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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 encouraging oneself in the Lord, acknowledging that even the most faithful believers experience pain, confusion, and sorrow. He uses the example of David, a man after God's own heart, who faced deep emotional struggles yet found strength in God. Wilkerson reassures that feeling spiritually and emotionally bankrupt is common, but through faith and trust in God, one can receive supernatural strength and victory. He encourages believers to call upon the Lord for strength and to remember the promises found in Scripture, as God delights in our faith. Ultimately, the message is about finding resilience and hope in God's presence during difficult times.
Encourage Yourself in the Lord
Some think that believers should always be upbeat, always sure of where they are going, always self-fulfilled and satisfied, but many times our smiles camouflage pain, confusion and sorrow. All true men and women of God have experienced such things. If you feel spiritually, physically and emotionally bankrupt, knowing that without a supernatural infusion of Christ’s strength you simply cannot go on, you are not alone. But be assured that there is complete victory for you! The Bible is full of accounts of great men of God who came to the end of their rope. David is an example of “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22) and yet at times he was overwhelmed with remorse, depression, and negative emotions of all kinds. “I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long” (Psalm 38:6). Why was David allowed to endure so much loss and turmoil in his life? Some of it came as a result of his sin, for which he repented with sorrow, but it was also because godly character was being forged in him. There was not a moment the Holy Spirit was not with David, but he was permitted to come to the end of himself at times. God promises strength to his anointed: “Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield … my heart greatly rejoices and with my song I will praise Him” (Psalm 28:6-7). If you will call on him, he will pour his strength into you: “In the day when I cried out, You answered me, and made me bold with strength in my soul … Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand … and Your right hand will save me” (Psalm 138:3, 7). You can trust the Lord to see you through any circumstance in your life. The Word of God is full of glorious promises and our Lord delights in our faith and trust. Don’t neglect to encourage yourself in the Lord, just as David did, and grow stronger and stronger each day.
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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.