NewCity Orlando Sermons

Discover the timeless relevance of Leviticus as it intertwines with today’s political and personal beliefs. Explore the stark contrasts between the holy and the common, and the transformative nature of Jesus’ teachings. Delve into the psychological impact of cleanliness, alongside the societal implications of these ancient laws. Reflect on inner purity versus external behavior, highlighting the freedom from guilt that Christ offers. Witness powerful narratives of compassion that call us to embrace grace and healing amidst our struggles.

The discussion dives into the themes of consecration and love within Leviticus, illuminating the significance of worship and spiritual commitment. It warns against compromise, reflecting on the tragic tale of Nadab and Abihu, while emphasizing the call to holiness in today’s culture. The importance of community involvement and equipping believers for ministry is highlighted, paralleling spiritual dedication with the discipline of athletes. Ultimately, the transformative power of Jesus is underscored as the path to a life set apart for God's purposes.

Explore the vital role of prayer and God's presence as illustrated in Leviticus 6:13. A personal journey reveals how cultivating community can revitalize faith. Discover the importance of building spiritual 'altars' in everyday life for a deeper connection with the divine. Engaging analogies highlight the balance between divine love and human effort necessary to maintain spiritual vitality. Get inspired to keep the fire of faith burning in your own life and community.

Damein Schitter, a Senior Pastor, explores ancient sacrificial rituals from Leviticus 4 and their relevance today. He illustrates how unintentional sins reveal the need for accountability, emphasizing that ignorance doesn’t exempt us from consequences. Pastor Damein discusses the deeper meaning behind sacrificial acts, showcasing God's love and grace in atonement. He connects these rituals to modern experiences of guilt and the transformative power of knowing we are accepted by God, affirming that Christ's sacrifice achieves true purification and forgiveness.

In a thought-provoking discussion, the focus on Leviticus 3 highlights atonement as a bridge to God. The peace offerings symbolize restored relationships, inviting us to a shared communion with the divine. Through engaging anecdotes, the significance of children's questions in shaping our faith is explored. Themes of grace, forgiveness, and reconciliation are connected to communal bonds, emphasizing the need for genuine connections, even in a digital age. Listeners are encouraged to pursue deeper fellowship with God and one another.

Senior Pastor Damein Schitter kicks off our fall series, Leviticus is For Lovers, preaching from Leviticus 1. He tackles the cultural distance and perceived obscurity head-on, revealing profound insights into God's character and His values. By slowing down and examining the priestly and sacrificial systems, Pastor Damein connects the dots from these ancient practices to the ultimate fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. He also shows how laws against murder and theft reveal the values of the lawgiver, and how offering our best to God reflects His holiness and grace.Pastor Damein concludes by bridging Leviticus to the New Testament, drawing meaningful connections that underscore the inclusivity of worship and the completeness of atonement provided by Christ. Reflecting on Romans 12:1, he explores how offering our lives as living sacrifices is a powerful response to God's mercy. Through his message, we are prepared to deepen our love for Jesus and enrich our understanding of Scripture, recognizing God's relentless pursuit of fellowship with us.

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.