Wisconsin Avenue Baptist Church of Washington DC

Am I a Neighbor?

On Love in Action Sunday, Pastor Lynn preaches on the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). A parable that shows us what it means to love God and neighbor, and it illustrates faith and love are inseparable. Jesus uses this parable to teach us there is no separation between what we believe and how we live. The question then is: who actively lives love so they are a neighbor as demonstrated by their actions towards others? Or, to ask oneself, am I a neighbor to this person?

Set Free to Love

For this devotional message, Pastor Jim reflects on what it means to be truly free. When considering the story of Paul and Silas's imprisonment in Acts 16:16-40, he asks, "Who in this story was truly free?" Then, after addressing this question, he follows it by asking a related question, "What is our freedom in Christ for?" Consider for yourself the biblical answers to these two important questions. 
If you listen until the end of the closing prayer, Pastor Jim refers to a song of declaration titled, "Break Every Chain." If you want to listen to it, please go to this wonderful recording on Youtube performed by Tasha Cobbs. 

A Season of Repentance

In this message, Pastor Lynn and Minister Leslie reflect on recent events and share their thoughts on what it means to have a heart of repentance. The first scripture passage is taken from 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says when there is heartfelt repentance by the people of a nation, resulting in genuine change and reform, God honors that repentance with forgiveness and healing. Likewise, in Jonah 3:1-10, repentance is not limited to the nation of Israel. It is required when the prophet Jonah is sent by God to Nineveh, the capital city of Assyria and a world power in the ancient world, which was the enemy of Israel. This is in a moment in our nation's history to repent as well. To change our direction and to be spared the bitter judgement that falls on nations that fail to protect the vulnerable and provide justice for all. 

How do I. . .?

In this week's devotional message, Pastor Jim asks the questions, "How do we move from a broken life to a healed and transformed life? From disregarding and being complacent about our neighbor to living a compassionate life?" Questions he answers by reflecting on Psalm 25:1-15 and how the psalmist prays to God to be taught by God and to learn God's ways. As the psalmist prays, "Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long" (Ps 25:5). 

Transformation of Life

In this devotional message, Pastor Lynn focuses on the miraculous healing of the lame man in Acts 3:1-12, 16. He explains, "It is not whether or how much silver or gold we have, what the world needs is the love and power of Jesus Christ. It wasn't the money the beggar collected at the gate of the temple. And what we have been blessed with to share, through the Holy Spirit, is the love and grace of God." Drawing from this story, you can expect God to exceed your expectations. You can learn from Peter to rely on the power and love of God. You can be like the lame man and open your heart to the joy of God's presence. It is the Lord who is the source of all your joy no matter your circumstances. It is through God's Spirit we receive the love and power of Christ that transforms our lives and the lives of those around us. 

Spirit of Comfort

In this devotional message, Pastor Jim preaches on 2 Corinthians 1:2-11 and explains how there are times when we need to feel uncomfortable. Moments when we need to be taken out of our "comfort zones" and confront a situation as it really is. Times when it is for the good of my neighbor that I need to feel their grief and discomfort. Times when we are to feel discomfort in order to bring comfort to another person near us. 

Breathe on me, Breath of God

In this devotional message, Pastor Lynn directs our attention to Ezekiel 37, John 20:21-22 and Acts 2:1-8 and asks, "Do you believe God can awaken a vast army from the sleep of death and darkness? That empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can come to life and stand on our feet as an army of hope in a world of despair? An army that could slay even the monster of racism that for four centuries has stalked our land?" Listen to the preaching of the Word as it is applied to our lives and our world today. 

A Promise Fulfilled

On this Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020, Pastor Jim preached on Acts 2:1-21 and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised. An act of God which signified that Jesus was "exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:33). A promise which is as important today as it was for those first group of disciples. This short devotional message is followed by a time of prayer for the nations represented in our church, focusing first of Kenya and African nations (Deacon Edwin), then on Brazil and South American nations (Sister Iza) and concluding with nations of our mission partners in India and Hungary and finally for the USA (Minister Leslie). Please join with us in prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit as you listen and pray.

Worship Service Recognizing 2020 Graduates

During the May 24, 2020 Sunday worship service, WABC recognized four college graduates for their academic achievements by asking them to share a Scripture passage that is meaningful to them at this time in their lives. One of the four graduates also shared a personal reflection followed by Pastor Lynn giving a devotional message on Isaiah 40:25-31, which was delivered as a word of encouragement and challenge to both the grads and the congregation. Interspersed throughout are verses sung by our worship team as an affirmation and blessing over each graduate. As you listen, consider your own faith journey as you walk with, talk with and rely upon the Lord in all that you do. 

Purpose over Perfection

In this Mother's Day message, Min. Leslie Harris says Proverbs 31:29-31 is a passage which describes a woman who has purpose and is not perfect. Reminding us that a woman of faith is one who is willing to take action, to stand up, to step out and to speak out in desperation because she needs things to change. Women such as Tamar, Rahab and Ruth, ancestors of Jesus, exemplify a woman such as this. Which is also the case for many of the women in Jesus' life, such as his mother Mary, his disciple Mary Magdalene and his friend Mary of Bethany. As Min. Harris explains, each of these women demonstrate how it is possible to live with purpose in her life while at the same time not being perfect.