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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 urgency of being spiritually prepared for the imminent return of the Lord, as described in 2 Peter 3:10. He warns that faithful believers must not be swept away by fear during sudden disasters, but instead find peace in knowing God remains in control. The message is directed towards the faithful remnant, urging them to examine their conduct and align their lives with Christ's teachings in anticipation of the coming judgment. Wilkerson encourages believers to live in holiness and godliness, as the world will face divine dissolution. Ultimately, he calls for diligence in maintaining peace and blamelessness in the sight of God.
Prepared for the Days Ahead
“The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night [suddenly]” (2 Peter 3:10). God uses faithful servants — sometimes those with national pulpits and at other times humble, unknown, hidden watchmen — to deliver his words of warning. Only those who are not in love with this world and yearn for the coming of the Lord will have the message ring true in their hearts. God warns his faithful ones so that when sudden disaster strikes, they are not swept away with fear. When dreadful events occur, God’s people must know that what has happened is not an accident or a random act. They are to have the peace of Christ in their hearts, knowing that our God is still master of the universe. They will not panic when other men’s hearts are failing them for fear at all the frightful things they see coming on the earth. Peter goes on to say, “The heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (3:10). To whom is the apostle Peter addressing these words? The answer is found in 2 Peter 3:1: “Beloved, I now write to you.” He is addressing the faithful remnant of believers. Whenever we hear words like Peter’s, our first response is to recoil. “There’s too much bad news today. Why do we have to hear this message now? Why not just let it happen?” But Peter had a reason: “Since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” (3:11). In light of the sudden dissolving of all things, God’s beloved people ought to check their own behavior. Those who look for the fulfillment of Bible prophecy ought to be conformed to the image of Christ, in conduct, in conversation and in thought. Make no mistake, the fire is coming. And for that reason, we are to “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless” (3:14).
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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.