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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 that true faith is not measured by the size of our ambitions but by our character and faithfulness in smaller matters. He challenges believers to reflect on their stewardship of what God has already entrusted to them, including their bodies and souls, which belong to Him. Wilkerson reminds us that before realizing our dreams, God often requires a process of stripping and breaking to prepare us for greater responsibilities. He encourages us to bring our faith to God, who will then reveal a true vision for our lives.
God-Given Burdens
Have you been challenged to step out in a new direction that demands supernatural faith? Do you need God to work a miracle in your life so that you can realize your dream? In God’s eyes, true faith has nothing to do with the size of a work you aim to accomplish. Rather, it has to do with the focus and direction of your life. You see, God isn’t as concerned with your grand vision as he is with who you are becoming. Indeed, no work, regardless of how great, is of any value to the Lord unless the lesser, hidden matters of faith are being done. “If you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own?” (Luke 16:12). Jesus is saying to his disciples, “You say you want a revelation, something to enable you to do greater things. Yet, how can you be entrusted with that kind of faith if you’re not reliable with the things others have given you?” Jesus’ words must have left his disciples scratching their heads. The Master knew they didn’t own anything and they had forsaken all to be his disciples. So what does Jesus mean when he says, “that which is another man’s” (16:12)? He is speaking of our bodies and souls, which he purchased with his own blood. “You were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). Jesus is telling us, “Your body doesn’t belong to you anymore, and if you don’t take care of that body — if you don’t allow me to look inside you, deal with your sin, and sanctify you — how can you expect me to entrust you with something greater? I want you to step back and look at what you’ve done with the things I have already given to you.” I thank the Lord for heaven-sent visions and God-given burdens. Yet, many burdened believers don't realize that before a dream can be brought to pass, God often does years of stripping and breaking. Jesus wants us to just bring our faith, he will bring about a true vision.
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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.