- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Faith Grows In God's Presence
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.
Download
Topics
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes that true faith is rooted in intimacy with Christ, contrasting it with the corrupted faith prevalent in today's church, which often focuses on personal gain and materialism. He reflects on Jesus' question in Luke 18:8 about whether He will find faith on earth, suggesting that much of what is called faith today is not acceptable to God. Wilkerson encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with the Lord, as true faith is born from spending time in His presence. He cites examples from Hebrews 11, highlighting that the great figures of faith had personal connections with God. Ultimately, he calls for a yearning for a closer walk with the Lord to cultivate genuine faith.
Faith Grows in God's Presence
Jesus asked a question in Luke 18:8: “Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” I have always wondered at this question. What could the Lord mean? As I look around at the Church today, I think no other generation has been more focused on faith than ours. Everyone seems to be talking about faith; seminars and conferences on faith are held across the country; books on the subject line the shelves of Christian bookstores. We have faith preachers, faith teachers, faith movements, even faith churches. Yet, sadly, what most people consider faith today isn’t faith all and God will reject much of what is being called and practiced as faith. He simply won’t accept it. Why? Because it is corrupted faith. Many preachers today totally humanize the topic of faith, describing it as if it exists only for personal gain or to meet self-needs. “If you can dream it, you can have it.” This is earthbound, materialistic, and rooted in this world. My message to those who truly love Jesus and want to live by faith in a way that pleases him is this: All true faith is born out of intimacy with Christ. In fact, if your faith doesn’t come out of such intimacy, it isn’t faith at all in his sight. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony” (Hebrew 11:1-2). Several people of faith are mentioned in Hebrews 11 and we find a common denominator in their lives. Each had a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. We see Abel (11:4); Enoch (11:5); Noah (11:7); and Abraham (11:8). All these men died in faith — the world simply was not their home. Does your heart yearn for a closer walk with the Lord? Is there a growing dissatisfaction within you with the things of this world? Then seek the Lord himself! Spend time in his presence and your faith will grow.
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.