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.

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Jump to:

• Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Buckhead Church
• Cathedral of Christ the King
• Passion City Church
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Fr. Mike Schmitz

In this homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz addresses the common notion of relying solely on the Bible, arguing that the Church is an essential and not optional component of Christian faith. He points out that the very concept of “scripture alone” is not supported by the Bible itself. Instead, Fr. Mike highlights that the scriptures acknowledge the significance of traditions, both those that are written down and those passed down orally, referencing 2 Thessalonians 2:15 as an example of this biblical understanding.

Fr. Mike uses the historical development of the Bible as a key illustration. He explains that Christianity existed for several centuries before the official canon of the Bible was established. The New Testament writings were initially read within the context of the mass, the new covenant, long before they were compiled into the book we know today. The process of determining which books belonged in the Bible was a lengthy one, involving significant debate within the early Church. It was not until the Council of Rome in 382 AD that the Catholic Church formally declared the 73 books of the Bible as divinely inspired.

Fr. Mike also discusses the variation in the number of books found in different Bible versions, noting that some contain only 66 books. He attributes this to Martin Luther’s decision in the 16th century to remove seven books that did not align with his theological interpretations. Fr. Mike emphasizes that Luther’s appeal to the Jewish canon is problematic because that canon was established by Jewish authorities who had already rejected Jesus. In contrast, the Catholic Church, through its councils, consistently affirmed the 73 books as a vital part of Christian heritage.

Ultimately, Fr. Mike Schmitz concludes that the authority to recognize and affirm the 27 books of the New Testament comes from the Catholic Church. He quotes St. Augustine to underscore the Church’s foundational role in validating the Gospels. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3:15, Fr. Mike emphasizes that the Church is the pillar and foundation of truth. Therefore, he asserts that Christians are blessed to have both the Bible and the teachings of the Church as guides in their spiritual journey.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Challenge Accepted

​​​ ​​​Lead pastor Joel Thomas begins his sermon by introducing a new series titled “Challenge Accepted,” suggesting a focus on how to approach and navigate the difficulties and trials of life with a different mindset. This introduction follows a welcome and announcements by college pastor Matt Nobblit, setting the stage for Thomas’s message.

Joel Thomas delves into the idea that modern comfort can inadvertently weaken individuals’ resilience when faced with genuine hardships. To counter this, he directs the congregation’s attention to the teachings of James, the half-brother of Jesus, implying that this biblical figure offers valuable insights and guidance on how to effectively navigate life’s inevitable challenges.

A key element of Thomas’s sermon involves a call to reframe one’s perspective on these difficulties. Instead of viewing them solely as negative burdens, he encourages a shift in understanding. As a practical expression of support and reliance on faith, Thomas invites those currently facing trials to stand for prayer, underscoring the significance of community solidarity and seeking God’s wisdom and peace during challenging times.

Ultimately, Joel Thomas’s sermon emphasizes the importance of confronting life’s challenges with a strong foundation of faith and the support of a community. By drawing upon biblical teachings, he aims to provide a framework for how to approach and overcome obstacles with a proactive and faith-centered attitude, suggesting that these “challenges” can be met and accepted with a renewed perspective.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

The homily begins by reflecting on the certainties of life, death, and resurrection, contrasting these with the more secularly acknowledged inevitabilities of death and taxes. The central focus is on the concept of life itself, emphasizing its profound significance and the inherent responsibilities that come with being alive.

Deacon Goodwin shares poignant personal stories to illustrate the various stages and experiences within life’s journey of faith. He recounts visiting a couple grieving the loss of their first child and his experiences participating in first communion masses. These narratives highlight the diverse points in life where faith plays a crucial role. He also emphasizes the vital responsibility of parents and godparents in the spiritual development and faith formation of children.

The homily underscores the understanding that each individual is on their own unique journey of faith, which carries responsibilities both to oneself and to the community. This includes offering support, providing prayers, and serving as a positive example for others in their own faith practices. Deacon Goodwin shares a personal and moving story about his niece’s emergency surgery, illustrating the powerful impact of prayer in times of crisis.

Deacon Goodwin concludes by reiterating the paramount importance of life, noting that it is the aspect of the “trifecta” – life, death, and resurrection – over which humanity possesses some measure of influence. The homily ends by affirming that these three elements – life, death, and resurrection – together constitute the very bedrock of our identity and our ultimate destiny.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

In this sermon, Ben Stuart delves into the intricacies of modern dating by drawing insightful parallels from the biblical story of Isaac and Rebecca. He clarifies that while the practice of “dating” is a modern construct, the Bible offers enduring wisdom on selecting a life partner. Ben Stuart stresses the critical importance of marrying an individual who shares a deep and active faith, mirroring Abraham’s careful instructions for Isaac to find a wife within their own believing community.

Ben Stuart further emphasizes the need to seek a spouse who is not only of the same faith but also actively pursuing God and committed to living a life guided by that faith. Using the servant’s diligent search for Isaac’s wife as an illustration, he provides practical guidance for finding a partner, suggesting looking within faith-based communities like the church and seeking someone with a strong work ethic. Throughout this process, Ben Stuart underscores the vital role of prayer in inviting God’s direction and blessing into the search for a life companion.

Expanding on the qualities to seek in a potential spouse, Ben Stuart highlights the importance of observing traits like graciousness and kindness. He also addresses the significant topic of sexual purity, acknowledging that while it wasn’t explicitly stated in the biblical narrative, it remains a crucial principle for Christians to reserve sexual intimacy for the context of marriage. Additionally, Ben Stuart advises taking the time to observe and understand a person’s true character before making a significant commitment in a relationship.

Ben Stuart concludes his sermon by encouraging listeners to approach the complexities of dating with a spirit of faith, trusting in God’s guidance to lead them to the right partner. He draws a powerful connection between the narrative of Isaac and Rebecca and the core message of the gospel, emphasizing the fundamental importance of responding in faith to God’s offer of a covenant relationship through Jesus Christ.

Listen to the full version here.

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