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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 panic and chaos, God's faithful people will experience perfect peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. He references Isaiah 57:19, highlighting God's promise of peace to those who trust in Him, especially during tumultuous times. Wilkerson encourages believers to commit to seeking God wholeheartedly, preparing themselves for His coming judgment while resting in His assurance of peace. He reassures that even amidst widespread anxiety, God will provide the strength to manage fear and anxiety through His Spirit. Ultimately, this perfect peace is a testament to God's glory and power in the lives of His people.
Perfect Peace
In the time of panic, God’s trusting people will be blessed with perfect peace. The Lord declares, “I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the Lord: and I will heal him” (Isaiah 57:19). The Hebrew word for “peace” here is “perfect peace.” I believe that as we’re surrounded by chaos and hysteria in the coming days, America is going to witness the greatest testimony of God’s glory and power it has even seen. How? All of America will see that many of God’s people possess his perfect peace! In that time the Lord is going to raise up a people who’ve been endowed with his absolute, perfect peace – peace that Christ himself now enjoys at the right hand of the Father. And we’re going to live, move and breathe in that wonderful peace. Scripture says God will keep all who trust him “…in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26.3). And right now, many of God’s people are making this commitment to him: “I’m going to set my heart to seek God through everything, no matter what comes. I’m going to give him all that I have and all that I am. I believe his judgment is coming – so I’m going to prepare myself for him, as his bride!” God first made his promise of perfect peace to those in Judah who were undergoing a great chastening of the Lord upon their land. God was bringing down all the high fortresses and walls, all the pomp and riches people leaned on, “…even to the dust” (Isaiah 25:12). Even the faithful remnant that still trusted in God were shaken to their very core. Yet during that time, God told Isaiah to reassure these faithful believers: “The Lord is going to keep you in perfect peace – if you simply trust him!” The prophet said, “Lord, thou wilt ordain peace for us…” (26:12). In other words, God is going to set up in our hearts his very own peace. He wants to give us a peace that can’t be shaken. Likewise today, when panic strikes in America – when the ominous news begins to send shock waves of fear across the land, and hysteria mounts – God’s people won’t be able to avoid feeling the huge wave of human anxiety. That’s right – I will feel it, you will feel it; all Christians are going to feel it. Such feelings are inevitable; it’s simply human to have this kind of reaction to such terrible chaos. Yet, at the same time, God will put within us the resources needed to take immediate control of every fearful thought and bring it to the truth of Christ. And his Spirit will fill our very beings with his perfect peace!
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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.