The NewCity Orlando All of Life Podcast

How to Read The Bible: Ecclesiastes

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Joshua Kessler discuss the authorship, context, structure, and interpretation of the book of Ecclesiastes. For additional resources, the chapter on Ecclesiastes in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. An accessible commentary on Job is John Walton’s volume in the NIV Application Commentary series. Also useful is Craig Bartholomew's vol...

How to Read the Bible: Matthew 9

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss Jesus' quotation of Hosea 6:6 that appears in Matthew 9 and 12.  This leads them to focus on the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, and how that helps us understand how the Old Testament might apply today. This is the article that Ben referenced: https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/the-crisis-of-christian-celebrity

How to Read the Bible: Matthew 6

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss how to look for repetitions in Scripture. In the Sermon on the Mount, they point out the line by line repetitions in the Beatitudes, the law by law repetitions that follow, and then Ben explains how a repeated phrase unlocked Matthew 6 for him.  As a bonus, Nate explains how the key verse from Ben's analysis also explains the point of the Harry Potter franchise.

How to Read the Bible: Matthew 1-2

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt use Matthew 1-2 to explain the difference between citations and allusions. Using the genealogy of Matthew 1, they discuss the surface level allusions. Then, using the story in Matthew 2, they discuss the story level allusions that connect Jesus to Israel.

A Conversation with Rev. Benjamin Kandt and Rev. Mike Aitcheson

In this episode of the Equip podcast, Rev. Benjamin Kandt and Rev. Mike Aitcheson discuss how the church is to do justice together. They draw on missionary theologian, Lesslie Newbigin's vision of the church as a sign, foretaste, and instrument to help explain how the church can participate in the coming kingdom of God. A kingdom where justice rolls down like waters.

How to Read the Bible: Using Typology for Application

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt continue the discussion from last week's episode on typology. They also reference the episode on Job 38 where "triperspectivalism" was introduced. Using James 5 as a starting point, they then discuss how looking for patterns in the characters of Scripture, in this case Joseph and Daniel, can help us understanding how their stories might apply to us today.

How to Read the Bible: Proverbs

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Jonathan Duckett discuss the authorship, context, structure, and interpretation of the book of Proverbs. For additional resources, the chapter on Proverbs in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. An accessible commentary on Proverbs is Tremper Longman’s volume in the Story of God Bible Commentary series.  In addition, there are actually...

How to Read the Bible: What is Typology?

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss "typology" as a strategy for reading Scripture. Using Hebrews as a starting point, they explore the nature of the "pattern" mentioned in Hebrews 8:5 and how looking for patterns throughout Scripture helps us see the message more clearly. The resource mentioned is Mitchell Chase's book 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory, which we would highly recommend.

A Conversation with Mark Noll and Irwyn Ince

How to Read the Bible: Job 42

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss Job 42. Ben explains how the structure of repentance, reconciliation, restoration makes sense of the book's conclusion. You can listen to the previous episode here.  Interested listeners may also want to revisit the Introduction to Job episode where we discuss other elements from the book's conclusion (i.e. Leviathan and Behemoth).

How to Read the Bible: Job 38

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss Job 38. Along the way, Ben introduces triperspectivalism as a tool for making sense of texts from different perspectives or different levels. They also discuss the problem of evil and how God's answer to Job that begins in chapter 38 relates to the issue. Next episode will finish the discussion of the end of the book of Job.

How to Read the Bible: 1 Peter 1-2

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss how to use the cross references in your Bible using 1 Peter 1-2 as a quick case study. 

A Conversation with Dr. Michael Allen

In this episode of The Equip, Damein Schitter introduces Dr. Michael Allen as our Theologian in Residence at NewCity Orlando. Listeners can learn more about Dr. Allen's background and connection to NewCity, as well as how his role as Theologian in Residence will unfold.

How to Read the Bible: Mark 14:51-52

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Benjamin Kandt challenges Nate Claiborne to preach the gospel from Mark 14:51-52, which he does by looking back to the OT and ahead to Mark 16 (and with an assist from a JETS article).  At the end, there is brief discussion of the longer ending of Mark, why it’s probably not original and why it’s still in our Bibles.

