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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 importance of serving the Lord with joy and gladness, rooted in the assurance of His protection over His children. He illustrates how biblical figures like Joshua, Caleb, and the three Hebrew men maintained their joy and faith amidst trials, showcasing that true joy comes from total trust in God. Wilkerson encourages believers to rise above despair, reminding them that the joy of the Lord is their strength and that they have every reason to rejoice, regardless of their circumstances.
Shining Bright in Our Trials
“Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness” (Psalm 100:1). “Let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God; yes, let them rejoice exceedingly” (Psalm 68:3). “Let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You” (Psalm 5:11). God is serious about wanting his children to serve him with joy and gladness — which is the result of one great foundational truth: we are under his protective wings! He does not want us to be defeated and downcast, living as unbelievers do. The Bible abounds with the glorious stories of those who maintained joy through their trials — even when everyone else had given up. In one instance, all Israel murmured and complained except for two men of God, Joshua and Caleb. They never once wavered in their faith and joy, even though all those around them had given in to despair and defeat (see Numbers 13). In another, three young Hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, leapt for joy as they declared, “We will serve our God with trust and gladness.” They rejoiced in the Lord, immovable in their faith, as they were miraculously delivered from the fiery furnace (see Daniel 3). The apostle Paul said, “I am exceedingly joyful in all [my] tribulations” (2 Corinthians 7:4). Total trust in the Lord produces joy. Even today, the Lord has a people who will not bend. They lift up their heads through all their trials and glory in the Lord. They shine forth as beautiful examples of how the joy of the Lord is possible in any trial. If your heart is right with God, you have every right to rejoice and be glad! Over and over God makes it clear that he yearns to be enjoyed by his children. Remember, “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
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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.