It’s even interesting that the link on the right of this very article on Wilkerson’s blog reads “God’s people will never be ashamed in the time of calamity.” Maybe that’s conditional - as long as we stock up on 30 days of TP.

For me, Wilkerson lost most of his credibility years ago with stuff like the first article here http://www.tscpulpitseries.org/english/1980s/ts870803.html.  He’s had tremendous impact in the past, praise God, but he troubles me now.

Regarding signs of the times mentioned by Randy, I’m slow to jump on that bandwagon.  I remember when everyone was expecting Christ’s return in 1988.  After all, it was one generation after the rebirth of Israel, Hal Lindsey told us all about it.  I even remember a newpaper article in 1979 or ‘80 where reporters had been asked to predict the biggest headlines of the next decade.  #1 was “Jesus Returns.” These were secular reporters, mind you.  I’ve heard all this before.  Jesus -will- return - today, tomorrow or in a hundred years.  Let’s just be ready for each possibility.

BTW, when we make the signs of the times the focus of our ministry, and Jesus doesn’t “show up,” we (and the gospel we preach) lose credibility, as Wilkerson and Lindsey have done with me.

Job,

I know that (I was merely tongue-in-cheek) but I think people are not very careful of what they say God says (Pat Robertson comes to mind), and I think care must still be taken. Not sure Wilkerson takes such care.

I would love to know what “school” of prophecy looks like, too. A skill? I thought it was a spiritual gift.

My thoughts:

1) If this is true, why post it on a devotional blog that is not read by the masses?  Time for David Wilkerson and Times Square Church to buy some airtime on NBC, or get on CNN or FOX News. 

2) If this is true, why didn’t God speak to my pastor?  Or to me?  Or to any other number of spiritual leaders in our country?  Where are the confirming voices?

3) Why isn’t it on the Times Square Church website?  Why isn’t it plastered all over the front page?

Many Old Testament prophets prophesied things they never lived to see happen in their life time. Yet they believed they would. Were they wrong? We see them unfold before our very eyes daily! Thousands of years later! But if your doctrine doesn’t allow you to believe that prophecy is for today, you’ve discredited and discounted the man already. I agree...the fruit loops in the Pentecostal/Charismatic church (which I AM a part of) have brought great reproach with prophecies that were totally not from God!

As for the rapture sweeping us away before anything bad happens, tell that to the people affected by Katrina! While I believe in the rapture of the church, Americans (esp. American Christians) feel like God owes them total protection...that because of who we are we shouldn’t have to face any kind of difficulty. I think this is one of the main reasons people who call themselves Christian in America (according to USA Today 3/9/08) has dropped more than 11% since 1990.

It would be easier to question this warning, if he was the only one who has given this type of warning regarding Christ’s immenent return, and the worldly calamities that will precede this event.  In the last two months, I’ve heard David Jeremiah, Chuck Swindol, Chuck Colson, Ruth Graham, and John Hagee, just to name a few, also referring to the same immediacy of Christ’s return and the calamities that will precede His return.  So, with all of these Pastors and teachers, who come from very different walks of life and ministries, it seems more than a coincidence that all are saying, essentially, the same thing.  It seems one would be wise to seriously consider the multitude of warnings that are coming from various ministries with Pastors of impeccable lives and ministries.  I, for one, believe these multiple warnings that are coming from multiple ministries need to be taken seriously, even if the events don’t occur within the next few weeks or months, it doesn’t mean that these warnings are not to be taken seriously, regardless of Christ’s time table.

By the way, speaking of a potential calamity did anyone hear that an asteroid just missed the earth last week? Seems like one of the prophets out there would have caught wind of this one. To me it was just one more reminder that all of our days our numbered and a gift.

