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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 constant threat posed by the devil to believers, urging Christians to be aware of his tactics to avoid being taken advantage of. He highlights that Satan is actively waging war against God's people, knowing his time is limited, and warns against spiritual slumber. Wilkerson reassures that when believers move towards Jesus, the enemy is rendered powerless, as illustrated by the scriptures. He encourages vigilance and resistance against the devil, reminding us of God's promise of escape in difficult times.
The Devil Flees When You Move Towards Jesus
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be constantly aware that the devil is out to destroy us. Therefore, Paul says, we need to know as much as we can about the enemy’s tactics and plans “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11). We read in Revelation that Satan has declared all-out war on God’s saints with a deadline that he plans to meet in completing his work: “Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time” (Revelation 12:12). While many Christians are slumbering at this midnight hour, just as Jesus predicted, the devil is working ferociously, making preparation for war. He is keenly aware of the short time he has to accomplish his evil purposes so he does not rest; he is scheming, ever devising ways to harass and destroy the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan’s deadline was given to him centuries ago; it can be traced to a great wonder that took place in the heavens, a wonder of incredible warfare when Satan determined to destroy the Christ child (read the account in Revelation 12:1-4). How often Satan tried to devour Jesus! And while the great cosmic war is no longer between Christ and devil because Jesus now sits safely with the heavenly Father, the devil is still waging a war against Christ by directing his wrath at us, his seed. Peter gives us this advice: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). When you sense the enemy advancing, the instant you move toward Jesus, he is rendered helpless. James tells us, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The times ahead may get hard but the Father has promised us a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
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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.