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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 tender and loving nature of Jesus as depicted in Isaiah's prophecy, highlighting that Christ came not with loud proclamations but with a quiet spirit of compassion. He illustrates how Jesus, despite facing opposition from the Pharisees, chose to withdraw rather than retaliate, continuing to heal and serve those in need. Wilkerson points out that Jesus desired genuine devotion from the people, not mere followers seeking miracles, and he underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Savior sent to save the world rather than to condemn it. The sermon calls listeners to reflect on the depth of the Savior's love and the gift of salvation available to all.
Hearts Captive by the Savior's Love
“Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights! I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will not cry out, nor raise His voice, nor cause His voice to be heard in the street” (Isaiah 42:1-3). This passage is all about Jesus. The Holy Spirit had moved upon the prophet Isaiah to bring forth a revelation of what Christ would be like when he comes and the image that comes forth from these verses is clear: Christ would not come with a loud clamor or noise. Rather, he would come as a tender, loving Savior. We read the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in Matthew 12:14 where we see the Pharisees planning to kill Jesus because he had healed a man on the Sabbath. When Jesus found out about it, he “withdrew from there.” He did not retaliate in anger or try to get revenge, although he could have summoned a legion of angels to deal with his enemies on the spot. This tender spirit, Matthew says, reveals the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy: “He will not quarrel nor cry out, nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets” (Matthew 12:19). So, what did Jesus do after he quietly withdrew from Jerusalem? The Word says he immediately went outside the city and continued to heal all who crowded in on him: “Great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all” (12:15). Jesus instructed the people, “Don’t tell anyone about the miracles you see.” Even after healing two blind men, Christ told them to keep it to themselves (Matthew 9:30). You see, Jesus did not want the people following him for his miracles. He wanted their devotion because his tender words had captured their hearts. Jesus wanted everyone, including every future generation, to know he came into the world as a Savior: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:17). Today, focus on the Savior’s love and his great gift of salvation for all mankind.
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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.