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
In his homily, Father Mike Schmitz begins by recalling a high school experience listening to Paul Harvey’s radio program, specifically a segment about the signers of the Declaration of Independence. He acknowledges contemporary criticisms of these historical figures regarding their wealth and slave ownership. However, Father Mike shifts the focus to the immense personal risk the 56 signers undertook, highlighting their pledge of “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor” as a testament to their profound sacrifice for liberty.
Father Mike then draws a powerful parallel between the signers of the Declaration and biblical figures like the 72 disciples sent out by Jesus, and St. Paul. He emphasizes that both the signers and the disciples faced significant dangers, with the former risking their lives for freedom and the latter risking everything for their faith. He quotes Benjamin Franklin’s “We must all indeed either hang together or most assuredly we should all be hanged separately” to underscore the peril faced by the signers, and notes the disciples’ complete reliance on Jesus with “no backup, no resources, no guarantee.”
He further illustrates this theme of sacrifice by discussing St. Paul’s radical commitment to Christ, citing Paul’s willingness to consider all his past achievements as “rubbish” for the “supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus.” Father Mike connects this to St. Augustine’s teaching that “The one who has God and nothing else has everything, but the one who has everything except God has nothing,” reinforcing the idea that a relationship with God is of ultimate value, justifying any sacrifice.
Finally, Father Mike recounts Paul Harvey’s detailed account of the severe personal costs endured by the Declaration’s signers, including the loss of wealth, homes, and family, emphasizing that they “put their privilege to the service… of others” and “their lives on the line for the hope and the dream that is America.” He concludes by asserting that Christians, by making the sign of the cross, are also “signers,” signifying their readiness to risk everything for Jesus, believing that “life without Jesus is not worth living, but a life with Jesus, even if I lose everything else, is worth everything.”
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
​​​Andy Stanley draws inspiration from the Phil Wickham song “Battle Belongs,” setting the stage for a message deeply rooted in personal faith and reliance on God. Stanley introduces the central concept of “fighting your battles on your knees,” a practice he learned through his father’s consistent prayer life. This foundational principle suggests that rather than immediately confronting fears or anxieties externally, or resorting to other coping mechanisms, the first and most crucial step is to bring these struggles directly to God in prayer.
Elaborating on this practice, Stanley stresses the profound importance of humility in the face of life’s challenges. He encourages listeners to prioritize seeking God’s divine perspective and wisdom before taking any other action or engaging in discussions with others. This initial posture of prayer is presented as a means of gaining clarity and understanding, emphasizing that true confidence in navigating overwhelming situations stems not from one’s own strength or ingenuity, but from a steadfast trust in God’s unfailing presence and faithfulness.
The core message powerfully reiterates that “the battle belongs to God.” This foundational truth is presented as the wellspring of genuine peace and assurance, even when circumstances appear insurmountable. Stanley urges the congregation to metaphorically lay their fears and anxieties at God’s feet, encouraging persistent faith, symbolized by “singing through the night if necessary,” until a profound sense of peace and confidence in Him takes root.
Ultimately, the sermon concludes by underscoring that this “battle of faith” is fundamentally about trusting in God’s constant companionship and His unwavering reliability, irrespective of external circumstances or outcomes. The entire message, reinforced by a concluding song, highlights the transformative power of surrendering to God’s will and the deep, abiding peace that emanates from an unwavering belief in His presence and sovereignty.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Father John Kieran’s homily begins by recounting the ancient history of the Jewish people, specifically their seventy-year exile in Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem in 597 BC. He describes their eventual liberation by King Cyrus the Great of Persia in 538 BC, allowing them to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their devastated city. This joyous return from captivity, a pivotal moment in Jewish history, is portrayed in the prophet Isaiah’s writings as an act of divine comfort, akin to a mother soothing her child, signifying God’s unwavering presence and the renewed trust of His people in His power to overcome adversity.
Connecting this historical narrative to the New Testament, Father Kieran explains how the theme of a returning and regrouping people resonates with St. Paul’s concept of a “new creation.” He emphasizes that believers achieve victory over life’s challenges through their faith in Christ’s triumph and the power of His cross, a central tenet affirmed during the Mass’s consecration. The homily highlights that at each Mass, Jesus gathers believers to Himself, fostering unity through the Holy Spirit as they partake in His body and blood.
The homily then transitions to St. Luke’s Gospel, where Jesus commissions 72 disciples for a mission. Father Kieran stresses that these 72 were not ordained clergy but rather ordinary lay individuals, specifically chosen by the Lord to spread His message. Their charge included healing the sick, proclaiming the Kingdom of God, and persevering despite rejection. He notes that these disciples returned filled with joy, having witnessed God’s power manifest through their ministry, and Jesus affirmed their efforts by stating that their names were “written in heaven.”
