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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 living a life that reflects the presence of Christ, highlighting the joy and holiness that comes from intimacy with Him. He warns that while believers may face trials, they must remain steadfast and avoid compromises that can hinder their spiritual growth. Wilkerson draws attention to the danger of allowing even a small sin to disrupt one's relationship with God, referencing Paul's admonition to the Galatians about the impact of leaven. The sermon serves as a reminder to examine our lives for anything that may spoil our walk with Christ and to strive for a life fully pleasing to God.
Scriptures
Spoiling the Entire Batch
“May the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever” (Hebrews 13:20-21). What a joy to be around people who have about them the aroma of having been with Jesus and are living this kind of Christ-life. Like Paul, these saints have a longing to be in the presence of Christ. They possess a hunger to obtain more and more intimacy with him and they exude his love and holiness. Such people thoroughly enjoy life but they also avoid all foolish conversation. They live wholly separated from the things of this world and God’s favor is evident in their lives and their families. Some may be poor in material things but their lives are fully blessed by the Lord. Don’t get me wrong; these believers go through seasons of severe trials and testing but, like Paul, although they may be cast down, they are not destroyed. And they never quit! They are determined to finish their walk of faith and ministry in a way that is pleasing to God. But Satan is determined to put things in your life that hinder your entering into the abundance of Christ’s blessing. Paul recognized this and said to the Galatians, “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:7-9). In other words, “What is in your life that keeps you from going on in the full blessing of Christ?” This is a good warning for us today. Many Christians who once were mightily used of God have allowed something to creep into their lives and they have made peace with that compromise. Be careful that you do not allow a single sin to serve as a little leaven that spoils the entire batch.
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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.