In this heartfelt sermon from Rev. Ryan Gawrych, the congregation is invited into the deep affection and Christ-centered joy the Apostle Paul expresses for the Philippians. Drawing from Philippians 1:3–11, Rev. Gawrych explores how gospel partnerships create lasting spiritual bonds marked by gratitude, prayer, and mutual encouragement. He emphasizes that Christian fellowship isn’t merely social, but spiritual—rooted in our shared participation in the grace of God. Rev. Gawrych also unpacks Paul'...
Jul 14, 2025•31 min
In this sermon from NewCity Orlando’s Preach Your Heart Out series, Pastoral Intern Connor Bonello explores the surprising strength found in weakness through the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:1–10. Paul recounts a profound spiritual experience yet shifts focus to his "thorn in the flesh"—a persistent trial that keeps him dependent on God. Rather than removing the affliction, God assures Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Connor invit...
Jul 06, 2025•35 min
Eric Stites explores Psalm 37 with a focus on the biblical call to patience and the spiritual challenge of waiting. Rather than seeking quick justice or immediate change, believers are called to “trust in the Lord and do good” even when the wicked appear to prosper. Eric unpacks how David contrasts the fleeting success of evildoers with the enduring security of the righteous, encouraging the church to remain rooted in God's promises. Drawing from his personal experiences in ministry and stories ...
Jun 30, 2025•48 min
In this message from NewCity Orlando’s Summer in the Psalms series, Pastor Benjamin Kandt reflects on Psalm 37:3–4, 16, 18–19, 21–22, 25–26, highlighting generosity as a key mark of the righteous life. In a world where the wicked often appear to prosper, God’s people are called to trust in the Lord, do good, and live with open hands. The psalm offers a picture of steady, faithful living rooted not in self-reliance but in the Lord’s sustaining provision. Pastor Kandt shows how generosity is more ...
Jun 23, 2025•40 min
In this installment of our Summer in the Psalms series, Pastor Benjamin Kandt reflects on Psalm 37:27–28, a passage that calls us to actively pursue goodness in a world marred by brokenness. Pastor Kandt unpacks how God's steadfast love for justice is not only a comfort but also a call—to live distinctively as His people. We are invited to turn from evil, do good, and trust that the Lord will not forsake His faithful ones. This message reminds us that God's justice is not delayed, forgotten, or ...
Jun 16, 2025•32 min
In part 2 of Summer in the Psalms, Rev. Dr. Michael Allen preaches from Psalm 37, offering a pastoral and theological reflection on how believers are to navigate life in a world that often seems dominated by the wicked. Dr. Allen helps us see how Psalm 37 calls God’s people to patience, trust, and steadfastness—not through naive optimism, but through deep confidence in God's justice and faithfulness. Unpacking themes like fretting, envy, and the seeming prosperity of evildoers, he reminds us tha...
Jun 09, 2025•31 min
In this message on Psalm 37, RUF Campus Minister at UCF Hardy Reynolds encourages listeners to take the long view of life and faith. Preaching to a world where evil often appears to prosper, Hardy unpacks David’s wisdom for living with patience, trust, and hope. Rather than reacting with envy or fear, believers are called to “trust in the Lord and do good,” knowing that God will ultimately uphold the righteous and bring justice in His time. Through vibrant illustrations and pastoral clarity, Har...
Jun 02, 2025•32 min
In this sermon on Hebrews 13:1–21, Pastor Benjamin Kandt explores how unshakeable faith takes root in everyday life. As the letter to the Hebrews draws to a close, the author turns from theological depth to practical exhortation — calling the church to live with love, hospitality, sexual integrity, contentment, and respect for spiritual leaders. Pastor Benjamin unpacks how these ordinary, often overlooked practices are actually extraordinary when grounded in Christ, who is “the same yesterday, t...
May 25, 2025•34 min
In this sermon on Hebrews 12:18–29, Pastoral Resident Kenneth Dyches leads us into a powerful reflection on the awe-inspiring contrast between Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. He unpacks how the author of Hebrews uses these two mountains to show the radical difference between the old and new covenants — one marked by fear and trembling, the other by joyful access to God through Christ. Kenneth emphasizes that, as followers of Jesus, we are not approaching a place of terror, but a kingdom that cannot ...
May 19, 2025•31 min
In this theologically rich and pastorally grounded sermon on Hebrews 12:1–17, Rev. Dr. Michael Allen explores the discipline of the Lord as a key marker of our identity as beloved children of God. Drawing from the great “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 11 and the example of Jesus, Dr. Allen calls the church to run the race of faith with perseverance, eyes fixed on Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. He unpacks how God’s discipline is not punishment but a fatherly training th...
