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 starts the homily by referencing a story about a priest named Walter Chisek who was captured and endured hardship while serving in Russia. The point of the story is to illustrate the concept of surrender. People admire Fr. Walter’s ability to surrender, but Fr. Mike clarifies that many struggle with how to do that in their own lives.
Fr. Mike emphasizes that surrender is not the same as giving up. He criticizes the idea of passively giving up control, referencing a country song by Carrie Underwood where the character hands the wheel over to Jesus. A better example, according to Fr. Mike, is the story of Captain Sully, who landed a plane in the Hudson River. Captain Sully prayed for help but also took action to save the lives of those on board.
Fr. Mike then explains that surrender is an ongoing process, not a one-time thing. He uses the metaphor of balance to explain this concept. We can never achieve perfect balance, but we are constantly making adjustments to stay upright. Just as we constantly need to adjust our balance, we also constantly need to surrender to God throughout our lives.
So how do we know if we are surrendering? Fr. Mike says the opposite of surrender is rebellion or resentment. He warns against subtle forms of rebellion, such as procrastinating on what God asks of us or hiding our true thoughts and feelings from God during prayer.
Fr. Mike concludes the homily by suggesting a prayer by St. Ignatius Loyola as a way to practice surrender. The prayer is a plea to God to take everything from the speaker and replace it with God’s will and love. Fr. Mike suggests praying this prayer every day as a way to continually surrender to God.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Modern Men & Our Ancient Scripts
Andy Stanley’s sermon focuses on the theme of resilience and the importance of maintaining faith in challenging times. He begins by acknowledging the difficulties and uncertainties that people face, emphasizing that faith can provide a solid foundation during such periods. Stanley uses biblical stories to illustrate how resilience is built through trust in God and perseverance.
He discusses the story of Joseph, highlighting how Joseph’s faith and trust in God enabled him to overcome numerous adversities. Stanley points out that resilience is not just about enduring hardships but growing stronger through them by relying on God’s promises.
Additionally, Stanley emphasizes the significance of community and support systems in fostering resilience. He encourages the congregation to build strong, faith-based relationships that can provide encouragement and strength during tough times. According to Stanley, these relationships are vital in helping individuals stay grounded in their faith and maintain a positive outlook.
In conclusion, Stanley calls for an active faith that involves both personal spiritual growth and communal support. He urges believers to remain steadfast in their faith, trust in God’s plan, and support one another through life’s challenges. This approach, he asserts, will enable them to build resilience and navigate difficult times successfully.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Juan Carlos starts his homily by acknowledging that words have the power to transform people’s lives. He emphasizes that words can be used for good or evil. He points out that negative words can cause storms in our own lives and in the lives of others.
Fr. Juan Carlos uses the Gospel story about Jesus calming the storm to illustrate his point. In the story, the disciples of Jesus were filled with fear and spoke words of doubt. Jesus, however, spoke with authority and calmed the storm.
Fr. Juan Carlos concludes his homily by urging us to reflect on how we use our words. He encourages us to use words that will bring God’s life and blessings into our lives and the lives of others. He warns us against using words of gossip, resentment, and hatred. Instead, he suggests that we use words of love, forgiveness, and gratitude.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
All Consuming Fire
Louie Giglio emphasizes the urgency and importance of the church being prepared for the return of Christ. He stresses that believers must recognize the signs of the end times and understand the spiritual collision between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness.
Giglio uses various biblical passages to illustrate these points, highlighting the need for Christians to live with a sense of readiness and anticipation. He encourages the faithful to maintain strong faith and actively engage in their spiritual lives, reinforcing the necessity of being spiritually alert.
Moreover, Giglio calls for vigilance and steadfastness among believers, reminding them of their duty to remain faithful amidst challenges. He emphasizes the importance of the church being a beacon of Christ’s love and salvation, urging Christians to be proactive in sharing their faith and the message of hope.
In conclusion, Louie Giglio’s sermon is a call to action for the church to be prepared for Christ’s return. He exhorts believers to live with purpose and dedication, staying vigilant and committed to their spiritual journey and the mission of spreading the gospel.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Ginny Seibel’s sermon centers on the theme of embracing one’s identity in Christ and living out one’s faith authentically. She begins by exploring the concept of identity, emphasizing that true identity is found in a relationship with Jesus. Seibel uses scriptural references to illustrate how believers are called to live out their faith in a way that reflects their identity in Christ.
She highlights the importance of understanding and accepting this identity, as it shapes how individuals interact with the world and fulfill their purpose. Seibel discusses practical ways to live authentically as followers of Christ, stressing the need for consistency between one’s beliefs and actions.
Furthermore, Seibel addresses common challenges and misconceptions that can hinder believers from fully embracing their identity in Christ. She encourages the congregation to overcome these obstacles through prayer, study of the Word, and community support. Seibel underscores the transformative power of living out one’s true identity in Christ, both personally and collectively.
Listen to the full version here.
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