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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 importance of seeking God wholeheartedly to experience spiritual rest and fullness. He contrasts the abundance found in God's presence with the emptiness of those who neglect to seek Him, highlighting that true satisfaction comes from dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. Wilkerson encourages believers to maintain a constant attitude of prayer, assuring them that this connection grants them power over fear and adversity. He cites Psalms 91 as a testament to the protective and sustaining power of God for those who earnestly seek Him. Ultimately, he calls for a life lived in continual communion with God to experience His strength and guidance.
Scriptures
Spiritual Rest and Fullness
“[The plain of] Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down, for My people who have sought Me” (Isaiah 65:10). God promises that if his children will seek him continually with all their heart, they will always have plenty of spiritual food. Yet those who do not seek God will be empty, famished, dry — wandering about, looking for a shepherd, hungry and never satisfied. The Word says, “You shall be hungry … thirsty … ashamed” (verse 13). But it also says, “Behold, My servants shall eat … drink … rejoice …sing for joy” (verses 13-14). Those who are shut in with God — pouring out their hearts to him and seeking him in everything — will have power, authority, spiritual strength, food for soul and mind. They will be led by God into a place of spiritual rest and fullness. Psalm 91 is the favorite Scripture passage of many believers. Such great promises are found here! The entire psalm is a revelation of the delivering, keeping power that comes from living in an attitude of seeking God. The person who lives in this habitation of prayer will have power over all demonic snares, all fear, all sickness and plague — power to prevail and bring forth results in prayer. But there is a condition for this, and it is found in the first verse: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1) “Dwell” means to live in his presence. You may wonder, “Does this mean I have to pray all the time?” In a manner of speaking, yes. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). That means to let your mind be stayed on God in your every waking hour. Beloved, all throughout the day, in everything, call upon God in your spirit and you will know his power and order in your every step!
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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.