- Home
- Speakers
- David Wilkerson
- Our Shepherd Still Loves Thr Strays
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.
Download
Sermon Summary
David Wilkerson emphasizes that our great shepherd, Jesus, loves every sheep that has strayed due to life's trials and temptations. He reassures us that we are never abandoned, even in our moments of despair and weariness. Despite the struggles we face, we are encouraged to hold onto God's Word and trust in His presence. Wilkerson reminds us that Jehovah Rohi, our shepherd, knows us intimately and invites us to rest in His love and grace. Ultimately, we are called to accept His love and find comfort in His guidance through our challenges.
Scriptures
Our Shepherd Still Loves Thr Strays
Our great shepherd loves every sheep who has gone astray because of testings, trials, hurts and wounds. We never dare to accuse our shepherd of abandoning us. He still walks beside us and watches over us at all times. Right now you may be waging a losing war against some kind of temptation. Whatever your struggle is, you’ve determined not to run away from the Lord. You refuse to give yourself over to sin’s grasp. Instead, you’ve taken God’s Word to heart. Yet, like David, you’ve grown weary. And now you’ve come to a point where you feel absolutely helpless. The enemy is flooding you with despair, fear, lies. Your testing may become even more mystifying and unexplainable. But I want you to know—no matter what you’re going through, the Holy Ghost wants to reveal in you Jehovah Rohi, the Lord your shepherd. You have a shepherd who wants to imprint his love on your heart. Jesus assures us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And our heavenly Father—Jehovah Rohi, the Lord our shepherd—has revealed himself to us in Psalm 23. He tells us, “I know you by name, and I know what you’re going through. Come, lie down in my grace and love. Don’t try to figure out everything. Just accept my love for you. And rest in loving arms. Yes, I’m the Lord of hosts. I’m the majestic and holy God. I want you to know all of these revelations about me. But the one revelation I want you to have right now is the revelation of Jehovah Rohi. I want you to know me as your loving, caring shepherd. And I want you to rest assured I’ll bring you through all your trials, in my tenderness and love.”
- Bio
- Summary
- Transcript
- Download
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.