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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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David Wilkerson emphasizes the forgiving love of God, urging Christians to fully accept God's forgiveness rather than succumbing to guilt and doubt. He highlights the enemy's strategy to instill disbelief and despair, aiming to turn believers into unbelievers by questioning God's faithfulness and promises. Wilkerson reassures that God is always ready to forgive and cleanse those who sincerely repent, reminding us that our failures do not limit God's grace. He encourages believers to lay down their guilt and embrace the abundant mercy available through Jesus Christ, our Advocate. Ultimately, the message is one of hope, urging Christians to open their hearts to God's relentless love and forgiveness.
The Forgiving Love of God
Many Christians joyfully tell others of the love of Jesus and his power to forgive their sin, and yet they find it difficult to fully accept that same forgiveness. They commit sin and seem to want to pay for their failure. “Lord,” argues the Christian, “I shook off the conviction of the Holy Spirit and went ahead stubbornly and committed sin.” The enemy of our soul is not at all interested in making Christians into murderers, adulterers, addicts and thieves. He is interested in only one thing — turning Christians into unbelievers. He plants questions in your mind that lead to doubt. Is God a deliverer? Is he there to help in the time of temptation? Are his promises true? Is there freedom from sin? Does he really answer prayer today? Will he bring us out of the battle victorious? Will joy follow weeping? Satan’s only goal for Job was to have him curse God! Likewise, he wants you to think God is not faithful and does not care about your needs and feelings which, of course, is completely opposite of the truth. The accuser wants you to give up in despair but God wants you to receive the forgiving flow of his love. He will always answer a sincere prayer: “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13). God never withdraws — only man does. So never limit God’s forgiveness to you! It is his nature. David said, “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You” (Psalm 86:5). The goal of every believer is to “sin not” but when a God-fearing child sins, there are answers in God’s Word: “If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). If you have guilt, lay it down. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Open up your heart and let God’s love in. If you repent, he forgives you over and over and over!
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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.