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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.
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the face of doubt, using Noah's story as a powerful example. In a time of rampant wickedness, Noah was called by God to build an ark, a task that seemed illogical and daunting amidst the chaos around him. Despite mockery and silence from God, Noah persevered in his faith and obedience, ultimately becoming a symbol of righteousness. Wilkerson encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, even when they feel abandoned or uncertain, reminding them that victory comes through Christ. The message serves as a reminder that faith can lead to triumph, even in the darkest of times.
Scriptures
Where to Look When Doubt Arises
Noah lived in a generation that had spun out of control. Violence and murder were rampant and unspeakable wickedness had spread wantonly. “Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth … And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth … So the Lord said, ‘I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping things and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them’” (Genesis 6:5-7). God told Noah, “I’m going to destroy all flesh but I will preserve you and your family. I want you to build an ark, Noah, and gather into it all the animal species, in twos. While you are building, I will show mercy to the inhabitants of the earth for a season and then I will send a rain that will not stop for forty days and nights. A great flood will wipe out every living thing.” Then God gave Noah the dimensions of the ark — its length, wide and depth — in great detail (see Genesis 6:11-22). Noah was given the task of building an enormous ark while living in a violent, dangerous world. He had to accept it all by faith, with no further direction for many years. I’m certain he was mocked and threatened as he tediously worked, yet he kept building and believing while the world around him danced, partied and wallowed in sensuality. God told this man, “I’m asking you to obey me, and if you ever start to doubt, you must trust what I’ve told you.” This was so illogical and unreasonable that Noah must have become discouraged at times and wondered if he had really heard from God. Have you ever felt God was speaking to you and then there was silence? No further direction, no sign from heaven? Be encouraged! Noah remained faithful and because of his obedience, he is listed as a victor in the “Hall of Faith,” becoming an “heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” (Hebrews 11:7). In your time of trouble, take hope that just like the great heroes listed, the victory is yours in Christ.
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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.