and never to death. Give me, God, that same heart. And command me to come into your throne room. Command me, God, to call on you. Open to my mind these truths that you're speaking to me, God, for I feel the arrow is beyond me. Help me, God, to understand this. I want to make a difference in my generation. I'm tired of seeing these kids go to hell. I'm tired of watching a passionless church deceived by false prophets and voices that present before them things that will never profit. I'm tired of watching this generation swallowed up by filth and pornography. I'm tired. God, command me. Command me. There's no reason to live if you don't.
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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.