- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Broken Yet Loved Deeply By God
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.
Download
Topics
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson explores the life of Jacob, a man marked by deception and manipulation, yet profoundly loved by God. Despite Jacob's wrongdoings, God chose to bless him, demonstrating that His love transcends human flaws and failures. The sermon emphasizes God's unwavering promise to Jacob, assuring him of His presence and purpose, regardless of his past. Wilkerson highlights that God values a contrite and humble spirit, as seen in Jacob's heart, which was open to change. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to recognize that God sees beyond our mistakes and desires a relationship with those willing to be transformed.
Scriptures
Broken Yet Loved Deeply by God
To me, one of the most interesting people in the Old Testament is Jacob, a deceiving, manipulating man. Yet God loved this man dearly. Jacob had tricked his twin brother Esau out of his birthright and stolen the blessing from his father, Isaac — a blessing that belonged to Esau. When Esau learned what Jacob had done, he was determined to kill his brother and that set off a long war between them. But in spite of that, the Lord brought Jacob into the covenant blessing of his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac (see Genesis 28:14). Then God added these wonderful blessings: “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (28:15). God actually told him, “I’ll never leave you, Jacob, and you can never make a move that I won’t be involved in. My purposes will be accomplished in you, no matter what!” What a promise! It is hard for me to find any faith, goodness or grace in Jacob, so how could he possibly be the covenant patriarch of God’s eternal purpose? Actually, I’d want to ask the Lord, “What did you see in this man? You are holy and just, and you don’t wink at the kinds of things he did. So why didn’t you correct him instead of blessing him after he had stolen and deceived?” God saw something in Jacob’s heart that brought forth his great love and a desire to bless him. We read, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit” (Isaiah 57:15), and God knew that Jacob had a repentant, broken spirit. We have heard that humans consider the outward appearance, but God always looks at the heart. He knew that something in Jacob’s heart was willing to be changed. And that is exactly what God is looking for in us!
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download

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.