May 11, 2025•34 min
In this powerful sermon on Hebrews 11:1–40, Associate Pastor Benjamin Kandt walks us through the “Hall of Faith,” highlighting how the entire chapter points to a life marked by trust in the unseen promises of God. From Abel to Abraham, Moses to Rahab, the author of Hebrews paints a picture of faith that is forward-looking, resilient, and rooted in God’s character — not in immediate outcomes. Pastor Benjamin unpacks the nature of biblical faith: a confidence in what we hope for and a conviction o...
May 05, 2025•26 min
In this sermon from NewCity Orlando’s Hebrews: Unshakeable series, Associate Pastor Benjamin Kandt explores Hebrews 11:1–6, focusing on the nature of true faith. He unpacks how faith is not merely wishful thinking but a confident trust in the unseen promises of God, grounded in His character. Drawing on examples from the early chapters of Genesis, Pastor Benjamin highlights that a life pleasing to God is rooted in faith — a trust that shapes how we live, worship, and relate to God daily. This me...
Apr 28, 2025•32 min
In this Easter message, Associate Pastor Benjamin Kandt reflects on the story of Thomas, the disciple who famously doubted the resurrection. Rather than condemning his skepticism, Jesus met Thomas exactly where he was—inviting him to touch his wounds and believe. This moment reveals a God who enters locked rooms of fear and doubt, offering grace, not shame. The resurrection isn’t just a historical event; it’s an invitation into new life for those who question, suffer, and long for restoration. J...
Apr 21, 2025•24 min
In this Palm Sunday message, Pastor Jason Dunn explores Hebrews 10:19–25, a pivotal passage that transitions from the theological foundations of Christ’s priesthood to practical exhortations for the church. Through the imagery of a train journey shared with his twin brother, Pastor Jason illustrates how many of us feel spiritually hesitant—bound by conscience, shame, or fear. Yet, Hebrews reminds us that we have confident access to God through the blood of Jesus and a faithful advocate in Christ...
Apr 15, 2025•29 min
In this sermon, Pastoral Resident Kenny Dyches continues NewCity’s series in Hebrews by exploring chapters 9 and 10 and the insufficiency of the Old Testament sacrificial system. Pastor Kenny compares our modern reliance on systems—whether technological, biological, or religious—with Israel's sacrificial system, highlighting how all human systems inevitably fail when used to grasp for control or to justify ourselves apart from God. He emphasizes that these systems, while not inherently bad, beco...
Apr 07, 2025•34 min
In this sermon from Hebrews 8, Pastor Benjamin Kandt explores the profound truth that God doesn't just manage the gap between heaven and earth—He closes it through Jesus. Drawing from the imagery of the tabernacle, Pastor Ben shows how God's desire has always been to dwell with His people. Just as Moses was commanded to build a tent patterned after heaven, we too are called to “heavenize” earth by following Jesus and forming communities of disciples who embody God’s presence. The church, made up...
Mar 31, 2025•31 min
In his final sermon as Senior Pastor, Pastor Damien Schitter preached from Hebrews 7, reflecting on our deep human longing for status, security, and significance—things we often seek in fragile, earthly pursuits like career, relationships, or achievements. He pointed us to Jesus, our true and better High Priest, who alone offers us a lasting status, unshakable security, and eternal significance. Unlike the Levitical priests who were temporary and imperfect, Jesus is our permanent and perfect pri...
Mar 23, 2025•37 min
Assistant Pastor Ryan Gawrych continues our Hebrews series, preaching from Hebrews 5:11-6:20. Pastor Ryan challenges listeners to confront barriers that hinder spiritual maturity, identifying complacency, empty religious practices, isolation, self-reliance, and skepticism as significant obstacles. He encourages the congregation to move beyond spiritual infancy and complacency by actively engaging in their faith through practice and community involvement. The sermon underscores that spiritual mat...
Mar 17, 2025•44 min
Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues our sermon series on Hebrews, preaching from Hebrews 4:14-5:10, emphasizing two main commands: "hold fast" and "draw near." He highlights that believers facing trials and cultural pressures should firmly hold onto their confession of faith, openly affirming Jesus as their Savior, even when it's difficult. Jesus, as our "great high priest," uniquely qualifies for this role because He is sinless, fully human, and has personally experienced...
