Whether you call them homilies, sermons, or talks, there’s a lot you can learn from the spiritual leaders in our community. While in a perfect world, you’d have time to listen to everyone, that simply isn’t possible for most with limited time to spare. To help, we’ve surfaced and summarized the teachings from the audio sermons of some of the most influential priests and pastors from around town and in the Christian sphere.

You can skip to a specific section by clicking the links below.

Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Buckhead Church
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
• Trinity Anglican Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz

This homily by Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on the significance of Easter, particularly in relation to overcoming darkness and despair. He begins by acknowledging the reality of darkness, grief, and uncertainty in life, as symbolized by the Easter Vigil’s start in darkness. Fr. Mike Schmitz references Tekashi Nagai, Helen Keller, Mary Magdalene, and Peter, all of whom experienced darkness in various forms, yet found ways to act and move forward. Despite the presence of death and destruction, his message emphasizes that these are not the only realities.

Fr. Mike Schmitz highlights the transformative power of Jesus’s resurrection, stating that He entered into destruction, death, and darkness, only to rise from them. This act makes faith possible, enabling individuals to find compassion, love, and courage even in the midst of suffering. He asserts that through baptism, receiving the Eucharist, and confirmation, believers are claimed and strengthened by the one who never dies, offering a beacon of hope in times of darkness.

Referencing Blaise Pascal’s mystical encounter with Jesus, Fr. Mike Schmitz introduces the concept of “touch points”. Pascal’s written memorial kept close to him served as a reminder of God’s presence even in darkness. Similarly, he explains that the anointing on the forehead during confirmation acts as a physical reminder of God’s claim and the Holy Spirit’s seal, offering solace and strength in moments of despair.

In conclusion, Fr. Mike Schmitz reassures listeners that despite the realities of destruction, death, and darkness, God has acted and continues to act in their lives. He encourages them to get up and do what they can, trusting in the promise that God can be found even in the darkest of times.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Andy Stanley emphasizes the significance of Jesus’ resurrection, presenting it not merely as a biblical narrative but as a historically verifiable event supported by eyewitness accounts from Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. He asserts that this resurrection forms the very bedrock of the Christian faith, the Bible, and the church. Andy Stanley points out the initial disbelief of these eyewitnesses, who did not anticipate Jesus’s rising, which he argues lends greater credibility to their eventual testimonies.

Andy Stanley addresses the natural skepticism surrounding the resurrection, using the example of Thomas, often known as “doubting Thomas,” who demanded physical proof before believing. Stanley acknowledges the reasonableness of such doubt, given the unusual nature of resurrection. Nevertheless, he contends that if Jesus indeed rose from the dead, it carries profound implications for everyone, especially considering Jesus’s claims to represent and act on behalf of God.

Andy Stanley highlights Jesus’s teachings concerning the kingdom of God and eternal life, stressing that the resurrection serves as a powerful validation of these promises. He urges listeners not to allow negative encounters with individuals claiming to be Christian or religious leaders to deter them from considering Jesus himself, whose resurrection attests to his divine nature. Andy Stanley references John’s description of God as love, framing it as a personal testament from someone who directly witnessed Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection.

Ultimately, Andy Stanley concludes that the resurrection stands as the transformative event that revolutionized Jesus’s followers and continues to impact lives today. He extends an invitation to those who may be hesitant or harbor doubts to consider following Jesus, emphasizing that his resurrection offers the promise of a new and everlasting life. The sermon culminates in a prayer, expressing gratitude for the courage of the early believers and seeking wisdom and guidance for those wrestling with their faith.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

Msgr. Frank McNamee begins by reflecting on Mary Magdalene’s journey to Jesus’ tomb on the first Easter morning. He emphasizes that her journey began in darkness, representing the sorrow, confusion, and despair she felt after witnessing Jesus’ crucifixion. The darkness symbolizes the absence of hope, a feeling many experience during times of suffering and uncertainty. Despite her grief, Mary takes a step forward, seeking Jesus even in the midst of darkness.

