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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 trusting in God at all times, encouraging believers to resign themselves to His care as an act of faith. He illustrates this concept through Jesus' ultimate example of resignation on the cross, where He committed His spirit into the Father's hands, symbolizing the trust we should have in God's power and mercy. Wilkerson reassures that God promises to take full responsibility for our needs and protect us from evil, urging us to find peace in our resignation to Him. He highlights that true freedom comes from trusting God completely, leading to a life free from fear and anxiety. Ultimately, our Shepherd knows how to care for us, and by resting in His keeping power, we can navigate life's challenges without fear.
Sheep in the Father's Hands
“Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8). As God’s children, we are to resign ourselves to His care in everything. This is true freedom! Resigning yourself into God’s care is an act of faith. It means putting yourself completely under his power, wisdom and mercy. And it means being led according to his will. God promises to be totally responsible for us — to feed, clothe and shelter us, and to guard our hearts from all evil. Jesus provided the ultimate example of holy resignation when he went to the cross. Just before he gave up his spirit, he cried aloud, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” (Luke 23:46). Christ literally placed the keeping of his life and eternal future into the custody of his Father. In doing so, he placed the souls of each of his sheep into the Father’s hands. If we are being asked to trust our lives to someone, we have to know that this Someone has the power to keep us from all danger, threats and violence. Paul testifies, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Our abiding peace will always depend on our resignation into God’s hands, regardless of our circumstance. The Psalmist instructs, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4). God’s desire is that you go about your daily business without fear or anxiety, trusting in his care. The more resigned you are to God’s care, the more indifferent you will be to the conditions around you. Your great Shepherd knows perfectly how to protect and preserve his flock because he leads in love. Rest in his keeping power and you will not be scared by any frightful news. You will not try to figure out the next step because you have entrusted your life, family and future into his safe and loving hands.
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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.