NewCity Orlando Sermons

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt ends our year and Advent series, preaching from Psalm 27:8. He focuses on the importance of both desire and discipline in our journey of seeking God. He contrasts various cultural perspectives on desire, from the postmodern focus on the journey itself to Eastern philosophies that view desire as a source of suffering. Yet, the biblical perspective suggests that our desires point us toward God, highlighting a beautiful paradox: even when we find God, the search continues as we seek to deepen that relationship, much like nurturing love in a romantic partnership.Pastor Ben also draws inspiration from Soren Kierkegaard's "The King and the Poor Maiden," to then reflect on the profound love and sacrifice embodied in the Jesus's incarnation. The journey to seek God's face is a pursuit initiated by God but is also an inherently relational endeavor. Through prayer and spiritual awakening, we are called to set our hearts free from lesser pursuits and focus on the transcendent beauty of Jesus' face. In the end, Pastor Ben encourages us to prioritize our spiritual journey, finding infinite satisfaction and vitality in this Christ-centered pursuit.

Discover the transformative power of hope as inspired by Isaiah 65:17-25. The discussion challenges complacency and triumphalism, urging active engagement with God’s promises. Examples of redemptive entrepreneurship showcase how faith can impact communities positively. Delve into the contrast between fleeting modern hopes and enduring divine promises, emphasizing love and justice. With reflections on pop culture like the Hunger Games, the conversation illustrates hope as a sustaining force, inviting God's presence into all aspects of life.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Isaiah 61. He invites us to reflect on the concept of a "false summit" in our understanding of God's promises, particularly regarding the separation between vengeance and favor. How does Jesus' role serve as the pivotal bridge in this divine timeline, and what does that mean for communities seeking renewal?Empowerment takes center stage as Pastor Ben examines the Holy Spirit's role in equipping us to spread the good news to broken people, broken cities, and our broken world. He also explores how the Spirit instills believers with the strength to bring joy and hope to their communities, embodying justice, mercy, and humility in a world that aches for healing.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Genesis 4:26. Pastor Ben unravels the cultural mandate seen in Genesis 4:17-25, highlighting humanity's quest for security and civilization despite the fall. Cain’s city-building, alongside the cultural contributions of his descendants, paints a complex picture of human creativity shadowed by rebellion and sin. Yet, in this tapestry, we find a thread of hope through characters like Seth and Enosh, reminding us of the divine promise and our destiny.In this context, he then explores the extraordinary power of prayer, drawing inspiration from the stories of Abraham and Moses. Their stories teach us about the intimacy and authority that comes through a deep connection with God. From calling upon the name of the Lord in times of trial to witnessing the fervent prayers that sparked the Hebrides revival, Pastor Ben offers a heartfelt invitation to embrace prayer as an active expression of faith. This Advent, as we long for spiritual awakening, we are invited to join together in seeking a transformative experience of God’s presence in our communities.

Delve into the themes of Psalm 8 and discover humanity's unique role in reflecting God's glory. The metaphor of a compass illustrates how easily we stray from our divine path amidst modern challenges like workism and consumerism. Explore the transformative power of prayer as a guiding force that realigns our hearts with God's vision. This Advent season encourages a shift from production to gratitude, urging us to reclaim our God-given identity and embrace life's divine gifts.

In this final sermon in our Leviticus Is For Lovers series, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt preaches from Leviticus 25, exploring the transformative power of rest, economic fairness, and compassion for the poor. He reflects on Tim Keller's insights into early Christian generosity, where personal integrity met radical economic sharing, offering a model that challenges our modern values.Pastor Ben also explains the essence of Jubilee, a time every 50 years when debts were forgiven, lands returned, and lives reset, providing a fresh start for those trapped in poverty. He unpacks how these ancient practices critique modern economic systems, urging a balance between ownership and communal generosity. He encourages us to embrace a spirit of 'Jubilee generosity,' recognizing the debts canceled by Christ's crucifixion and fostering a community rich in trust and gratitude. In doing so, we can reimagine a life where justice, generosity, and grace are woven into the very fabric of our being.

Delve into the deeper meanings of sexuality as the church contrasts biblical teachings with modern cultural views. Explore the idea of spiritual adultery and idolatry, shedding light on how misplaced desires lead to personal struggles. Experience the transformative power of grace through Jesus’s story of redemption. The notion of a counter-community highlights the importance of covenant relationships and sexual purity. Lastly, embrace the call to pursue holiness and renew your connection with God, striving for a life empowered by love.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from chapter 18. In it, he challenges prevalent cultural narratives and offers a deeply theological perspective on our sexuality. Pastor Ben shows how faith intersects with personal desires and cultural expectations, emphasizing the transformative power of grace. He discusses the church's critical role in offering healing and redemption to those grappling with society's conflicting sexual norms. Drawing inspiration from Christopher West's "Our Bodies Tell God's Story," he underscores the importance of embodying sexual wholeness and holiness to offer hope and light in a culture often perceived as morally decaying.Pastor Ben also examines the theological symbolism of marriage and sexuality, weaving parallels between earthly relationships and the anticipated union between Jesus and the church. Through this lens, he unpacks the significance of gender roles, the impact of the sexual revolution, and the enduring sacredness of the family. He concludes by encouraging us to open our hearts to the gentle mercy of Jesus, encouraging His presence to illuminate and heal parts of our lives that yearn for divine touch.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 19. He connects the teachings here in Leviticus with New Testament calls to live purposefully, in order to uncover the timeless value of compassion, justice, and holiness.Holiness transcends mere behavior; it's about belonging to God and living in love. By reflecting on the phrase "I am the Lord, your God," Pastor Damein helps us understand how this divine relationship influences our actions and fosters true holiness. He challenges the notion of morality based on fear or duty, emphasizing that genuine holiness is rooted in love and relational commitment. Ultimately, Pastor Damein illustrates how belonging to God through Jesus enables us to reflect His holiness, leading to changed behaviors and genuine freedom.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our fall series, Leviticus Is For Lovers, preaching on the themes of atonement and holiness from the ritual in Leviticus 16. He explores the high priest’s critical role in bridging the gap between God and His people, and the crucial symbolism of the scapegoat carrying away the sins of Israel. Here, we see how drawing near to God requires confrontation with our own ambivalence, guilt, and shame. Together, we can reflect on God's persistent love and His desire to dwell among us despite our shortcomings.Leviticus 16 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the transformative power of Christ, as depicted in Hebrews. There, we can see how Jesus embodies the temple, priest, and sacrifice, removing traditional religious barriers. Pastor Ben concludes with practical advice on honoring the Day of Atonement through fasting and resting, and encourage us to embrace bold confidence in approach to God, not through personal merit, but through the grace offered by Christ.