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 sharing a story about how his parents taught him the importance of sharing. He says that his parents were very big on sharing and that they would always tell him and his brother to share their toys, clothes, and even food. The priest says that he learned the importance of sharing from his parents and that he tries to share what he has with others.
Fr. Mike then talks about how Jesus shared his healing power with others. He says that Jesus healed the sick, the blind, and the lame and that he did this out of generosity and love. Fr. Mike says that we can make our own moments holy by sharing what we have with others, just as Jesus did.
He then talks about the importance of being honest. He says that Jesus was always honest, even when it was difficult. The priest says that we can make our own moments holy by being honest with ourselves and with others.
Fr. Mike concludes the homily by saying that holy moments are possible for everyone and that all it takes is to be willing to share and be honest. He says that a life of ordinary moments that are shared and honest is all it takes to make a saint.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Heaven, Hell, and Everything In Between
In his sermon, Brad Jones delves into the unseen battleground shaping our lives, drawing on scripture and cultural observations. He proposes two realms, Heaven and Hell, not simply as physical destinations but as opposing forces constantly vying for our attention and influencing our decisions. This battle, he argues, isn’t just out there in some distant spiritual realm; it’s happening within each of us.
Jones begins by acknowledging the strangeness of his title, “Heaven, Hell, and Everything in Between.” He dismantles the traditional understanding of these realms as physical destinations, instead presenting them as forces constantly at play in the seen and unseen worlds. He draws on the perspectives of scientists who posit the existence of more unseen dimensions than seen ones, suggesting that these realms may coexist alongside our physical reality.
This unseen battle, Jones argues, manifests in our daily choices. Every decision, he claims, pulls us either towards the goodness of Heaven or the chaos of Hell. This doesn’t imply a simplistic good versus evil narrative; rather, it suggests that our choices, big or small, contribute to the overall atmosphere we cultivate in our lives.
Jones then delves into the concept of worldview, highlighting how our individual perspectives shape our beliefs, decisions, and behaviors. He acknowledges the influence of our culture, particularly the modern emphasis on individual truth and the shift in authority from external sources to the individual itself. He cautions against the limitations of this approach, arguing that true equality cannot exist with competing, incompatible ideas.
Applying this concept to Christianity, Jones suggests that many believers unknowingly blend cultural values with their faith. They pick and choose which parts of the Bible to follow, often rejecting those that clash with their personal preferences. This, he argues, weakens their connection to a true, Christ-centered worldview.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Deacon Bruce Goodwin’s homily delves into the transformative power of God’s presence, revealing the extraordinary hidden within the seemingly ordinary moments of our lives. He begins by questioning the very definition of “ordinary,” suggesting that it’s not merely about frequency, but rather a lack of depth or significance. This sets the stage for a beautiful exploration of how our perception shifts when we recognize God’s hand woven into the fabric of our daily experiences.
The first point of reflection centers on Job’s plight, a stark example of ordinary suffering. Deacon Goodwin acknowledges the intensity of Job’s struggles, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, God’s presence remains a constant, albeit often unseen force. This truth finds resonance in the responsorial Psalm, its verses echoing with praise for a God who “binds up our weaknesses” and offers solace amidst hardship. The Psalm serves as a powerful reminder that even when our circumstances feel ordinary and overwhelming, God’s love works behind the scenes, transforming our pain into opportunities for growth and deeper connection with the divine.
Deacon Goodwin then shifts focus to the Gospel narrative of Jesus healing Peter’s mother-in-law. This ordinary act of illness is transformed into an extraordinary moment by Jesus’ touch. This miraculous intervention serves as a potent symbol of God’s desire to intervene in our lives, to heal our wounds, and to elevate the mundane into something imbued with purpose and grace. The story reminds us that even the most ordinary occurrences hold the potential for extraordinary encounters with the divine, waiting to be recognized and cherished.
Finally, Deacon Goodwin delves into the profound significance of communion, challenging our conventional understanding of this sacred act. He suggests that it’s not just about passively consuming the body of Christ, but rather being actively consumed by his love. This deeper level of connection transcends the ordinary, inviting us to participate in a transformative exchange where our hearts are opened to the boundless love of God. This transformative act, he argues, is the essence of the extraordinary, a daily opportunity to experience the divine presence within and radiate it outwards into the world.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
This sermon by Grant Partrick is based on the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of Ruth, a Moabite woman who finds love and redemption through her marriage to Boaz, an Israelite man. Partrick starts the sermon by highlighting the Book of Ruth as a beautiful and often overlooked story that offers hope, trust, loyalty, grace, and redemption. He encourages the audience to delve into the book, emphasizing its inspiring message.
The sermon then dives into the setting of the book during a time of famine and hardship in Israel. Elimelech, a man forced by circumstances, moves to Moab with his wife Naomi and their two sons. However, tragedy strikes as Elimelech and his sons pass away, leaving Naomi alone with her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth. Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, her hometown, and Ruth chooses to accompany her. In Bethlehem, Ruth finds work gleaning in the fields of Boaz, a relative of Elimelech. Boaz, impressed by Ruth’s character and integrity, begins to look out for her. Their connection deepens, and eventually, Boaz redeems Ruth by marrying her. Their union leads to the birth of their son Obed, who becomes the grandfather of King David.
Throughout the sermon, Partrick emphasizes the Book of Ruth as a testament to God’s redemptive power. He underscores that God’s grace extends to everyone and everything and that Jesus, present in every word of the Bible, guides us towards the ultimate Redeemer. The sermon concludes with a powerful message urging the audience to emulate Ruth’s unwavering trust in God during life’s challenges. Partrick assures them that God’s faithfulness is constant, and He will never abandon us.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Pastor Nate Smith’s sermon is based on Mark 1:29-39, he delves into Jesus’ transformative ministry in Capernaum. One pivotal event involved healing Simon’s mother-in-law. This wasn’t just physical restoration; it symbolized the mending of a household and community. Jesus’ compassion extended beyond physical healing, as seen in his casting out of demons, representing victory over spiritual forces and offering liberation to those oppressed.
The passage also portrays Jesus seeking solitude for prayer. This wasn’t mere rest; it was a deliberate pursuit of communion with God, highlighting his reliance on prayer as a source of strength and guidance. We’re invited to follow his example, bringing our “desolate places” – moments of pain, fear, or doubt – to God, knowing he is already present and interceding for us.
Jesus’ ministry wasn’t a series of isolated events. Each act, like healing Simon’s mother-in-law or casting out demons, had ripple effects. The restored woman could reclaim her role, and the community was impacted. Jesus’ call to prayer invites us into a deeper relationship with God, drawing strength and purpose from that connection.
Pastor Nate Smith concludes with a call to action. Inspired by Jesus’ example, we’re called to participate in spreading the “good news” – the message of hope, healing, and liberation that Jesus embodied. This becomes a tangible response to the encounters and transformations witnessed in Capernaum, carrying forward the ripple effects of Jesus’ compassionate power in our own lives and communities.
Listen to the full version here.
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