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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 prophetic warnings from the book of Jude about the moral decay of society and the rise of ungodliness. Despite the pervasive wickedness and the challenges faced by believers, he reassures that God will preserve a sanctified people, keeping them safe from the corruption around them. Wilkerson encourages the faithful to rejoice in the Lord, as God has promised to sanctify and protect His children, ensuring their strength and devotion amidst adversity. He highlights the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness to deliver and preserve His saints until the coming of Christ.
Scriptures
Rejoice in the Lord and Be Glad!
In the book of Jude, we read of a future day so wicked and vile, God will come with ten thousands of his saints to execute judgment for all ungodly deeds. Jude prophesied men would be given over to their filthy lusts, becoming mockers, sensual, “foaming out their own shame” (Jude 13). These would comprise a society of corrupt fornicators going after “strange flesh,” referring to pandemic homosexuality. Today, America is not the only nation casting aside all moral restraint. The moral landslide is worldwide, and it is becoming very evident that Satan is retching the abominations of hell upon humankind. It is a time, we are warned in Scripture, when the devil will try to seduce God’s elect. Jude looked ahead into those awful, wicked times and saw something else, something most inspiring and miraculous. In the midst of all the immorality and mounting degradation, he witnessed a people “sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called” (Jude 1). No matter how corrupt this world becomes in the days ahead – no matter how devilish the media, TV and movies become, no matter how much devil worship increases, no matter how far homosexuals force their agenda on society, no matter if the devil himself walks our streets – God is going to preserve his children. He is going to preserve for himself a sanctified, holy people. He will keep them from the wicked one, and they will become strong in faith and devotion, while the ungodly race toward destruction. Hear the word of the Lord: “The very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). David said, “The Lord forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever” (Psalm 37:28). “When the wicked walk on every side…thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever” (Psalm 12:7-8). Let this prayer of the apostle Paul be yours and mine in the evil, troubled times ahead: “The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Rejoice! God has covenanted to keep and preserve those who fully trust him.
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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.