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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 God resides in the hearts of believers, making them His dwelling place. He reflects on the moment of salvation when Christ's presence fills our lives, urging Christians to remember their commitment to follow Him. Wilkerson challenges listeners to evaluate their relationship with God, questioning whether they are nurturing their intimacy with Him or neglecting it. He reminds us that God has a divine plan for each of us and encourages a renewed commitment to deepen our connection with Him.
Scriptures
Are You Guilty of Ignoring God?
Every Christian knows that God doesn’t dwell in manmade temples or buildings. Instead, our Lord has chosen to live in human vessels — that is, in the hearts and bodies of his people. Every believer can boast with confidence, “God lives in me.” Of course, the Lord is everywhere, but according to his Word, the blood-cleansed heart is his permanent dwelling. When did God begin to abide in us? He did so when we first gave our heart to Jesus. At that moment, Christ’s abiding presence filled our being. He testifies, “I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you … If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him” (John 14:20, 23). Do you remember the day you were saved? Do you recall the feelings you experienced — the pledges you made to Jesus, promising to forsake all others and follow him? Jesus saw it happening eons ago in eternity — and he delighted in you. He knew you were going to receive him, even before you were formed in your mother’s womb. “Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them” (Psalm 139:16). Before you were even a seed, God knew all about you, and his son, Jesus, delighted in knowing you would grow up to be his habitation. He rejoiced at the thought of opening his Word to you: “I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15). Are you fulfilling his expectation of spending a lifetime with you? Is your intimacy with him increasing or are you guilty of ignoring him? God yearns over you and he has plans for you. Let the Lord make this the first day of a new beginning for you.
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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.