..let's revise the Bible and delete Godfrom it!

First the Sermon:     https://youtu.be/6AQo-QGNtpM

Luke 24:49     New Living Translation

49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”

You know, it seems that my whole life is a testimony of God's goodness. I have shared many times how that I was a street kid from Detroit, and after a few encounters with God, I was still not able to consistently follow God or to rid myself of my addictions to drugs. 

Finally, I found myself over-dosed in a hospital and upon waking up I was in anger because I knew that I was destined for the same end upon my release. Therefore, I called out to God Nonetheless, in desperation, one more time I called out to God...

Last week, I heard this sermon by Pastor Dilena from Times Square Church and was going to respond by writing a long paper concerning my testimony and then mentioning my story in that way. 

Well, instead, I feel as if I should just forego all of the extra wording and to get right to the point. I am about to write about an injustice in the church and so I feel as if I ought to just lay it out for others to judge and to verify the accuracy of my words. 

Tonight, before beginning the paper, I thought "Well, why don't you do some research and to see if all of the facts bare out. 

So, after thinking about it in a prayerful way, I decided, "No, because then if I found all of the facts to be true, and for some reason I was prejudiced against the corporation who made the changes, then it would be personal to me."

Nevertheless, it really isn't my "fight" though, but I know some individuals who love Brother Wilkerson, and they love Jesus, and they love righteousness, so I am going to leave it in their hands. 

You see, I am only the messenger in this particular situation. 

And I can't tell you why God has chosen me to be the "Messenger," other than that he has "blessed," me throughout my life with a good memory and that in my life, he has always marked my steps and led me in the way that he would have me to go. 

And so, with all of that said, and without any further ado, let me begin my story. 

It goes like this.....It was over forty years ago and after waking up in a hospital from a drug overdose, I once again called out to "Jesus."

Jesus answered me and told me to go to Lansing to learn about him. Well, I had a cousin who was an Elder in a Catholic and Ecumenical Charismatic Community birthed by the Charismatic Revival which hit college campuses. 

When I went up to Lansing, I was still legally taking the highest dose of Valium that they would prescribe. I also took a gram of Hash, a syringe and a few other things. I wasn't taking anything but the Valium as I had a heavy addiction to them. 

(Later I threw all of that garbage away.)

Nonetheless, though I had heard about Jesus Christ, there were no "Jesus Freaks," or Christians preaching the gospel in Detroit. The only place that I ever learned about Jesus was from when my cousin would come down Christmas and our two families would share Christmas dinner.

Well, he always wanted to talk about Jesus and so I was the only one who listened. That was why after my overdose and God spoke to me audibly and told me to move to Lansing, I knew that he meant for me to contact my cousin. 

Anyway, I contacted him after I overdosed and sort of blatantly told him, "Bob, I just overdosed in a hospital and Jesus spoke to me to move up there where you live, so I can learn about Jesus."

Well, I thought that he was going to say, "Listen you are nuts, go take a pill and never call me again." 

no, instead he said, "John, that's great we have been praying for you for a few years, come on up and we will get you situated somewhere."

Nonetheless, I move up there and I learned about this class that you take for like eight or ten weeks and on the fifth week they pray for you to receive what is commonly referred to as the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost."

And then once you receive it you will be "talking in tongues," miraculously as the Early Christians did who it was recorded in scripture concerning their experiences. 

So, after I began going to Prayer Meetings and then enrolled in this class known as "The Life In the Spirit," I seriously began praying to overcome my deep addiction to Valium and drugs. I also had a serious problem with alcohol because many times after drinking I would have "Black outs," or would drink uncontrollably. 

Anyway, as I was one of the five Elders cousin and pretty much every one had heard my story a few of the brothers who were teaching the class shared with me how that many times individuals who received that 'Baptism,' could become immediately healed of their addictions, and to not even go through any kind of withdrawal or 'cold Turkey.' 

Then, one of them either suggested or gave me a book called, "The Cross and the Switchblade," about a small town Pennsylvania preacher, who goes to New York City, and ends up preaching and converting a number of 'Gang Leaders,' and members of the many young people who had lived during those times of the fifties when "gangs," were common place among the cities. 

I mean, this guy was one bad little preacher, and his story was remarkable and miraculous. 

