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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 addresses the issue of discouragement stemming from our own hearts, urging believers to shift their focus from weaknesses and past failures to the abundant love and provision of God in Christ. He emphasizes that God knows our shortcomings yet still loves us, encouraging us to approach the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and peace. Wilkerson reminds us that true victory comes not from our efforts but from being rooted in the revelation of God's love, which assures us that we have everything we need. He calls on the Holy Spirit to help us grasp this truth, promising that embracing it will lead to a transformative experience in our lives.
Discouraged at Our Own Hearts
Are you tired of living in need when everything you will ever require has been provided? Perhaps your focus is wrong. You tend to dwell on your weaknesses, temptations and past failures — and when you look inside your own heart, what you see discourages you. God’s love insists that we stop focusing on our failures and sins and, instead, focus on the riches offered to us in Christ. You are to be looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (see Hebrews 12:2). When Satan comes and points out weakness in your heart, you have every right to answer, “My God already knows it all and he still loves me! He has given me everything I need to get victory and keep it. As far as he is concerned, it is finished!” God is urging you, “Come boldly to the throne of grace, that [you] may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Remind God that it was his idea for you to come to him. Take God at his Word and say in faith, “Lord Jesus, flood me with your peace because you have said it is mine. I claim rest for my soul.” You can’t work this up in you. You can’t sing or praise it down on you. No, it comes from being rooted and grounded in a revelation of God’s love for you. This does not come in a feeling but rather in the Word that he himself has spoken: “In my house is bread and enough to spare” (Luke 15:17). If you ask the Holy Spirit right now to help you seize this truth — to get rooted and grounded in it — the coming days will be the greatest you have ever had. You can go to your loving Father and claim all that is yours!
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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.