A Conversation with Irwyn Ince

In this episodes of The Equip Podcast, Rev. Dr. Irwyn Ince and Rev. Benjamin Kandt discuss the biblical vision of justice. Dr. Ince is pastor and director of the Grace DC Institute for Cross-Cultural Mission. In 2018, he was the first African-American moderator of General Assembly in PCA history. He is the author of the recent book: “The Beautiful Community: Unity, Diversity, and the Church at Its Best.”

How to Read the Bible: Mark 6

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt talk about a familiar story in Mark 6. Ben recounts how the wording of a single phrase led him to do a quick word search, which led to some meditation, which then led to a discovery.

How to Read the Bible: Job 13, Mark 1

Each week in How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Benjamin Kandt discuss and model faithful Christian reading of the Old and New Testaments. The chapters chosen come from the previous week's reading in CBR. In this episode, we discuss Job 13 and Mark 1. In Job 13, we note how important it is to pay attention to the range of emotions Job displays. We also note that his request to make his case before God is granted, but not in the way he anticipated. In Mark 1, we see that a curious cho...

How to Read the Bible: Abraham's Story

In this episode of How to Read the Bible, Nate Claiborne and Mike Allen give context and background for Abraham's story in Genesis. After that, they discuss how the New Testament authors incorporate it in their writings. In Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11, and James 2. As we prepare for our upcoming sermon series at NewCity, Blessed to Be a Blessing, we see the New Testament writers drawing on Abraham's story for a variety of pastoral purposes. 

How to Read the Bible: Job 9, Revelation 21-22

In this episode of the How to Read the Bible, Benjamin Kandt and Nate Claiborne discuss highlights from last week's CBR readings. We are working our way through Job and just finished Revelation Here, we discuss Job's request for a mediator in Job 9, as well as what future awaits us as described in Revelation 21-22. Interested listeners should consult our Introduction podcast for Revelation, as well the one for Job. Next week, we will talk about chapters in The Gospel of Mark and the next s...

How to Read the Bible: Job

The chapter on Job in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. An accessible commentary on Job is John Walton’s volume in the NIV Application Commentary series. Also useful is Tremper Longman’s volume in the Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Wisdom and Psalms series. The book we mentioned directly is Now My Eyes Have Seen You by Robert Fyall in the New Studies in Biblical Theology series. You can...

How to Read the Bible: Revelation 12

In this episode of a new series, Benjamin Kandt and Nate Claiborne discuss highlights from last week's CBR readings. We are working our way through Job and almost done with Revelation. Here, we discuss the connection between Revelation 12 and the early chapters of Job. Interested listeners should consult our Introduction podcast for Revelation, as well the one for Job that we mention in the episode. Next week, we will talk about chapters from the end of Revelation and the next section in t...

Whole Life Whole Love | Theological Backgrounds

In this episode, I sat down with our senior pastor Damein Schitter to talk about the vision series for the fall Whole Life Whole Love. This four week series will take a closer look at the greatest commandment as it is presented in each of the four gospels. Here, Pastor Damein explains some of his thinking behind the series, his hopes for our congregation, and some of the barriers we may encounter as we seek to listen to what God would say to us through these sermons.

Genesis 1-2 | Theological Backgrounds

In this episode, I talk with Rev Dr Mike Allen from RTS about the early chapters of Genesis. The books mentioned are Gavin Ortlund's Retrieving Augustine's Doctrine of Creation and John Collins' Genesis 1-4. Listeners may also find Michael Lefebvre's The Liturgy of Creation and S. Joshua Swamidass' The Genealogical Adam and Eve helpful. The former book covers the days of creation, as well as the flood, a topic we had hoped to cover here and may get to in a future episode.  NOTE: We began ex...

Esther | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Esther in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. It also contains many of the insights we mentioned (like the chiastic structure, importance of humor, providence of God). A short accessible commentary on Esther is Debra Reid’s volume in the TOTC series. Interested listeners may also want to check out Karen Jobes volume in the NIV Application Commentary series, as well as David Firth’...

Nehemiah | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Nehemiah in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theology, history, and literary form of the Nehemiah should consult Charles Fensham’s volume in the NICOT series (covers Ezra as well). A shorter, more accessible commentary is Derek Kidner’s volume in the TOTC series (which also covers Ezra). As always, check out the Bible Project...

John | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on John in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theology, history, and literary form of the John’s Gospel should consult D. A. Carson’s volume in the PNTC series. A shorter commentary worth consulting is Colin Kruse’s volume in the TNTC series. As always, check out the Bible Project videos on John. There’s one on the Book of Signs: ...

