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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 mission of Jesus to seek and save the lost, which extends to all believers today. He highlights the daunting task given to the early disciples, who were ordinary individuals tasked with preaching the gospel in a world dominated by powerful empires and false beliefs. Despite their feelings of inadequacy, Jesus assured them of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence to fulfill this mission. Wilkerson encourages modern believers to embrace this same challenge, trusting in the Holy Spirit to guide and empower them to accomplish the seemingly impossible. The call to action remains: to preach the good news and demonstrate the power of the risen Savior.
The Power to Face the Impossible
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). Christ said, “I came into this world for one reason — to reach and save lost souls!” Yet this was not the mission of Jesus only; he also made it our mission. “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature’” (Mark 16:15). Jesus was speaking here to a small band of believers — about 120 people — who had gathered in the Upper Room. Think about what an impossible task he laid before them. At that time, Rome ruled the world and Jesus was commanding his followers, “Go to Rome and tell proud, egotistical Caesar there can be no king before me. I rule over all creation! And go to Athens, where paganism rules, and preach that I am the only way. Go everywhere that philosophies, ancient religions, false gods and superstitions rule — and preach my cross and resurrection. “On top of this, go to foreign nations, live with the people and study their languages. Lay hands on the sick, cast out devils, proclaim the good news. Preach the power and victory of the risen savior!” This was an extraordinary challenge. Remember, Jesus was talking to ordinary, insignificant, uneducated men and women. He was placing the very future of his Church on their shoulders. I imagine that little group of believers felt overwhelmed, wondering how the Lord expected them to fulfill this impossible mission. Our challenge today is just as daunting. The Bible tells us that each succeeding generation grows worse and worse and that is not hard to see. But Jesus’ words to his helpless disciples apply to us today: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). Offer yourself to the Holy Spirit right now and trust in his guidance and power to do the miraculous through you!
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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.