Gary Wilkerson

Korset, stiletten och mannen som trodde att allt var möjligt. Många människor talar om att förändra världen men det är få som verkligen gör det. David Wilkerson var en enkel man, men han hade en stor vision att Gud kan göra omöjliga saker på omöjliga platser. David Wilkerson, en mager predikant från Pennsylvanias landsbygd, gav sig in i slummens värld i New York City på 1950- och 60-talet, och han räddade många missbrukare, gängmedlemmar och knarklangare från missbrukets djupa misär till en tro på Gud. Under de följande 50 åren vände han sin blick till de utslagna, de bortglömda och de utstötta i resten av landet. Han hade en övernaturlig förmåga att i en missbrukares eller gängmedlems ögon se Kristus. Wilkerson tog med sig en kombination av tuff kärlek och evangeliet till gatorna i Amerikas mest kriminellt belastade stad, och historiens början finns beskriven i hans bästsäljande bok Korset och stiletten. Nu kan du läsa hela fortsättningen, berättad av hans son Gary. Biografin är en stark skildring av en stor man. Den är också en ärlig berättelse om hur det verkligen var att växa upp med denne man som pappa. Den är ett mästerverk i detaljbeskrivning om Davids mänskliga sidor; brister, rädsla och ofullkomlighet men han framhålls också som en modell för en ödmjuk, kärleksfull man som tror på en Gud som kan förändra människors liv radikalt.

This is the story of David Wilkerson, the man who believed against the odds that God could do great things in the rejected and ignored of New York City, who refused to give up on those on the streets even when they had given up on themselves, and who saw in the eyes of the drug addicts and gang members what others failed to see—the love of Jesus Christ. But who was David Wilkerson? Many Christians don’t really know. More often than not, we saw the fruit of his faith in God rather than the man himself. When Wilkerson moved to New York from rural Pennsylvania in 1958 to confront the gangs who ran the streets, he was a skinny, 120-pound man. After the initial publicity that brought him face to face with some of the most dangerous young men of the city, he largely flew under the radar of the media, using the Word of God and a bit of tough love to help men and women of the street escape the destructive spiral of drugs and violence. Wilkerson was always the real deal, full of passion and conviction, not interested in what others said was the “right” or political thing to do. Wilkerson later founded the Times Square Church, now a non-denominational mega-church of 8,000 members, to this day a crossroads for those battling sin, drugs, and pornography, and a place where the message of Christ is discussed. He created the faith-based program Teen Challenge to wean addicts off drugs, and then World Challenge, dedicated since its beginning to promoting and spreading the Gospel throughout the world. Both now have branches worldwide, continuing the work that God began in the life of one man who believedDavid Wilkerson was a man of faith who trusted God would give him what he needed to enter a world of crime and killing. He was a man of conviction who took the dream God gave him and marched forward without ever looking back. And he was a man of vision who could not be shaken from his beliefs—sometimes even when counseled otherwise. David Wilkerson was the preacher of New York City.

Laiha saarnaaja Pennsylvanian maaseudulta aseinaan risti ja usko otti tehtäväkseen New Yorkin kaupungin slummimaailman ja sen huumeidenvälittäjät. David Wilkerson toi Amerikan rikollisimman kaupungin kaduille yhdistelmän rautaista rakkautta ja evankeliumin, mikä on esitetty hänen kertomuksessaan Risti ja linkkuveitsi, ja nyt kerrottu kokonaan hänen elämäkerrassaan. Tämä on kertomus David Wilkersonista, miehestä, joka uskoi kaikista vaikeuksista huolimatta, että Jumala voi tehdä suuria New Yorkin hylättyjen ja unohdettujen parissa, joka kieltäytyi luovuttamasta katujen asukkien kohdalla jopa silloin, kun he olivat jo itse luovuttaneet, ja joka näki huumeiden käyttäjien ja jengiläisten silmissä sen, mitä muut eivät nähneet - Jeesuksen Kristuksen rakkauden. Mutta kuka oli David Wilkerson? Monet kristityt eivät oikeastaan tiedä. Useammin näemme kyllä hänen Jumalaan kohdistuvan uskonsa hedelmät kuin miestä itseään. Kun Wilkerson muutti New Yorkiin Pennsylvanian maaseudulta vuonna 1958 kohdatakseen jengit, jotka juoksivat kaduilla, hän oli laiha, hieman yli viisikymmenkiloinen mies. Ensimmäisen julkisuuden jälkeen, joka toi hänet kasvokkain joidenkin kaupungin vaarallisimpien nuorten miesten kanssa, hän lensi laajalti ympäri maailmaa median seuraamana käyttäen Jumalan Sanaa ja rautaista rakkautta auttaakseen katujen miehiä ja naisia pakenemaan huumeiden ja väkivallan tuhoisaa syöksykierrettä. Wilkerson oli aina tosissaan, täynnä intohimoa ja vakaumusta, eikä vähääkään kiinnostunut siitä, mitä muut sanoivat "oikeaksi" tai poliittisesti korrektiksi tavaksi toimia. Myöhemmin Wilkerson perusti Times Square -seurakunnan, joka on nykyisin riippumaton, 8000 jäsenen megaseurakunta, ja vieläkin risteysasema niille, jotka kamppailevat synnin, huumeiden ja pornografian kanssa, ja paikka, jossa Kristuksen sanomaa julistetaan. Hän loi uskoon perustuvan Teen Challenge -ohjelman vierottaakseen huumeriippuvaisia, ja sitten World Challengen, joka on alusta saakka omistettu edistämään ja levittämään evankeliumia kaikkialle maailmaan. Molemmilla järjestöillä on nyt alaosastoja maailmanlaajuisesti, ja ne jatkavat työtä, jonka Jumala aloitti yhden miehen elämässä, joka uskoi. David Wilkerson oli uskon mies, joka luotti siihen, että Jumala antaa hänelle sen, mitä hän tarvitsee, hänen tunkeutuessaan rikosten ja tappamisen maailmaan. Hän oli vakaumuksen mies, joka otti näyn, jonka Jumala hänelle antoi, ja marssi eteenpäin taakseen katsomatta. Ja hän oli näkyjen mies, jota ei voitu horjuttaa omasta uskostaan - ei edes silloin, kun hänelle annettiin vastakkaisia neuvoja. David Wilkerson oli New Yorkin kaupungin saarnaaja.

