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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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David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of being committed seekers of God, as demonstrated by Daniel's example of prayer and confession. He explains that living a holy life requires a deep commitment to prayer, which prepares believers to face life's crises with trust in God. Wilkerson warns that faithful prayer does not exempt one from trials; rather, it equips them to endure and remain steadfast. He highlights that even seasoned prayer warriors like Daniel faced significant tests later in life, underscoring that the journey of faith continues until the end. Ultimately, the call to seek God is essential for fulfilling the commitment to live a pure and undefiled life.
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Committed to Be Seekers
“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications…. And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession…. And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel…” (Daniel 9:3, 4 and 20). These were praying men! You see, the first commitment they had made—to live a separated life—had to be backed up by a second commitment, to be seekers after God. Indeed, it is impossible to live a holy life without spending much time on your knees, seeking God for the power and authority to lead such a life. Don’t be mistaken—faithful praying will not keep you out of a crisis. On the contrary, most likely it will bring you to a fired-up furnace and a lions’ den. But prayer will prepare you to face it all with trust—to become a living sacrifice for Jesus’ sake! Daniel’s praying led him straight to the lions’ den. And this test came years after that of the Hebrew men—when Daniel was in his eighties! This may frighten you, if you wonder how long it will be before you stop having crises. Perhaps you thought you’d learned all your “important” tests after a certain number of years in the Lord. Yet, here God is allowing one of his greatest prayer warriors—a man of a quiet, tender spirit—to face the crisis of his life after decades of faithful intercession! Beloved, the testing only ends when Jesus comes—or when you die in Christ! This is why prayer is so important. You can make a commitment to live an undefiled life—but that commitment is impossible to fulfill without also having a commitment to seek God.
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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.