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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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David Wilkerson emphasizes that stubborn pride is the only thing that can thwart God's purpose for our lives, as illustrated by the contrasting examples of King Saul and David. While Saul's arrogance led him to justify his sins and prioritize appearances over God's will, David's quick repentance and desire for God's forgiveness exemplified a humble heart. Wilkerson reminds us that God remains faithful to us despite our failures, and that a broken and contrite spirit is what truly captures His heart. The sermon encourages believers to seek God's mercy and to recognize the importance of humility in their relationship with Him.
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God Remains Faithful
The only thing that can abort God's wonderful purpose for you is the sin of stubborn pride. We see this in the life of King Saul. Scripture tells us that God's Spirit was on this man from the day the prophet Samuel saw him coming down the road. God had called Saul and He was using him, but something in Saul was emerging quickly — an arrogant pride. Saul would not confess or admit his sin. Instead, he blamed others to justify his actions. He was more concerned with keeping up appearances than with what God thought of him. Beloved, the difference between David and Saul was pride. Think about it. David sinned as grievously as Saul did — Saul never killed another woman's husband — but David quickly repented of his sin. When Nathan pointed out his grievous act, David didn't justify it. Rather, he immediately cried out, "God, don't take Your Holy Spirit from me! All I want is to please You. I know I have failed You but please forgive me. Cleanse my heart." (See 2 Samuel 12:13 and Psalm 51.) When Saul was caught in sin, however, he grabbed hold of Samuel's skirt and cried, "Don't take my kingdom from me. Please stand with me so I won’t look bad in front of my people.” (Read 1 Samuel 15:22-35.) Saul was more interested in what the people thought about him than in having grieved the Holy Spirit. Beloved, it is pride — a haughty, immovable spirit — that brings men down. A broken heart, a contrite spirit, captures the heart of the Lord. It does not matter what you have been through or how you have failed God. If you run to Him and weep it all out after you have failed, He will stand with you. He always stands with those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We all fail the Lord; no one in His church is perfect. Yet every time we are unfaithful to Him, He remains faithful to us.
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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.