The Psalms is one of the most popular and well-read books in the Bible, a favorite among believers and non-believers alike. But have you ever taken the time to apply the words to your own life? Have you ever realized how many parallels there are to what the Old Testament writers faced to what is happening in our world today? Dive deeper with author Gary Wilkerson into nine of the Psalms and discover encouraging truths to help you deal with life's trials. Enrich your understanding of God's Word and learn about the One Who cares as much for you now as He did for the "man after His own heart," King David.

In our churches today, we have allowed ourselves to hold to a low view of God instead of seeing Him as Who He really is. And in today's world of seeking the most likes and followers, many Christian pastors and leaders are finding themselves preaching what people want to hear instead of what God wants to say. In The Power of Preaching, eight experienced men of God, who have stayed true to the preaching of God's Word, offer guidance on how to avoid appealing to the masses and instead encourage the reader to let God's Word speak for itself. Be encouraged and revitalized to be ministers of truth in a world caught up in lies.

Most of us know Who Jesus is and would admit that He was a good and kind Teacher while here on earth. But He is so much more than just a good and kind Teacher-He is our Savior and God and worthy of all our worship. Through an in-depth study into the book of Hebrews, Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson take apart each verse, drawing the reader to a closer look at the Man Who lived here on earth for a short time and then became our Sacrifice to save us from our sins and live with us eternally in Heaven with Him. If you are searching for something more from God, dive into this study and drink in the jaw-dropping beauty of our Jesus. Endorsements"As a Jew who follows Jesus wholeheartedly, I always long for and love diving into Hebrews with Gospel-tinted glasses. Joshua and Gary have done a wonderful job bringing this mysterious and powerfully evangelistic book to light for this cultural moment, bringing this book of the Bible to life with a laser focus on one thing-the beauty and majesty of Jesus. This work is a gift to the believer and a captivating Gospel presentation to those we long to know Jesus, like my own Jewish family "-Zach MeerkreebsPastor-in-Residence at Asbury University Author, Speaker"There is no one better than Jesus The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of Jesus, an expository devotional book by Joshua West and Gary Wilkerson, will evoke a strong response of honor and thanksgiving to our Lord. Jesus is the Capstone of God's amazing love story, the redemption and restoration of mankind. A must-read for fresh insights for those desiring to rekindle and recapture a sustained heart of true worship. I highly recommend this devotional."-Ron Brown Executive Director/CEO Teen Challenge of Southern California International Conference Speaker for pastors and Christian leaders"Since the day that I met Him, the moment He walked into my heart, I have been captivated by the beauty of Jesus. There are many good books on theology, hermeneutics, and biblical exposition. Here is a book on the beauty of Jesus. He is all-captivating. Masterfully, Gary and Joshua dig for the jewels of Hebrews and come forth with . . . Jesus-all-captivating, all-beautiful, all-surpassing Jesus."-Lee ShippFirst New Testament Church"When I read the title of this book, if I didn't know the authors as I do, I would have thought the title was hype. It is not. The beauty of this book is that they share the all-sufficient and all-encompassing beauty of Jesus. It is like a diamond that sparkles in every facet of who Jesus is. Gary and Joshua have given us a study of Hebrews unlike anything I've ever read. Read it carefully and prayerfully and make personal application of the truths they share. I believe that long after you lay this book down, God will be speaking to you of what you have read."-Don WilkersonCo-founder of Teen Challenge"The Jaw-Dropping Beauty of Jesus is the commentary pastors and teachers of God's Word have been waiting for. This commentary/devotional on the book of Hebrews does not waste a single word. It brings the glorious truths of Hebrews into the present day with power and clarity. This remarkable commentary will not only assist pastors and teachers in crafting sermons and lessons but also edify and encourage individuals in their personal journey through Hebrews. So prepare to be inspired, equipped, and captivated by the jaw-dropping beauty of Christ."-Chad Burton Senior Pastor of Living Word Global Church, Irving, Texas