One thing that I find kind of interesting is that not too long ago, it was common for most households to have a stockpile of foods “in case of emergency.” People had gardens and canned food and we “stored up for the winter.” Proverbs 6:6-8 tells us to observe the ant that prepares its provisions during the summer, & gathers its food during harvest.” We no longer do this as a country, but I live in a place that still does because of weather emergencies.  With all night grocery stores, etc. it doesn’t seem possible that we wouldn’t have a ready supply, but when I lived in Houston, the “run” on supplies--toilet paper, batteries, etc. created a shortage when a Hurricane was predicted to make landfall.  Shelves of the “Big Box” stores were empty, so if you snoozed, you losed (to make it rhyme.:0)
Rightly or wrongly, about whether this came from God or not, it really isn’t a ridiculous plan in light of the world we live in, to do what the Bible says and keep a few extra supplies on hand.  Creative storage--under the bed for canned goods, very top of closets, etc. it is possible to keep some extra things and buying a little at a time doesn’t make it hurt the pocket book as much.  Personally, I look at it like we like to say about the gospel to someone who doesn’t believe, but what is the cost if I’m right and you’re wrong?  What is the cost to the people of NYC if they don’t prepare and David Wilkerson is right? Just some other thoughts and JMHO

I pretty much agree with Holly’s post. However, we must remember that prophecy is not so much foretelling as it is forthtelling.  I believe it’s good common sense to have emergency stores on hand.  Also, I believe Christians will endure tribulation before “The Tribulation.”

I have read from this man for yrs, I have actually been on his mailing list for over 20 yrs. All I can say is read his words carefully he has been very acurate in his past. God does have people who can discern his voice in this world. I have seen people and many preachers take the high road for the pleasing of men, Bro. David has never done that, with all the T.V. preachers out in our air waves there is no warnings much, now there is some who warn, but Bro. David has been warning us for yrs. I meet and seen Nicky Cruz as a Child and he had an impact upon me and he was saved by Bro. David’s preaching in New York City, see the movie the “Cross and the Switchblade” that is the story of the beginnings of Bro. David on his national stage so to speak. I bought a book a while back published in 1998 By Bro. David it’s called “America’s last call” - On the brink of FINANCIAL holocaust, it lays it on the line as to where we are right now 2009. It was written 1998 - that 11 yrs ago. Another book is an old one called “Set the trumpet to thy mouth” it is worth a look at. In conclusion do not just pass his words by, God’s ways are a mystery. God’s time table is moving, read the Book Called the Bible.

God Bless to all the fellow workers in Christ vineyard.....

Stocking up on groceries can’t do any harm.  Let’s remember, Noah was disregarded in his day.  Sure way to know if it was the Lord, wait and see if it comes to pass.

For heaven’s sake...and that really is the way to put this. For a start David went to New York those many years ago because he believed God told him to. What happened? He not only saved gang members, heroin addicts etc but was instrumental in them going into ministry. Had he told the wider community back then what he was going to do as he said he would have been laughed at. Now some 50 years more of preaching to the wider world not just Times Square Church he is a widely heard and revered man. He needs no publicity, he needs no glory...listen to the man speak. If you can listen to his sermons of the past six months you will sense the urgency of the times in his voice. he is a watchman and I truly cannot believe the rubbish some people have proffered on here. All he is trying to do is warn people. Countless others are too. Only the blind turn their minds from it but then so did those who incurred wrath and punishment in the past. We just never seem to learn from our mistakes.

John. I don’t have a “suspicious spirit”. I do however, like to think I have a discerning one.

What chaps me is when people expect me to accept with no question anyone who prophesies. That I will not do.

Full disclosure: I AM charismatic and I DO believe in the sign gifts for today.

“Keep in mind, there is a huge difference between poor prophecy and false prophecy” Not sure I agree with that. Can I get a scripture and verse?

About the PROPHET Daniel.  Name me one prophecy that he gave that was supposed to have happened already and did not.  Scrap your Daniel argument.

I do not know Dave W. but others here have said that he has warned of things in the past and has warned when they were going to occur and THEY DID NOT OCCUR.  That is no Daniel my brother.

If (and I say IF since I haven’t read his predictions or warnings) Dave W. warns of a major catastrophy of any kind in the next 3 months (or whatever time period) and it does not come to pass then he IS a false prophet and I’m not sure of any biblical argument that would suggest otherwise.

I’m over and out and let you guys/galz battle it out from here on in ...