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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 unwavering faith in God's care, even in seemingly impossible situations, as exemplified by Moses at the Red Sea. Despite the despair and shame faced by the Israelites, Moses boldly declared God's promises, trusting that the Lord would act on their behalf. His confidence in God's faithfulness led to a miraculous deliverance, demonstrating that those who fully trust in God will never be put to shame. Wilkerson encourages believers to commit to God's promises, reminding them that God will fulfill His word for His own name's sake.
Scriptures
Do You Believe in God's Care?
There are times when it looks as if God has not shown up — when his people have been left in shame and despair — but the full story has not yet been told. Throughout the Bible God has had people whose flint-like faith proved his faithfulness during the most difficult of times. These servants unashamedly committed the Lord to act. Let’s consider Moses at the Red Sea, which was a humanly impossible situation. Israel was on the run from the Egyptian army, hemmed in on one side by the sea and by mountains on the other. It was here that Moses committed God to his promises. He had already prophesied that God would lead Israel into the Promised Land and now the Lord’s reputation was at stake for all to see. Imagine the reports that were getting back to Pharaoh. All of Egypt expected to see the Israelites brought back in chains but what was Moses’ reaction to this crisis? He confidently said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace” (Exodus 14:13-14). Moses so believed in God’s care, trusting his word to lead Israel into his promise, that he declared, “I know the Lord is faithful and I’m going to act on his word!” Think about the consequences of such faith. If the Red Sea didn’t open up miraculously, Moses would be thought a fool. The Israelites would go back into bondage, and God would never again be trusted. Yet we all know what happened: As Moses stretched out his hand, the waters divided, and the people walked across on dry ground. I tell you, no one who fully trusts in God will ever be put to shame. God will deliver on His promise for His own name’s sake. Not one of God’s children who fully trusts in his Word will ever be put to shame. He will deliver on his promise for his own name’s sake!
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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.