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’s homily on the Second Sunday of Advent focuses on the theme of “incomplete” and the importance of love in the Christian life. He begins by asking the audience to consider how they would live their lives if they knew they would die on Christmas Day. He then uses the example of Frodo Baggins from Lord of the Rings to illustrate the idea of doing everything right but still failing to complete the most important task.

Fr. Mike then turns to the Gospel reading for the day, which emphasizes the importance of love. He argues that love is the one thing that we cannot neglect in our lives and that it is the key to a fulfilling and meaningful existence. He also acknowledges that we are all imperfect and that we often fail to love as we should. However, he encourages us to trust in God’s grace, which can help us to overcome our weaknesses and to grow in love.

Fr. Mike concludes his homily by sharing the story of St. Mark G. Tianchang, a Chinese Catholic who was addicted to opium for 30 years. Despite his addiction, St. Mark remained faithful to God and was eventually martyred for his faith. Fr. Mike argues that St. Mark’s life is an example of how God can use even our weaknesses to bring about His glory. He encourages us to trust in God’s grace and to allow Him to work in our lives, even when we feel like we are failing.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Sinners Like Me

This sermon by Andy Stanley from Buckhead Church is part two of a Christmas series titled “Sinners Like Me.” Stanley delves into the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1, highlighting the inclusion of seemingly scandalous figures like Tamar and Rahab. He emphasizes that Matthew intentionally included these individuals to demonstrate God’s grace and mercy towards sinners.

Stanley argues that God’s holiness does not preclude his mercy and that God’s perfect character allows him to redeem imperfect people. He encourages listeners to recognize their own imperfections and to embrace the message of hope and redemption offered by Jesus Christ.

The sermon concludes with a powerful message of worth and belonging. Stanley reminds the congregation that their true identity is rooted in God’s love and acceptance, regardless of their past mistakes or societal labels. He encourages them to see themselves and others through God’s eyes, recognizing the inherent value and potential in every individual.

In essence, this sermon challenges listeners to reconsider their understanding of God’s grace and their own self-worth. It invites them to embrace the message of Christmas, a message of hope, redemption, and unconditional love for all.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

The homily begins with a reflection on the second week of Advent, which is dedicated to peace. Deacon Bruce Goodwin reminds the congregation of the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and the importance of preparing for the birth of Christ. He emphasizes that this preparation should involve more than just material preparations for Christmas, but also spiritual preparation through prayer and reflection.

Deacon Bruce Goodwin then discusses the concept of God and the many different gods that have been worshipped throughout history. He highlights that these gods were often materialistic and did not provide any real help or salvation. In contrast, God sent Jesus to the world to provide a path to heaven and to show us the way to live a good life.

The homily continues with a discussion of the importance of repentance and confession. Deacon Bruce Goodwin encourages the congregation to reflect on their own sins and to seek forgiveness from God. He also emphasizes the importance of following Jesus’ teachings and commandments in order to achieve salvation.

The homily concludes with a prayer for peace and unity. Deacon Bruce Goodwin asks God to bless the congregation and to help them to grow in faith and love. He also reminds them of the importance of the Eucharist and encourages them to receive the body and blood of Christ with reverence and gratitude.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

Orbit

This sermon by Pastor Louie Giglio from Passion City Church is a deep dive into the concept of grace. He begins by explaining that grace is God at work, doing what we cannot do. He then delves into the biblical narrative, highlighting instances where God’s grace was evident, from the creation of the world to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Giglio emphasizes that God’s grace was active before the foundation of the world, as seen in the predestination of believers and the sacrificial nature of Jesus Christ. He further explores how God’s grace is evident in the creation story, the story of Abraham and Isaac, and the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.

The sermon continues by discussing the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the concept of salvation by grace through faith. Giglio highlights the role of grace in the lives of believers, enabling them to overcome sin and live a righteous life. He emphasizes that grace is not merely a gift but an active force that transforms lives.

In conclusion, Giglio underscores the importance of recognizing and embracing God’s grace. He encourages listeners to take hold of the thread of grace that runs throughout the Bible and their own lives. The sermon concludes with a powerful message of hope and assurance, reminding believers that God’s grace is sufficient for all their needs.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Kris McDaniel’s sermon delves into the significance of the historical context surrounding John the Baptist’s ministry, highlighting the turbulent times of Tiberius’ reign and Pontius Pilate’s rule. He emphasizes that God often works in times of turmoil, inviting us to listen attentively, as John did, even in the midst of chaos.

McDaniel encourages listeners to actively seek God’s voice, recognizing that it requires intentionality. He draws parallels between John’s wilderness lifestyle and the modern world’s distractions, urging us to create space for quiet reflection and spiritual growth.

The sermon then shifts to the core message of Advent: preparation. John’s proclamation to “prepare the way of the Lord” serves as a call to examine our lives and address areas that hinder our spiritual journey. This involves both individual and collective action, recognizing that we are part of a larger community of faith.

Finally, McDaniel introduces the practice of the “prayer of examination,” a spiritual discipline that involves reflecting on one’s day, giving thanks, acknowledging areas of consolation and desolation, seeking forgiveness, and praying for future grace. By engaging in this practice, we can become more attuned to God’s voice and better prepared to welcome the coming of Christ.

Listen to the full version here.

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