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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 that Christ is still King over all nations and nature, despite the apparent chaos and rejection of His authority in society and the Church. He highlights the alarming trend of Christians and churches turning away from Christ's lordship and relying on worldly wisdom instead. Wilkerson urges believers to recognize the importance of enthroning Christ in their hearts, as the consequences of dethroning Him lead to spiritual decline. He reminds us that God has placed all things under Jesus' feet, and we must acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives. The call to action is clear: put Christ back on the throne of your heart and live in His power.
Christ Is Still King
God the Father enthroned Christ as king over all nations and all nature, and as Lord over the Church. The apostle Paul writes that when Jesus comes again, “He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15). Paul is saying that it doesn’t matter what things look like on the outside, the truth is, God has put all things under Jesus’ feet and he is still king over everything. Everything may seem out of control and it may look like the devil has taken power, but it isn’t true. Yet all around us today, we see our society and government dethroning Christ — refusing to acknowledge his authority and kingship. We have been removing God from our schools and courts and ignoring him in the making of our laws. And now we are reaping a terrible harvest. Sadly, my concern goes beyond America’s rejection of Jesus’ authority. I see the problem within the Church to be much more tragic. It’s understandable that ungodly people want to dethrone Christ; they have mocked and ridiculed his name since the day he was born. But how it must grieve God to see Christ dethroned by those who call themselves by his name. Slowly but surely many Christians, churches and ministries are rejecting the Lord’s counsel. They no longer lean wholly on his lordship. Instead, they are turning to the wisdom of the world, to manmade practices. I have watched with alarm as the Church has gradually enthroned the wisdom of the world. Jesus is no longer the source and power behind God’s people. Let me ask you personally: Have you removed Christ as king of your heart? I urge you to put Christ on the throne of your heart today — and live! “I will lift up my eyes to the hills — From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).
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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.