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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 role of Jesus as our High Priest who intercedes for us in the heavenly tabernacle, silencing Satan's accusations against us. He illustrates how Jesus, clothed in glory, ascended to make intercession, providing us with every gift we need for freedom and strength. The sermon highlights that while the devil accuses us of our failures, Jesus stands in our defense, reminding us of our forgiveness and God's faithfulness. Through Christ's intercession, believers can find assurance and strength to overcome sin and live in victory. Ultimately, Wilkerson reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles, as Jesus continually advocates for us.
Christ's Silencing of Satan's Accusations
“Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation” (Hebrews 9:11). Just as the high priest ascended the stairs to the holy place on the Day of Atonement, our High Priest Jesus ascended into the heavenly tabernacle. Indeed, John describes seeing Jesus in his priestly robe: “Clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band” (Revelation 1:13). Jesus ascended into glory as our High Priest to make intercession for us. He enjoys the glory he deserves but he also does a work on our behalf. The psalmist shares in Psalm 68: “You have ascended on high, You have led captivity captive; You have received gifts among men … Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!” (Psalm 68:18-19). He is saying, “Our Savior has given us every gift and benefit we need to live in freedom!” The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus’ work in heaven is all for us: “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us” (Hebrews 9:24). “He always lives to make intercession for [us]” (7:25). Christ does it all for us, his children. What exactly does this phrase mean, “He lives to make intercession for us”? Some may imagine Jesus standing before the Father pleading with him to show us mercy when we fail. But Christ’s intercession for us has to do with Satan’s accusations against us. You see, the devil comes to God’s throne to accuse us of every failure and transgression, demanding “justice.” But Jesus immediately steps in, demanding that Satan keeps his hands off us. Jesus also intercedes in our own hearts, reconciling us with the Father. He reminds us that we are forgiven and we can trust God’s faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need. Because of Christ’s intercession, you can say, “I may have battles in the flesh, but I know what Jesus did for me. Sin can no longer hold me because he is my High Priest.”
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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.