- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Obedience Is Better Than Blessing
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.
Download
Topics
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes that obedience to God is paramount, even more so than receiving blessings. He illustrates this through the story of Abram and Isaac, highlighting that true faith is demonstrated through unwavering obedience, regardless of the outcomes. Wilkerson shares his personal experience of following God's command without receiving the expected results, reinforcing that peace comes from obedience itself. He encourages believers to trust God even when circumstances seem contrary, asserting that trials are often part of God's plan to deepen our faith. Ultimately, he reminds us that faith is about acting on God's word, especially in challenging times.
Scriptures
Obedience Is Better Than Blessing
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). It is written, “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” I say it is also better than blessing. This is the deepest meaning in the story of Abram offering Isaac on the altar. God said, “Go and do this.” He obeyed. Did Abram leave that altar saying, “God changed his mind”? I don’t think so. God wanted only obedience. I have just experienced that today. God told me to negotiate and gave me every evidence that I should claim a certain thing. I did. I did everything in my power to obtain it. But I didn’t get it! What now? Shall I question God? Shall I doubt he spoke to me? Shall I believe Satan hindered me? No! I sought the Lord diligently. He said, “Do this,” and I did it. I will rest in the peace of obedience. That makes it better than blessing. God shows you only one side of the coin—obedience. The servant must obey without question! That, too, is faith: When a master commandeth his servant to go, he goeth; to come, and he cometh. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Can a man purpose in his heart to trust God when it appears he is breaking promise? Can a man still speak the language of faith when all his leadings “blow up” in his face? The giants of faith did! Men of great faith faced the most fiery trials. God has peculiar ways of developing faith, and the deeper in God you go, the more peculiar will be your testing. Do not be led to think that afflictions are necessarily proof you are displeasing him! Miracles are produced only amidst impossibilities. So you desire to be a child of faith—then ready yourself for a life of most peculiar testings. Faith comes by using what you have. Don’t wait for obstacles to be removed. Go forth anyhow! The most critical part of faith is “the last half hour.”
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

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.