Mar 09, 2025•39 min
Pastoral Resident Kenny Dyches' sermon, based on Hebrews 3:1-6, explores how Jesus grants believers freedom, family, and a future. He uses the analogy of freediving to illustrate how fear can pull us downward, much like gravity, leading to isolation, enslavement, and hopelessness. However, just as a freediver must hold onto a lifeline, we must hold fast to Jesus, who has freed us from fear and death. Pastor Kenny emphasizes that knowing the truth of the gospel is not enough—we must apply it to o...
Mar 02, 2025•35 min
In this sermon, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt explores Hebrews 2, presenting a four-part framework to explain the gospel: God made it all, we lost it all, Jesus gave it all, and we get it all. He begins by reflecting on the Psalm 8 reference in Hebrews, highlighting the profound truth that humanity was created with glory and honor, entrusted with God’s authority over creation. However, Pastor Kandt contrasts this biblical view with secular perspectives, arguing that while secu...
Feb 23, 2025•31 min
In this opening message of NewCity Orlando’s spring sermon series on Hebrews, Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt lays a foundation for understanding the book’s central theme: Jesus over everything. Preaching from Hebrews 1:1–2:4, he highlights seven ways Christ is superior—He is the heir, creator, radiance, imprint, sustainer, savior, and Lord. Through vivid illustrations, historical context, and deep theological insights, Pastor Benjamin unpacks how the supremacy of Jesus calls us...
Feb 16, 2025•35 min
Associate Pastor Kenny Dyches continues our brief Winter Wisdom series, preaching on the contrast between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom, using a compelling story about a man who built a successful business but struggled with spiritual emptiness. The man’s journey, shaped by a vivid dream and an encounter with a preacher resembling Jesus, highlighted the challenge of surrendering earthly pursuits for true fulfillment in God. Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Kenny emphasizes that wisdom is not just...
Feb 10, 2025•32 min
Senior Pastor Damein Schitter begins a new mini-series, Winter Wisdom, preaching from Proverbs 3:5-8. He explores what it means to be truly wise, emphasizing that wisdom is not just about intelligence or self-sufficiency but about trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly. Pastor Damein argues that in a world obsessed with knowledge for self-reliance, biblical wisdom calls for deep dependence on God. He contrasts wisdom with folly, illustrating how self-sufficiency, as exemplified in biblical figures ...
Feb 03, 2025•43 min
Pastor of Congregational Care & Missions Jason Dunn concludes our sermon series on the definition of a disciple: one who is united to Jesus, in communion with God, in community with others, and commissioned for the world. Pastor Jason focuses on the final piece: the commission. Using the story of a tragic bridge collapse in 1907 and the subsequent creation of the "Order of the Ring" for engineers, he explores how our work, whether as engineers, artists, parents, or cashiers, is deeply meanin...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min
Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our January vision series, preaching from John 13:34-35. He explores the nature of Christian community, arguing that it's characterized by sacrificial love, mutual knowing, and a shared commitment to God's mission. Pastor Damein contrasts this with a consumerist approach to relationships, drawing on the work of social psychologist Sherry Turkle and illustrating his points with examples from both Scripture and Toy Story 4. He also emphasizes the necessity o...
Jan 21, 2025•20 min
Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt continues out January vision series, preaching from John 15:1-11, to reveal how abiding in Jesus is fundamental to bearing fruit and expanding God's kingdom right here in Orlando. Pastor Ben also draws on rich biblical metaphors that illustrate the union between Christ and the church, with special attention to the imagery of a bride and bridegroom in Ephesians 5. He also reflects on the extraordinary exchange between Jesus and the church, where bu...
Jan 13, 2025•36 min
Pastor of Formation & Mission Benjamin Kandt kicked off our January vision series, preaching from 2 Timothy 2:1-7. He unpacks the essential elements of disciple-making—trustworthiness, teaching, and grit—drawing parallels to Paul's instructions in 2 Timothy. He asks us to imagine a movement so powerful, it sustains itself across four generations. That's the vision he shares as he discuss the qualities needed for a disciple-making movement to thrive. Pastor Ben also draws on the wisdom from n...
Jan 08, 2025•44 min
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...
Dec 30, 2024•40 min
Senior Pastor Damein Schitter continues our Advent series, Seeing Everyone Enjoy the King, preaching from Isaiah 65:17-25. Anchored in God’s promises, Pastor Damein confronts the pitfalls of complacency and triumphalism in our pursuit of hope for the future. Complacency risks making us passive, while triumphalism tempts us to rely solely on human effort. Through inspiring examples of redemptive entrepreneurship and community-focused initiatives, Pastor Damein explains how a hope grounded in God'...
Dec 23, 2024•32 min