Finally, Father Kieran poses a profound question to the congregation: are they among those 72? He asserts that Jesus’s choice not to name specific individuals implies the inclusion of all faithful followers throughout history—past, present, and future. He concludes by declaring that all active Catholics, by virtue of their baptism and confirmation, are “qualified and deputized” to be evangelists for Jesus. This call to evangelize involves sharing Jesus’s teachings in all aspects of daily life—at work, in leisure, and within all relationships—always with kindness, love, compassion, and without judgment. The scriptures, he reminds, serve as a constant reminder of God’s enduring presence, promising that through Him, believers can overcome obstacles, rebuild what is broken, and bring healing and restoration, urging everyone to “cry out to God with joy.”
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
This sermon by Dan Watson delves into the “Astonishing Prayer” found in Acts chapter 4, verses 23-31, which occurs after Peter and John’s release following their arrest for healing a lame man and preaching. Watson emphasizes that in the face of pressure, Peter and John immediately sought their faith community, highlighting the crucial role of collective engagement and support within the church. This immediate return to a community of prayer underscores that the church is a vibrant, active body, not merely a passive gathering.
The prayer is deemed astonishing primarily because it commences with an acknowledgment of God’s absolute sovereignty, addressing Him as “Sovereign Lord” (Adoni Yahweh). This approach, prioritizing God’s supreme authority over their immediate problems and threats, reflects a profound trust in His ultimate control. Watson reinforces God’s astonishing power by citing various biblical miracles, such as Sarah’s pregnancy, the deliverance of the Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace, Daniel from the lion’s den, and the raising of Lazarus, reminding the congregation of the limitless power of the God they serve.
Furthermore, the prayer’s astonishing nature is rooted in its deep scriptural foundation; Peter and John quote Psalm 2 to interpret their current predicament through the lens of God’s word. This practice underscores the vital importance of being thoroughly immersed in scripture, allowing it to provide stability and clarity amidst confusion and fear. Watson provides numerous biblical references to illustrate how scripture consistently reveals God’s promises of provision, strength, peace, guidance, forgiveness, and courage. A third astonishing aspect is their trust in God’s overarching plan, recognizing even the crucifixion, a seemingly tragic event, as an integral part of God’s redemptive design, thereby affirming that God can repurpose any evil for His ultimate good.
Finally, the prayer is astonishing because Peter and John do not request deliverance from their threats or personal safety; instead, they boldly ask for courage to continue speaking God’s word. They petition for God’s divine intervention, requesting signs and wonders through the name of Jesus, not for their own glorification, but to validate their message and advance the gospel. The sermon concludes by noting the immediate divine response: the meeting place was shaken, and all present were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to speak God’s word with renewed boldness, illustrating that God empowers those with surrendered hearts.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Pastor Adrienne Christian’s sermon begins with a heartfelt prayer for those affected by a recent tragedy in Texas, acknowledging the disorientation and grief many are experiencing. She emphasizes that Christians are called to grieve alongside those who mourn and reminds the congregation that they are not alone in their suffering, as the Holy Spirit, their helper and comforter, indwells believers. This opening sets a tone of empathy and communal support, laying the groundwork for understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in navigating life’s challenges, particularly during “ordinary time” which often brings both ups and downs.
The sermon then delves into the identity and function of the Holy Spirit, drawing on a catechism taught to children and adults alike. Pastor Christian reiterates that the Holy Spirit is the comforter and guide, the third person of the Holy Trinity, who makes Jesus known, indwells, empowers, and stirs hearts to worship and pray. She transitions to Galatians 6:1-18, explaining that Paul’s teaching emphasizes how Christians are to “walk in the spirit.” This involves serving one another in love despite differences, particularly by practicing the fruits of the Spirit like gentleness, restoring those who stumble with humility and strength under control, and bearing one another’s burdens, recognizing that believers are not meant to face life’s heavy burdens or sin alone.
Pastor Christian further explores how walking in the spirit means doing good to everyone, especially to those in the Christian family, emphasizing that all people are made in God’s image and possess an innate sense of right and wrong. She stresses that Christians have the Holy Spirit’s power to resist the “works of the flesh” and embody the “fruits of the Spirit,” such as love, peace, joy, and kindness. She encourages modeling Jesus’s actions: using hands for generous touch, ears for listening to the marginalized, mouths for gentle truth-telling and curious questions, and feet for walking with those others avoid. She also touches on the importance of financially supporting those who teach the Word, broadening it to include showing appreciation for all Christian workers.
Finally, the sermon culminates in the powerful metaphor of “splish splashing,” representing the outpouring of the Holy Spirit from within believers to impact others. Pastor Christian connects this to drinking regularly from the “living water” of the Spirit through prayer, reading God’s Word, and imitating Jesus. She emphasizes trusting that through faith in Christ, believers are safe, accepted, loved, and empowered by the indwelling Spirit to practice and give away the fruits of the Spirit. The sermon concludes with an invitation to examine what might be hindering this “splish splashing”—whether it’s a lack of accountability, sowing for the wrong “kingdom,” not trusting the Spirit, or failing to boast in God’s work—and encourages a life where the Spirit’s transformation is evident to the world.
Listen to the full version here.
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