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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's love is unconditional and not based on our worthiness or understanding of doctrine. He illustrates that God chose us and adopted us as His children even when we were lost in sin, highlighting the depth of His mercy and love. Wilkerson reassures us that we do not need to have everything figured out; the assurance of being loved by God is enough. He draws a parallel between earthly and heavenly fatherhood, affirming that just as earthly fathers do not abandon their children, our Heavenly Father will always be with us. This profound love allows us to rest in the knowledge that we are cherished and never alone.
An Act of Love
God did not wait until I became "good enough" to be His son. And He did not wait until I had all my doctrines figured out. No, He said, "Even when you were lost in sin, I came to you to be reconciled. I loved you when you were wallowing in filth. I called you, chose you and adopted you for no other reason than that I love you." Sometimes I wonder how God ever could have looked down on us and loved us. We are so unlovable, so mean sometimes, so unworthy. But in His mercy He says to each of us, "I want you, I choose you, because I want to be a Father to you!" "Beloved, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God" (1 John 3:1). "Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (4:10). He chose me, not because I loved Him first, but because He loved me first. He adopted me as His child only because He loved me. All this brings me to a wonderful conclusion: I do not have to figure it all out. I do not have to understand the deep doctrines of justification, sanctification, mortification, glorification. All I have to know is that He picked me to be His son, which means that I am loved by God the Father. It does not matter what hell tries to throw at me. Nothing can move me from this wonderful knowledge: I am loved and I can rest in that love. He who chose me and loves me will keep me and carry me — and never abandon me. He will never let go of my hand, because He is Abba Father — mine! Beloved, I am an earthly father and you cannot name any reason in heaven or on earth why I would ever abandon or leave one of my children. I ask you: How much more is your heavenly Father going to be with you through everything you endure in this life?
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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.