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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 deep desire of the Lord for intimacy with His children, urging believers to seek a personal relationship with Jesus in the secret place of prayer. He contrasts the genuine servant-heart of Christ with the superficiality of modern religion that often condones sin while neglecting true holiness. Wilkerson warns that many Christians, despite claiming a desire for Jesus, often prioritize worldly accolades and possessions over their relationship with Him. He encourages believers to seek the Lord wholeheartedly, reminding them that Jesus is their everything—righteousness, light, joy, peace, and salvation.
Let Jesus Be Your Everything
The Lord desires intimacy with his dear children. He longs to be shut up alone with the love of his heart. “When you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:6). Unbelievers long to see a genuine example of Christ’s servant-heart in those who call themselves Christians. Too much of religion today condones sin with words such as brotherhood, love, and unity while forsaking real holiness. In contrast, believers who spend time “in the secret place” with him rise up and present an uncompromising testimony to a hungry, waiting world. The name of Jesus is being profaned in the world today, especially in America. Roman soldiers mocked him by putting a crown of thorns on his head, but this nation now mocks him with more sophistication. Yet, Jesus also suffers rejection from many who claim to want him the most: Christians! Ask anyone calling himself a Christian these questions: “Do you feel your need of Jesus? Do you desire to know him better?” Nearly all of them would answer in the affirmative. But many love the praises of men and the acquisition of material things above all else. The Word of God says, “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). All who desire to know Jesus can certainly do so. The Word of God says, “You will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). Jesus longs to spend time alone with you, so don’t become so wrapped up in doing good that you lose touch with him. He is your righteousness, your light, your joy, your peace, your salvation — so let him truly be your everything.
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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.