In this heartfelt discussion, Joshua Esquivel shares his transformative journey from a strict Seventh-day Adventist upbringing to finding peace and belonging in Christ. He candidly explores his struggles with shame and sexuality, the pain of family rejection, and his desperate prayer that led to a life-changing encounter with the grace of Jesus. Joshua reflects on the joy he's discovered through celibacy and the support of a faith community, emphasizing the gospel's power to bring hope and identity.

In this episode, Senior Pastor Damein Schitter interviews Sarah Williamson about her practice of fasting. Sarah shares her initial experience with fasting in college, where it was primarily seen as a special measure for significant spiritual needs. Her perspective shifted when she began practicing regular fasting as part of her church community's "common rhythm," transitioning it from an occasional to a habitual spiritual discipline. Initially, fasting provided Sarah with profound spiritual encounters, described as moments where she felt deeply connected to God's love and presence. Over time, this experience shifted to a sense of "simulated suffering" that fosters deeper dependence on God, preventing spiritual complacency.Sarah also emphasizes the importance of communal fasting, describing how fasting regularly with her church community deepened relationships and mutual dependence. Practically, she details her approach, typically fasting once a week from dinner to dinner, acknowledging challenges such as balancing fasting with family responsibilities and daily tasks. Sarah concludes by encouraging listeners, even if hesitant, to begin fasting in small, faith-driven steps, as a pathway to greater intimacy with Jesus, despite its initial discomfort or confusion.

In this episode, Benjamin Kandt sits down with JD Widhalm, Michael Hampl, and Dylan Yost. The discussion revolves around Dylan’s journey to faith and how the community at NewCity played a significant role in his transformation. Dylan shares how he initially connected with the church through friendships, particularly with JD, Michael, and Ben. His journey began with social interactions—working out at a park, attending backyard wrestling nights, and engaging with community members who welcomed him before he believed. Despite feeling out of place at first, he was drawn to the kindness, authenticity, and intentionality of the people around him.Over time, Dylan’s curiosity about Christianity deepened. He was given a Bible and began reading the Gospel of Mark, leading to spiritual encounters that helped him recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. Conversations with JD and others helped him process his experiences, and after a period of contemplation, he committed to following Jesus. The podcast highlights the power of organic, relational evangelism—how simply living life with gospel intentionality can impact someone’s faith journey. Dylan’s story reflects a patient, community-driven approach to discipleship, where love, curiosity, and personal conviction ultimately led him to embrace Christianity.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss the spiritual practice of fasting, particularly in the context of Lent. They explore the historical and biblical foundations of fasting, explaining how it has traditionally been used as a means of self-denial, preparation, and spiritual discipline. They highlight the connection between fasting and feasting, emphasizing that both are essential parts of Christian life—fasting representing a time of longing and dependence on God, while feasting celebrates the joy and fulfillment found in Him. The conversation also touches on how the Christian calendar has shaped seasons of fasting, particularly leading up to Easter, and how fasting helps Christians resist being controlled by their physical cravings or desires.They also discuss the importance of motivation in fasting, warning against legalism while encouraging listeners to engage in the practice as a way to grow in spiritual freedom. They offer practical suggestions for fasting during Lent, including food-based fasts, social media detoxes, or other forms of self-denial that create space for increased dependence on God. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to approach fasting not just as an act of giving something up but as an opportunity to take hold of more of God and deepen their faith.You can listen to the sermon by Hardy Reynolds here, and last year's sermon from Ben here.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Michael Allen continue their deep dive into the book of Hebrews, focusing on its rich connections to the Old Testament. They explore how Hebrews serves as a bridge between the two testaments, highlighting the importance of cross-references in understanding the text. The hosts explain that nearly a quarter of the New Testament consists of direct quotes or allusions to the Old Testament, making tools like cross-references essential for fully grasping the depth of the message. They liken these references to musical samples or cinematic homages—elements that gain significance when the audience recognizes their original context.The discussion also touches on how Hebrews presents Jesus as the fulfillment and superior figure over Old Testament leaders, priests, and prophets, particularly emphasizing His role as the ultimate high priest and final sacrifice for sin. Beyond this, the hosts point out Hebrews' dual use of the Old Testament: it not only highlights Christ’s superiority but also offers examples of faithful living through figures like Abraham, Sarah, and Noah. They stress that these stories serve as models for Christians today, encouraging perseverance in faith. As the conversation unfolds, they also hint at future episodes that will tie these lessons from Hebrews into the church’s upcoming study of the book of Numbers.

