Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church of Washington DC

For this message on the first Sunday of Advent, Min. Leslie begins by asking, "What can we learn from Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-32, 36-38) about waiting for God?" She goes on to explain, "Waiting on God is crucial to loving God." Moreover, waiting on God is intertwined with faith in God and hope. Throughout Scripture, people had to wait for God. Therefore waiting is how we need to orient our faith throughout our Christian life.  Always put your hope in God. 

Pastor Jim begins this message by offering some personal reflections on what it's like for him to be interrupted. Followed by recognizing the interruptions we've all experienced since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. These interruptions raise the important question, "What is truly central to how I live my life right now?" In other words, what matters most? To answer this question, Pastor Jim considers Luke 10:25-37. What did Jesus have to say about it? And, how did Jesus interpret the Bible to explain his answer? 

In this message, Pastor Lynn preaches on the urgent invitation of the Apostle Paul to Timothy in the second letter which bears his name (2 Timothy 1:8, 16-17). What we find in this passage is that there are opportunities that cannot wait, that we dare not miss. In a broader perspective, it is also a warm and timely reminder for all of us who are able to come back to in-person worship!  Come for Thanksgiving, for Advent, for Christmas! Come before winter! Come this Sunday if you can!

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. 

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. 

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.

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! 

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. 

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.

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.