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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 Jesus came to earth not only to redeem humanity from sin but also to reveal the nature of the heavenly Father. He highlights that Jesus' life was a testament to the Father's will, demonstrating that true knowledge of God comes through Christ. Wilkerson points out that Jesus invites those who are weary to find rest in Him, which is only possible through understanding the Father's love and care. The sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as the key to knowing the Father and finding peace for our souls.
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Finding Rest for a Weary Soul
Jesus came to earth as a man to redeem humankind from our sins and every kind of bondage. But he also came to earth for the purpose of revealing to us the heavenly Father. He told his disciples, “The Father has sent Me” (John 5:36). He also said, “I can of Myself do nothing … I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30). And then he said, “I go to My Father” (John 14:12). Jesus was saying three things: “I came from the Father. While I am here, I will do only his will. Soon I will go back to the Father.” Jesus’ entire life — his coming to earth, his purpose while here, and his return to heaven — was about revealing the heavenly Father. Jesus told the Pharisees, “Watch my life, my ministry, all the miracles and good works I do, and you will see the heavenly Father. Everything I do is a reflection of who he is and it is all meant to reveal him to you.” “All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him” (Matthew 11:27). Jesus is saying that it is impossible for us to know who the Father is unless Jesus reveals him to us. Significantly, he adds in the very next verse: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (11:28). Jesus is showing us that if we want rest for our soul, an end to inner striving, we must have a revelation of who the Father is. You must know that you have a Father in heaven who cares about you! No one receives this revelation apart from Christ and in everything he does and says, he is showing us the heart of the Father.
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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.