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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 God's protective power, using the imagery of birds to illustrate how God defends and delivers His people, much like a mother hen protects her chicks. He encourages believers to seek refuge under God's wings, assuring them that they do not need to fear their enemies. Wilkerson challenges listeners to trust in God's strength during their battles, reminding them that the victory belongs to the Lord. He urges them to lay down their own efforts and rely on God's faithfulness to fight for them. Ultimately, the message is one of faith, trust, and divine protection in times of warfare.
Scriptures
God's Protective Power
Isaiah uses the image of birds to illustrate God's protective power over His people: "As birds flying, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem; defending also he will deliver it; and passing over he will preserve it" (Isaiah 31:5). The Hebrew meaning of this verse is, "As the hen birds flutter over their young, so shall Jehovah, God of hosts, spread out His wings over Jerusalem." God was telling Israel, "If you want to be protected from the onslaught of the enemy, then hide under My wings. I will secure you, covering you the way a mother hen covers her chicks. You do not have to live in fear of your enemies any longer!" Let me ask you: Are you in great warfare right now? Are you facing an enemy that is too powerful for you? If so, how do you expect to remain pure, faithful, Christlike, while others around you are falling left and right? How will you gain victory over your lusts and temptations when Satan comes against you like a roaring lion? God asks simply that you lay down your sword and trust Him to take up His sword on your behalf. He wants you to come to the point where you say, "Lord, I know the battle is not mine anymore. I have failed so many times. Now I come to You in simple faith. Help me, God.” The Lord is urging you: “Cling to Me in the midst of your battle. Your victory is all a matter of faith in My power and willingness to deliver you. When the enemy has overwhelmed you, come to Me and pour out your soul. Seek Me with all your heart and I will do battle for you.” The battle is never ours. It is always the Lord’s. “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day” (Psalm 91:4-5).
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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.