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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 that the world is watching how believers react in impossible situations, as their faith serves as a powerful testimony. He illustrates this through the story of Daniel, who, despite a decree against prayer, remained steadfast in his faith, leading to God's miraculous intervention when he was thrown into the lions' den. This act of faith not only saved Daniel but also led to a decree from King Darius that acknowledged the living God. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's goodness, which is a testimony to the world, especially during trials. Ultimately, the sermon calls for unwavering faith that reflects God's power and presence in our lives.
Scriptures
A Testimony the World Longs to See
If you tell the world that Jesus is your Lord and Savior, a God who can perform the impossible, they will watch to see how you react in impossible situations. And the devil looks on, too, hoping your faith will fail. The Psalmist writes, “Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!” (Psalm 31:19). What is this great goodness that God lays up for those who trust in him through trying times? It is an impenetrable, glorious testimony to the world that your faith can survive any situation. We see this kind of testimony in Daniel. His jealous co-governors devised a plot against him, convincing King Darius to ban prayer for thirty days. Daniel was fully aware of the penalty for continuing to pray, yet he knew the Lord would see him through. Just as his peers predicted, Daniel disobeyed the ban and kept praying three times a day. Although King Darius respected Daniel, he was forced by his own decree to cast this devout man into the lions’ den. The king assured Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you” (Daniel 6:16). Yet, that night the king couldn’t sleep (6:18). We know how God responded to Daniel’s faith — he shut the mouths of the hungry lions! In the morning King Darius was up early, anxious to see if God had answered Daniel’s prayers. You can imagine the king’s joy when he heard Daniel’s voice praising God (6:21-22). Because of this great demonstration of God’s keeping power, King Darius wrote a decree that impacted an entire kingdom: “Men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God” (6:26-27). The world still longs to see a testimony of God’s great power in the lives of those who proclaim his name — those who believe what they preach and never doubt his Word.
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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.