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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 just as a father delights in helping his children during difficult times, our Lord Jesus takes even greater joy in blessing His children when they call upon Him. He reassures those who feel inadequate or less talented that they are indeed blessed, as their weaknesses allow God's strength to shine through them. Wilkerson reminds us that Jesus values the humble and the needy, stating that true blessing comes from recognizing our dependence on Him. The message encourages believers to see their struggles as opportunities for divine grace and support.
Don't Be Blind to the Blessing
I am a father of four, all of whom are married and have children of their own. Whenever my children face any kind of difficulty, I do not get angry at them. On the contrary, I am delighted when they call on me. Whether I can help them by providing prayer, counseling or financial blessings, I take great pleasure in reaching out to them and blessing them. How much more does our Lord Jesus delight in blessing His children in their time of need? He tells us, "If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:11). You may look around the body of Christ and see other Christians who seem more talented and blessed. Some can memorize and quote whole passages of Scripture. Others can preach, teach or sing to God's glory. You say to yourself, "How blessed they are by God. But, poor me! I am not smart enough to memorize God's Word. I can't even remember a sermon. I don't have the gifts my brothers and sisters have to serve God." Beloved, you do not know how blessed you are. Are you poor in spirit? Is it difficult for you even to smile? Do you lament over seeing no spiritual growth in your life? Do you grieve because you feel inadequate, left out, unneeded? Jesus says, "You are blessed. You have nothing to be proud about and in that way, you serve Me best — because My strength rests in your weakness! I can use you more readily than all others." Jesus said to the apostle Paul, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Corinthians 12:9). What a blessing! Jesus never said, "Blessed are the strong, the happy, the self-sufficient, the forceful." No! Our Lord blessed the weak, the reviled, the persecuted, the downcast, those who are considered nothing in the eyes of others. He is saying to you, "You know you have great need of Me — and therefore you are blessed!"
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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.