In this episode, host Nate Claiborne and theologian-in-residence Dr. Michael Allen dive into the heart of the Nicene Creed—its second article, which focuses on Jesus Christ. Building on their previous conversation about the importance of creeds as both summaries and guardrails for Christian belief, they explore what the Creed affirms about Christ’s identity, nature, and redemptive work. From the theological poetry of “God from God, Light from Light” to the historical grounding in figures like Pontius Pilate and Mary, this central paragraph of the Creed brings into focus both the mystery and majesty of the eternal Son who took on flesh for our salvation.

Dr. Allen explains how the Creed combats ancient heresies like Arianism by affirming Jesus’ full divinity and eternal existence while also narrating his true humanity through the incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. The conversation emphasizes how these statements are not merely doctrinal assertions but pastoral and devotional aids for worship, especially relevant during Holy Week. As NewCity continues to recite the Creed weekly, this episode helps listeners reflect more deeply on what each phrase means, why it matters, and how it connects us to the global and historic church.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne is joined by theologian-in-residence Dr. Michael Allen to explore the enduring value of Christian creeds, particularly the Nicene Creed. Together, they consider why creeds exist, what they accomplish, and how they serve both as summaries of the Christian faith and safeguards against theological error. Dr. Allen outlines three key functions of creeds: summarizing the vast narrative of Scripture, highlighting theological priorities, and drawing clear boundaries around unfaithful interpretations.

Through examples from both the Old and New Testaments, they show that creedal formation is a deeply biblical impulse. From poetic declarations in the Pentateuch to hymnic passages in Paul’s letters, the tradition of summarizing and reciting core truths has long served to orient God's people. The conversation also looks at how creeds function within the life of the church—not as a replacement for Scripture, but as interpretive tools shaped by the wisdom of the global and historical church. With 2025 marking the 1700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, Nate and Mike also share why now is a particularly significant moment to reflect on its meaning and relevance in our worship, witness, and discipleship.

In this deeply personal episode, Pastor Benjamin Kandt sits down with Joshua Esquivel to explore his remarkable journey from legalistic religion and inner turmoil to vibrant faith and intimate communion with Jesus. Joshua shares candidly about growing up in a devout Seventh-day Adventist community, wrestling with shame surrounding his same-sex attraction, and the years of isolation, performance, and self-rejection that followed. He recounts his eventual “coming out,” the pain of family rejection, and the years he spent trying to find identity and peace through secular means, including New Age spirituality and relationships.

Everything began to change when Joshua prayed a half-sincere, half-desperate prayer surrendering his life to God. What followed was an unexpected and supernatural encounter with the grace of Jesus through Scripture, Reformed theology, and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He speaks about his conviction of the Bible’s truth, his calling to celibacy, and the surprising joy and belonging he’s found in the body of Christ—particularly through New City. This is a testimony of gospel hope, identity rooted in Jesus, and the kind of transformation that only God can bring.

You can find the resources referenced in this episode here and here.

In this episode, Senior Pastor Damein Schitter interviews Sarah Williamson about her practice of fasting. Sarah shares her initial experience with fasting in college, where it was primarily seen as a special measure for significant spiritual needs. Her perspective shifted when she began practicing regular fasting as part of her church community's "common rhythm," transitioning it from an occasional to a habitual spiritual discipline. Initially, fasting provided Sarah with profound spiritual encounters, described as moments where she felt deeply connected to God's love and presence. Over time, this experience shifted to a sense of "simulated suffering" that fosters deeper dependence on God, preventing spiritual complacency.

Sarah also emphasizes the importance of communal fasting, describing how fasting regularly with her church community deepened relationships and mutual dependence. Practically, she details her approach, typically fasting once a week from dinner to dinner, acknowledging challenges such as balancing fasting with family responsibilities and daily tasks. Sarah concludes by encouraging listeners, even if hesitant, to begin fasting in small, faith-driven steps, as a pathway to greater intimacy with Jesus, despite its initial discomfort or confusion.

In this episode, Benjamin Kandt sits down with JD Widhalm, Michael Hampl, and Dylan Yost. The discussion revolves around Dylan’s journey to faith and how the community at NewCity played a significant role in his transformation. Dylan shares how he initially connected with the church through friendships, particularly with JD, Michael, and Ben. His journey began with social interactions—working out at a park, attending backyard wrestling nights, and engaging with community members who welcomed him before he believed. Despite feeling out of place at first, he was drawn to the kindness, authenticity, and intentionality of the people around him.

