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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 approaching God's throne with boldness and confidence, as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16 and Ephesians 3:12. He explains that effective prayer is rooted in a steadfast mindset and fervency, which is based on God's promises rather than mere emotions. Wilkerson urges believers to come prepared with God's Word, reminding Him of His promises, and to make specific requests, as God invites us to do so. He challenges the notion that seeking God's gifts is unholy, asserting that God desires us to approach Him boldly in times of need. Ultimately, he highlights that in critical moments, we must confidently seek God's help, knowing He is faithful to His Word.
An Invitation to Come Boldly Before God
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him” (Ephesians 3:12). When God tells us to come boldly to his throne, it is not a suggestion, it is his preference — and it is to be heeded. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16, KJV). The word “effectual” comes from a Greek word that means “a fixed position.” It suggests an immovable, unshakeable mindset. Likewise, “fervency” speaks of boldness built on solid evidence, absolute proof that supports your petition. Together, these two words — effectual fervency — mean coming into God’s court fully convinced that you have a well-prepared case — beyond emotions, loudness, and pumped-up enthusiasm. Such prayer can only come from a servant who searches God’s Word and is fully persuaded that the Lord is bound to honor it. Indeed, it is important that not one of us goes into God’s presence without bringing his Word with us. The Lord wants us to bring his promises, remind him of them, bind him to them — and stand on them. Some Christians say, “I don’t really ask God for much. I pray only for his will in my life, for his plan to be brought about on the earth. I seek him only for himself, not for his gifts.” I have even said this at times because I thought such an attitude was holy, but in truth it is not. The all-knowing, all-powerful God of creation has given us his personal invitation to come boldly to his throne and then to make requests of him. Quiet times of worship with the Lord are truly wonderful. Yet there come times when the conditions of our lives become so critical that another kind of praying is necessary. At such times, the door is open and we are to come before the Lord with confidence that he will keep his Word.
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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.