Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church of Washington DC

Unmasking Expectations

In this message Pastor Jim preaches on Jesus unmasking expectations through the Parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14:12-24). Particularly on the hidden beliefs his listeners may have had about the people God will invite and welcome into His house party at the end of the age. Which challenges us to reexamine our own expectations and to adopt Jesus' way as the best way of all. 

Being the Church: Belief AND Behavior

In this message Pastor Lynn explains how it is not enough to believe the right things. You also need to live the right way by the power of the Holy Spirit. In our lives and in the church, there should be no separation between belief and behavior. Although, admittedly, this is a work in progress. As reflected in Matthew 4:18-22, John 21:21-22 and Mark 8:27-34, we are to live a life of obedience. We are to follow Jesus. 

A Call to Persevere

In this message Min. Leslie examines the short letter of Jude in the New Testament. This letter was written to Christians who were facing division and conflict within their church. They were told to persevere in their trials and confrontations. As Min. Leslie explains, "we are built for endurance and perseverance."  She then goes on to expound Jude 1:17-25 by encouraging us to stand firm on the Word of God and to never lose hope in God. Calling us to have the willingness to face one more round in the spiritual battle.

Extravagant Love Freely Given

In this message Pastor Jim takes a fresh look at the story of the lost son in Luke 15:11-32 and the extent to which the father shows his extravagant love. His deep and unchanging love was lavished upon his son who came home and it was always available to the son who remained at home. Both were loved unconditionally and without limit. An illustration of what it means to say God loves you! 

Attitude: Dipstick of the Spirit

In this message Pastor Lynn speaks about our attitude as revealing what's inside of us (Philippians 2:1-11, Luke 6:45). That is, our attitude, like the dipstick of the heart, reveals the quantity and quality of what's inside the human heart. A positive attitude is an attitude of love and joy, which reflects a heart filled with Christ. A negative or critical attitude reflects a heart lacking in the Spirit of Jesus and polluted with selfishness. Your attitude doesn't lie. Listen to how it's possible to have a change in attitude when you need it. 

Mission of God in the World

On World Communion Sunday Pastor Lynn shares the story of God's mission throughout history and around the world. He encourages everyone to be involved in mission no matter where they may live or their occupation. Since there are various ways to be involved in missions, like supporting traditional missionaries, partnering with believers in other countries and serving locally by reaching out to secular communities and expats in your city.

Already Blessed

In this message Pastor Jim considers the people who Jesus says are blessed by God (Matthew 5:1-16). A group of people we may often think of as not being blessed due to their situations. Yet, these are the very ones Jesus says are truly blessed. Maybe it's our own understanding of what it means to be blessed that needs to be revisted and changed instead. 

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Min. Leslie preaches on Nehemiah 8:9-12, a passage which tells the story of Israel returning to Jerusalem after being exiled to Babylon for two generations. The word of God was planted in the people and it produced joy. The people's joy grew, and from it, they received strength. The same can be true for us since joy is a choice. It is something we can experience in the face of loneliness, unexpected crisis, fear, sadness and suffering. Our joy is in the knowing we are not alone. God is with us no matter what comes our way. Our joy is rooted in faith in God, not our circumstances. 

How to Question God

In this message Pastor Jim preaches on the way Moses questioned God. After the people rebelled against God at the foot of Mt. Sinai (Exodus 32) and then at the border of the Promised Land (Numbers 14), God said He would destroy the nation and begin again with Moses. But both times Moses interceded on behalf of the people by speaking to God as a friend who has reasonable questions and rebuttals. And in both cases, God relented. What do these stories have to teach us about making bold requests of God today? What do they have to say about God?

Transforming Our Tears

In this message,  Pastor Lynn explains how our tears are sometimes transformed. Returning to the Book of Genesis, everything changes in Genesis 45:1-18, 24-28 when Joseph's brothers meet him in Egypt and learn of his true identity. Then, sometime later, the family patriach Jacob is reunited with his beloved son Joseph. In these events the pattern of a past life is broken. There is at last healing, forgiveness, reunion  and reconcilliation. The tears of pain and grief are transformed into tears of joy and love (Rev 21:1-4).