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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 simplicity and power of praying in Jesus' name, explaining that when believers make requests in His name, it is as if Jesus Himself is petitioning the Father. He highlights the intimate relationship between God and Jesus, noting that God hears and answers every request made by His Son. Through our spiritual union with Christ, believers are adopted into God's family, receiving the same access and authority in prayer as Jesus. This profound truth assures us that our prayers are heard and answered, as we are clothed in Christ's Sonship. Ultimately, Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize the incredible authority they possess when praying in Jesus' name.
As if Jesus Himself Were Praying
Claiming power in Christ’s name is not some complicated, hidden theological truth. Libraries are full of books written solely on the subject of the name of Jesus which the authors wrote to help believers understand the deep implications hidden in Christ’s name. Yet, most of these books are so “deep,” they go right over the heads of the readers. I believe the truth we are meant to grasp about Jesus’ name is so simple that a child could understand it. It is simply this: when we make our requests in Jesus’ name, we are to be fully persuaded that it is the same as if Jesus himself were petitioning the Father. How could that be true? We know that God loved his Son. He spoke with Jesus and taught him during his time on earth, and God not only heard every request his Son made but he answered them. In short, the Father never denied his Son any request. Today, all who believe in Jesus are clothed in his Sonship. And the heavenly Father receives us as intimately as he receives his own Son. Why? It’s because of our spiritual union with Christ. Through his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus has made us one with the Father. “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us … I in them, and You in Me” (John 17:21 and 23). Simply put, we are now family — one with the Father, and one with the Son. We have been adopted, with the full rights of inheritance possessed by any child. This means all the power and resources of heaven are made available to us — through Christ. And because we are clothed in Christ’s Sonship, we know our requests are also heard by the Father. He answers our requests, just as he answered those of the Son. What an incredible authority we have been given when we pray in Jesus’ name.
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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.