Scripture gives us a guide for navigating our greatest trials. How do you pray to God with complete honesty about your struggles? When the Lord's plans for your life seem completely derailed, how do you approach the Father with your heartache and anger? There are so few guidelines for these types of prayers in the modern church, but the Bible offers us an entire book of examples to follow and a road to follow toward healing. In the first volume of this devotional series, Gary Wilkerson, pastor and president of World Challenge, examines the first twelve psalms and how each is a unique invitation to authentic prayer. Our heavenly Father desires a deep, genuine relationship with each one of us, but that can happen only if we are completely transparent with God about our doubts, struggles, and sorrows.

Scripture gives us a guide for navigating our greatest trials. How do you pray to God with complete honesty about your struggles? When the Lord's plans for your life seem completely derailed, how do you approach the Father with your heartache and anger? There are so few guidelines for these types of prayers in the modern church, but the Bible offers us an entire book of examples to follow and a road to follow toward healing. In the first volume of this devotional series, Gary Wilkerson, pastor and president of World Challenge, examines the first twelve psalms and how each is a unique invitation to authentic prayer. Our heavenly Father desires a deep, genuine relationship with each one of us, but that can happen only if we are completely transparent with God about our doubts, struggles, and sorrows.

Viisikymmentä David Wilkersonin voimallisinta saarnaa! LÖYDÄ TOIVOA... pimeimpinäkin aikoina. Tuli hänen luissansa on kokoelma ajattomia, profeetallisia opetuksia - niin koko elämänsä kristittyinä olleille kuin epäuskoisillekin - sanomia jotka tuovat toivon synnin voittamisesta kaikilla elämänalueilla, uuden elämän kokemisesta Pyhässä Hengessä, sekä tuoreen ilmestyksen saamisesta Herralta. David Wilkersonin työ evankelistana ja kirjailijana jätti lähtemättömän jäljen Amerikan - ja koko maailman – seurakuntaan. Hänen herätyssanomansa rohkaisee edelleen uskovia kestämään tulevia vainoja ja koetuksia, joita jo nyt esiintyy. Juhlistaakseen 50. toimintavuottaan World Challenge – järjestö, joka jatkaa näiden sanomien jakamista – on koonnut viisikymmentä Wilkersonin saarnaa kirjaksi Tuli hänen luissansa, kirja toimii hengellisenä oppaana jokaiselle, joka etsii kokosydämisesti kokemusta Jumalan voiman ja läsnäolon tulesta.

Captivating True Story of God's Supernatural Love at WorkAs a child, Leanna's young world pulsed with adventure, including emergency moves across the country in an old Dodge Dart with a dismantled airplane strapped to the roof. By age fifteen, she had become an equestrian champion with sights fixed on the Olympics. Then, in a series of stunning revelations, Jesus appeared to her and revolutionized her life. A few years later, not expecting to return alive, she wrote a will for her parents, left everything behind, and embarked for northern India with a one-way ticket and a mission: to rescue people trapped in darkness. This firsthand, often-supernatural account follows the rigors, heartaches, and miracles of a life propelled by faith into one of the poorest and darkest places on earth. Leanna's fearless determination to shine Jesus' light into the shadows--whether helping the destitute in small villages or reaching girls abused in the sex-trafficking trade--will thrill and inspire you to believe his power can change even your most trying circumstances.

Founder of Teen Challenge Shows How to Overcome Persistent SinsThis is David Wilkerson's capstone teaching, poured out from a heart that discovered the power God has given his people to triumph over sin. Through Wilkerson's expert ability to blend teaching with personal application, he shows that the key to defeating life-controlling habits is found in one thing: the new covenant God enacted with his people. In today's era of pop psychology, most Christians battle temptation and sin through self-help techniques or gritty self-will. Even Wilkerson, through decades of ministry that led hundreds of thousands to salvation and deliverance, struggled to know true peace as he battled his own "besetting sins." Determined to find victory, Wilkerson came to grasp the stunning reality that the vast love of God provides the spiritual resources believers need to obey his every command. Gathered from some of his most prominent sermons, this is one of Wilkerson's most powerful teachings--one that will redeem countless lives into the life-giving experience of purity.

A Call for Every Christian to Move from Shallow Living to Deep FaithIn The Dangers of a Shallow Faith, renowned theologian A. W. Tozer warns believers in Christ against the great danger of spiritual lethargy. He urges Christians to be aware of the times in which they live and to recognize how attempting to live a life for God on autopilot will actually undermine their faith. For Tozer, the risks are so significant that "breaking out from the tyranny of spiritual lethargy--whatever the cost--should be the number-one priority of every Christian." In this never-before-published compilation, followers of Christ will discover anew the importance of standing boldly against spiritual and moral slumber. They will also see the importance of remaining awake in the face of constant temptation and distraction. Discover the spiritual awakening and change the Holy Spirit can bring to your life as you surrender completely to God and walk in a deeper faith!