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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 call for believers to share the love of Jesus and bear enduring fruit in their ministry. He highlights that Jesus appointed His disciples to preach the gospel and make disciples, urging believers to reach out to those around them with the truth of Christ. Many churchgoers may have a distorted view of Jesus, and it is crucial to present the true message of repentance and life through Him. The effectiveness of sharing the gospel lies in the presence of Jesus, which is facilitated by the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, sharing the love of Jesus aligns with God's desire for all to be saved and know the truth.
Sharing the Love of Jesus
Jesus told his disciples, “I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). Then he quickly added these solemn words: “That your fruit should remain.” These words of Christ apply to his disciples right up to this day. He is saying, in essence, “Be sure that your fruit will endure.” The word “fruit” refers to the work and ministry of Christ that his followers do here on earth. As a believer, you are chosen and ordained to “go into all the world and preach the gospel of Christ” (see Mark 16:15). This means reaching those around you, wherever God has called you to live your life. Jesus also says, “Go therefore and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). You can do this by standing alongside a new convert, encouraging, sharing your knowledge of the Word. Millions of people are filling church pews every Sunday, believing they are in God’s good graces just because they show up in church. Yet, they have created their own concept of who Christ is — someone just like themselves, formed by their own blindness rather than by God’s Word. When you come along and tell them that they are sinners unless they repent and make a true life-change, they may be very resistant. You come with the truth of the blood of Christ, a new birth, separation from the world, a walk of submission and obedience. You come offering them life through Jesus! What a wonderful opportunity we have to present the life-giving truth of Jesus to others. But no matter how much we share of the mercy, grace and love Christ, the only thing that will pierce the walls erected by hardened people is the presence of Jesus. And that comes through the work of the Holy Spirit. “God our Savior … desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4). Whenever you share the love of Jesus with someone, you have the assurance that you are walking out the desires of your heavenly Father.
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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.