Sermons from New Life Church in Washington, Illinois
It's one of the most sobering warnings in the New Testament: "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first."In this episode, we sit down in the intimate, dimly lit space of the Upper Room Discourse (John 13–17) to explore Jesus' final, radical instructions to His disciples. While the world often views "being liked" as the ultimate social currency, Jesus prepares His followers for the exact opposite. We're breaking down why the world's friction isn't a sign of failure, but a sign of belonging.
Pastor Jake speaks on being the Compelling Alternative in the world
Abiding isn't a passive state; it's an active, daily choice to tether our souls to the source of life. Just as a branch draws its nutrients from the vine, we draw our strength, character, and peace directly from our relationship with God.
In a world that demands we "produce" at all costs, Jesus offers a different rhythm: "Abide in me." This week, we explore the profound simplicity of John 15. We're moving away from the exhaustion of self-striving and into the rest of spiritual connection. Join us as we discuss what it practically looks like to stay attached to the Vine, how to handle the seasons of pruning, and why true fruitfulness is never forced—it's grown.
We often talk about the Kingdom of God like it's a retirement plan—a distant destination we're waiting to reach once the clock runs out. But in the intimacy of the Upper Room, Jesus began to flip the script. He didn't give the disciples a map or a set of coordinates; He gave them a Father.
In this episode of Digging Deeper, we peel back the layers of obligation and duty to discover the joy of giving from a transformed heart. We discuss why the posture of the giver matters just as much as the gift itself.
In a world shaped by constant noise, distraction, and urgency, silence can feel uncomfortable—or even unproductive. But Scripture and the way of Jesus tell a different story. In this episode, we unpack this week's message on silent prayer and why stillness is not an escape from formation, but a pathway into it. We explore how silence helps counter distraction, exposes what noise often hides, and invites us to bring our whole selves—both strength and weakness—before God. Grounded in Psalm 46:10, this conversation reframes silence not as emptiness, but as intentional presence and trust in who God is. Whether silence feels unfamiliar or long overdue, this episode invites us to reconsider stillness as a vital rhythm in a growing prayer life—and a practice that shapes us from the inside out.
Pastor Jake speaks on how in silence, we bring our whole selves into the loving presence of God
n this episode, we explore prayer as a dialogue—learning not only how to speak to God, but how to listen for His voice. We unpack the ways God often speaks through Scripture, worship, wise counsel, circumstances, and quiet promptings, while also addressing why hearing from God can feel confusing or difficult. This conversation also invites healthy discernment: grounding what we hear in God's Word, practicing humility, and remaining both expectant and wise. Ultimately, prayer is about relationship—and relationships require communication. Whether you're confident in hearing from God or still learning how to listen, this episode offers encouragement, clarity, and a simple invitation to take a next step toward deeper life with God.
Kirk talks to us about using prayer as a dialogue.
In this episode of Where We're At, we explore what it looks like to parent from Grace and Truth. The team helps parents recognize their default responses and learn how to recalibrate towards a call-up posture.
Prayer can feel confusing. Whether prayer feels natural to you or feels like a struggle, this conversation is an invitation to slow down.
Pastor Brian speaks to us on Praying consistently to experience relationship with God.
Prayer often becomes a place where we ask God for things—but what if the true purpose of prayer isn't getting what we want, but being changed by Him? In this episode, we unpack Week 1 of our prayer series and explore how prayer is meant to be an expression of trust and dependence, not a transaction or formula. We talk about how prayer shapes our hearts, deepens our awareness of God's presence, and forms us over time. If prayer has ever felt frustrating, inconsistent, or discouraging, this conversation offers a fresh and hopeful perspective on what prayer is really for.
Pastors Brian, Jake and Cody are all together for a Live Digging Deeper from the Sanctuary.
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.
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.
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.
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