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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 promises of God to protect His people during the impending storms of judgment, referencing Zechariah and Isaiah to illustrate God's commitment to be a refuge. He warns that the coming storm will be severe, causing fear among many, but reassures that God reveals His plans to His prophets to call His people back to Him. Wilkerson highlights the importance of remaining in God's presence, as Jesus did, to maintain peace in our spirits amidst turmoil. He calls for believers to seek intimacy with God through prayer and reflection to prepare for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the sermon encourages a return to God as a source of strength and protection.
At Peace in the Storm
God promised the prophet Zechariah that in the last days, he would be a protective wall of fire around his people: “‘For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be a wall of fire all around her’” (Zechariah 2:5). Likewise, Isaiah testifies: “There shall be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain” (Isaiah 4:6). These promises are meant to comfort us before a great storm comes in the final days. Indeed, Jesus says this coming storm will be so frightful that people’s hearts will fail them as they see it developing (see Luke 21:26). Now, if Jesus says this storm is going to be ferocious, we can be sure it will be an awesome moment in history. Yet, the Bible assures us God never sends judgment on any society without first revealing to his prophets what he plans to do: “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). This is a marvelous expression of our Lord’s great love for his people. Just prior to an impending storm of judgment, he always commands his prophets to warn the people to return to him: “I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions … through the witness of the prophets” (Hosea 12:10). Always keep in mind that God lovingly calls his people back to himself in order to protect them in times of storm. Our nation has turned far away from God. Just look at the abortion rate, the conditions in the schools, the addiction and blasphemy and immorality present in our society. How do we emulate Jesus’ attitude in these troubling times? The secret: Jesus kept the Father always before his face! David speaks prophetically of Christ: “I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken” (Acts 2:25). The literal meaning here is, “I was always in his presence, beholding his face.” Beloved, if we're going to face the coming storm, then we need to be prepared so nothing disturbs our spirit. And the only way to do that is to spend time in the father's presence, beholding his face. We have to be shut in with him - on our knees — until we're thoroughly persuaded he's at our right hand!
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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.