Nonetheless, in the book, I distinctly remember a chapter where it specifically spoke about how that, "later on after all of these young people had been 'saved and delivered,' from their drug addictions without going through any kind of 'cold Turkey;' David Wilkerson had attributed the fact that it was discovered those who had the greatest success in not relapsing back into drugs were those which had received the experience of "The Baptism of the Holy Ghost." 

Well, after I read the book, and it was during those few weeks in which was fast approaching my time, (the fourth or fifth week, where the class leaders would 'lay hands and pray over you to receive the experience,') I had been praying desperately to God, to please give me that gift, so I could break all of these addictions in my life.)  

You see, I knew absolutely nothing of God or Jesus, so all I knew was that most receive it through the classes and their 'faithfulness,' or sincerity in going to church, but some didn't. 

Therefore, there was a few weeks, and I was begging God, "Please, please God. Let me experience it and receive your gift, as I am tired of all those drugs and addictions in my life."

That was what I prayed for a few weeks, and I just knew in my heart, that if God would just give me that gift of "Speaking in tongues," then I would be free from my Valium and addictions to illegal drugs forever. 

And could I tell you why I had the confidence of knowing that Jesus through the Holy Spirit could free me of those bondages? 

It was because I had read firsthand accounts of a couple of guys named Nicky Cruz and Sonny Arguinzonia.  

On the fifth week, they prayed, I received the "Holy Ghost," and then there is a whole nother book concerning that testimony but suffice it to say. God broke the addictions right off of me. 

Now, let us fast forward maybe twenty or so years later, and I had just received the "left foot of fellowship, "from a church, as Brother Hagin, liked to call it. Nonetheless, I not only received the left foot, but I received the right foot, the paddle and whatever else they could throw in and subsequently found myself preaching on the streets in the middle of winter in Miami Beach. 

Nevertheless, a year or two later, I was still on the streets visiting the cities all over America where God would lead me to some strange places and circumstances.

Well, one time, I happened to be in a small church meeting setting outside or perhaps it was outside some buildings, but I came upon three young people all congregating outside of a meeting or something. 

I mean, this was just an every day incident, so it was not like, "Okay, I have to record all of these facts because some day I may write about it." 

Do you understand what I am saying?

The circumstances are vague, but my conversation with these three young people was as clear as I would have carried a conversation with my mother, had she been alive at the time. 

So, here are these three young guys, a little older than in their teens, or possibly in their teens. 

Nonetheless, as they were smoking and I was standing nearby, somehow, we got into a conversation about the Lord. I forget, maybe I heard one of them mention God and that had moved me to share a part of my testimony? 

Well, as we got talking they were telling me how that they had all been a part of a drug program called, "Teen Challenge."

So, as they were sharing this, they were explaining to me how that the program had been very legalistic, how that when they joined the program they were encouraged to sign up for 'Food Stamps,' and then had to submit their 'state aid' to the program's directors. 

Well, I had known all about "Teen Challenge," while I was in Detroit, I sat under a Preacher, during a year of Bible School. Who later became the Superintendent of the entire denomination for like eight years.

So, I was not only familiar with David Wilkerson's ministry since my first weeks of Christianity, but I was also well aware of the "Assemblies of God," who I had understood to have taken control of the entire program of Wilkerson's "Teen Challenge." 

So, as these kids, or young people were telling me these horror stories of their experience with their 'program,' for which they swore it was a "Teen Challenge," chapter, I started asking them some questions and then sharing my testimony. 

Anyways, according to these guys the "program," was no longer under the "Assemblies of God," denomination, but was now under some type of "Baptist organization." 

Nevertheless, during my conversation with these three guys, I ask them if they were aware of the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost." 

"No," they all answered in unison, though one or maybe two had heard about "Speaking in tongues." 

I believe one mentioned that he had heard that the experience was from the devil.

But my point is that according to what I was told "Teen Challenge," was no longer under a Pentecostal overseer, but now under a Baptist Organization. 

At the time, I believe that I did a "Google," search and it confirmed what these kids were telling me. 

Lastly, allow me to say this, right after I spoke with these young people and they had told me that information, I got hold of a copy which is distributed among the masses today. 

What it is, "Is a shortened version of David Wilkerson's book, named the "Cross and the Switchblade," and after reading it, I found no mention of the experience of having received the Holy Ghost, and becoming free of drug addictions or sin.

There was absolutely no mention of the 'power,' of the Holy Spirit, in a believer's life.  

