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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 explores the concept of God's dwelling place, emphasizing that after Jesus ascended to heaven, the true temple is not a physical building but resides within believers. He highlights that God does not dwell in man-made structures, as stated by Paul, but instead inhabits the bodies of those who believe in Him, making them His temples. The sermon underscores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live victoriously and glorify God through their bodies. Wilkerson encourages listeners to recognize their identity as God's dwelling place and to open their hearts to His presence.
Scriptures
Where Does God Dwell?
After Jesus was taken up to heaven, the apostle John received a magnificent vision of glory. He said, “I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it…and the Lamb is the light thereof” (Revelation 21:22-23). In other words, the only temple in heaven is Jesus himself. Now that God’s temple is in glory, sitting at his right hand, where does the Lord dwell on earth? As God himself asks, “What house will you build me? Where is the place of my rest?” We know that no building can contain God. He isn’t in St. Peter’s Cathedral in the Vatican. Nor is he in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. And he isn’t in any of the great European cathedrals. No, as Paul stated on Mars Hill in Athens, “God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). Simply put, if we look for God’s dwelling place in some building, we’re not going to find it. The Lord has found his habitation—he lives and rests in the bodies of his created humankind. Paul states that the temple of God is now in human bodies: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). Once we place our belief in Jesus, we become a temple, God’s very dwelling place. This was demonstrated most visibly at the Upper Room. The Holy Spirit fell on the disciples there, filling them with himself. And he claimed their sanctified bodies as God’s temple, where the Father would come and live. The Spirit would help them to mortify and destroy the works of their sinful flesh. And he would give them power to live victoriously. Their bodies became God’s temple, a dwelling place not built with hands. Jesus says, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23). An abode is a residence, a place to stay. Paul says, “Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Corinthians 6:20). In other words, you belong to God and he wants you to be his resting place. Now, open up your heart to the truth and give him glory by receiving it.
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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.