Ezra | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Ezra in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theology, history, and literary form of the Ezra should consult Charles Fensham’s volume in the NICOT series (covers Nehemiah as well). A shorter, more accessible commentary is Derek Kidner’s volume in the TOTC series (which also covers Nehemiah). As always, check out the Bible Project...

Thessalonians | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on 1-2 Thessalonians in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theological, history, and literary form of Thessalonians should consult Gordon Fee’s volume in the NICNT series. Two shorter commentaries worth consulting are The Message of Thessalonians by John Stott, and Nijay Gupta’s volume in the NCCS. As always, check out the Bible P...

Pastoral Epistles | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on The Pastoral Epistles  in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theological, history, and literary form of the Pastoral Epistles should consult Philip Towner’s volume in the NICNT series. Two shorter commentaries worth consulting are The Message of 1 Timothy and Titus and The Message of 2 Timothy, both by John Stott and both in th...

Dr. Irwyn Ince Interview | Biblical Reconciliation and the Dynamics of Diversity

Dr. Damein Schitter and Dr. Irwyn Ince discuss the biblical foundations for reconciliation, the importance of pursuing reconciliation and diversity as a local church, and the dynamics of racial, political, and cultural divides.

Philippians | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Philippians in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. An excellent introductory commentary on Philippians that reads like a devotional is D. A. Carson’s Basic for Believers. A more recent commentary and series worth exploring is Lynn Cohick’s volume in the Story of God Bible Commentary series. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theological, history, and literary for...

Colossians | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Colossians in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. Listeners that want to do some real digging into the theological, history, and literary form of Colossians should consult Douglas J. Moo’s volume in the PNTC series. Two shorter commentaries worth consulting are N. T. Wright’s volume in the TNTC series, and Michael Bird’s in NCCS. As always, check out the Bible Project video on Col...

Galatians | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Galatians in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. In our discussion of the New Perspective on Paul, the main figure in mind is N. T. Wright. He has several books on Paul at various levels of intensity. What Saint Paul Really Said is accessible, but represents an earlier version of his ideas. But, it is helpful for the average person to grasp his different reading of books like Gala...

2 Corinthians | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on 1-2 Corinthians in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. A newer resource, The Story Retold by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd is very useful for New Testament book overviews, but with a focus on their connections to the Old Testament. Listeners who are interested in exploring Paul’s history with Corinth and the nature of his correspondence can check out Colin Kruse’s commentary i...

Chronicles | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For a big picture overview and some helpful background information, we would recommend the chapter on 1-2 Chronicles in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. Peter Leithart’s commentary on 1-2 Chronicles in the Brazos Theological Commentary series is where the quote about music originates. Listeners who would like more detailed information on Chronicles as history, as well as more application to the Christian life can consult Andrew Hill’s commentary ...

Chronicles | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For a big picture overview and some helpful background information, we would recommend the chapter on 1-2 Chronicles in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. Peter Leithart’s commentary on 1-2 Chronicles in the Brazos Theological Commentary series is where the quote about music originates. Listeners who would like more detailed information on Chronicles as history, as well as more application to the Christian life can consult Andrew Hill’s commentary ...

2 Kings | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For big picture overview and some helpful background information, we would recommend the chapter on 1-2 Kings in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. Peter Leithart’s commentary on 1-2 Kings in the Brazos Theological Commentary series is very insightful, and was the resource Nate was using for much of the typology discussion. For a more application driven book, we would highly recommend Dale Ralph Davis’ 2 Kings: The Power and The Fury. As always, if...

Romans | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The chapter on Romans in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized is helpful for understanding the structure of the book. The best, most comprehensive commentary is by Douglas Moo in the NICNT series (there is a 2nd edition available now). Shorter devotional commentaries we would recommend include The Message of Romans by John Stott and the volume in the Tyndale NT commentary series by F. F. Bruce. For more application driven readings, Nate has found Mich...

Dr. Tim Keller Interview | Whole-life Discipleship in Our Current Culture

Recently, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Tim Keller. Many of you will know of Tim as the founder of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. He is also the author of numerous best selling books, and certainly one of the best preachers in our generation. In this episode, we  discussed NewCity's vision and mission, as well as the obstacles and opportunities of whole-life disciple in our current culture.