Well, what I would like to say is that apparently, the AG, still is the main director according to "Rev. Google," nonetheless, I would like to know then, exactly who was the organization responsible for chopping up the book, "The Cross and the Switchblade," and deleting the entire concept of "Wilkerson's Experience," in his success, as to treating "Gang Members." It has only been through the Power of the Holy Ghost, that has allowed hundreds of thousands, if not millions of drug users be freed from their torment of drug use and bondage. 

Do you idiots not know that that was the whole concept of publishing the Book. 

It was to show the "Power," in which God can manifest in this present world to save the utterly hopeless.

It was not to be used to "show your good works."

It was not used to build a bigger program that you can solicit more millions for. 

It was not to finance some legalistic little Baptist Church, so they can use their 501(c)(3) status to abuse the youth and to make them cheat the food stamp program to satisfy their insatiable greed and lust. 

AI Overview

Yes, Teen Challenge is still associated with the Assemblies of God (AG), though it operates as a distinct department and is not directly run by the denomination. The relationship is one of partnership and shared ministry, with AG leadership and a history of founders being AG ministers. 

Historical Connection: The organization was founded in 1960 by an Assemblies of God pastor, David Wilkerson.

Department Status: Teen Challenge USA is a department of U.S. Missions within the Assemblies of God.

Shared Ministries: The two organizations collaborate on many aspects of their ministry.

Leadership: The leadership of Teen Challenge USA has strong ties to the AG denomination. For example, the current president, Gary W. Blackard, has been part of the Assemblies of God his entire life, and the board of directors includes an Assemblies of God executive director of US Missions. 

AI Overview

Yes, some Baptist organizations run or are affiliated with Teen Challenge programs, as the organization has many faith-based affiliates, such as the Baptist Convention of Iowa and the Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas. However, Teen Challenge is not exclusively a Baptist organization; it is a Christian faith-based network with a broad range of affiliates, including those from other denominations like the Assemblies of God. 

Direct affiliations: The Baptist Convention of Iowa directly supports and runs Teen Challenge programs in the region.

Denominational partnerships: The Adult & Teen Challenge of Texas is a branch of the Assemblies of God, which is a Pentecostal Christian denomination.

Broader network: Teen Challenge is a large, faith-based network with many affiliated centers, some of which are run by local churches or conventions from various Christian denominations.

Other examples: Some individual Baptist churches, such as First Baptist Church Berlin, NH, may also host or partner with local Teen Challenge programs. 

So, to sum up this entire paper I would like to encourage those closest to Pastor Wilkerson to get together and to see if the "religious," can come up with a revision of the revision of the "Cross and the Switchblade" to perhaps include a chapter on God, "the Holy Spirit."  

Or would that be asking for too much since he was the author of the book, anyway!  

Please if you haven't listened to Pastor Dilena's sermon above, make sure you do. 

Music link:      https://youtu.be/uFjz82MSUtU?list=RDuFjz82MSUtU

Postscript:  

In the sermon Pastor Dilena talks about "Teen Challenge," having a success rate of eighty-seven per cent as opposed to other programs sponsored which had a much lower success rate like under ten per cent.

Well, that was when it was a ministry, but with all things, the American church likes to turn everything into a "BUSINESS," so that they make the "WORD OF GOD," of no effect, and that is what I believe happened to David Wilkerson's "Teen Challenge," in many cases.

You know, I was just thinking about those 'youth,' that I met. Most clergy in the church don't realize that once you betray the innocent like that, you lose their souls. Those poor guys, once they get out of that "ministry," will probably never ever walk through the doors of a church again. 

How, so sad, that it is! 

Nevertheless, there are hundreds of thousands of similar all over our country and yet most churches will not even recognize the fact that they ever did anything wrong to them. 

It's just so sad, and God weeps for them all!

You see, they become like 'orphans,' going through life and never knowing their father...

..the devil had robbed them of that fact!

******************************************************

11-6-2025

Postscript:  Please let me clarify what I was trying to explain concerning my experience when I went through classes and was then "Prayed" for to Receive the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit."

You see, when I joined this community and learned about the "second Baptism," as some call it. 

Note: I also like to think that this was referenced in part by Jesus when He spoke this following scripture:

John 3:5  New American Standard Bible

5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

(I am not saying that this receiving of evidence, such as 'speaking in tongues,' is the sole way which defines a Christian "being born of the Spirit," but it is good to note that in the Early Church, this phenomenon gave a tangible belief that "God had also accepted the Gentiles in the "church.")

