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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 majesty and power of God as the righteous King who governs all of creation with unchanging laws. He highlights that God's testimonies and decrees are reliable and eternal, as seen in the natural order and the movements of celestial bodies. Wilkerson reassures us that God, our Father, is compassionate and hears our cries, delivering us from troubles. He reminds us that the Bible serves as God's constitution, outlining His attributes, promises, and judgments, by which He rules justly. Ultimately, we are called to recognize the might and righteousness of the God we serve.
We Serve a Righteous King
The Lord rules over all of creation with majesty and power. His laws govern the whole universe — all of nature, every nation, and all the affairs of men. He rules over the seas, the planets, the heavenly bodies and all their movements. “He rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations” (Psalm 66:7). “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed, He has girded Himself with strength … Your throne is established from of old; You are from everlasting … Your testimonies are very sure” (Psalm 93:1-2, 5). These psalms were written by David, who is testifies, in essence, “Lord, your testimonies — your laws, decrees and words — are irrevocable. They are utterly reliable.” The author of Hebrews echoes this, declaring that God’s Living Word is eternal and unchangeable (see Hebrews 13:8). Think about it. There are laws operating in the universe that govern how things work, without exception. Consider the laws that rule the movements of the sun, moon, stars and earth. These heavenly bodies were all put into place when God spoke a word, and since that time they have been ruled by laws that God also spoke into being. The New Testament tells us that this great God is our Father and he takes pity on his children. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, KJV). God hears our every cry: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). We are also told that God is the righteous King who judges by his law. His Word is his constitution, containing all of his legal decrees, by which he rules justly. Everything in existence is judged by his immutable Word — including his children! Simply put, we can hold the Bible in our hands and know, “This book tells me who God is. It describes his attributes, nature, promises and judgments. It is his rule of law, from his own mouth, by which he rules and reigns.” What a mighty God we serve!
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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.