New Life Washington

Pastor Brian Wilmarth discusses how Jesus is God's presence with us...truly.

God's presence can feel complicated — sometimes clear, sometimes distant. In this episode, we reflect on 1 Kings 6–9 and John 2 to see how God's presence was never meant to be tied to a building, but ultimately revealed in Jesus. He is the true temple, the better sacrifice, and the rightful King. Even when we don't feel Him, God's presence is established, personal, and here with us.

Pastor Brian Wilmarth shares how God's true established, kingly presence comes in Jesus.

From the very beginning, God's desire has been clear: He wants to be with His people. In this episode, we trace the theme of God's presence—from Eden, to the center of the Israelite camp, to Jesus, Immanuel—God with us. We talk about how God pursues us, how His presence shapes our faith, and what it means to follow Jesus as a life lived with Him.

God's presence goes with us and mediates rescue.

The Christmas season can feel busy and overwhelming. In this family podcast, we talk honestly about expectations, traditions, and the pressures that come with the holidays—while refocusing our hearts on Jesus, the true reason for the season. Join us as we slow down, laugh together, and seek a more meaningful, Christ-centered Christmas.

In this episode, we explore the sweeping biblical theme of God's presence — from Eden to Immanuel. We talk about what it means to be created for life with God, how sin disrupts that relationship, and how the entire story of Scripture is God pursuing us to bring us back to Himself. Together we'll unpack why His presence is the core of our identity, our purpose, and our deepest fullness. If you've ever wondered what it really means to walk with God in daily life, this conversation invites you to rediscover the beauty of His nearness.

Pastor Brian Wilmarth begins our Christmas series, Tracing His Presence, with a message titled Made for It, from Genesis 1-3.

We walk through the final chapter of Ruth and unpack the major theme that ties the whole book together. 

Finishing out the book of Ruth we see how the movement of God is to bring us from emptiness to fullness

Jake and Brian discuss Ruth chapter 3 and how it shows us the key theme of God providing rescue...all the while conveniently ignoring any weird aspects of the story. And apparently Brian hates pumpkin pie...

Pastor Brian Wilmarth shares from Ruth Chapter 3, describing how moving from emptiness to fullness comes through rescue.

While Cody is sitting in timeout, Jake and Brian discuss Jake's message on Ruth 2. They discuss how culture feeds us a picture of life we think is full, but how God's faithfulness leads us to the truly full life. 

Pastor Jake Harper continues in Ruth with Chapter 2.

The teams talks about what it look like to foster meaningful conversations with our kids. 

We cover the sermon and story of Ruth chapter 1. 

While it may seem at times that He is not, God is Faithfully at work in the lives of his children to bring us from emptiness to fullness

As we recap the series we recap our thoughts into new thoughts. 

Pastor Brian speaks to us on how to Live from your identity in Christ.

In this week's conversation, we dive into Ephesians 4:17–5:8 and explore what it really means to live as people who are forgiven, holy, and righteous in Christ. We talk about letting go of our old selves, stepping fully into our new identity, and pursuing holiness not out of obligation, but out of love for God. Join us as we reflect on how God's view of us changes everything — from the way we see ourselves to the way we live each day.

We are no longer in darkness but are called to live as children of light through Jesus

The team discusses the message on forgiveness and what it looks like in each of our lives.

Worship Pastor Cody Gaesser speaks to us about how Forgiveness, when truly received, reshapes how we love God, ourselves and others.

Jake and Cody talk about Brians's message on Identity and being a new creation. 

Through Jesus you are a new creation, so live for the coming world

On this episode, the team dives into baptism - discussing the significance of baptism and how to help your kids discern when they might be ready to take this exciting step.

In this episode, we explore what it means to be adopted into God's family—and how that truth shapes our identity. When the world defines us by what we do or where we've been, God calls us His own.

Week three of our identity series.

What is love—and how do we know when we've truly received it? In a world where culture, experiences, and expectations all try to define love, God's love often gets misunderstood or overlooked. In this conversation, we wrestle honestly with what Scripture says about God's love, how it differs from the world's definitions, and what it means to actually receive it. Join us as we navigate this challenging but life-giving conversation.

You are Loved unconditionally, sacrificially, unendingly

In this episode, we dive into the question of identity—where we look for it, how it shapes us, and what happens when it's shaken. Too often we define ourselves by what we do, what we have, how others see us, or who we're connected to. But Jesus offers us something deeper: a renewed identity in Him.

Pastor Brian speaks about how we often attempt to make or find our identity in other things, and how this comes from our desire to define the world on our terms.

The team dives into pressures around school and grades, exploring how the Gospel reshapes our parenting beyond performance and comfort. 

Brian, Cody, and Jake talk the final message of the series. 

Pastor Brian Wilmarth concludes our Proclaim series with a message on through the Holy Spirit, we are to Pray, Invite, and Share.

Brian and Cody talk dream center partnership and Sundays message.

Pastor Brian Wilmarth continues our Proclaim series with a message from Matthew 25:31-46 on how we are to reach everyone, to the least of these. Andy King from Dream Center Peoria also joined us to share about how God is working in downtown Peoria about how we can join them in ministry.

Brian reflects on Sunday's interview with our mission partners, the Kannenbergs, and how we can overcome some of the things that hold us back from embracing God's mission. 

Jake, Cody, and Brian talk about being sent right where we are in central IL and work God has for us here. And maybe we're going to do a new intro to the podcast...?

We are all missionaries, sent right where we are to proclaim God's word.

We often think of missionaries as those sent overseas—but Jesus calls all of us to make disciples right where we are. In this episode, we explore Matthew 28:18–20 and talk about how to live on mission through everyday steps: pray, invite, and share.

We are called to go and make disciples. However, we do not have to leave where we are to be missionaries. Sheri Glick joins Brian to talk about her mission journey as well as how we can be missionaries where we are.

Brian has returned to the studio with renewed energy and enthusiasm. He is fully prepared to deeply engage with the message, share his unique insights, and thoroughly talk through the challenges and opportunities facing this next generation. His perspective will add valuable context to our ongoing discussions about cultural shifts.

Pastor Jake Harper shares how in the subtle drift of the world, the church can be an anchor for the next generation.

On the first ever episode of Where We're At the team discusses how we navigate busyness in parenting.

Jake and Cody explore the depths of culture and what it means for the next generation.

Student Life Pastor Jake Harper shares part one of a sermon on developing a heart of compassionate curiosity for the next generation.

In this episode, we dive into the book of Galatians and explore how Paul's message of grace, freedom, and faith challenges us to live unselfishly in a self-centered world. What does it really mean to bear one another's burdens? How does walking by the Spirit transform the way we serve others? 

Kirk Bode speaks to us about how Freedom is Loving others unselfishly.

Brian, Jake, and Cody are back in the podcast booth discussing the Holy Spirit and breaking down Sunday's message.