Please read Acts chapter ten and eleven. 

You see, when the elders in Jerusalem had heard that the Holy Spirit had fallen on those who Peter was preaching to in Cornelius house and that they spoke in tongues, that was what convinced many to accept the Gentiles as "brothers in the Faith." 

In other words, that was what proved 'in their mind,' that these Gentiles were also "Born of the Spirit."

Acts 10:44-48  New American Standard Bible

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 All the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter responded, 47 "Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?" 48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.

Acts 11:1-18   New American Standard Bible

11 Now the apostles and the brothers and sisters who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, the Jewish believers took issue with him, 3 saying, "You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them." 4 But Peter began and explained at length to them in an orderly sequence, saying, 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, an object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came to where I was, 6 and I stared at it and was thinking about it, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild animals, the crawling creatures, and the birds of the sky. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter; kill and eat.' 8 But I said, 'By no means, Lord, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But a voice from heaven answered a second time, 'What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.' 10 This happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into the sky. 11 And behold, at that moment three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea came up to the house where we were staying. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without misgivings. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying, 'Send some men to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as He did upon us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 Therefore, if God gave them the same gift as He also gave to us after believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could stand in God's way?" 18 When they heard this, they quieted down and glorified God, saying, "Well then, God has also granted to the Gentiles the repentance that leads to life."

So, anyway, there I was going through these classes, but I knew nothing of God's nature. 

I did not understand that it was God's will for every man to receive all that Jesus had promised including his Holy Spirit Baptism.

He even spoke directly to the "FEAR," he knew that men would have concerning this strange phenomenon called the "Receiving of the Holy Ghost," so he addressed it in a few scriptures. 

He told his disciples:

Taken from Google AI: 

AI Overview

Jesus spoke these words in the Bible in passages found in both Matthew 7:9-11 and Luke 11:11-13. He used the rhetorical question to illustrate that just as an earthly father would not give his child something harmful (like a stone for bread or a serpent for a fish), God, who is a perfect heavenly Father, would give good things to those who ask Him. 

In Matthew 7:9-11

"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?"

He concludes by saying, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!" 

Therefore, again, let me state that I did not know God's nature, I did not know the scriptures. 

One of the things that I had heard was that "Sometimes God will give the Holy Ghost, other times people had to tarry for years or never receive it at all."

(You see, there was a lot of misinformation out there concerning it by denominations that really never understood it.)

Nonetheless, they had to come up with an answer, as to why some individuals would come to an altar and some would receive while others didn't. Therefore, instead of admitting that much of their teaching was wrong, they just blamed God, as is normal practice in the "American Church." 

"OHHHHHHHHH, sometimes God gives it, other times he makes you beg or to make you to promise to triple "Tithe." 

Enough Comedy!

So, anyway, as I stated in the paper, I had no idea whether God was going to be generous to me on the night that we were scheduled to Pray for the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost."

But leading up to that night, I prayed earnestly, "Oh God, Jesus please, please let me receive the Holy Ghost when they "lay hands on me." I will do this and this and never do this and I will follow you forever, I will go where you tell me to go, Oh, please Jesus please give me that power in which I read about 'that was received by those  gang members." 

But this is my point, It was after reading the story of the book that David Wilkerson laid down in earthly pages that placed that "HUNGER," in my heart to "covet" that gift so earnestly as Paul commands in scripture. 

AI Overview

Paul said to "earnestly desire the spiritual gifts" in 1 Corinthians 14:1. He also makes a similar statement in 1 Corinthians 12:31**, where he says, "But earnestly desire the best gifts". Both verses are located in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. 

1 Corinthians 14:1: "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy".

1 Corinthians 12:31: "But earnestly desire the best gifts". 

If I were Paul writing for today, I would add, "Earnestly, covet with all of your heart that 'gift,' or "Baptism," that you may be equipped to walk in this wicked and perverse world continually free and being strengthened to over come all adversities." 

So, do you understand why it was and is so important to me that the whole story of the "Cross and the Switchblade," be told? 

When those kids explained to me what their chapter of "Teen Challenge," was doing, it was almost as if someone had stuck a knife in my back. And as someone who moves in 'prophetic gifts,' I am aware that many times the "feelings," that I have on earth in this body are many times reflected in my "spirit man," by the feelings that God expresses from heaven.

