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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 that it breaks the Lord's heart when we doubt His ability and desire to provide the best for us, as illustrated through the story of Ruth. Ruth's unwavering love and trust in God led her to a divine appointment with Boaz, showcasing God's meticulous care and provision. Wilkerson reminds us that just as God orchestrated Ruth's life for her good, He is equally committed to His bride, the Church, ensuring that all circumstances work for our benefit. He encourages believers to rest in the assurance of God's love and provision, free from worry and doubt. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace our identity as the beloved bride of Christ, who is always attentive to our needs.
Jesus Wants the Best for His Bride
How it must break the Lord’s heart when we question His ability and desire to do the best for us! The Bible tells us clearly how the Lord took wonderful, meticulous care of Ruth. Ruth pledged her love to Jehovah God and told Naomi, her mother-in-law: “Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). God loved Ruth and opened up every door for her. She was poor and had to glean in the fields, but Scripture says, “She happened to come to the part of the field belonging to Boaz . . .” (Ruth 2:3). Now, there’s not a chance in the world that this just “happened.” It was the Lord’s doing and He knew what was best for Ruth! Ruth simply loved the Lord—she put all her trust in Him—and God had a very wealthy man prepared for her as a husband! Boaz saw Ruth in the fields and immediately discerned, “She’s different, really different.” His heart was captured! What a love story and what incredible circumstances brought it all about. Ruth married this godly man, and if the Lord would do that for Ruth, will He not do right by His own bride, in every circumstance? We have Someone who is richer and mightier than Boaz. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He knows all and can do all and He loves His bride! Yes, the Lords works everything in your life for your absolute best. And He takes great pleasure in doing so. Even in suffering and trials, every lover of Jesus gets His full attention! Yet, sadly, we often do not rest in that. We doubt He is on the job at all times, working out all things to our good. Beloved, nothing breaks His heart more! Paul describes the bride of Christ as “a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing” (Ephesians 5:27). “Wrinkle” here means “fold,” as on one’s face—a wrinkled brow. This speaks of worry, fretting, and Paul is saying that Jesus’ bride will have no “worry lines” on her face. The bride of Christ rests in His love. She is confident He knows where she is, how she feels, what she is going through, and what is best for her. His loves gives her peace and calm. She knows He will not allow anything that will cut her off from Him or hurt her. He is going to preserve her because He said, “She’s mine!”
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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.