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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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David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of our friendships and their impact on our spiritual lives, urging believers to evaluate their closest relationships in light of Scripture. He warns that Satan may tempt us to form ungodly friendships that can lead us away from God, and encourages us to seek true friends who align with God's Word and are willing to speak the truth, even when it hurts. Wilkerson stresses that our friends matter to God, as their influence can have serious consequences on our faith and character. He calls for a proactive stance in breaking off ungodly friendships and praying for discernment in our relationships.
Scriptures
Your Friends Matter to God!
You probably have various circles of friends that include your business world — your coworkers, partners or clients — and acquaintances you associate with on a surface level. We would have to leave the world altogether in order to avoid these kinds of contacts. God cares most about your intimate circle, your bosom pals. These are the people you love most and who have an influence in your life. You agree on most things and you feel safe opening your heart to each other. It is important to know that as a follower of Jesus, you will be tempted by Satan to form ungodly friendships. He will try to bring into your life someone who can destroy everything godly in you! You may think, “Wait a minute! I don’t want to start doubting my friends.” If you are true friends, knit together by the Spirit of Christ, you have nothing to fear in examining your relationships with them. But it would be wise for you to look at your friendships in the light of scripture. A true, godly friend will always take the side of God’s Word in any matter, and not just your side because you are friends. Such a friend will love you enough to tell you the truth, even though it may hurt at times. Beloved, your friends are a serious matter to God — because their actions have serious consequences. The Bible is very clear: “Make no friendship with an angry man … lest you learn his ways and set a snare for your soul” (Proverbs 22:24-25). “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits’” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Take a stand today. If you have ungodly friends in your inner circle, break them off. And always be alert to Satan’s attempts to put someone in your life who would destroy Christ’s work in you. Pray this prayer today, “Lord, open my eyes to all my friendships. Help me to see them clearly, whether good or bad, and may all my relationships bring glory to you!”
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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.