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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 that the wars we see on earth are merely reflections of a greater spiritual battle occurring in heaven between God and the devil. He explains that this cosmic conflict began long ago when Satan attempted to usurp God's authority, leading to his defeat and expulsion from heaven. Despite the chaos and fear caused by earthly wars, believers can find hope and victory through Jesus Christ, who has already secured our triumph over sin and evil. Wilkerson reassures that God had a plan for redemption even before creation, and we are called to live as conquerors in this ongoing spiritual warfare.
The War Above All Wars
“War broke out in heaven” (Revelation 12:7). We hear a lot of talk today about war — war on terrorism, war in the Middle East, nuclear threats from various nations. Never in history has there been such a time of war throughout the earth. And because of the instant communication we have now, almost immediately we receive reports of bombings, ambushes, death tolls. I am convinced that Jesus spoke about these: “You will hear of wars and rumors of war” (Matthew 24:6). And just as Christ prophesied, people’s hearts are failing them for fear: “Men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26). The wars we are seeing are causing terror throughout the earth, yet these wars are all mere symptoms of a much greater war. You see, there is actually just one war going on and this war-above-all-wars is taking place in heaven — a war between God and the devil. This war was declared eons ago. Revelation tells us, “Michael and his angels fought with the dragon [Satan]; and the dragon and the angels fought” (12:7). While in heaven, Satan rallied all the fallen angels he deceived to rise up against God because he wanted to usurp God’s authority and take over his throne. But the devil lost that first battle and God cast him and all the rebelling angels out of heaven. Satan had already deceived those angels and when God created humankind, he determined to deceive them, too. Satan’s rebellion did not take God by surprise. Even before the foundation of the world, God devised a war plan to defeat the devil. The Lord created man in his own image and allowed him to have a free will — and then he sent his Son, Jesus, to redeem all mankind! Jesus is patiently waiting for the last harvest to be brought in but until the coming of the Lord, we can live in victory: “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
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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.