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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 profound promise found in Psalm 23:5, where God prepares a feast for His children in the presence of their enemies. This imagery illustrates God's abundant provision and care, showcasing His love, mercy, and grace as He serves each individual at the table while their adversaries look on helplessly. The sermon reassures believers that they can find peace and joy in God's presence, regardless of the challenges they face, as He whispers comfort and assurance amidst their struggles. Wilkerson encourages the faithful to rejoice and sing praises, knowing that God lifts them above their enemies.
Feasting in the Presence of Your Enemy!
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” (Psalm 23:5). Of all the wonderful promises God gives us in this psalm, this is one of the most glorious. He says he is going to set a table for us, spread wonderful food upon it, and then serve us a feast. And he does all this in front of our enemies. The word for table in this verse means “spread” — a vast array of food, a massive feast. And there is only one guest at this meal — you! God does this wondrous work for every individual who loves Jesus and calls himself by his name. As God is preparing and serving your feast, he makes your enemies sit on the outer fringe of the scene and watch everything unfold. They see the Lord himself spreading your table with food, escorting you to your seat and waiting on you. Then they watch as you fill up your soul with heaven’s delightful fare. I tell you, no demon power, including the devil himself, could ever comprehend this kind of love, mercy and grace. Jesus tells us that the Father does this for all his children: “Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them” (Luke 12:37). As you dig into the glorious food God has provided for you, the Lord leans down and whispers in your ear, “You don’t have to worry about any of these enemies. They aren’t able to do anything against you.” With this wonderful assurance in your heart, you are able to sing, “Now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around … I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6).
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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.