1 Kings | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For big picture overview and some helpful background information, we would recommend the chapter on 1-2 Kings in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. Peter Leithart’s commentary on 1-2 Kings in the Brazos Theological Commentary series is very insightful. For a more application driven book, we would highly recommend Dale Ralph Davis’ 1 Kings: From Wisdom to Folly. As always, if you prefer to visualize things will find The Bible Project videos on 1-2 K...

Acts | CBR Bible Introduction Project

2 Samuel | CBR Bible Introduction Project

Nate was drawing from Peter Leithart’s A Son to Me: An Exposition of 1-2 Samuel for reading David’s story in light of Israel’s story. For some of his comments, Josh was using Stephen Dempster’s Dominion and Dynasty: A Theology of The Hebrew Bible (part of the New Studies in Biblical Theology series). For other resources, Dale Ralph Davis’ 2 Samuel: Out of Every Adversity is an excellent devotional commentary (as is his book on 1 Samuel). For big picture overview and some helpful background i...

Luke | CBR Bible Introduction Project

Nate would recommend A Concise Guide to Reading the New Testament by David Nienhuis as a helpful resource on not just Luke, but the rest of the New Testament. We would also recommend the Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels for insight into many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles in Luke, as well as the other Gospels. Listeners will also find the chapter in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the New Testament: The Gospel Realized helpful. More advanced readers will benefit from The ...

1 Samuel | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For more details on reading 1 Samuel in light of Genesis, Peter Leithart’s A Son to Me: An Exposition of 1-2 Samuel is the place to start. Dale Ralph Davis’ 1 Samuel: Looking on The Heart is an excellent resource as well (as is his book on 2 Samuel). For big picture overview and some helpful background information, we would recommend the chapter on 1-2 Samuel in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. And for a helpful visual overview, check out the Bib...

Ruth | CBR Bible Introduction Project

A short, accessible resource with excellent cultural background information is Finding God in the Margins by Carolyn Custis James. Listeners should also check out the chapter on Ruth in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. Commentaries on Ruth are often combined with commentaries on Judges, as is the case in the Tyndale Old Testament, New American, and NIV Application commentary series. Listeners wanting to go deeper into the theological, literary, a...

Matthew | CBR Bible Introduction Project

The book mentioned during the episode is Matthew, Disciple and Scribe by Patrick Schreiner. We would also recommend The Sermon on The Mount by Jonathan Pennington for an in-depth look at the wisdom in that part of Matthew. We would also recommend the Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Gospels for insight into many of Jesus’ teachings and miracles in Matthew, as well as the other Gospels. You can also check out the two part Bible Project videos on Matthew: https://youtu.be/3Dv4-n6OYGI and ht...

James | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For a helpful introductory commentary on James, the volume by Douglas Moo in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series is helpful. A more advanced commentary by the same author can be found in the Pillar New Testament Commentary series. We would also recommend The Bible Project video on James: https://youtu.be/qn-hLHWwRYY

Hebrews | CBR Bible Introduction Project

On Hebrews, Mike recommends the commentaries by John Calvin and Luke Timothy Johnson. He would also recommend Ernst Kasemann’s Wandering People of God and a collection of essays titled Epistle to the Hebrews and Christian Theology. Nate recommends the volume on Hebrews in the Tyndale New Testament Commentary series, as well as the volume by F. F. Bruce in the New International Commentary series. The volume in the NIV Application Commentary series by George Guthrie is helpful for thinking ab...

God's Word Preview with Benjamin Kandt, Jonathan Duckett, and Nate Claiborne

Reading God’s Word is an essential practice in the life of a whole-life disciple. Join us Nov 1 & 2 as we explore the formative power of the light of God’s inspired and authoritative word in our lives. November 1-2 (Friday 7-9pm; Saturday 9am-12pm) Event Address - 731 Brookhaven Drive Orlando, FL 32803

Judges | CBR Bible Introduction Project

For more background details on the book of Judges, listeners should check out the chapter on Judges in A Biblical-Theological Introduction to the Old Testament: The Gospel Promised. The best single volume commentary that is detailed and accessible is probably Barry Webb’s volume in The New International Commentary on the Old Testament series. For a more pastoral, application oriented commentary, listeners should get a copy of Judges: Such a Great Salvation by Dale Ralph Davis (and any other ...