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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 issue of mental distractions during worship, emphasizing that many come to church physically but are mentally and spiritually absent. He highlights Jesus' condemnation of hypocrites who offer lip service while their hearts are far from Him. Wilkerson urges believers to approach God with reverence and intentionality, reminding them that true worship must come from a place of sincerity and focus. He stresses the importance of being fully present in worship, as it is a powerful act that strengthens the spirit and breaks down barriers. Ultimately, he calls for a heartfelt connection with God, encouraging worshippers to seek His presence with purity and dedication.
Are You Distracted in Worship?
I want to talk to you about mental distractions during prayer and forsaken worship — especially in the house of God. Jesus called people hypocrites who came into His presence mouthing words of praise, but whose minds and hearts were preoccupied. He spoke directly to them, saying, "You give Me your mouth and your lips — but your mind is somewhere else. Your heart is nowhere near Me!" What about you? Most likely, you are present in God's house for an hour every week. So, your body is in church — but where is your mind? Your mouth says, "I worship You, Lord" — but is your heart a thousand miles away? Where do your thoughts take you during worship and praise? It is not a light thing to come into God’s house to worship him! “And Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified’” (Leviticus 10:3). God had said to Moses, “I will not be treated as an ordinary person! If you’re going to enter into my presence, you must come before me sanctified. All who approach my holiness must do so with carefulness and thoughtfulness — because of my glory and majesty.” We are not to utter anything in the Lord’s presence without our heart and soul in it. Jesus commands, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). God’s house is a house of worship. When we enter, we are to set aside all flesh and cry, “Lord, I’m not where I should be but I love you! Put a wall of fire around my thoughts and let me bring the offering of a focused, full-minded praise unto you!” God loves you and he knows the power that pure worship releases in your spirit. It makes you stronger than a lion and bigger than a giant, pulling down every wall and stronghold that comes against you. Hallelujah!
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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.