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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 significance of being part of God's remnant, as illustrated by the 7000 faithful individuals mentioned in 1 Kings 19:18. He outlines three key characteristics of this remnant: a steadfast commitment to the Lord despite societal pressures, a compassionate identification with the poor, and a hopeful reliance on the promise of Christ's return. Wilkerson challenges believers to reflect on whether they embody these traits, encouraging them to remain focused on God and actively engage in evangelism and ministry. Ultimately, he reassures that those who are wholly devoted to God are recognized and cherished by Him.
Are You Among the 7000?
We know that all through the Bible, the number seven is equated with God’s eternal purpose. Therefore, I believe the number of 7000 that God quoted to Elijah in 1 Kings 19:18 simply denoted everyone who made up his remnant. The people he sets aside for himself could number 70 or 7 million. What matters is that they are wholly given to him. So, what are the characteristics of the remnant? Here are three defining marks: 1. An unchangeable commitment to cling to the Lord. Every remnant believer has made a single-minded choice to swim against the tide of evil. At some point, you have to make a commitment, declaring, “I don’t care what others say or do. I am the Lord’s. And I won’t give in to the wicked spirit of this age.” 2. A willingness to identify with the poor. While society’s trend is to associate with the rich and successful, you align yourself with the suffering class. Obadiah was a godly man serving in Jezebel’s house. He was determined to fear God and no one else and he proved that his heart was right and was with the poor by taking care of 100 ragged, suffering prophets (1 Kings 18:4). 3. A reliance on hope. The 7000 in Elijah’s time endured because of their hope in a coming day of deliverance. Likewise today, the church’s blessed hope is the soon return of Jesus. With one trumpet blast, all wickedness will end. Our Lord will do away with all killing of babies, all blatant perversions, all ethnic genocide. Do these three marks characterize you as a part of God’s holy remnant? If so, God boasts of you, “This one has given his heart to me. He’s focused on me. And he is wholly mine!” We are to evangelize, minister and work while it is still day. We are also to live in the hope that King Jesus is coming. And he’s bringing a new world with him, where he’ll rule from his eternal throne.
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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.