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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 profound faith of the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, illustrating their willingness to surrender their lives completely to God. He suggests that their encounter with Jesus in the fire was not about avoiding pain but about desiring to be with Him, expressing a longing for divine companionship. Wilkerson challenges listeners to commit every aspect of their lives to God, trusting Him even in the face of trials, and to invite Jesus into their crises. He reassures that when Christ enters our struggles, His presence provides strength and peace that transcends our suffering. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heartfelt prayer, 'Lord, walk me home,' as a declaration of faith and trust in God's plan.
Scriptures
Lord, Walk Me Home!
As we read in Daniel 3:15–16, the three Hebrew men went into the fire with their bodies already dead to the world. They were able to offer their bodies joyfully, as living sacrifices. And Jesus literally met them in their crisis! What do you think they said to Jesus when he showed up in the furnace? “Thank you for not letting us feel the pain. Thank you for giving us another chance—for a few more years!” No—never! I believe they said, “Lord, take us with you! Don’t leave us here. We have touched the ecstasy, the glory—and we don’t want to go back! Walk us home to be with you.” They would have preferred to be with him! Jesus knows this kind of heart—and it is to such that he commits himself. Are you able to say, “Lord, walk me home”? Perhaps you’ve never learned to commit your body, your business, your marriage, your crisis into God’s hands. Yes, we are always to pray in faith, believing that God will answer; yet we are to trust him completely with our situation, saying in our hearts, “But if not, Lord—I’m still going to trust you!” “Lord, you are able to deliver me from this fiery furnace. But if not, I will still believe! Even if I have to go on in this horrible trial—if I have to face more suffering, more testing—I commit everything to you. Just come and walk through it with me!” Can you pray this prayer? I promise you—Jesus Christ will come into your crisis. He will take you by your hand and lead you through the fire! I consider the coming of Christ into my crisis to be the greatest possible answer to prayer, because when he comes, his presence lifts me above all my pain, all my hurt, all my confusion. When Jesus appears at your side, he takes you by the hand and makes you stand strong.
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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.