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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 God has chosen to be a loving Father to us, inviting us to see Him in this intimate role. He highlights that while God is the Almighty ruler, in these last days, He desires a personal relationship with us as our Father. Jesus exemplified this relationship, living in the assurance of His Father's presence and love, which empowered Him to face trials without fear. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God, adopted into His family, and to recognize the protective and nurturing nature of the Father. Ultimately, God desires us to cry out to Him as 'Abba,' affirming our unique relationship with Him.
God Chose to Be a Father to Me
"I have chosen who I want to be to you, how I want you to see Me. I want you to know Me as your loving heavenly Father." I did not choose Him. Rather, this is the role He chose to be to me — a Father. Is God ruler of heaven and earth? Is He almighty? Is He omnipotent? Does He sit King of the flood? The answer to all these questions, of course, is yes. But in these last days, God wants us to have another revelation of Him: "I want to be a Father to you and I want you to be a son or daughter to Me." Jesus walked the earth His whole lifetime knowing who the Father was, knowing His will, hearing His voice. He lived every hour under the sunlight of His love, never in confusion or doubt. Therefore, He could face anything the enemy threw at Him — any trial, any hardship — because He knew His Father was with Him. He could say, "I know I have a Father who sent Me. He chose Me and appointed Me. And He is with me always. I am never alone!" "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:21). Jesus was saying, "You say you want to know Me, and that is right and good. But now I want you to know My Father. I want you to know Him as I knew and enjoyed Him — as Father!" The Father tells us, "I want to hover over you, to be your protector, to drive out all demonic attacks, to supply every need, to see you through all your trials. Let Me be your Father!" Think of it: He chose you out of all the hundreds of millions of people on the face of the earth. Yet He not only chose you, but He adopted you as His child. His Spirit tells you to cry, "Abba! You are my Father. You are not just Abraham's Father, or Peter’s and Paul's, but mine. And You have made me a joint heir, a brother, to Jesus. You are truly mine!"
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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.