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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 that Jesus came to reveal the Father to us, addressing the disciples' confusion about knowing God. He explains that seeing Jesus is akin to seeing the Father, as Jesus embodies the essence and character of God. Through a profound dialogue with his disciples, Jesus reassures them of their connection to the Father and promises that they will understand this relationship more fully after his resurrection. Wilkerson highlights that Christ's ministry is a manifestation of God's love and character, inviting us to accept and reciprocate that love to truly know the Father.
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Know Jesus, Know the Father
What does God look like? We know he is spirit and that he is invisible to us; in fact, the Word says, “No one has seen God at any time” (John 1:18). Part of Jesus’ mission on earth was to reveal the heavenly Father to us. When Christ was about to return to heaven, he told his disciples that they knew where he was going and they knew the way. However, Thomas countered, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). In other words, “If you leave us, how will we ever get to the Father? You told us yourself that you’re the only way to him.” Jesus explained, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him” (14:7). Philip was befuddled by this and he must have thought, “What does Jesus mean, we’ve seen the Father? How can we see a spirit? And how can Jesus be God?” So then he got into the conversation: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us” (14:8). Jesus was patient because he sensed Philip’s sincerity: “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (14:9). Jesus then turned and addressed all the disciples: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?” (14:10). And after this he gave them a glorious promise: “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (14:20). This was an amazing conversation! Christ was telling his followers, “Look at me! Don’t you see that I am God, clothed in human flesh? I’m the very essence of my Father, and all that he is — in nature, substance and character — is in me. I’ve come to earth to show you the human face of God! I realize you can’t comprehend all this now but when I’m raised from the dead, I’ll manifest the Father to you, for he and I are one.” We know that Christ’s entire ministry was a manifestation of who the Father is. Even today he seeks to reconcile you to himself and rule over you in love. As you accept his love and love him in return, you will discern the face of the Father.
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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.