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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 importance of turning to God in times of uncertainty, as exemplified by King Jehoshaphat who, faced with three enemy armies, chose to pour out his heart in prayer rather than devise a war plan. In a world filled with confusion and insecurity, where leaders and experts are often at a loss, Wilkerson reminds us that we should fix our eyes on the Lord, trusting in His sovereignty and guidance. He reassures us that even when we feel powerless and unsure, God knows what to do and remains our rock of certainty amidst chaos.
Scriptures
When You Don’t Know What to Do
Three enemy armies were closing in on Judah, and King Jehoshaphat called the nation together at Jerusalem to formulate a war plan. He needed plans, a decisive declaration of action. Something had to be done immediately. Instead Jehoshaphat stood before his people and poured his heart out to God in confession. “Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee” (2 Chronicles 20:11–12). We are living in a time when everything is getting shaky and insecure—and almost everybody is hurting in one way or another. Hardly anybody knows what to do anymore. Our leaders don’t have the foggiest idea of what is happening to this world—or to the economy. The business world is even more confused—with economists arguing with each other about what is coming. Psychologists and psychiatrists are baffled by the changing forces affecting people today. You don’t fold your hands—sitting around at ease—letting God do it all! That is not what it means to keep your eyes “fixed on the Lord.” We look to the Lord, not as people who know what to do, but as people who don’t know at all what they must do. But we do know that he is the King who sits on the flood. He is Lord of all, and we know that even if the world breaks in two—if it all falls apart—he is a rock of certainty. Our eyes are fixed on a risen Lord. If we do not know what to do, our faith assures us he knows what to do.
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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.