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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 addresses the fears that many Christians face in a world filled with violence and uncertainty, emphasizing that despite the chaos, believers can find peace in God's promises. He reassures that while present fears may seem overwhelming, they are fleeting compared to the eternal life that awaits us. Wilkerson encourages Christians to focus on the good news of salvation and the assurance of God's presence, reminding them that their trials are temporary and that they will soon realize their insignificance in light of eternity. He highlights the importance of faith and the hope of being in the presence of the Lord, urging believers to rejoice in their eternal reality.
Our Present Fears
As the world becomes increasingly violent, decadent, and uncertain, some Christians struggle to keep fear out of their hearts. They sense intuitively that conditions in the world are disintegrating, and some kind of ominous disaster may be looming on the horizon. As they hear all the terrible reports of what’s happening in America and around the globe, they struggle to rest in the promise of God’s keeping power. The fact is, no matter how righteous we may be, and no matter how strong our faith is, all these frightful uncertainties cannot help but affect our human emotions. It’s all rather scary, for sure. But for the overcoming Christians whose sins are covered by the blood of Jesus, there is very good news. And if we keep our eyes focused on this good news, meditating on it night and day, no evil report will ever faze us. This news may seem a bit bizarre to you but God’s Word declares very clearly, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). How could this possibly be good news? Well, I’m convinced that just one moment into eternity, we are all going to realize how unimportant and fleeting our present fears and trials have been. We’ll also see just how present the Lord has been with us the entire time, watching over us with his saving and keeping power. As scripture testifies, our lives here on earth are like grass: one day we’re here, growing and thriving, and the next day we’re fading away with the season. “As for man, his days are like grass” (Psalm 103:15). We’re like the vapor of breath we see on a frosty day — here one moment, gone the next. “You do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Brother, sister, rejoice! This present life is not reality. Our reality is eternal life in the presence of our blessed Lord. So, keep the faith — because things are winding down but we are going up!
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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.