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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 profound truth that God has chosen to be our Father, inviting us to embrace this relationship rather than succumbing to fear, guilt, and despondency. He reminds us that Jesus lived in the assurance of His Father's love, which empowered Him to face trials without doubt or confusion. Wilkerson encourages believers to recognize their identity as children of God, who desires to protect and provide for them unconditionally. This revelation of God's fatherly love is essential for overcoming life's challenges and experiencing true peace and joy. Ultimately, God’s choice to be our Father is rooted in His love and mercy, regardless of our past or shortcomings.
He Chose to Be Your Father
Some Christians are constantly overcome by fear. Some are always despondent while others wallow in guilt, afraid they will never have victory over sin. They fear losing their job, their health, their family. They have absolutely no peace, joy or rest. That is when I hear Jesus asking, “Have I been with you this long and yet you do not see? Do you still not know God as your Father?” Out of your intimacy with Christ must come a revelation that you have a Father in heaven who has painstakingly shown you what he is like and what he longs to be to you! He chose to be your Father. You did not choose him, he chose you. Is God ruler of heaven and earth? Is he almighty? Omnipotent? Does he sit king of the flood? The answer to all those questions is a resounding yes. But in these last days, God wants you to have another revelation of him — he wants you to understand that you are his son or daughter. When Jesus walked the earth he lived every hour under the sunlight of his Father’s love, never in confusion, never in doubt. Therefore, he could face anything the enemy threw at him — any hardship, any trial — because he knew his Father was with him. He could say, “My Father sent me; he chose me and appointed me and he is always with me. I am never alone!” Your Father tells you, “I want to hover over you, to be your protector, to supply every need, to see you through all your trials. I choose to be a Father to you, so accept my love.” God chose to be your Father on the basis of love and mercy alone. There is no other condition. He did not wait until you were good enough or had all your doctrine figured out. No, he said, “Even when you were lost in sin, I loved you.”
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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.