Over time, Dylan’s curiosity about Christianity deepened. He was given a Bible and began reading the Gospel of Mark, leading to spiritual encounters that helped him recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit. Conversations with JD and others helped him process his experiences, and after a period of contemplation, he committed to following Jesus. The podcast highlights the power of organic, relational evangelism—how simply living life with gospel intentionality can impact someone’s faith journey. Dylan’s story reflects a patient, community-driven approach to discipleship, where love, curiosity, and personal conviction ultimately led him to embrace Christianity.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss the spiritual practice of fasting, particularly in the context of Lent. They explore the historical and biblical foundations of fasting, explaining how it has traditionally been used as a means of self-denial, preparation, and spiritual discipline. They highlight the connection between fasting and feasting, emphasizing that both are essential parts of Christian life—fasting representing a time of longing and dependence on God, while feasting celebrates the joy and fulfillment found in Him. The conversation also touches on how the Christian calendar has shaped seasons of fasting, particularly leading up to Easter, and how fasting helps Christians resist being controlled by their physical cravings or desires.

They also discuss the importance of motivation in fasting, warning against legalism while encouraging listeners to engage in the practice as a way to grow in spiritual freedom. They offer practical suggestions for fasting during Lent, including food-based fasts, social media detoxes, or other forms of self-denial that create space for increased dependence on God. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to approach fasting not just as an act of giving something up but as an opportunity to take hold of more of God and deepen their faith.

You can listen to the sermon by Hardy Reynolds here, and last year's sermon from Ben here.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Michael Allen continue their deep dive into the book of Hebrews, focusing on its rich connections to the Old Testament. They explore how Hebrews serves as a bridge between the two testaments, highlighting the importance of cross-references in understanding the text. The hosts explain that nearly a quarter of the New Testament consists of direct quotes or allusions to the Old Testament, making tools like cross-references essential for fully grasping the depth of the message. They liken these references to musical samples or cinematic homages—elements that gain significance when the audience recognizes their original context.

The discussion also touches on how Hebrews presents Jesus as the fulfillment and superior figure over Old Testament leaders, priests, and prophets, particularly emphasizing His role as the ultimate high priest and final sacrifice for sin. Beyond this, the hosts point out Hebrews' dual use of the Old Testament: it not only highlights Christ’s superiority but also offers examples of faithful living through figures like Abraham, Sarah, and Noah. They stress that these stories serve as models for Christians today, encouraging perseverance in faith. As the conversation unfolds, they also hint at future episodes that will tie these lessons from Hebrews into the church’s upcoming study of the book of Numbers.

In this episode of the All of Life podcast, Nate Claiborne and Michael Allen dive into the New Testament book of Hebrews, offering background context and exploring its significance within Christian scripture. They describe Hebrews as a unique combination of sermon and letter, mysterious in its origins, and rich with Old Testament references—especially around themes of sacrifice, holiness, and Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of those practices. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding Old Testament concepts to fully grasp Hebrews' arguments, as the author assumes the audience’s familiarity with Jewish traditions and sacrificial systems.

The hosts also explore the historical backdrop of the letter, suggesting it was likely written in the 60s AD during a period of persecution, possibly under Nero’s reign. This pressure led some early Christians to consider returning to Jewish practices for safety, and Hebrews responds by affirming Jesus' superiority and the finality of His atoning sacrifice. They discuss the book’s deep influence on Christian theology, worship, and liturgy—especially its focus on perseverance, Christ’s role as the high priest, and the enduring importance of faith. For those wanting a deeper dive, they recommend John Calvin’s accessible and insightful commentary on Hebrews and encourage listeners to engage with cross-references to fully appreciate the book’s rich connection to the Old Testament.

In this episode, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss the practice of engaging with Scripture as part of the Common Rhythm. The central theme revolves around prioritizing "Scripture before screens," emphasizing the importance of immersing oneself in God's word before being influenced by the myriad of voices from technology, social media, and daily distractions. Their discussion highlights the different ways people engage with Scripture—whether through reading, listening, studying, or meditating—and how the key posture should be one of receiving from God rather than merely completing a routine.

The conversation delves into the historical context of how Scripture has been engaged with over time, including communal memorization before the advent of the printing press. They also touch on practical strategies, such as using the M'Cheyne reading plan and overcoming the "battle of the threshold"—the spiritual and mental resistance to starting the practice. They conclude with reflections on the authority of Scripture, its role in shaping believers’ lives, and how the Holy Spirit confirms its truth in the hearts of those who read it with faith. The episode ultimately encourages listeners to approach the Bible as a means of encountering Jesus, rather than just a book of knowledge or moral instruction.

You can find resources for the M'Cheyne reading plan on the NewCity Church Center App here

In our latest episode of the All in Life Podcast, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt kick off by connecting Leviticus to Hebrews and lay the groundwork for the upcoming spring sermon series at NewCity. They also talk about the importance of the Nicene Creed and plan to record a few episodes later this spring unpacking the riches and depths of this statement of faith.

Later this season, there will also be episodes supporting the "Summer in the Psalms" series that will spotlight Psalm 37, as well as deep dives on the various Common Rhythm practices in the life of NewCity. 

Nate and Ben wrap up the episode by catching up briefly on each other's current PhD work. They highlight the mutual benefits for pastors and counselors learning from one another, especially in times of mental health crises.