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
Fr. Mike Schmitz begins his homily by discussing the importance of praising God, particularly in challenging times. He recounts the story of 16 Carmelite sisters who were executed during the French Revolution for their unwavering faith.These sisters continued to sing hymns of praise to God even as they faced death. Fr. Mike emphasizes that this example highlights the significance of making praise our initial and final response in any situation, regardless of our circumstances.
Fr. Mike delves into the distinction between praising God and thanking God. He explains that we praise God for who He is, while we thank God for what He has done. He encourages the congregation to strive for a life filled with constant praise and thanksgiving, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.
Fr. Mike emphasizes the power of consistent praise in our lives. He highlights the example of Job in the Bible, who maintained his praise of God even in the midst of immense suffering and loss. Fr. Mike encourages the congregation to emulate Job’s unwavering faith and to continue praising God regardless of their circumstances.
Fr. Mike concludes his homily by returning to the story of the Carmelite sisters. He describes their final moments, where they continued to sing praises to God even as they faced death. Fr. Mike emphasizes that these sisters’ ultimate act of praise serves as an inspiration for all believers. He encourages the congregation to follow their example and to offer their lives as a living sacrifice of praise to God.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
The Responsables
Andy Stanley’s sermon focused on the significance of repentance within the Christian faith. He defined repentance as a complete turnaround, involving confronting, owning, and acknowledging previously avoided truths. Stanley emphasized that repentance extends beyond mere regret, demanding a tangible shift in behavior. He clarified that repentance isn’t a means to escape accountability for past actions but rather a pathway to assuming responsibility and rectifying harm. The sermon concluded with a call to personal reflection on areas requiring repentance.
Stanley delved deeper into the concept by examining the biblical narrative of Zacchaeus, a tax collector and sinner who experienced repentance and forgiveness from Jesus. This example served as a model for the congregation, illustrating the transformative power of repentance.
The sermon also underscored the importance of owning past mistakes. Stanley encouraged listeners to avoid concealing or denying their sins, advocating for confession to both God and those affected. He acknowledged the challenging nature of this process but highlighted its ultimate rewards.
In conclusion, Andy Stanley urged the congregation to take practical steps towards repentance. Beyond expressing remorse, he emphasized the need for life transformation. This involved seeking forgiveness from God and making amends with those harmed. By embracing this journey, Stanley promised the congregation could experience the freedom and joy inherent in following Jesus Christ.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Brother Robert Perez begins his homily by reflecting on the Gospel passage where Jesus feeds the five thousand. He emphasizes that even after this miraculous event, many people followed Jesus out of a desire for physical sustenance rather than spiritual nourishment.
He delves deeper into the meaning of the Eucharist, explaining that it is the ultimate expression of God’s love and provision for humanity. He contrasts the physical bread and fish with the spiritual bread of life, Jesus Himself, who offers eternal life to those who partake in the Eucharist.
Brother Perez acknowledges the challenge of maintaining a deep spiritual connection with the Eucharist,especially for those who regularly celebrate Mass. He encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with the sacrament, asking if they truly hunger for Christ or if it has become a routine.
The homily concludes with a call to deepen one’s relationship with Jesus through the Eucharist. Brother Perez emphasizes the importance of allowing Christ to dwell within our hearts and become the center of our lives. He invites listeners to pray for an increased hunger for the Eucharist and to strive to become living tabernacles carrying Christ’s presence wherever they go.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
Brad Jones’s sermon encourages believers to embody the mission of the Church by being a light in a dark world. He emphasizes the need for Christians to step out of their comfort zones and actively participate in spreading God’s love and truth. Jones points out that the Church is not just a building or an institution but a living, breathing community of people called to reflect Christ’s presence in their daily lives.
He explores the idea that many Christians might attend church regularly but fail to fully engage with its mission. Jones challenges his audience to reflect on their own involvement and consider whether they are merely attending church or truly being the Church. He underscores that being the Church means more than just showing up on Sundays—it involves a daily commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus in every aspect of life.
Jones also discusses the importance of authenticity in faith. He encourages believers to be genuine in their relationships with others, showing love, compassion, and grace as Jesus did. He warns against the danger of becoming too focused on internal church activities at the expense of reaching out to those in need.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, urging the congregation to embrace their role as the Church by being active in their communities, serving others, and sharing the gospel with those around them. Jones’s message is a powerful reminder that the Church’s true mission is to be a transformative force in the world, driven by love and grounded in the teachings of Christ.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
In his sermon, Kris McDaniel explores the significance of the resurrection of Jesus as depicted in John 20:19-31, focusing on how this event transforms fear into peace and doubt into faith. McDaniel begins by reflecting on the disciples’ fear and uncertainty following Jesus’ crucifixion. He emphasizes how Jesus’ appearance to them in a locked room brings not just physical presence but a deep sense of peace, symbolizing the breaking of barriers between God and humanity.
McDaniel then delves into the encounter between Jesus and Thomas, often referred to as “Doubting Thomas.” He discusses how Thomas’ initial doubt is met with compassion by Jesus, who invites him to touch His wounds. This moment of personal interaction leads to Thomas’ profound declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God.” McDaniel highlights that doubt is a natural part of faith and that Jesus meets us where we are, offering reassurance and clarity.
The sermon further encourages believers to embrace the peace that Jesus offers, which goes beyond mere absence of conflict to a deep, abiding presence that sustains us through life’s challenges. McDaniel calls the congregation to live out this peace by being agents of reconciliation in a world often marked by division and fear.
McDaniel concludes by reminding listeners that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a present reality that empowers believers to live in the freedom and hope that Jesus offers. He encourages the faithful to move from doubt to belief, and from fear to peace, allowing the resurrection to shape their daily lives. This message serves as a call to embrace the transformative power of Christ’s resurrection in personal and communal life.
Listen to the full version here.
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