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’s homily explores the question of how to know if you truly have faith in Jesus. He begins by discussing the Beatitudes and how they highlight the things we fear (poverty, hunger, exclusion) and the things we trust in (wealth, abundance, reputation). Fr. Mike argues that true faith involves recognizing that these earthly fears and securities are not the end. He uses the example of a family who lost everything in a wildfire but found solace in their faith, demonstrating that even in the face of loss, there is hope in Christ.
Fr. Mike emphasizes that true faith in Jesus brings joy, moral guidance, and purpose to this life. He explains that before Christianity, there was no concept of the inherent dignity of every human being. However, Jesus’s message of love and equality has transformed the world and given us a sense of purpose and meaning. He highlights that these blessings are not the ultimate goal, but rather gifts that point towards the eternal life promised through the resurrection.
Fr. Mike then delves into the question of the resurrection of Jesus. He discusses the historical evidence, including the Criterion of Embarrassment (the inclusion of embarrassing details like Peter’s betrayal), the early preaching of the resurrection in Jerusalem itself, and the unwavering testimony of the apostles despite facing persecution and martyrdom. He argues that these factors strongly support the truth of the resurrection.
Finally, Fr. Mike addresses the practical application of faith. He quotes George McDonald, who emphasizes that true faith is demonstrated through obedience to Jesus’s teachings. Fr. Mike challenges listeners to reflect on whether they have taken any action, big or small, because Jesus asked them to. He concludes by stating that true faith is not about perfection but about making an effort to live according to Christ’s teachings, even in small ways.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
The Last Kingdom
The sermon by Andy Stanley focuses on the concept of the Kingdom of God, drawing inspiration from Jesus’s parables and teachings. Stanley emphasizes that Jesus’s primary purpose for coming to Earth was not simply to provide a ticket to heaven, but to establish the Kingdom of God on Earth. He highlights that this Kingdom is characterized by slow, organic growth, like yeast in dough or a mustard seed, and is meant to involve every person and transform the world.
Stanley emphasizes that Jesus’s followers are called to be active participants in the expansion of this Kingdom. He highlights Jesus’s command to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you,” emphasizing that true discipleship involves not only personal faith but also actively living out Jesus’s teachings and making disciples of others. Stanley encourages listeners to view themselves as active participants in the Kingdom of God, seeking to live out Jesus’s commands and contribute to its growth in their communities and the world.
Stanley acknowledges that the traditional focus on individual salvation and the afterlife can sometimes overshadow the importance of participating in the Kingdom of God on Earth. He encourages listeners to shift their perspective, recognizing that their faith is not just about personal salvation but about actively contributing to the transformation of the world according to God’s plan. He emphasizes that this involves living out Jesus’s teachings, loving others, and seeking to make a positive impact on the world around them.
In conclusion, Stanley emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus as the King and recognizing the significance of participating in the expansion of his Kingdom. He encourages listeners to prioritize this understanding in their faith and to actively seek ways to contribute to the Kingdom’s growth in their own lives and in the world around them. He concludes by announcing an upcoming initiative to deepen and widen the church’s impact in the community and beyond, encouraging listeners to attend the following week’s service to learn more.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
The homily by Msgr. Frank McNamee focuses on the Gospel reading for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time, which includes Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount and the Beatitudes. Msgr. McNamee highlights three key aspects of this teaching: Jesus’s way of living, the necessity of embracing the Sermon on the Mount to follow Jesus faithfully, and the contrast between blessings and woes, which challenges us to examine our values and priorities. He emphasizes that the Beatitudes reveal Jesus’s priorities: humility, mercy, and a heart attuned to God over worldly success, power, and comfort. Msgr. McNamee encourages listeners to imitate Jesus’s way of life and to consider where they place their trust and what they truly value in life.
The homily also addresses the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, emphasizing the importance of supporting the wider Church and recognizing that the needs of the broader Church impact all members. Msgr. McNamee highlights the theme of “We are one body in Christ,” emphasizing that when one part of the Church is hurting, the whole body suffers. He discusses the various ways the appeal supports the Church, including seminarian formation, Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, and Catholic centers at universities. Msgr. McNamee encourages parishioners to consider their gifts to the appeal, emphasizing that every gift makes a difference and contributes to a brighter future for the Church.
