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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 assurance found in Psalms 37, where God promises to uphold the righteous amidst a world filled with chaos and sin. He highlights that despite the alarming events unfolding around us, believers can trust in God's faithfulness to fulfill His promises and protect His people. Wilkerson encourages Christians to commit God's Word to the world, reminding them that God will act on their faith and provide miracles in times of need. He reassures that those who trust in the Lord will not be left ashamed, as God's reputation is intertwined with His promises to His people. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a bold faith that testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His Word.
Do Not Fear What You See
“The arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous … They shall not be ashamed in the evil time” (Psalm 37:17, 19). This amazing prophecy for God’s people is being fulfilled right before our eyes. Psalm 37 tells us the Lord rises to action against a society whose sins have outraged heaven. Yet this same psalm is one of great hope, containing an incredible promise to those who put their trust fully in the Lord. God says he will “uphold the righteous,” which simply means that God is faithful in his recompense of woes, but also in his promises. David is saying, in effect, “Look around you and see how God keeps his Word. His warnings are now being manifested in your headlines, his actions all over your media. Will not God also keep his Word to preserve his chosen ones?” No matter what happens in the world — no matter how fearful the news becomes, how severely the world shakes — God’s people will not be left ashamed. Indeed, the Lord will act on our faith to fulfill his Word to us. We may suffer, but he will come through for all who fully trust in him. Christians are going to face impossibilities in the days ahead, but our Lord will provide miracles when there is no human answer. In fact, he willingly puts his reputation in the hands of his people, calling us to commit him to his Word. You may say, “God can defend his own name; he doesn’t need me.” Not so! God has chosen his people to be his testimony to a numb, unmoved world and he is calling us to openly commit him to do what he promises. “You, O God the Lord, deal with me for Your name’s sake; because Your mercy is good, deliver me” (Psalm 109:21). God will never put his trusting people to shame. He will keep his Word because his own honor is at stake.
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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.