- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Blessings From Our High Priest
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.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the role of Jesus as our unchangeable High Priest who intercedes for us before the Father. He highlights that Jesus, seated at the right hand of God, has all authority and power to bless us, just as the Old Testament priests did. Wilkerson explains that Jesus' blessings are not mere wishes but are backed by divine authority, ensuring that they are fulfilled. He reassures believers that Jesus covers us with His blood and actively intercedes on our behalf, providing us with peace and security. The sermon encourages us to recognize the significance of Christ's ongoing ministry and the blessings that flow from it.
Scriptures
Blessings From Our High Priest
The Bible tells us that when Christ ascended to heaven, He took up the ministry of High Priest to all who come to Him by faith. "This man [Jesus], because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood" (Hebrews 7:24). Jesus is unchangeable — the same yesterday, today and forever. As long as you live, He will be your High Priest in heaven, interceding on your behalf, and He will remain your High Priest until you go home to be with Him. Our High Priest is seated at the right hand of the Father, in the seat of authority: "We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty" (8:1). Our High Priest has all power and authority at His command. Jesus is in the Father's presence right now, interceding for us. He confronts our accuser and says, "I rebuke you, Satan. This one is mine because he is sprinkled in My blood. He is secure and his debt is fully paid!" Yet I believe there is even more for us to learn about our wonderful High Priest's ministry on our behalf. It was the duty and privilege of the Old Testament high priest to come forth from the Holy of Holies and bless the people. The Lord instructed Moses: "Speak unto Aaron and his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them, The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace" (Numbers 6:23-26). In other words, after the high priest takes the blood into the Holy of Holies, sprinkles it on the mercy seat and waves the incense, he is to come out, face the people and bless them. This is the unchanging ministry of our High Priest. Jesus says, "I will cover you with My blood. I will intercede for you before the Father and I will come forth and bless you. " When the Old Testament priest spoke this blessing to the people, it was not just a wish for them. He did not say, "I wish you peace. I wish the Lord to shine His face upon you." No, the blessing was backed by the full power of God (see Numbers 6:27). Likewise, when Jesus our High Priest blesses, He does not just wish us good. He pronounces His blessing with authority — and it is done!
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.