Newcity Orlando

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 than a financial posture—it flows from confidence in God's care and covenant faithfulness. Rather than being anxious about the future, the righteous give freely, knowing they are upheld by the Lord. This sermon invites listeners to embrace a life shaped by trust, gratitude, and the joy of giving as an expression of God’s grace.

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 passive. Instead, it is deeply rooted in His character and woven into the lives of His saints. As we consider what it means to be preserved by God and to dwell forever in His care, we are challenged to embody righteousness in our ordinary decisions and relationships—confident that the Lord loves justice and never abandons His beloved.

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 that the way of the righteous is marked by waiting on the Lord, delighting in Him, and committing our way to Him. In a culture driven by urgency and outrage, this psalm invites us to slow down, rest in God’s timing, and trust that He will act. Dr. Allen points us to Jesus, who embodies this quiet trust and secures our hope in the final vindication of the righteous.

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, Hardy explores the Psalm’s repeated contrasts between the wicked and the righteous—not to stoke pride, but to deepen our confidence in God's promises. This sermon is a call to live faithfully and quietly before the Lord, delighting in Him, waiting patiently, and refusing the anxiety that comes from trying to control the world.

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, today, and forever.”The sermon culminates in the majestic benediction of verses 20–21, where God is revealed as the One who equips His people through the risen Christ, our Great Shepherd. Pastor Benjamin reminds us that the Christian life is not lived in our own strength, but in the power of God's grace, enabling us to do His will. This message invites us to embody our theology in community — living out gospel truth in love, sacrifice, and faithful obedience.

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 be shaken, where grace invites us into reverent and awe-filled worship.Kenneth calls us to examine what it means to live as citizens of this unshakeable kingdom — to respond to God’s voice with faith and obedience, and to embrace worship marked by reverence and wonder. This message urges the church to hold fast to the hope we have in Christ, whose blood speaks a better word and who invites us to live with confidence in His enduring reign.

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 that forms us in holiness, shaping us to share in His righteousness and peace.Throughout the message, Dr. Allen urges believers to resist discouragement and spiritual complacency, reminding us that our trials are not meaningless—they are signs of divine sonship. With pastoral clarity, he challenges us to lift our drooping hands and strengthen weak knees, pressing forward in grace and striving for peace and holiness in community.

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 of things not seen.He reminds the church that faith isn't reserved for the extraordinary, but is the daily posture of those who take God at His word. Even those who suffered and never received the promises in their lifetime are held up as heroes because they lived with eyes fixed on a better country — a heavenly one. This sermon challenges and encourages us to live faithfully in the present as we await the fullness of what God has promised in Christ.

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 message challenges listeners to examine the foundation of their faith, encouraging them to move beyond cultural assumptions about belief toward a biblically anchored, enduring trust in God's Word. Pastor Benjamin calls the church to live by faith, holding fast to the unseen realities promised by God, and to draw near to Him with full assurance.

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. Jesus’ scars become a healing response to our deepest wounds, showing that faith isn’t blind—it’s grounded in love, community, and truth. The gospel calls us not to behave better, but to believe deeper. Jesus meets us in our doubt and leads us into joy.

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.The sermon unfolds around three central imperatives: draw near, hold fast, and stir up. Believers are invited to approach God with assurance because Christ has cleansed their hearts and secured their access. In holding fast to our confession of hope, we are reminded that our endurance does not rest on our strength, but on God’s faithfulness. And finally, we are exhorted to stir up one another toward love and good works—something that only happens in the context of regular, intentional Christian community. Pastor Jason

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, become insufficient when they're disconnected from a relationship with God and used to avoid true dependence on Him.Pastor Kenny calls listeners to recognize the futility of self-reliant spirituality and instead rest in the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, our great High Priest. Christ’s blood not only secures eternal redemption but also purifies our consciences from dead works, empowering us to serve the living God with joy and freedom. He concludes with an invitation to build life-giving systems—like confession

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 of living stones, becomes the spiritual house where heaven meets earth—not through bricks and rituals, but through Spirit-formed lives.The sermon also unpacks the better promises of the new covenant: new hearts, new belonging, new intimacy, and new mercy. Unlike the old covenant, which revealed the gap but couldn’t bridge it, the new covenant transforms us from the inside out by the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence of God is the ultimate gift, empowering us to reflect heaven in our workplaces, relations

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 priest. He lives forever, always interceding for us, fully knowing us, and never forgetting us. Jesus not only saves us from our sin but saves us to the uttermost—reaching even the darkest places of our hearts with His redeeming love.Pastor Damien reminded us that if our status, security, or significance rests on anything shakable, it will ultimately fail us. Only Jesus, the King of Righteousness and Peace, offers us a foundation that is truly unshakeable. In Him, we find rest, assurance, and the freedom to live knowing we

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 maturity comes from active discipleship, not passive familiarity with religious rituals. Pastor Ryan emphasizes that true faith involves fully placing one's hope in Jesus, overcoming barriers that keep believers from fully trusting Him. Jesus is presented as the steadfast anchor for the soul, who overcomes every spiritual barrier—complacency, religion, isolation, self-reliance, and skepticism—ultimately securing believers' eternal hope through His unchangeable promise and priesthood.

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 trials and temptations. Jesus learned obedience through suffering, showing believers how to faithfully endure their own hardships by trusting, honestly expressing their desires, and ultimately surrendering their will to God.Furthermore, believers are invited to confidently "draw near" to God, trusting Jesus’ sympathy and gentleness toward human weakness. Unlike humans who often respond harshly or critically, Jesus responds with compassion. This gentle, sympathetic posture i

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 our lives, allowing it to transform our daily experiences and bring us into the freedom Jesus offers.He also stresses the communal aspect of faith, illustrating how believers are called to persevere together, much like mangrove trees that root themselves firmly and create an environment where others can flourish. Jesus is not only our high priest and mediator but also our leader, guiding us toward our eternal future. Pastor Kenny calls the congregation to fix their eyes on Jesus, embracing the freedom he offers, en

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 secularism offers a diminished view of human worth, Scripture presents humanity as divinely endowed with purpose and dignity.He then addresses the fall of humanity, explaining how sin led to humanity losing its authority, effectively handing power over to the devil. This brokenness is visible in the fear, anxiety, and shame that permeate human experience. Yet, the heart of the message is the redemptive work of Jesus, who took on human flesh to destroy the power of sin and death. Pastor Kandt emphasizes that Jesus’ sacrific

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 to draw near rather than drift away. He challenges us to see Jesus not merely as useful, but as beautiful—worthy of our highest love and devotion. Drawing on themes of perseverance, worship, and trust, he reminds us that in a world constantly vying for our attention and allegiance, Christ alone is unshakable. Whether you feel close to God or find yourself drifting, this sermon calls you to reorient your heart and life around the One who holds all things together.Whether you're familiar with Hebrews or exploring it

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 intellectual knowledge but a lived experience of God, requiring a heart posture of surrender and obedience.He outlines practical steps for obtaining wisdom: receiving, treasuring, inclining one's ear, calling out, and seeking diligently. He stresses that wisdom is cultivated not in isolation but through relationships, community, and submission to God. Using relatable examples and personal anecdotes, Pastor Kenny encouraged the congregation to pursue godly wisdom, trust in God's guidance, and live out their f