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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 finding rest in God amidst the lies of Satan, who seeks to undermine our faith and confidence in God's promises. He explains that true rest comes from total trust in the Lord, free from doubt and fear, and encourages believers to remain diligent in entering this rest. Wilkerson warns that the enemy will attempt to sow seeds of doubt, but reminds us to hold fast to our faith and confidence in God. He outlines three daily practices for believers: recognizing the enemy, examining oneself for unbelief, and accessing God's throne through prayer. Ultimately, he calls for a steadfast faith that builds us up in the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures
Finding Rest in God
Satan loves to lie to the children of God. He targets those who are determined to enter God’s promised rest. “There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience” (Hebrews 4:9-11). What does it mean to “rest in God”? It is to come to a place of total trust in the Lord’s promises — a place where there is no longer any struggle of doubt or fear, but rather a settled confidence. It is a continual belief that God is with us, that he cannot fail, and that he who has called us will see us through. Just when you think you are entering this new life of trust — when your flesh is crucified and you are depending wholly on the Lord — the old serpent comes with a pack of newly concocted accusations. He knows of your consecration to the Lord, your desire to do all that God has called you to do. So Satan works to get your ear so that he can begin with his horrible lying. Some sample lies of the enemy are: “You are not making any spiritual progress.” “You’re too weak for spiritual warfare.” “God is not with you; you have grieved him somehow.” Satan whispers and tries to wear you down. But just as Jesus was faithful in his confidence in the Father, our faith is likewise measured. “Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:6). Every believer should do these three things daily: Remind yourself that you have an enemy who is out to devour you. Examine yourself to see if you have been guilty of the sin of unbelief. Be fully persuaded that you have full access to the throne of God. Beloved, build yourself up “on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost” (Jude 20).
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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.