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’s homily explores the significance of the phrase “The Lord be with you” within the context of the Mass. He emphasizes that this phrase is not merely a casual greeting but a profound invitation to participate in God’s divine plan. The homily delves into the idea that the Mass is not solely a liturgical event confined to the church walls but a catalyst for transforming our daily lives.
Fr. Mike highlights the importance of carrying the spirit of worship and sacrifice beyond the church doors. He draws parallels between the Mass and the intimate relationship between married couples, emphasizing that while the physical union is essential, the majority of the relationship is lived outside of it. Similarly, the Mass is the foundation of our spiritual lives, but it must extend into our everyday actions and interactions.
The homily concludes by encouraging listeners to embody the spirit of the Mass in their daily lives. Fr. Mike references St. John Chrysostom’s advice to engage with Scripture regularly, even amidst worldly distractions. He also shares the inspiring story of Michelle Dupong, a young woman who exemplified the transformative power of the Mass by bringing joy and compassion to those around her, even in the face of her own suffering.
In essence, Fr. Mike’s homily calls us to view the Mass as a source of strength and inspiration for our lives outside the church. By embracing the spirit of worship and sacrifice, we can become agents of God’s love and grace in the world, transforming our daily lives into acts of worship and service.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Family Matters
Matt Noblitt begins by expressing gratitude for the cool weather and the opportunity to gather with the congregation. He then acknowledges the early arrival of Christmas decorations and shares his personal preference for celebrating Thanksgiving first. He emphasizes the importance of fellowship, connection, and drawing closer to one another during this beautiful season.
The congregation is invited to stand and turn to one another, sharing something they are thankful for. A worship song is led by Allison, Claudia, and the worship team, focusing on gratitude, faithfulness, and the enduring love of God. The congregation is encouraged to participate in the worship, lifting their voices and hearts in praise.
Matt Noblitt delves into the biblical story of Moses and the battle against the Amalekites. He highlights the significance of Moses’s engagement in the battle and the support he received from Aaron and Hur. Matt emphasizes the importance of community and the need to support one another, especially when we are tired or burdened. He encourages the congregation to be vulnerable and share their struggles with one another, creating a space of understanding and support.
Matt Noblitt concludes by praying for the congregation, asking God to bless and strengthen them. He encourages those who are struggling to seek support from the church’s Care Ministry. He also promotes the upcoming sermon series, “Sinners Like Me,” which will be led by Andy Stanley. Matt expresses gratitude for the community and invites everyone to join them next Sunday.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer’s homily on the feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria focuses on the importance of courage in the face of adversity. He highlights that Catherine was a young woman who was not afraid to stand up for her faith, even in the face of persecution and death. Her courage is an example to us all, especially in our own struggles and challenges.
Archbishop Hartmayer also emphasizes the importance of prayer and devotion. He notes that Catherine was a woman of deep prayer and that her prayers were instrumental in her ability to withstand the challenges she faced. We too can learn from Catherine’s example by turning to prayer for strength and guidance in our own lives.
In addition, Archbishop Hartmayer speaks about the importance of education and knowledge. He notes that Catherine was a highly educated woman and that her knowledge was an important part of her ability to defend her faith. We too can benefit from seeking out knowledge and understanding, as this will help us to grow in our faith and live more meaningful lives.
Finally, Archbishop Hartmayer encourages us to follow Catherine’s example and live lives of courage, prayer, devotion, and education. He notes that by doing so, we can make a difference in the world and help to build a more just and peaceful society.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
Orbit
Grant Partrick emphasizes the importance of being a good steward of our time and talents. He urges us to utilize our time wisely, avoiding the pitfalls of wasting it on trivial matters. Additionally, he highlights the significance of generously sharing our talents to uplift others.
One key aspect of time stewardship is nurturing our relationships with God and others. This involves dedicating time to prayer, Bible study, and church attendance. It also entails investing quality time with family and friends, as well as actively participating in our communities.
Furthermore, Partrick encourages us to use our time to serve others. This can be achieved through volunteer work, charitable giving, and mentoring. By extending a helping hand to those in need, we can make a positive impact on the world.
Lastly, he reminds us to prioritize self-care and rest. By taking time to relax and recharge, we can maintain our overall well-being and approach our responsibilities with renewed energy and focus.
In conclusion, Partrick exhorts us to embrace the role of responsible stewards of our time and talents. By doing so, we can experience divine blessings and contribute meaningfully to the world around us.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
AJ Sherrill’s sermon explores the profound meaning of the Advent and Christmas seasons, emphasizing the central theme of bread. He encourages listeners to delve deeper into the biblical narrative, particularly the story of Mary, to uncover the layers of meaning and significance.
Sherrill highlights the connection between Jesus as the bread of life and the town of Bethlehem, the House of Bread. He emphasizes that the Christmas story is not merely about a historical event but a divine intervention that addresses the deepest human needs.
The sermon delves into the mystery of God’s presence, drawing parallels between Mary and the Ark of the Covenant. Just as the Ark carried the Word of God, Mary carried Jesus, the living Word. Sherrill suggests that we, too, are called to be vessels of God’s presence, carrying His love and grace into the world.
The sermon concludes with an invitation to receive God’s grace. Like Mary, we are called to respond to God’s invitation with humility and faith. By opening our hearts and minds, we can experience the transformative power of God’s love and presence in our lives.
Listen to the full version here.
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