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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 remaining in God's love, especially during times of temptation and trial. He explains that true joy comes from dwelling in the knowledge of God's unwavering love, which should be expected daily, regardless of our circumstances. Wilkerson highlights that many believers struggle with feeling secure in God's love based on their performance, but it is crucial to trust in His love even when we fail. He illustrates this with the story of Israel's repentance in Jeremiah 31, showcasing God's compassion and readiness to forgive despite their waywardness. Ultimately, the message is clear: we must keep trusting in God's love, which is steadfast and merciful.
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Know, Believe and Keep Trusting in His Love
Anyone can keep his joy when he’s riding high in the Holy Ghost, not being tried or tempted. But God wants us to keep ourselves in his love at all times—especially in our temptations. The apostle John tells us very simply how we can keep ourselves in God’s love: “We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). In short, if we “dwell in God’s love,” we’re keeping ourselves in God. The word dwell here means “to stay in a state of expectancy.” In other words, God wants us to expect his love to be renewed in us every day. We’re to live every day in the knowledge that God has always loved us, and will always love us. In reality, most of us flit in and out of God’s love according to our emotional ups and downs. We feel safe in his love only if we’ve done well. But we’re unsure of his love whenever we’re tempted or tried, or the time we’ve failed him. That’s especially the time we’re to trust in his love. He’s telling us in these passages, “No matter what the trial you face, you must never doubt my love for you. If you’re actively trusting in my love, then you’re living the way I want you to live.” Jeremiah 31 offers a wonderful illustration of God’s love. Israel was in a backslidden state. The people had grown fat and prosperous and were indulging in all kinds of wickedness. Then suddenly, their lusts turned sour. They lost all pleasure in fulfilling their sensual appetites. Soon they cried out, “Lord, we’re lost. We need you to turn us around.” God heard their cry of repentance, and his loving heart went out to them. He chastened the people with his rod of correction—and Israel cried, “Thou hast chastised me…turn thou me, and I shall be turned…. Surely after that I was turned, I repented” (Jeremiah 31:18-19). Listen to God’s words at this point: “…since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him…” (v. 20). “…with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” (v. 3). Here is what you must know of God’s love: God was telling his people, “I had to chasten you and speak hard words of truth to you. Yet even then you sinned against me, doing so despite the grace and mercy I extended to you. You turned against my love, rejecting me. Nevertheless, my bowels of compassion were moved deeply toward you, I remembered you in your struggle—and I will surely have mercy on you. I’ll freely forgive and restore you.”
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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.