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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 profound promise of power available to believers through Christ, as he reminds us of Jesus' assurance that whatever we ask in His name will be granted. Despite this incredible access to divine blessings, many Christians fail to ask, reflecting a troubling lack of faith and belief in the power of prayer. Wilkerson highlights the urgency of the current world’s needs and the diminishing practice of petitioning God, urging believers to reclaim their authority in Christ and actively engage with His promises. He calls for a revival of faith that appropriates the power in Jesus' name, encouraging the Church to wield God's Word as a weapon in spiritual warfare.
Scriptures
The Promise of Power in Christ
As Jesus spent his last hours with his disciples, he said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you” (John 16:23). Then he told them further, “Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (16:24). What an incredible statement! As this scene took place, Christ was warning his followers that he was going away and he wouldn’t see them for a time. Yet, in the very same breath, he assured them they had access to every blessing of heaven. All they had to do was ask in his name. Considering all the power and resources we have in Christ, most believers have asked almost nothing in his name. Christ’s words to his disciples convict me: “Until now you have asked nothing in My name.” Here is what I believe grieves God’s heart more than all the sins of the flesh combined. Our Lord is grieved by the ever-growing lack of faith in his promises — by the ever-increasing doubts that he answers prayer and by a people who claim less and less of the power that is in Christ. The world has never known a needier time. Yet there is less petitioning than ever in the name of Jesus, and as the days pass, Christians are asking less and less of the Lord. They are afraid to step out, often because of unbelief. It is amazing how faithfully the Church refers to Christ’s name. We praise it, bless it, we sing about the “wonder-working power in the blessed name of the Lord.” But we don’t appropriate the power that is in his name. Beloved, we are to take our position in Christ and get hold of God’s Word. His promises are the weapons of our warfare and they will become mighty in our hands when we lay hold of them.
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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.