Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church of Washington DC

When You're Caught in the Middle

In this message on the Exodus story, Pastor Jim preaches on the sequence of events when God's people were led out of Egypt and trapped at the edge of the Red Sea (Exodus 13:17-18, 20-22, 14:1-31). How God situated them between the sea and Pharoah's encroaching chariots and warriors. How the people had to trust God in this predicament. No other options were available to them. And through this turn of events, we learn what it means to put our lives into the hand's of God and for God's glory to be revealed to all who are watching Him save us.  

Promises that Cannot Fail: Grace and Consequences

In this message Pastor Lynn preaches on the powerful promises of God. Recognizing that in the midst of human imperfections and stumblings, these have been foundational for thousands of years and have endured it all. Promises fulfilled in the coming of the Messiah as Galatains 3:5-9 and 2 Peter 1:1-5 remind us. Indeed, God's promises are rock solid and assured for all time. Even when Old Testament stories like the one found in Genesis 27 may cause us to question this. Listen to how God works through the harsh realities of an ancient melodrama involving Isaac, his wife Rebekah and their twin sons Jacob and Esau. 

From Mess to Miracle

In this message on Esther 4:12-17, Min. Leslie reminds us that life can be messy because people are messy.  The book of Esther, in fact, tells a messy story intended to underscore how it's ultimately divine intervention which saves a nation of people from extermination. And even though God's name is never mentioned, we see the hand of God at work from beginning to end. Which encourages us to look for God working in our world today as well. 

Walk by Faith

In this message, Pastor Jim preaches on Daniel 3, a story about a massive gold statue and a blazing furnace. A story which raises the question about where faithful believers are to place their ultimate allegiance when they are challenged by national powers. A story that depicts unavoidable conflict when unconditional loyalty is demanded for something other than God. Which choice would you make?

The Inside Story

In this message Pastor Lynn looks at the inside story in John 15:1-11 to see how the Holy Spirit works within us to make us more like Jesus. To become the person God created us to be as a child of God. How we can be transformed into a person who truly resembles our Lord Jesus. The truth of the matter is this: God works from the inside out.

Evidence of the Holy Spirit

In this message, Pastor Jim asks the question, "What's the evidence that the Holy Spirit is present and working in our lives today?" Paul explains in Galatians 5:13-26 that believers "were called to be free." But what does this look like for our lives today and how do we participate in this freedom found in Christ alone? Well, it begins with understanding what Paul means when he refers to living according to "the flesh." Listen if you are interested in learning more about this vitally important passage and how to walk in the Spirit. 

The Holy Spirit - Our Helper

As we continue our four week series on the Holy Spirit, Min. Leslie preaches on how the promised Holy Spirit is our helper or advocate. Meaning, the Holy Spirit is one who offers support. The Spirit was sent to live in us and empower us to live victoriously in Christ. He is a reprover, teacher, leader, counselor, and the power of God in us. He is the ultimate helper. What's more, we must be intentional about our willingness to listen to Him, hear Him and obey Him. 

Empowered by the Spirit to Live in the Present - and in the Presence of God

In this message, Pastor Lynn asks the questions, "What does it mean to live in the present moment? And what does it mean to live in the presence of God?" In John 14:1-3, 15-19, 23-27, Jesus tells his disciples about living in the present moment and in the presence of God. This is just as true for us today as it was for them. Pastor Lynn goes on to explain what it truly means to be empowered by God to live fully and to experience God's grace and peace in the present moment. 

Restored: Intimacy with the Triune God

In this message Pastor Jim preaches on Romans 5:1-11, a passage which reveals what God is like and how God loves us. Reminding us that people were created to be eternal members of God's divine community of love. To live in fellowship with God and with one another. To have unity with God and experience everlasting peace, unwavering hope and deeply affecting love. To share in God's own glorious and abundant life. Listen and then consider the questions, "What is God like?" and "What can my life be like in God?" 

Baptized in the Spirit

For this Pentecost Sunday message Pastor Lynn explains how the early church celebrated two big days every year: Easter and Pentecost. The first one celebrated Jesus' victory over sin and death, and 50 days later, the second one celebrated the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. At the very beginning of the Christian movement, these events revealed the infinite love and the saving power of God. With Pentecost being about how the Holy Spirit empowers all who follow Christ to live this new life, which is possible through forgiveness, through the power of resurrection. Pentecost is a celebration about claiming the possibilities of a life of love and hope and faith and joy and helping others.  The message's text is taken from Luke 3:15-16, 21-22, 4:1-2, 14-21 and Acts 2:36-41.