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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 in times of global upheaval and fear, Jesus instructs us to look up and lift our heads, as our redemption is near. He reassures us that despite the chaos and distress in the world, we are to anchor our faith in God's Word, knowing that the devil and worldly troubles cannot harm us. Wilkerson highlights that God's attention is focused on His children, assuring us that He is aware of our needs and is sovereign over all circumstances. This message encourages believers to remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God's mercy and protection during turbulent times.
Scriptures
Our Hope as All Things Are Shaking
Jesus tells us what we are to do when we begin to see upheaval in the world: “There will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near” (Luke 21:25-28). Notice Christ says, “When you begin to see these things happen, then look up, lift your heads.” This suggests things are going to get worse and become more intense. Therefore, now is the time to set our hearts — to draw near to the Lord — and anchor our faith in his Word. What is the faith we are to stand on? It is that the devil cannot hurt us. The most chaotic news cannot hurt us. All demon-led dictators are going to blow away like chaff and we are going to see Christ coming in his glory. This is what allows us to say in evil times, “Live or die, I am the Lord’s. He is sovereign over all that is happening around us.” In the midst of this worldwide “shaking of all things,” where is the Lord’s attention focused? Is his great concern on the events of the Middle East or rumblings in other parts of the world? No! The Bible tells us God’s vision is trained on his children. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy” (Psalm 33:18). Our Father is aware of every movement on the earth, by every living thing, and yet his gaze is focused primarily on the well-being of his children. He fixes his eyes on the needs of each of us. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry” (Psalm 34:15).
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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.