Therefore, in other words, I believe that what many of these ministries have done to David Wilkerson's 'child,' birthed by the 'midwife' of God Almighty, has caused much sadness and pain in heaven. 

You see, it is not God's will that any man should needlessly perish, and when you destroy the 'ways and the means,' by which young people can be delivered and saved from this world of sorrow, then I believe one day you will be accountable for their lost lives.   

Following from Google AI:

AI Overview

33 Chilling Bible Verses on False Teachers | Pastor Unlikely

The Bible's warnings about teachers are found in James 3:1-2, which warns that teachers will be judged more strictly, and in Matthew 7:15, which warns to "beware of false prophets". Additionally, 2 Peter 2:1-10 details the characteristics of false teachers, and Ephesians 4:29 gives a general warning to avoid corrupting talk from leaders. 

Specific verses

James 3:1-2: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body". This passage emphasizes the great responsibility and accountability that comes with teaching.

Matthew 7:15: "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves". This verse is a direct warning about the danger of those who would deceive others.

2 Peter 2:1-10: This passage describes false teachers who are masters of disguise, will often be popular, and are characterized by their sensuality.

Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear". This verse serves as a broader reminder to leaders and teachers to set a positive example with their words. 

Music link:   https://youtu.be/jIdWN9F19Eo?list=RDjIdWN9F19Eo

Music link:         https://youtu.be/Yq_38bpQ2Ao?list=RDYq_38bpQ2Ao

Hopefully, this will be my last posting on this issue. Nonetheless, I was just meditating on what I have been writing and feel that I need to clarify one more time what I was trying to express. 

You see, in reading David Wilkerson's book, I received a very real hunger to "covet," the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost." 

And so, I have explained how that I received it and how that it delivered me and set me free. 

Nevertheless, what I was trying to convey in my message, was that by "reading," the book alone, I eventually got delivered from a life time of "Sins," and addictions. 

Can you understand what I am saying?

I didn't need to go through a chapter or program of "Teen Challenge," but instead I went through a literal "Boot Camp," of very serious Christianity by living in a community where we tried to model our "church," after the church written about in the "Book of Acts." 

There are also a number of groups such as the "Alpha Course," in the UK, and around the world and they have many testimonies of individuals who have received the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost," and have been delivered in the same way that I was. 

Nevertheless, I am not against any of the "Teen Challenge," chapters or programs, but what I believe should be a "standard" of any one of these programs is that they ought to be based on what Rev Wilkerson, uncovered in those many years of ministering to the youth, the gangs and the drug addicts.  

And that would be that of all his various efforts in dealing with these kids to get them delivered, in the end, it was the experience of the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" which did it. 

In other words, it wasn't a "program."

It wasn't various clever and charismatic instructors.

It wasn't a building the church raised up to be a "Do Gooder" Church.

No, it was God alone through the ministering of individuals who laid hands upon the people and delivered them through the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost." 

It was because a simple man obeyed God and went to New York City and at life's own peril refused to bow down to the demonic forces which during that time, as well as today, are ruling over that area of domination. Today, the demons might be a little more aggressive and have exponentially grown in size, but isn't that what our Lord predicted thousands of years ago?

Matthew 12:43-45   The Message Bible

43-45 "When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn't find anyone, it says, 'I'll go back to my old haunt.' On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse off than if he'd never gotten cleaned up in the first place.

"That's what this generation is like: You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren't hospitable to my kingdom message, and now all the devils are moving back in."

Anyway, my point in all of this is to suggest that those copies of the "Cross and the Switchblade," which have been edited to delete the message concerning the "Baptism of the Holy Ghost," or those which do not tell the individual conversion stories of drug addicts who were delivered should be treated as "anathema." 

What I believe should happen is that another revision of the book be released which mentions the story of Nicky Cruz and Sonny Argoinzona and how they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit which was the main cause of their final deliverance from a life of drugs and sin. 

Then in place of this shortened "story," which some brilliant minds of "Theological circles" have created in order to help their businesses, instead resend this new revision which is really an honest account of the original books content which then ought to go out to millions that they may desire or "covet," that experience which David Wilkerson first intended to go forth. 

So, that is my story and by darn it, I'm sticking to it!

*****