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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 urgent need for fervent prayer to combat the destructive aims of Satan, who is actively seeking to ruin families in these last days. He highlights the reality of spiritual warfare, referencing 1 Peter 5:8, and illustrates the power of intercessory prayer through the story of a nobleman whose son was on the brink of death. This nobleman's determination to seek Jesus exemplifies the faith required to overcome desperate situations. Wilkerson encourages believers to pray aggressively and with faith, trusting in Jesus' miraculous power to bring healing and restoration to their families.
Prayer That Combats Satan's Aims
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The Bible tells us very clearly that in these last days, the Church of Jesus Christ faces the wrath of an enraged devil. Satan knows his time is short and he is bent on devouring God’s people (see Revelation 12:12). Where does the devil direct his wrath? He is taking aim at families all over the world and his goal is simple: bring ruin and destruction to every home he possibly can. Jesus referred to this demonic work when he described Satan, saying, “He was a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Indeed, we see the enemy’s destructive plan against the very first family — it was the devil who entered Cain and convinced him to kill his brother Abel. There comes a time when certain life situations are beyond human hope and someone has to get to Jesus! In the gospel of John, we find such a family in crisis: “There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum” (John 4:46). This was a family of distinction, perhaps even royalty, yet a spirit of death hung over the home. But someone in that troubled family knew who Jesus was and had heard of his miraculous power. In desperation, the father took it upon himself to get to the Lord and Scripture tells us, “When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him” (4:47). This nobleman was determined and when he got through to Jesus, he “implored Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death” (4:47). What a marvelous picture of intercession; this man set aside everything to seek the Lord. And then Christ spoke a word to him, which the man believed (see John 4:50), and he received his miracle! Fervent, aggressive prayer combats Satan’s destructive aims to ruin your family. Pray in faith, believing that you will receive a miracle.
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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.