Msgr. McNamee shares a personal experience attending Mass at the Catholic Center serving Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College. He was deeply moved by the students’ vibrant and engaging participation, particularly their musical and dramatic presentation of the readings. This experience reinforced the importance of investing in the future of the Church through education and supporting Catholic centers at universities. He emphasizes that these centers provide essential spiritual support and formation for young people, ensuring a strong and vibrant future for the Catholic faith.
In conclusion, Msgr. McNamee emphasizes the importance of living out one’s Catholic faith beyond the walls of one’s parish and embracing the broader Church. He encourages parishioners to prayerfully consider their gifts to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal and to actively participate in the life of the Church, recognizing their role in building a brighter future for all. He concludes by reminding listeners that their faith is not just a personal belief but a shared responsibility to support and nurture the entire Body of Christ.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
The One Thing
The sermon by Louie Giglio focuses on the concept of hope in the dark, drawing inspiration from Psalm 42. Giglio emphasizes that the psalmist, despite feeling lost and disconnected from God, ultimately finds hope and a renewed sense of purpose. He highlights three key takeaways from the psalm: 1) Acknowledge and address your emotional state: The psalmist honestly expresses his feelings of sadness and despair, acknowledging the reality of his emotional struggles. Giglio encourages listeners to do the same, recognizing and addressing their own emotional experiences. 2) Preach to yourself: When negative thoughts and self-doubt arise, Giglio encourages listeners to counter them with words of hope and encouragement. He emphasizes the importance of speaking truth to oneself, reminding oneself of God’s promises and faithfulness. 3) Put your hope in God: The psalmist ultimately finds solace in remembering God’s past faithfulness and trusting in his future promises. Giglio encourages listeners to do the same, placing their hope in God’s unwavering love and care, even in the midst of darkness and uncertainty.
Giglio illustrates these points with personal anecdotes, including a story about a young woman who attempted suicide but found hope and healing through faith. He emphasizes that even in the darkest moments, God’s grace and mercy are available. He encourages listeners to seek community and support from fellow believers, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles.
Giglio concludes by leading the congregation in a powerful moment of worship, encouraging them to lift their hands in praise and surrender their burdens to God. He emphasizes the importance of experiencing God’s presence and allowing him to fill them with hope and joy.
Overall, the sermon by Louie Giglio provides a message of hope and encouragement for those facing difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging one’s emotions, speaking truth to oneself, and ultimately placing one’s hope in God. Giglio’s message is both insightful and inspiring, offering a roadmap for navigating life’s challenges and finding lasting peace and joy in God.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Kris McDaniel’s sermon centers on Luke 6:17-26, a passage containing the Beatitudes and Woes. McDaniel emphasizes the chaotic scene where Jesus stood on a level place, drawing people from all walks of life, highlighting Jesus’s accessibility and power. He contrasts this with the common perception of God as merely a dispenser of wisdom, urging listeners to recognize Jesus’s power to transform lives and meet individual needs. McDaniel argues that Jesus moves toward the needy, those aware of their brokenness, but that many insulate themselves from this awareness.
McDaniel explores the Beatitudes, focusing on the poor, hungry, weeping, and excluded, arguing that these states of need are not signs of something wrong, but rather opportunities for God to meet us. He challenges the audience to identify their own needs and vulnerabilities, moving past shame to name them, as this awareness invites Jesus’s presence. He emphasizes the “for you will” language in the Beatitudes, highlighting the tension between present reality and future fulfillment, encouraging listeners to be present in their current circumstances while hoping for God’s future redemption.
Turning to the Woes, McDaniel defines “woe” as deep sorrow and distress, highlighting Jesus’s heartbreak for those who rely on worldly comforts. He explains that riches, fullness, laughter, and good reputation, while not inherently wrong, become problematic when they are used to insulate oneself from neediness and brokenness. McDaniel argues that these things, when substituted for God, become addictive and ultimately unsatisfying, leading to cynicism and harm.
McDaniel concludes by emphasizing that despite their neediness, believers belong to the Kingdom of God, possessing inherent dignity. She encourages self-reflection, urging listeners to identify areas where they seek satisfaction outside of God, recognizing that these vulnerabilities can shift throughout life. He suggests using the framework of the Woes – comfort/security, pleasure/satisfaction, and image/reputation – as a tool for self-examination and journaling, allowing individuals to pinpoint their current vulnerabilities and turn to Jesus for true fulfillment.
Listen to the full version here.
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