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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 addresses the struggle of bondage to sin and the believer's dependence on God for deliverance. He emphasizes that while God does not lead us into temptation, He allows us to reach our limits to teach us reliance on Him. Wilkerson warns against the lies of Satan that instill fear and doubt, urging believers to resist the urge to return to old habits. He highlights the importance of standing firm in faith and relying on the Holy Spirit for strength, as our own efforts are futile in spiritual battles. Ultimately, he reassures that God promises to strengthen us in our times of weakness.
I Will Strengthen Thee
I want to talk about bondage to sin — that is, your battle with the flesh. Under the New Covenant, God will allow situations to show you how wholly dependent you are on Him to deliver you through faith. God will never lead you into temptation but He will allow you to come to your wits' end. If you have a besetting sin, Satan will come against you continually with his lies: "You’re too weak! You're never going to make it." You hear the rattling of chains as Satan tries to bind you to your habit once more and you wonder, "Lord, how will I ever get up from this? I've gone down so low!" What can you do? You know you can't outrun the enemy and you are no match for him in a fight, so you cower before him, trembling in fear. You may say to yourself, "I'll just go back to my old ways. At least I'll be spared from all this spiritual warfare. It's too much for me!" But you know you can't go back to your old master. If you turn back now and desert Christ, it will cost you your life. Many Christians become caught in the hellish cycle of sinning and confessing, sinning and confessing. They run to friends, counselors, anyone who will listen to them as they cry and pray. Such believers will do everything except stand still and trust the Lord to bring their deliverance. The Old Testament gives us example after example of how we have no power in our flesh to fight spiritual battles. Our old man is utterly weak and powerless but we have a new man inside us. This new man understands there is no human way out, that God has to do all the fighting. We resist the devil not in our strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, which is revealed in us by faith alone. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee” (Isaiah 41:10).
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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.