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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 importance of faith in overcoming seemingly impossible situations, using the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as a powerful example. Despite witnessing God's miraculous deliverance, the Israelites quickly fell into doubt and complaint, ultimately missing out on the Promised Land due to their lack of faith. Wilkerson reminds us that our true inheritance is found in Jesus Christ, who offers us abundant life and peace amidst our struggles. He encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness and to rest in His power, even when faced with overwhelming challenges. The sermon calls us to draw near to God with assurance, embracing the fullness of life He provides.
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Faith for the Impossible
Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and when they came to the Red Sea, the leader held his staff out over the water and throughout the night a strong east wind divided the sea. The water stood up in a wall on each side so that the Israelites could cross over on dry land. When the Egyptians pursued, the waters overwhelmed them and drowned them all. Read the account in Exodus 14:15-31. Moses and the children of Israel rejoiced in the Lord, with his sister Miriam leading the dancing (see 15:20-21). But even after this tremendous victory, it wasn’t long before adverse circumstances caused the people to complain against Moses and Aaron. Sadly, most of these people who had endured the plagues of Egypt and praised God for deliverance at the Red Sea did not make it to the Promised Land. Instead, they perished in a miserable wilderness — all because of doubt. Beloved, our Promised Land today is Jesus Christ alive in us. He is our inheritance! As we rest in his faithfulness, we enjoy his presence. God never intended for us to become stuck in a wilderness of emptiness and drought. Through his Son, he has provided for us abundant life — a life free from worry and anxiety if we put our trust in him. Right now you might be in the fight of your life. The enemy is coming at you on all sides and even though you know you have a mighty God on your side, all you can see is the battle in front of you. You’re asking God, “Why did you bring me into this mess? I can’t make it.” The Word assures you that you can enter into a restful place in Christ’s fullness. “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). God wants you to come into a place of peace. He wants you to truly rest in his power and ability to deliver you from all snares, trials and temptations — if you will trust him!
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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.