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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 contrast between true faith and unbelief as illustrated in Numbers 13 and 14. While the ten spies reported fear and doubt about the strength of their enemies, Caleb and Joshua stood firm in their faith, believing in God's promise to deliver the land. The congregation's fear led them to consider returning to captivity, but true faith calls believers to confront their fears and trust in God's power. Wilkerson encourages listeners to recognize that the enemy cannot prevent them from receiving God's blessings and to boldly declare their faith in the face of adversity. Ultimately, he urges believers to let their faith prevail and move forward into the fullness of what God has prepared for them.
Scriptures
Prevailing Faith
In Numbers 13 and 14, we find the language and definitions of true faith and unbelief. The ten spies who had gone up into the land had returned with a report of what they had seen. “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large” (Numbers 13:27-28). So the report was both positive and negative. The people panicked and cried out in fear and unbelief, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we” (see 13:31). But Caleb, a quiet voice of faith, had just the opposite approach: “Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it” (13:30). The whole congregation joined in, “Let’s go back to Egypt and captivity. We can’t make it to the Promised Land. There are too many strong enemies” (14:1-4). But again, faith speaks through Joshua and Caleb: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land … [The Lord] will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey” (14:7-8). God wants to know what is in your heart as a true believer. Is it fear of giants and a desire to go back to Egypt? He wants a people who will use faith to tear down everything that keeps them from the fullness of Jesus. The enemy has no power to stop God’s people from attaining what he has for them. Satan may be using a giant of trouble against you right now — not to keep you down but to keep you out. All hell is raging against you to keep you from moving into the fullness of Christ, to a place of rest, a life of confidence and a walk of peace under his lordship. Let your faith prevail and proclaim, “I will not fear what man can do. My enemies have no power for God is with me. I’m going in to what he has for me!”
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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.