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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 loving yet firm nature of God as our Father, drawing parallels between his own father's discipline and God's call for us to separate from sin and the world. He highlights that God desires a close relationship with us, urging us to forsake unclean things in our lives to fully embrace our identity as His children. Wilkerson reminds us that God will not share His role as Father with the devil and calls for complete commitment to Him. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's guidance and the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome struggles. Ultimately, God longs to be a Father to us, offering love, guidance, and hope.
Scriptures
He Will Be to You a Father
My earthly father lovingly reproved me whenever I misbehaved. Yet, every time he spanked me, he made me hug him afterward. As much as I didn't want to hug him, I will never forget putting my head on his shoulder and spilling out my tears. He always said to me: "I love you, David. God has His hand on you, and I’m not going to let the devil have you." Likewise, in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, we hear a loving rebuke from our heavenly Father. He warns: "Get as far away from sin and the world as you can. Run from evil!" "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). God is telling us here, "I have chosen to be your Father and I will not share my role with the devil. If you are going to mix with the world or hold on to some unclean thing in your life, then our fellowship will not work. If I am going to be your one-and-only Father, then you must forsake the world and its pleasures — lay down your sin. You cannot keep any filthy thing in your life.” He says further, "I want to lead and guide you. I want to favor you as only I can favor My children. Therefore, I will not permit you to come to Me with hands that have been touching any unclean thing. Separate from all of that and then I will receive you as a son, a daughter. I long to be a Father to you!" If you want to follow Jesus, don't come to Him halfway. Come all the way out of the world. Your Father says, "If you trust Me as your Father to deliver you, I will send the Holy Ghost and give you power and authority. I will give you hope while you're in the struggle and I will bring you through."
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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.