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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 the importance of fully trusting God with every aspect of our lives, including our health, family, and future. He reflects on Isaiah's message that if we wait on the Lord and cry out to Him, He will guide us and provide for our needs. Wilkerson shares his personal struggle of trusting God with material concerns while neglecting his eternal well-being, realizing that God desires our complete trust. He encourages believers to bring all their worries to God, assuring them that true faith results in peace and rest. Ultimately, God wants it all from us, and in return, He promises to lead us on the right path.
He Wants It All
“Blessed are all they that wait for him…. thou shalt weep no more: he will be very gracious unto thee at the voice of thy cry…and thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left…. Ye shall have a song, as in the night…and gladness of heart” (Isaiah 30:18–19, 21, 29). Isaiah was saying, “If you’ll just wait on the Lord—if you’ll cry out to him again, and return to trusting him—he’ll do for you everything I’ve said and more.” God can merely speak a word, and the enemy will falter before us: “For through the voice of the Lord shall the Assyrian be beaten down” (Isaiah 30:31). Beloved, there is no matter our Father can’t solve, no battle he can’t win for us, with a mere word from his lips. Isaiah says “the breath of the Lord” will consume everything in our way (Isaiah 30:33). Yet, this process of trusting God in all things isn’t easy. Recently I sought the Lord about a situation concerning our church building here in New York City. I told God, “I trust you about this, Father. I have sought you about it, and I will be at peace about it.” Here is how he answered me: “David, I’m amazed that you can trust me with your real estate, finances and other material things. Yet, you still won’t trust me with your physical well-being.” I’d been very aware of my age. And I’d been overly concerned about what would happen to my family after I’m gone. Now the Lord’s convicting words hit me like a thunderbolt. I’d put every material concern into his hands, but not the eternal concerns. I realized, “Lord, you want me to trust you with everything, don’t you?” Yes, dear saint, he wants it all—your health, your family, your future. He wants you to entrust him with every matter. And he wants you to live in quietness, confidence and rest. So, go to your secret closet and get alone with the Lord. Bring everything to him. He has promised, “You’ll hear my word behind you, telling you which way to go. This is the way—now, walk in it.” The evidence of faith is rest. Trust faith results in peace of mind. And true faith trusts all things into his hands.
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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.