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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 tender love of God as a Father, contrasting it with the negative perceptions many have due to their own experiences with earthly fathers. He highlights God's self-description to Moses, showcasing His merciful and gracious nature, and encourages believers to remember God's loving character during trials. Wilkerson reassures that God is quick to forgive, patient, and slow to anger, inviting worshippers to approach Him with confidence in His love. He stresses the importance of understanding God's special love for His children, which should inspire joy and gladness in their lives.
The Tender Love of the Father
It is difficult for many people to think of God as a loving Father. They can't help but see God through the eyes of past experiences with an ungodly father or stepfather. It's all so sad. But listen to how God described himself to Moses: "The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exodus 34:6-7). When we're in the midst of our many trials, we tend to forget what God has said about his own nature. Yet if we would only believe him in such times, we would have such assurance in our souls! From cover to cover, the Bible speaks to us as God's voice, revealing how tender and loving he is. He is quick to forgive. "For You, Lord are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You" (Psalm 86:5). He is patient with us, full of tenderness and mercy. "Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord" (Psalm 119:156). He is slow to anger and wrath. "The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy" (Psalm 145:8). "Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness; and He relents from doing harm" (Joel 2:13). When you go to worship the Lord in prayer, be very careful what kind of image of God you take into his presence! You must be fully convinced that he loves you and that he is all he says he is! Of course, God has a general love for mankind that can be embraced by anyone who comes to him in repentance. But there is also in God's heart another kind of love, a special love for his children! "Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing" (Psalm 100:2). God wants you to so trust in his love for you that you will be a testimony of gladness and good cheer!
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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.