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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 explores the story of Sarah laughing at God's promise of a son, emphasizing the lesson of faith that God can do the impossible. Despite her disbelief due to her age, God challenges her with the question, 'Is anything too hard for the Lord?' This question resonates with believers today, reminding them that no problem is beyond God's power to resolve. Wilkerson encourages Christians to trust in God's ability to perform miracles in their lives, even when they struggle to believe for themselves. Ultimately, he reassures that God's capability to fix our situations is unwavering.
Why Did Sarah Laugh?
God’s conversation with Abraham regarding his future son is a lesson in faith for us all. The patriarch was sitting at the door of his tent during the heat of the day when suddenly three men appeared before him, standing under a nearby tree. Abraham went out to meet the men and visited with them. During their conversation, the Lord inquired about the whereabouts of Sarah, Abraham’s wife, and then he said something incredible: “Behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son” (Genesis 18:10). Sarah was inside the tent, listening to their conversation, and when she heard this, she laughed out loud. “Impossible,” she thought. Both she and Abraham were beyond the age of having children, but God had spoken. “And the Lord said to Abraham ‘Why did Sarah laugh? … Is anything too hard for the Lord?’” (18:13-14). God asks this same question of his children in these present times: Is anything too hard for the Lord? Each of us must face our own difficulties in life and in the midst of them, God asks, “Do you think your problem is too hard for me to fix? Do you believe I can work it out for you, even though it seems impossible?” Jesus tells us, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). Do you believe this word from the Lord? Do you accept that he can perform the impossible in your family, on your job, for your future? When we see our loved ones enduring difficult times, we are quick to counsel them, “Hold on and look up! He is the God of the impossible.” Sarah probably would have offered this type of counsel to her friends, yet she had a hard time believing for herself. Likewise, many Christians today boldly proclaim God’s power to others but do not believe his Word for themselves. It’s vital to remember that nothing in your life is beyond God’s ability to fix!
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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.