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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 delivers a powerful message from Isaiah 51, emphasizing God's recognition of the struggles faced by believers who pursue righteousness. He reassures those feeling blindsided by the devil that their burdens are not a result of sin but rather a direct attack from Satan. God calls out to the afflicted, promising to intervene and remove the weight of fear and oppression. Wilkerson highlights that God is actively pleading the cause of His people, offering hope and restoration to those in bondage. This message serves as a reminder that God sees our struggles and is ready to act on our behalf.
Scriptures
Encouragement for Those Blindsided by the Devil
In Isaiah 51, the Lord delivers a powerful message to all who pursue righteousness. He declares, “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord” (51:1). A few verses later, he again calls to those “who know righteousness, you people in whose heart is My law” (51:7). When Isaiah delivered this message, his immediate audience was Israel, yet God directs this call to every devoted believer today — everyone who would pursue Jesus with a greater passion. Later God addresses his hearers as “you afflicted, and drunk but not with wine” (51:21). At the time Isaiah prophesied, Israel was enslaved by Babylon and God wanted his precious people to know he recognized their plight. Likewise, today, he is addressing every Christian who has become captive to some form of bondage. This bondage may be mental, physical or spiritual — it does not matter to God. His eye is on every saint who staggers under the weight of an awful burden and he gives them this word: “Do not think for a moment that this weight has come upon you as a result of sin. On the contrary, you are under a direct attack from Satan. The enemy of your soul has accused and tormented you and now, like a person who is drunk on wine, you are woozy from the effect. You have been blindsided by the devil but I want your ear because I have a word to speak to you.” If you are enduring a dark night of the soul, weighed down by sinful chains or sitting on an ash heap of perceived failure, God has a message just for you: “See, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling … But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you” (51:22-23). The Lord is saying, “I am here to plead your cause, to intervene for you. I will take from you the cup of fear that is plaguing your life and place it in the hands of those who oppress you. I will not allow this harassment to continue.”
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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.