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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 disasters occurring on earth serve as warnings from God about the imminent return of Jesus. He explains that these events are a divine countdown, meant to awaken humanity to the urgency of preparation for the coming kingdom. Despite the frightening nature of these signs, Wilkerson reassures believers that God is in control and encourages them to face challenges with faith and confidence. He reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but rather one of power, love, and a sound mind. Ultimately, these times should inspire hope and readiness for redemption.
Days of Excitement
God, in his love and mercy, is allowing disasters to strike the earth to warn all who hear that Jesus is coming back, and that it’s time to get ready. He loves his children too much to bring his new kingdom to pass without warning. He knows that mankind is hard of hearing and that it takes disasters of earthquake proportions to get his attention. These disasters are a kind of countdown, too painful to ignore, allowed by God to set the stage for the final moments of time. These labor pains will become more frequent and intense as we approach the last hour. “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28). Does it all sound scary? Is the truth frightening? Is it really possible that the end of the world is upon us? Is this the very point in time that all the prophets in the Bible predicted would come? Can even the most devout Christians remotely understand how terribly close this earth is to midnight hour? One thing is certain—everything appears to be falling apart, as far as the natural eye can discern. Dear friend, hear what the Holy Spirit spoke to me about these days. Just five little words, but so powerful that they awakened in me a glorious new hope and faith. Those five little words are: God has everything under control! If you trust God, you can look every disaster in the face and proclaim with confidence, “My God is speaking to this universe and his power is being demonstrated. I will just stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” God has everything under control, and we are under his control. God’s message for this hour is: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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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.