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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 reality of having enemies in life, both spiritual and human, and the importance of forgiveness in overcoming these adversities. He reminds us that while Satan is our ultimate enemy, we have been given authority over him through Christ. Wilkerson encourages believers to forgive those who have wronged them, as this act of kindness reflects God's forgiveness towards us. By forgiving others, we not only release our own burdens but also open ourselves to God's blessings and favor. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heart of compassion and love, even towards our adversaries.
As God Forgave You
If you claim to have no enemies, I would love to hear how you managed to get this far in life without having a single person oppose you. Surely at some time someone has envied you or tried to wreck your goals or interrupt your plans. And, the fact is, these things are what make someone your enemy. Of course, every Christian faces an archenemy in Satan. Jesus tells us that he is the enemy who sows tare in our lives (see Matthew 13:39). Likewise, the apostle Peter warns us about Satan: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Jesus makes it clear that we having nothing to fear from the devil. Our Lord has given us all power and authority over Satan and his demonic forces: “Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). Jesus clearly states that the battle with Satan has already been won and we have within us the power to resist any attempt by the devil to devour us. We do have conflicts with human enemies sometimes, people we live with or work alongside. Perhaps a person has attacked you or smeared your reputation. The controversy causes you great distress and is even affecting your physical health. You may protest to the Lord, “I’ll continue to praise and worship you, but don’t expect me to lay down this hurt.” But the Lord has clearly expressed, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). And Jesus says, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). We bring glory to our heavenly Father whenever we overlook hurts and forgive the sins done to us. When we forgive as God forgives, he brings us into a revelation of favor and blessing we have never known.
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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.