Msgr. Frank McNamee highlights that faith does not begin with understanding but with seeking Jesus, even when lost or unable to see the full picture. He notes that Mary’s journey to the tomb involved risk, including the risk of disappointment if she did not find Jesus. Msgr. Frank McNamee explains that faith always involves risk, requiring individuals to step beyond comfort and certainty, facing weaknesses, doubts, and fears. Mary’s courage in seeking Jesus serves as an inspiration, as she proceeds despite not knowing what she will find.

Upon discovering the empty tomb, Mary experiences confusion rather than joy, assuming the worst. Msgr. Frank McNamee points out the common human tendency to jump to conclusions when God acts unexpectedly. He stresses the importance of presence and seeking, even when God’s actions are beyond understanding. Although the passage does not detail Mary’s direct encounter with the risen Christ, it sets the stage for her future role. Mary, once possessed by demons, is entrusted with the mission of proclaiming the resurrection to the disciples.

Msgr. Frank McNamee concludes by stating that encountering Jesus should lead to proclamation, urging the congregation to share the resurrection message. He challenges the congregation to reflect on whether they have become complacent in their faith, limiting their witness to convenient times. Drawing parallels between Mary Magdalene’s journey and the spiritual journeys of the congregation, Msgr. Frank McNamee invites them to seek Christ in their darkest moments, take risks in faith, and proclaim the resurrection with boldness and joy.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

This sermon by Louie Giglio focuses on the story of Lazarus’s resurrection from John 11, emphasizing the message of hope and the power of Jesus. He highlights that with Jesus, “there’s always one more move,” even in seemingly impossible situations. Louie Giglio encourages listeners to believe that Jesus can change any story and that the resurrection and life are present in the gathering.

Louie Giglio draws two key promises from the encounter with Jesus. The first is the promise of eternal life through resurrection. The second is that things can be resurrected now with Jesus in the story. He encourages listeners to believe that God can still accomplish His purpose for their lives, even when things seem broken or lost.

The sermon by Louie Giglio also touches on the hope of eternal life, referencing the story of Levi Lusko’s daughter, Linda, and a visit to her grave. He emphasizes that for believers, death is not the end, but a temporary resting place, as there is eternal life through the resurrection for those who believe in Jesus. Louie Giglio shares a personal story about meeting a girl named Linda, who was named after Levi Lusko’s daughter, reinforcing the message of hope and resurrection.

Louie Giglio concludes his sermon by emphasizing the importance of knowing for sure that one’s name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He explains that salvation is achieved by confessing that Jesus is Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead. Louie Giglio urges listeners to ensure their place in the Lamb’s Book of Life, referencing Billy Graham’s message about repenting sins and receiving Christ.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Kris McDaniel focuses on the bewilderment of Jesus’s friends on Easter morning and encourages the audience to experience Easter through their eyes. He highlights that the women came to the tomb to tend to the dead, not expecting resurrection. They were driven by love and a desire to be near Jesus one last time. Kris McDaniel emphasizes that even in grief and confusion, one can choose to move closer to God.

Kris McDaniel points out that when the women arrived, they found the stone rolled away, which confused them further. The angels invited them to shift their focus from death to life and to remember Jesus’s promise of resurrection. His sermon stresses that as people of faith, we should be open to God’s intervention in our lives, even when we expect hardship. It also reminds us to intentionally remember the times God has worked in our lives.

Kris McDaniel explains that resurrection means Jesus was physically alive again, not just a memory or idea. He encourages Christians to be brave and share their faith by living lives that demonstrate God’s power over darkness. The speaker notes that the women were the first ones to preach the resurrection.

Kris McDaniel concludes his sermon by emphasizing that something remarkable happened with the resurrection, leading to the explosive growth of Christianity. He encourages those who are sad or confused to embrace Easter, as it is precisely for them. Kris McDaniel invites the congregation to identify places in their lives where God has intervened and to remember those moments.

Listen to the full version here.

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