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
Holy Moments
Fr. Mike Schmitz starts the homily by talking about book dedications and how they can change the story. He mentions the dedication of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis and “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum as examples. He then talks about the importance of holy moments and how they are not just special moments but also ordinary moments that we can dedicate to God.
He talks about how St. Paul tells us to “do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). He says that this means that we can dedicate everything we do to God, even our everyday moments. He gives the example of a friend of his who was in pain and offered his pain up to God for his daughter.
Fr. Mike Schmitz then talks about three simple words that can help us dedicate our everyday moments to God: ask, offer, and accept. Ask means asking God to be present in the moment. Offer means offering the moment to God. Accept means accepting whatever comes from God’s hand.
Finally, he concludes the homily by inviting the congregation to start dedicating their everyday moments to God. He says that this doesn’t have to wait until next week or next month, but can start right now.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Heaven, Hell, and Everything In Between
In Joel Thomas’ sermon, he addresses the dual forces of good and evil in the world, emphasizing that these forces are not just abstract concepts but are actively involved in our lives. Instead of viewing heaven and hell as distant places, he introduces the idea of two realms: the seen and the unseen. Thomas asserts that these realms overlap, affecting our reality. He draws on the apostle Paul’s teaching about the constant battle between these forces, impacting our ability to carry out good intentions.
The sermon highlights the powerful influence of these forces, shaping our decisions and ultimately determining whether we draw blessings from heaven or chaos from hell. Thomas references a previous week’s discussion about focusing on heavenly ideals and avoiding certain behaviors to align with the forces of good. He then delves into the concept of a “secret weapon” employed by the forces of hell: living in darkness. Thomas explains how the enemy uses secrecy and hidden aspects of our lives to isolate and manipulate us, making us vulnerable to repeated temptations.
The central theme of the sermon centers on the importance of exposing these hidden aspects to the light. Thomas argues that living in darkness, driven by shame and secrecy, only perpetuates the cycle of brokenness. He introduces the concept of confession as a powerful tool to break the grip of shame and allow for healing. Drawing from biblical teachings and psychological insights, he emphasizes the idea that everything exposed to the light becomes visible and can ultimately serve as a source of light for others.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to consider what might be hidden in their lives, and urging them to confront these issues instead of succumbing to fear and shame. Thomas emphasizes the potential for healing and transformation when individuals choose to live in the light and expose the hidden areas of their lives, ultimately aligning with the forces of good.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Joe Wagner reflects on recent first readings from the Bible, particularly Job’s lament about life’s drudgery and the detailed regulations on leprosy in Leviticus. Acknowledging the less popular nature of Leviticus, Fr. Joe highlights its importance for the community, as these rules were crucial for dealing with the highly contagious and mysterious disease of leprosy. He emphasizes the severe consequences for those afflicted, leading to isolation, exclusion from the temple, and a cry of “unclean” when approaching others. Fr. Joe draws parallels between leprosy and the effects of sin, describing them as symbols of estrangement, alienation, and internal conflict.
The homily underscores the misery experienced by those with leprosy, noting the threefold breakdown in relationships: with God, with others, and internally. Fr. Joe uses vivid examples, referencing the Godfather series to illustrate how sin can corrupt and lead to isolation. However, he offers hope by turning to Jesus as the solution. Jesus moved with compassion, welcomed the leper and healed him. Fr. Joe encourages listeners to recognize Jesus’ attraction to their spiritual leprosy and urges them to prostrate themselves before Him for healing.
Connecting the message to the upcoming Lenten season, Fr. Joe suggests that prayer, fasting, and almsgiving are powerful remedies for the relational breakdowns caused by sin. He concludes by inviting the congregation to bring their spiritual leprosy to the altar, trusting that Jesus came to heal and restore, making Lent a transformative time for renewal and reconciliation.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
Epicenter
Louie Giglio emphasizes that the goal is not merely to gain knowledge about Romans 8 but to be radically changed by its truth. The Word of God is presented as a living, breathing, and holy entity that has the power to transform lives. Giglio encourages an attitude of reverence and gratitude towards the Scripture, urging listeners to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to align their lives with its teachings.
The sermon traces the central themes of Romans, highlighting the significance of Romans 8, often considered the most crucial chapter in the book. The focus is on the idea that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, emphasizing the pivotal role of Jesus in fulfilling the righteous requirements of the law. Giglio elaborates on the purpose, problem, plan, and perfection outlined in God’s Word, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Christian narrative.
The message underscores the transformative power of God’s grace, contrasting it with the limitations of human efforts under the law. Giglio urges listeners to recognize their need for a divine exchange, where the condemnation meant for them is redirected to Christ. The culmination of this exchange is the believer’s justification, allowing them to confidently declare, “I am justified” and walk in the freedom that comes with being in Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to examine one’s position in Christ and a plea for those not yet in Christ to receive the grace offered through faith.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
In Kris McDaniel’s sermon, he explores Mark chapter 9, focusing on the Transfiguration of Jesus, a passage traditionally read on the Sunday before Lent. McDaniel highlights the strategic placement of this reading in the lectionary, offering a moment to mark the time before entering the Lenten season. He emphasizes the importance of disrupting routines and seeking moments of clarity and insight, akin to the disciples’ experience on the mountain with Jesus.
The sermon unfolds with McDaniel unpacking key elements of the Transfiguration narrative. He notes the radical transformation of Jesus, symbolizing a reminder of who followers truly deal with. Moses and Elijah’s presence signifies a continuation and culmination of the Jewish tradition, engaging in dialogue with Jesus about a second Exodus, leading to freedom from bondage.
McDaniel empathetically explores Peter’s attempt to prolong the experience, expressing a human desire for clarity and moments of divine presence. He reflects on the challenges of integrating such experiences into daily life. The sermon concludes with a call to embrace Lent as a season of intentional wandering, acknowledging the need for freedom from sin and brokenness before experiencing the freedom to become who God intends. McDaniel encourages self-reflection on areas in one’s life that could benefit from Jesus leading a “second Exodus” for a deeper experience of spiritual freedom.
Listen to the full version here.
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