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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 addresses the issue of self-doubt among Christians, emphasizing that feelings of inadequacy stem from a lack of belief in God's promises. He draws parallels to the Israelite spies who, despite witnessing God's power, focused on their weaknesses and declared themselves incapable. Wilkerson asserts that such attitudes are not humble but rather a rejection of God's strength and faithfulness. He challenges believers to trust in God's promises and strength, reminding them that their worth is not defined by their abilities but by their faith in Him. Ultimately, he calls for a shift from self-doubt to belief in God's unwavering support.
When Will You Believe What God Promised?
Do you know Christians who always complain about how inadequate they feel? They constantly belittle themselves and compare themselves to those they admire, thinking, “I’m nothing like him. It’s hopeless for me.” You may remember the Old Testament story of the Israelite spies sent to scout out the Promised Land. They came back saying, “Yes, it’s a land flowing with milk and honey, but it’s also full of giants and walled-up cities. We’re not able to go up against these people. Compared to them, we are mere grasshoppers” (see Numbers 13). Now, these men didn’t accuse God. They never said, “God isn’t able. He isn’t strong enough.” They dared not voice such unbelief but, instead, they focused on themselves, saying, “We’re like little bugs in the sight of our enemies.” That is not humility and it isn’t innocent, harmless talk. Rather, it is an affront to the One who is the light of the world. This light commands us to believe, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). You see, when you complain of your inabilities and weaknesses, you’re not putting yourself down, you’re putting down your Lord. How? Because you’re refusing to believe or walk in his Word. The Israelite spies were so focused on their inabilities they were ready to quit but what was God’s response to their fears and unbelief? “The Lord said to Moses: ‘How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe Me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?’” (Numbers 14:11). God charged them with one sin: unbelief. Today the Lord is asking his people the same question he asked Israel: “When will you believe what I promised you? I said my strength would come to you in your times of weakness. You are not to rely on the strength of your flesh. I am Jehovah, everlasting strength, and I will make you strong through my might.”
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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.