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 begins his homily by addressing the often unspoken truth that “life is difficult,” referencing M. Scott Peck’s observation. He offers reassurance that experiencing hardships, particularly during times of transition, is a normal part of the human experience. The central message is one of encouragement, emphasizing that acknowledging and understanding the shared nature of life’s challenges can provide comfort and strength to those facing them.
To illustrate the emotional weight of moving forward, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a personal anecdote about his brother’s departure. He then draws a powerful parallel to the Acts of the Apostles, recalling how Paul and Barnabas encouraged new disciples by reminding them that enduring hardships is a necessary path to entering the kingdom of God. This scriptural reference serves to contextualize personal struggles within a larger spiritual narrative, offering solace and fortitude to navigate difficult times.
Fr. Mike Schmitz further explores the delicate balance between individual journeys and the need for community. While acknowledging that certain aspects of moving on must be undertaken individually, he stresses that we are not meant to traverse life in isolation. He introduces Barnabas, whose name signifies “son of encouragement,” as an often-overlooked figure who played a crucial role in supporting Paul through his trials. This highlights the profound impact of offering support and being present for others in their struggles.
In his concluding remarks, Fr. Mike Schmitz shares a story about Bishop Veter and his pale calf to illustrate the idea that doing our best often involves seeking divine assistance. The homily ultimately reinforces the comforting message that even in moments of profound loneliness, God’s presence remains constant. He encourages listeners to embrace the journey of moving forward with the understanding that they are not alone and emphasizes the vital importance of both seeking and extending support within our communities.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
The sermon emphasizes the importance of community for spiritual growth, drawing from the story in Mark 2:1-12. It highlights how four men went to great lengths, even tearing a roof apart, to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus for healing. This act demonstrates the power of the community in helping individuals overcome obstacles and find healing in Jesus. Matt Noblitt challenges the notion of isolation, emphasizing that humans are designed for community and that a deeply formed faith is developed within a supportive community.
Matt Noblitt shares a personal story about an accident before a college gathering to illustrate how unexpected obstacles can make people isolate themselves. He stresses that relying on community is essential during challenging times, as others can offer support and guidance when one’s faith is wavering. He references the story of Jesus’s ministry with twelve disciples to highlight the importance of community.
Matt Noblitt challenges the church to prioritize gathering in community, viewing it not as optional but as a critical discipline. He encourages the congregation to be like the four men, willing to “tear off the roof” for others, supporting them in their journey towards Jesus. He also urges the congregation to reflect on their own lives, identifying those who support them and those they support in return.
The sermon concludes with a call to action, encouraging the congregation to participate in community groups as a practical way to experience the transformative power of community. Matt Noblitt shares a personal commitment to lead a community group, emphasizing the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities for connection and support. He reiterates the belief that in the presence of Jesus, anything is possible, urging the congregation to stay in awe of the gospel and actively engage in building God’s kingdom together.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Jared Kleinwaechter’s homily centers on the distinction between two types of love: a basic, self-centered love that depends on receiving something in return, and a deeper, Christian love. This Christian love isn’t about personal gain; instead, it’s about acknowledging the inherent value and goodness in every individual. It involves a conscious choice to love, regardless of one’s feelings or the challenges involved.
This Christian love is described as supernatural, requiring a reliance on a higher power. It’s exemplified by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, a love that doesn’t seek personal benefit. This divine love is also characterized by God’s desire to give abundantly, even beyond what is necessary.
Fr. Jared Kleinwaechter emphasizes that Christians are called to live differently, treating everyone with love, even those who might be different or challenging to love. This way of living should reflect the life and love of Christ.
In essence, the homily encourages listeners to move beyond a transactional understanding of love to embrace a selfless, Christian love that recognizes the inherent worth of others and seeks to give generously, mirroring God’s own love.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
Louie Giglio’s sermon centers on the Christian’s role in the world, emphasizing the principle of being “in the world, but not of the world,” drawn from Jesus’s teachings. He clarifies that this means having a purpose to engage with the world without adopting its values and behaviors. Giglio encourages believers to actively be “God-reflecting lights,” interacting with others and sharing God’s love, rather than withdrawing from or judging the world around them.
To effectively influence the world, Louie Giglio outlines practical steps for believers. He stresses the importance of recognizing our missional purpose in the world, urging a shift from viewing people as obstacles to seeing them as individuals in need of compassion and the Gospel. Giglio highlights the necessity of building a platform of influence through strong character, consistency, genuine care for others, and excellence in our work, asserting that integrity and quality earn us the right to share our faith.
Louie Giglio also emphasizes the crucial role of prioritizing missional community to maintain focus and accountability, warning against the potential for drifting away from our purpose amidst success. He encourages the daily rehearsal of our mission, mirroring Paul’s adaptability in reaching different people. Furthermore, Giglio advises setting healthy boundaries, guided by the Holy Spirit and our community, to safeguard our integrity and ensure we are shaping the world rather than being shaped by it.
In conclusion, Louie Giglio passionately calls for a committed expression of faith that radiates God’s light into the world. He urges believers to prioritize their divine mission above worldly pursuits and to act as representatives of Jesus in all aspects of life. Using the metaphor of the moon reflecting the sun’s light, Giglio illustrates how we can impact the world simply by being close to God’s presence. His final appeal is a decisive call to either detach from the world’s grip or fully embrace our missional calling to be kingdom influencers in every sphere of influence we possess.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Matthew Browne’s sermon begins with his introduction as a guest preacher for the Easter season, diving into the challenging yet ultimately hopeful book of Revelation. Specifically, he focuses on Revelation 19:1-9, a passage filled with powerful imagery and pronouncements of praise. Browne playfully warns the congregation about some potentially unfamiliar words in the text, setting a lighthearted tone before delving into the profound message of hope for those facing immense suffering, which he acknowledges is likely present within the diverse congregation.
Browne explains that Revelation, despite its heavy content, was written to offer a vision of ultimate reality and a glorious future to those whose worlds were falling apart, providing them with the endurance needed for their present hardships. He empathetically lists various forms of suffering, from watching a loved one deteriorate to financial crises, marital devastation, and even the hidden internal battles fought behind a smiling facade. Browne shares his own experiences with such difficulties, emphasizing that the message of Revelation is intended to bring hope, boldness, joy, resilience, and a forward-looking peacemaking spirit to those in their darkest moments, and calls on those in better circumstances to hold onto this hope for others suffering around the world.
A key point in Browne’s sermon is the remarkable way in which the Bible’s major themes culminate in the final pages of Revelation, particularly in the passage discussed. He argues that Revelation 19 marks the consummation and fulfillment of the central theme of scripture: our relationship with God. From the initial intended harmony to the subsequent corruption and brokenness, Browne posits that this passage reveals God finally bringing about the intended union and intimacy with humanity, addressing the deep relational ache within us all.
The first of Browne’s two main points is the promise that all that separates us from God will be removed. He interprets the image of the burning “great harlot” or Babylon not merely as a condemnation of an oppressive empire like Rome, but as a symbolic representation of whatever corrupts the whole earth and bends us away from our intended alignment with God. Browne emphasizes that if the Bible is a reliable depiction of ultimate reality, then love is at its core, with humanity created for communion and reflection of God’s love. The corruption we experience, both internally and externally, leads to a deep-seated awareness that things are not as they should be, a feeling often numbed but which will one day be fully eradicated, ushering in a world free from such defilement.
Listen to the full version here.
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