Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church of Washington DC

Blessed Are Those Who Wait

In this message Pastor Jim preaches on Acts 1:1-14, when Jesus gave instructions to his apostles and told them to wait in Jerusalem until the promised Holy Spirit was given to them. A passage which provides an opportunity to reflect on our own experiences of waiting, what it means to wait on God and how waiting on God is good for us. Bearing in mind, God is always working in our waiting and preparing us for what lies ahead.

If You Love the Lord, Feed the Sheep

In this message Pastor Lynn begins by reminding us that the resurrection of Jesus means even death has lost its power. Failure is never forever. There is forgiveness. There is new life. God's love not only transforms our lives, but flows through us so we can share it with others. So, we have to answer the same question Jesus asks Peter in John 21:12-22, "Do you love me?"  An important question which is implied in 1 John 3:18, 4:7-9, 16, 19-21 as well. Making your love for God the single most important thing in your life.  Therefore, we also need to respond to Jesus when he asks, "Do you love me more than these? . . . Feed my lambs."

Resurrection and Restoration

In this message Min. Leslie preaches on John 21:1-14, which is often referred to as Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish. However, there is so much more going on in this story than just the miracle of fish. This story is also filled with elements of grace and forgiveness and restoration. What's more, leading up to this story, each time Jesus encountered his disciples, each one of them was going through something. Mary was greiving, the Twelve were fearful, Thomas was doubtful, and those who went fishing were unsuccessful. Jesus showed up just when they needed him to. And Jesus is still showing up in the midst of our pain, our suffering, our failures and discouragements. Jesus is alive and he will show up when we need him to as well. 

The Blessing of Belief

In this message Pastor Lynn preaches on John 20:19-31, which takes place soon after Jesus' resurrection when the disciples see him for themselves and then they believe. Likewise, we receive the blessing of belief when Easter happens in our hearts. When Jesus comes to us like he did for Thomas and we respond by saying to him, "My Lord and my God! Here's my life. Here's my love." And then, in this moment, as Jesus promises, we enter the blessing of a new, changed and never-ending resurrection life. When we experience the joy of being loved as a child of God and receive a new purpose for living. For the blessing of belief are all these things and so much more. 

The Peace of Resurrection

Pastor Jim begins this message by asking the question, "Is it relevant to your day-to-day life that God raised Jesus from the dead?" In John 20:19-23, Jesus appeared to his frightened disciples and declared to them, "Peace be with you!" In this moment their fears gave way to an outpouring of joy, their despair was replaced with renewed hope and their dread was overcome with comforting peace. Jesus fulfilled the things he had promised them, and he made it possible for believers everywhere to live his resurrection each day of their life!

The Wonder of Resurrection

Pastor Jim begins this message by asking the question, "What are the implications for your life since Jesus is alive today?" As you listen to the biblical narrative of John 20:1-18 read and expounded upon, consider for yourself what it means to encouter the risen Jesus. Consider why it's important to not only celebrate Jesus' resurrection, but to live it! Which begins with the wonder of Jesus' resurrection at the empty tomb. 

The Journey to Emmaus

In this Easter Sunday message Pastor Lynn preaches on Luke 24:13-36, which is about Jesus walking alongside two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As Pastor Lynn explains, Jesus had to tell them that "in a world broken by sin it was necessary for the Messiah to suffer in order to save us." Which is why the cross has been transformed by Jesus from being a symbol of death to becoming a symbol of salvation. It reveals the depth and power of God's love to overcome sin and death. It is through the cross that we come to see that there is no limit to the love of Christ. As Paul wrote in the New Testament, there is nothing in all the universe that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. We have victory in Jesus because he defeated sin, death and evil through his own sacrificial death on the cross, and then God raised him victoriously to new life, resurrection life!

Renewal: The Sacramental Life

On Palm Sunday and for the beginning of Holy Week, Min. Leslie preaches on Matthew 21:1-11 and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. She begins by reminding us, "Jesus is one who completely surrendered his life to the will of God." What's more, it is under God's new covenant that we can become followers of Jesus, and thus, the children of God. Under the new covenant we live in the Kingdom of God, and if we are to succeed in implementing that Kingdom, it is Christ who must shine through us as we live the sacramental life. Christ must shine through our words, our actions and our deeds. Since at the very heart of the Christian life is the transforming work of God, which is making us more and more like Jesus. 

Renewal: The Word-Centered Life

On this fifth Sunday of Lent, Pastor Jim preaches on what it means to live a word-centered life. He suggests that we are to asks ourselves the questions, "How do I live so the Word of God is central to my life? And, how do I understand the gospel message as being foundational to all that I do and say?" He answers them by considering 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, a portion of Paul's letter where Paul reminds his readers of the gospel message which he had shared with them in the past. And where Paul also explains the implications of this message for his life and for theirs. It is this good news which makes the death and resurrection of Jesus the central reality for all of life. 

Renewal: The Compassionate Life

For this fourth Sunday of Lent, Pastor Lynn preaches on how renewal and healing come when we get beyond ourselves and live lives of compassion and work for justice. As prophesized in Amos 5:21-24, 7:7-15 and witnessed in Jesus's life (Luke 4:16-30), there is renewal when we treat people right. Especially when there is genuine compassion and justice for those who are discriminated against or who are poor and vulnerable or without voice or power. As Pastor Lynn reminds us, "We are called to proclaim Christ's message of forgiveness and healing and new life. Even as we demonstrate its reality through service and through social justice, which has always been an essential part of God's mission in the world."