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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 critical importance of guarding our hearts, as Proverbs 4:23 reminds us that the issues of life spring from within. He warns that despite our efforts in prayer, fasting, and studying Scripture, we can still be defiled by hidden heart issues that hinder the flow of Christ's life in us. Wilkerson identifies three main areas of concern: a defiled mouth, defiled ears, and defiled eyes, urging believers to be vigilant and allow the Holy Spirit to cleanse their hearts. He stresses that no one is beyond the need for self-examination and repentance to maintain a pure testimony. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper awareness of how our inner state affects our outward life and relationship with God.
The Problem of Our Own Hearts
“Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). We may hear teaching about the need to pray, fast and study the Scriptures. And we may plead with God for a deeper hunger for him, a closer walk with him, and a greater passion for Jesus. But Proverbs tells us we must reckon with even deeper issues than these. This verse speaks of heart issues, hidden, secret things that determine the life-flow that comes out of us. Even if we pray longer hours, fast more often, and read the Bible more diligently, we can still be defiled in our mind and shut off all but a trickle of that life-flow. Jesus tells us clearly what defiles a person: “Hear and understand: ‘Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man’” (Matthew15:10-11). What are these issues of the heart? What are the ways that pollute our inner man and then our entire being? The Bible points out three issues: a defiled mouth, defiled ears, and defiled eyes. As servants of the Lord, we cannot allow anything to hinder the flow of Christ’s life in us. We have to rule our heart and actions by his Word because if any part of our inner man is defiled, our outward life and testimony will be hindered. A defiled mouth — James warns, “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity” (James 3:6) Defiled ears — “The Lord has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away” (Isaiah 50:5). The Holy Spirit attuned the Son’s ear to hear the Word of his Father and he was quick to listen to it. Defiled eyes — “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). No person is too holy to heed the warnings of Jesus and make a change. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and make you clean in every area of your life.
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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.