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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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David Wilkerson emphasizes the compassion of Jesus as our merciful High Priest, who understands our struggles and temptations because He has experienced them Himself. He reassures us that we do not need to articulate our pain to Jesus, as He is already aware of our suffering and intercedes on our behalf. The sermon illustrates the plight of a man overwhelmed by sin and temptation, who finds hope and deliverance through the prayers of Jesus, our Advocate. Wilkerson encourages believers to take heart, knowing that Jesus knows us intimately and is actively praying for our restoration and strength against temptation.
Our Merciful High Priest
Beloved, it does not matter what you are going through. Jesus has walked in your shoes and that is what makes Him a merciful High Priest. You do not have to tell Him all your pain. He knows all about it because He has felt it Himself. "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:15). Consider a precious, worried man who has fallen into great temptation. He has sinned grievously against God and he feels his heart growing cold. He thinks, "I can't make it! I'm too inconsistent and Satan is throwing all of hell at me. I've been overtaken by my temptation many times, yet I love Jesus. Oh, Lord, I want to be free and clean!" This man is worn out, discouraged, and the devil stands beside him, accusing: "He fell into sin, God. He can't withstand temptation. His garment is spotted, filthy." But the Advocate steps in between this man and his accuser: "Father, I know what this man is going through. The devil also drove Me into a wilderness and tempted Me severely. I was tempted to blaspheme, to fall down and worship Satan. I know what temptation is all about and I know this man's heart. There is a spark of faith still in him, an ember of love in his heart for Me. "Father, look upon him as righteous through My blood. Deliver him from the power of darkness and the wicked one. I want him to be accepted, forgiven, restored, and given power from on high to resist the devil. I pray for his deliverance." The next day, this man picks up his Bible and reads a powerful truth he has never seen before. He falls to his knees, and God comes to him with deliverance — because the High Priest has prayed. Your Advocate knows your address. He has counted every hair on your head. He knows your every thought, feels your every pain, hears your every cry. So, beloved, take heart — because Jesus is praying 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.