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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 essential ministry calling of every Christian, which is to behold the face of Christ through devoted worship. He explains that this ministry does not require special gifts but is fundamental for all believers, as it must precede any other ministry efforts. Wilkerson highlights the importance of fixing our gaze on Jesus, indicating that true transformation occurs when we earnestly seek God's presence. He references Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians, illustrating that as we focus on Christ, we are progressively transformed into His image by the Holy Spirit. This intimate communion with God is vital for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.
Daily Fixing Our Gaze on Jesus
Paul speaks of a certain ministry calling that every Christian has. This ministry does not require particular gifts or talents; rather, it is to be undertaken by all who have been born again. In fact, this ministry is every believer’s first calling. All other endeavors must flow out of it because no ministry can be pleasing to God unless it is birthed out of this calling. I am talking about the ministry of beholding the face of Christ. Paul says, “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). What does it mean to behold the Lord’s glory? Paul is speaking here of devoted, focused worship — time given to God simply to behold him. And the apostle quickly adds, “Therefore, since we have this ministry” (4:1). Paul makes it very clear that beholding the face of Christ is a ministry we all must devote ourselves to. The Greek word for “beholding” is a very strong expression; it indicates not just taking a look, but “fixing the gaze.” It means, “Before I do anything else or try to accomplish a single thing, I must be in God’s presence.” Many misinterpret the phrase “beholding as in a mirror” (3:18). They think of Jesus’ face being reflected back to them. But Paul is speaking of an intensely focused gaze, as if peering at something earnestly through a glass, trying to see it more clearly. We are to “fix our eyes” in this way, determined to see God’s glory in the face of Christ. We are to shut ourselves in with him and commune with such devotion that we are changed. Paul continues is 2 Corinthians 3:18: “[We] are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” By being in the presence of Christ, we are being changed by the work of the Spirit. How wonderful to know that the Holy Spirit will work a progressive increase of the character of Christ in us as we focus on 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.