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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 relying on God during times of uncertainty, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat's response to impending danger from enemy armies. Instead of devising a military strategy, Jehoshaphat humbly acknowledged their helplessness and declared their dependence on God, stating, 'We have no power against this great multitude... but our eyes are upon You.' Wilkerson reminds us that while we may feel the urge to take control, true faith involves waiting for God's guidance and trusting in His plan. He encourages believers to seek God's presence and keep their focus on Him, as He is eager to provide direction in our lives.
But Our Eyes Are on You
If our leaders declared they had absolutely no idea how to govern and provide direction, our nation would be confused and fearful. But that very thing happened in the time of King Jehoshaphat when three enemy armies were closing in on Judah. This mighty king called the nation together and instead of presenting a war plan and a decisive declaration of action, he stood before the people and poured out his heart out to God: “Here they come, rewarding us by coming to throw us out of Your possession which You have given us to inherit. O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:11-12). What kind of plan was this? No program, no committee action, no brilliant war plans. Just a simple declaration: “We are in over our heads and don’t know what to do — but we will keep our eyes on the Lord.” Believe it or not, even the greatest saints who ever lived did not fully understand the battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Look at all the different denominations we have — and disputes over doctrine. Men today are still in the dark about so many things. The urge to “make things happen” on our own comes to all of us at times and we may start to get ahead of his plan. Also, the enemy comes against us, causing us to reach that point of panic when the heart cries out, “What do I do now?” God has an answer for us: “I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me” (Micah 7:7). It is important to understand, however, that “keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord” does not mean we fold our hands and sit around letting God do it all. It means waiting until he shows the way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). God is eager to provide guidance to you, his dear child, so spend time in his presence and keep your eyes upon 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.