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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 faithfulness of the Lord in delivering His children from trials, as illustrated in Psalms 34. He reflects on David's experience of feeling overwhelmed and foolish yet finding solace in the Lord's ability to hear even the faintest cries for help. Wilkerson reassures that God responds to every sincere plea, regardless of how it is expressed, and encourages believers to trust in God's mercy and love during afflictions. The message highlights that the Lord is always present to deliver those who call upon Him, no matter the depth of their struggles.
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No Matter How Faint Your Cry Is
Psalm 34 is all about our Lord’s faithfulness to deliver his children from great trials and crises. David declares, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears … The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them … The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles … Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:4, 7, 17, 19). Note David’s claim: “I sought the Lord” (34:4). David has just been captured by the Philistines and when he wrote Psalm 34, he was making an admission: “I was in a situation so overwhelming that I played the part of a fool. Yet, inside I wondered, ‘How has this happened? Lord, help!’” So it seems David was saying, “I cried out from within, not knowing what or how to pray. And the Lord heard me and delivered me.” David declared: “My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad” (Psalm 34 2). David was saying, in essence, “I have something to tell all of God’s humble people on earth, now and in ages to come. As long as this world exists, the Lord will deliver everyone who calls out to him and trusts in him. In his incredible mercy and love, he delivered me.” Here is what you can learn from Psalm 34: When the enemy, Satan, comes at you like a flood; when you find yourself in deep waters of affliction; when troubles stagger your mind; when chaos swirls around you and you cannot even think straight, you do not need a prayer book or a doctrine to lean on. All you need to know is that our blessed Lord hears every sincere cry, loud or unspoken, and he responds. The Lord is faithful to hear every whimper, no matter how faint, so reach out to him in confidence.
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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.