In this episode of the All of Life podcast, Nate Claiborne and Michael Allen dive into the New Testament book of Hebrews, offering background context and exploring its significance within Christian scripture. They describe Hebrews as a unique combination of sermon and letter, mysterious in its origins, and rich with Old Testament references—especially around themes of sacrifice, holiness, and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of those practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding Old Testament concepts to fully grasp Hebrews' arguments, as the author assumes the audience’s familiarity with Jewish traditions and sacrificial systems.The hosts also explore the historical backdrop of the letter, suggesting it was likely written in the 60s AD during a period of persecution, possibly under Nero’s reign. This pressure led some early Christians to consider returning to Jewish practices for safety, and Hebrews responds by affirming Jesus' superiority and the finality of His atoning sacrifice. They discuss the book’s deep influence on Christian theology, worship, and liturgy—especially its focus on perseverance, Christ’s role as the high priest, and the enduring importance of faith. For those wanting a deeper dive, they recommend John Calvin’s accessible and insightful commentary on Hebrews and encourage listeners to engage with cross-references to fully appreciate the book’s rich connection to the Old Testament.

Benjamin Kandt, a guest speaker passionate about biblical engagement, discusses the vital practice of prioritizing Scripture in daily life. He advocates for 'Scripture before screens' to cultivate a genuine connection with God, emphasizing a receptive approach rather than a rote routine. The conversation explores historical contexts, practical reading strategies like the M'Cheyne plan, and the 'battle of the threshold'—the struggle to begin engaging with the Word. Kandt encourages listeners to view Scripture as a means to encounter Jesus, fostering intimacy and spiritual growth.

In our latest episode of the All in Life Podcast, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt kick off by connecting Leviticus to Hebrews and lay the groundwork for the upcoming spring sermon series at NewCity. They also talk about the importance of the Nicene Creed and plan to record a few episodes later this spring unpacking the riches and depths of this statement of faith.Later this season, there will also be episodes supporting the "Summer in the Psalms" series that will spotlight Psalm 37, as well as deep dives on the various Common Rhythm practices in the life of NewCity. Nate and Ben wrap up the episode by catching up briefly on each other's current PhD work. They highlight the mutual benefits for pastors and counselors learning from one another, especially in times of mental health crises. 

In this episode, Damein Schitter discusses following Jesus in politics with Robert Cunningham. Robert is the founder and director of Christ for Kentucky, and the former Senior Pastor of Tates Creek Presbyterian Church. He and Damein were at Covenant Theological Seminary at the same time, and Robert is now a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of Leicester, researching the role of religion in America's founding era. In their conversation, Robert and Damein draw on David Koyzis's book, Political Visions & Illusions, to make a bold statement: politics often masquerades as a modern idol, promising salvation and redemption much like religious doctrines. Their exploration then challenges us to reconsider where we place our faith and trust amidst a polarized society.Taking a deeper dive, Damein and Robert look into the concept of political ideologies as "isms" that offer false promises of redemption, akin to religious gospels. They highlight the dangers of viewing political opponents as heretics, fueled by echo chambers and partisan media. They underscore the importance of renouncing these ideological idols and reorienting ourselves towards the kingdom of God, advocating for a gospel that inherently carries social implications without equating salvation with social deeds. They invite us to grapple with engagement in a secularizing world, finding balance between withdrawal and deeper involvement.In conclusion, they shift their focus to the broader social responsibilities of Christian faith, challenging the tendency to compartmentalize it as merely a personal practice. Inspired by John Stott's interpretation of being "salt and light," they encourage believers to actively create a world that mirrors God's will. They also address the misconceptions about political divides, highlighting the significance of connecting with real-life neighbors rather than relying on algorithm-driven echo chambers. They land on an emphasis on the power of feeling seen and the importance of engaging deeply with your community to gain a nuanced understanding of today's political landscape.For more about Robert, you can visit his website, and find the episodes on his podcast going further into David Koyzis's work here: Every Square Inch

In this episode, Senior Pastor Damein Schitter and Theologian in Residence Michael Allen tackle the question, "can Scripture truly govern the conscience, and what does that mean for preaching?" By diving into the Westminster Confession of Faith, they emphasize the immense responsibility preachers carry in conveying God's word accurately. They also uncover the advantages of expository preaching and discuss how the symbolic clerical collar reflects a preacher’s submission to divine authority. Additionally, they provide historical insights to help you understand how the Westminster Confession sought to clarify pastoral roles amidst the tumultuous mix of 17th-century culture, politics, and religion.The challenge, in navigating contemporary issues like sexuality and politics, is to offer practical wisdom without overstepping bounds. By balancing guidance with humility and leaning on the Christian community, study, and prayer, Damein and Mike emphasize the collaborative effort it takes for believers to grow in wisdom and navigate life's complexities. They also reflect on the ongoing work of Jesus as prophet, priest, and king, highlighting His resurrection power and the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit. By recognizing God's strength through our weaknesses, we find faith and assurance in the transformative power of divine intervention in our lives.