In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Matthew Harper, Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies and Program Director of Africana Studies at Mercer University. Matt is also a good friend, and it was a gift to have him join the conversation.

Matt is married to his wife Elizabeth, and together they have three children: Lillian, Charity, and Isaac.

Our conversation centers on Sabbath. We talk about Sabbath as a gift from God—a rhythm of worship, rest, and fellowship that our souls deeply need. While most of us agree Sabbath sounds good in theory, many struggle to consistently make room for it in the reality of busy schedules and constant demands.

Matt helps us explore why Sabbath is so difficult to practice, why it matters more than we often realize, and how reclaiming it can bring real fruit into our lives. He also shares some of his own Sabbath practices and the ways those rhythms have shaped his faith, family, and work.

This is an honest and practical conversation about slowing down, receiving God’s gift of rest, and learning to live within healthier, more faithful rhythms.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode, we continue our focus on spiritual disciplines by exploring Bible Study with Larry Purvis. Larry shares practical tools, helpful principles, and personal insights that have shaped his approach to studying Scripture. Together, we reflect on the true aim of Bible study—not just gaining information, but experiencing transformation.

Recommended Resources:

Knowable Word by Peter Krol

https://wordtraining.org

https://www.seeingjesustogether.com/

https://www.thebiblerecap.com/

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

In this episode of the New City Podcast, we explore the spiritual discipline of Bible study—not just as a practice of learning, but as a rhythm of transformation. Bible study helps us not only understand God’s Word, but be shaped by it. We talk about the difference between reading for information and studying for formation, and offer practical ways to build a habit of engaging Scripture regularly.

Our mission is to help others to live in light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