Special Guest Preacher, the Rev Dr Irwyn Ince preaches from Hebrews 13:7-16. What does it mean to live a life of unwavering faith in Jesus Christ? How can we persevere through the trials and tribulations of our Christian journey? Pastor Irwyn highlights the critical message of Hebrews 13:8: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." He underscores how this powerful truth equips us to face the costs of discipleship with courage and perseverance. By looking to Jesus, we find the strength to hold fast to our confession of faith, no matter the challenges.Pastor Irwyn explains how Jesus's sacrifice outside Jerusalem transforms our understanding of spiritual worship and everyday commitment to praise, good deeds, and sharing. He draws parallels to the Day of Atonement rituals, which encourages believers to bear the reproach of Christ and seek our lasting hope in the eternal city to come. He wraps up with reflections on living lives that continually glorify God, sustained by the steadfastness of Jesus.Pastor Irwyn is the PCA's Mission to North America Coordinator. You can find out more about the work he does by visiting their website here.

Pastor of Congregational Care and Missions Jason Dunn preaches about the covenantal relationship between Jonathan and David from 1 Samuel 18, illuminating the power of friendship and loyalty. Inspired by Justin Earley's book "Made for People" and insightful research on the perils of chronic loneliness, Pastor Jason helps challenge the notion that modern technology alone can fulfill our deepest need for connection.He also shows us Jonathan's extraordinary loyalty to David, even in the face of dire opposition from his own father, King Saul. This self-sacrificing friendship offers a powerful model for how mutual support can help us navigate life's adversities. Drawing on anthropologist Robin Dunbar's findings on the critical role human connections play in our health and longevity, Pastor Jason emphasizes that true friendships can indeed anchor us in stormy times.

Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt concludes our Vision series on the Lord's Prayer and its transformative power in shaping our spiritual journey. Pastor Ben differentiates between character-building trials and temptations that derail us. The petition "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil" serves as our anchor, guiding reflection on liberation from sin's presence and power.He then unpacks the meaning behind "lead us not into temptation," emphasizing that following Jesus is more about our direction than achieving perfection. By drawing on the wisdom of Psalm 23, he turns our attention to trusting Jesus' leadership amid life's darkest moments. He further clarifies the distinction between God's testing and Satan's tempting before encouraging us to seek maturity in our faith. Ultimately, we understand that being led by Jesus sometimes means venturing into uncomfortable territories but it always is aimed at our spiritual growth and freedom from sin's grip.Concluding with a triumphant message, Pastor Ben turns to Hebrews 4 and the cosmic victory of Jesus over evil, reflecting on how Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and enters into our temptations to redeem us. The concept of Christus Victor reveals our liberation from the fear of death and sin. The significance of the word "amen" is a powerful affirmation of God's promises and how Jesus fulfills our spiritual vision. Seeing the Father answer the Lord's prayer is our vision and living in this prayer offers a transformative guide for our community at NewCity.

In this engaging discussion, Benjamin Kandt, a Pastor of Formation & Mission, shares insights on living with abundance and mercy. He uses a silent disco experience to illustrate the importance of embracing God’s provision. Topics include the interdependence within communities and the moral responsibilities of wealth, alongside the transformative power of forgiveness. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer and biblical teachings, Kandt emphasizes daily dependence on God and calls for socioeconomic diversity in faith practices, advocating for generosity and justice.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter shares insights on envisioning a hopeful future through the lens of prayer and community. He highlights the transformative power of aligning our aspirations with God's will, as illustrated by the contrasting visions of a businessman and a fisherman. The discussion emphasizes the importance of communal worship, prayer, and nurturing relationships within the church. By investing in these practices, we can foster spiritual growth and build a resilient community united by faith and hope.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter, dedicated to guiding his community in understanding the Lord's Prayer, dives into how this prayer can transform daily life. He explores the significance of knowing God as our Father, drawing from key insights on divine adoption. Through engaging thought experiments, he illustrates the security of our identity as God's children, offering hope during times of anxiety. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their journey 'home' to the Father, emphasizing the peace found in reconnecting with divine love.

Damein Schitter, a Senior Pastor focusing on political discipleship and cultural engagement, tackles the intersection of faith and politics. He argues against the trend of privatizing faith, advocating for a revival of political discipleship rooted in Jesus's teachings. Pastor Damein outlines four postures for the church's cultural engagement, emphasizing 'incarnation'—a mission of love and redemption. He challenges listeners to avoid cynicism and revolution, instead embracing a transformative gospel living as a powerful witness in society.

Pastor Benjamin Kandt discusses navigating political traps with Jesus' wisdom, the Christian perspective on engaging in politics, and Christian patriotism. He emphasizes thoughtful dialogue, service to others before seeking political change, and putting God above worldly authorities.

The podcast dives into the vital relationship between Christian faith and politics. It highlights the biblical call for believers to submit to governing authorities while also urging them to engage in justice and civic responsibility. Key discussions include living as dual citizens of both heaven and earth, promoting kingdom values within society, and the importance of aligning personal freedoms with a higher authority. The conversation emphasizes how faith can transform community engagement and challenges listeners to navigate today's political landscape with integrity.

A dynamic look at navigating faith amid today's political landscape begins with the dual citizenship of believers. The conversation highlights the dangerous pitfalls of privatized faith and champions the role of Christianity in public life. It delves into the evolution of fundamentalist engagement in modern culture, showcasing a shift towards political activism. Finally, the discussion emphasizes fostering genuine relationships over divisive ideologies, advocating for a politics rooted in love, much like Jesus taught.