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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 addresses the dangerous nature of harboring resentment against God, highlighting how many believers secretly hold grudges due to unmet expectations or unanswered prayers. He uses the story of Jonah, who became angry when God spared Ninevah after their repentance, to illustrate how disappointment can lead to a sense of betrayal and entitlement to anger. Wilkerson emphasizes that while God understands our pain, allowing bitterness to fester can lead to destruction. He encourages believers to seek healing from resentment and trust in God's plans for restoration, reminding them that God rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Is It Right for You to Be Angry?
Carrying around resentment against God is one of the most dangerous things a Christian can do. Yet I am shocked by the number of believers who are peeved at the Lord. They may not admit it, but deep inside, they hold some kind of grudge against him. Why? Because they believe he is not interested in their lives or problems. Because he has not answered a particular prayer or acted in a certain way on their behalf, they are convinced he does not care. Jonah received a call from God to go to Ninevah and preach the message of judgment: the city would be destroyed in forty days. After faithfully delivering the message, Jonah waited for God to begin the destruction. But forty days passed and nothing happened. Why? Because Ninevah repented and God changed his mind about destroying them. This angered Jonah and he cried out against God, “You’ve betrayed me! You’ve changed everything without telling me and I look like a false prophet!” Jonah was disappointed because things hadn’t gone as planned. God had changed course and Jonah’s pride was hurt. God understands our cries of pain and confusion. But a peeved spirit can grow into rage and God will ask us, as he asked Jonah, “Is it right for you be angry?” (Jonah 4:9). Jonah actually defended his right to be annoyed with God. “I have every right to be angry, even to the day I die” (same verse). Many Christians are like Jonah — they feel they have a right to be mad at God. “I pray and read my Bible; I obey God’s Word and live right. So why do I still have so many problems?” Beloved, I encourage you to allow God’s Spirit to heal you of all bitterness, rage, resentment — before it destroys you. You may see only ruin in your life but God sees restoration! He has good things in mind for you because “He is a rewarder of those who diligently see Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
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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.