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
- Want to add your church? Request that here
Fr. Mike Schmitz
Father Mike’s homily on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time started with him talking about his experience of giving away hundreds of Bibles to students at Lent. He then went on to talk about his own journey with the Bible, starting with his first Bible he got when he was in second grade, to his first real Bible he asked his parents for Christmas in high school. He then shared the story of Jeff Cavin, who was confirmed and decided to read one verse of the Bible daily.
Father Mike then talked about how we need to have a Biblical worldview in order to fully be Catholic. He also talked about how we are in a time that has a lot of crises, but even that even beyond that closer to home every one of our Lives is marked with more important things than who’s in the white house every one of our Lives is marked by seasons of challenge our lives are marked by facing loss and suffering and death.
Father Mike then went on to talk about the importance of knowing the whole story of the Bible, not just fragments. He mentioned the book “From Christendom to Apostolic Mission”, which talks about how we have lost the story as a culture, as a people, and even as a church. He also talked about how the Bible is not just a textbook, but a living and effective word of God.
Finally, Father Mike invited everyone to take and read the Bible, and to let the word of God speak to their heart and mind. He also mentioned that the Bible has the power to not only change our lives but to change the lives of the people around us.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
Miracles Now and Then
Andy Stanley discusses the topic of miracles and Christianity. He begins by asking the audience if they have ever asked God for a miracle and observes that many people have, even if they are not currently religious. He acknowledges that not everyone receives the miracles they pray for and that this can lead to disappointment and even loss of faith.
Stanley then delves into the question of what constitutes a miracle and the relationship between miracles and Christianity. He presents five statements: God exists and therefore miracles are possible; the gospels are reliable accounts of actual events; Jesus rose from the dead; Jesus is who he claimed to be and what he said can be trusted, and what Jesus said about the Old Testament can be trusted. He emphasizes that the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity and that believing in this miracle leads to accepting other miracles.
Stanley acknowledges that some people may be more interested in personal miracles than in the foundational miracles of the universe and the resurrection. He encourages them to continue attending the series and emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ is the key to experiencing miracles and salvation.
Overall, the sermon provides an overview of the Christian perspective on miracles, highlighting their connection to faith in God and the resurrection of Jesus. It addresses common questions and encourages viewers to consider the possibility of miracles in their own lives.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Frank McNamee’s homily on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time started with him giving a reflection on the story of a man who was searching for something in life but couldn’t put his finger on it. He then went on to talk about how we are all searching for the gift of eternal life, and how Bono, the lead singer of U2, found what he was truly looking for in his relationship with Christ.
Fr. Frank then talked about how the young man in the story approached Jesus and asked him what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him to keep the Commandments, and the young man replied that he had done so since he was a boy. However, Jesus pointed out that he was lacking in one thing: he had met a god of gold, and there was no room for two gods in his life.
Fr. Frank then went on to talk about how Jesus wants us to choose between God and mammon, and how we must lay up our treasures in heaven, not on Earth. He also mentioned that Jesus gave different solutions to different people and that the question for each of us is what we must do to inherit eternal life.
Finally, Fr. Frank invited everyone to trust in Jesus and his word and to take the path that leads to eternal life. He also reminded everyone that there is no competing with God in life and that we must choose between God and mammon.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
All Consuming Fire
Louie Giglio’s sermon focuses on the Book of Revelation, specifically chapters 19-20, which describe the second coming of Christ and the end times. Giglio begins by emphasizing the blessing of reading and hearing God’s word and highlights the dramatic events depicted in the scripture, including the defeat of Satan and the establishment of Christ’s thousand-year reign.
Giglio discusses the key figures involved, such as the dragon (Satan), the beast (political system), and the false prophet. He explains the significance of the key to the abyss, which represents Jesus’ power over death and Hades. Giglio also addresses the concept of the two deaths: the physical death experienced by all and the eternal death symbolized by the Lake of Fire.
The sermon delves into the details of the thousand-year reign, during which Christ will rule on Earth and martyrs who have been faithful to Jesus will be resurrected and reign with him. Giglio acknowledges the different interpretations of this period and encourages listeners to consider the literal and figurative possibilities.
Towards the end, Giglio discusses the events following the thousand years, when Satan will be released and deceive the nations. He emphasizes the final judgment scene, where everyone, both the great and the small, will stand before God to be judged according to their deeds. Giglio highlights the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and emphasizes that true faith is evident through good works. He concludes by urging listeners to call on the name of the Lord and be saved, emphasizing that their names can be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life through faith in Jesus’ finished work on the cross.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Nate Smith’s sermon focuses on the power and significance of God’s word as revealed in the Bible. He highlights that God’s word is living and active, capable of penetrating the deepest parts of our being and discerning our thoughts and intentions. Smith emphasizes the importance of approaching God’s word with humility and curiosity, allowing it to judge and shape us.
He compares God’s word to a sharp two-edged sword, capable of cutting through defenses and revealing the truth within us. Smith highlights how God’s word can discern the thoughts and intentions of our hearts, just as a pathologist can diagnose a disease through careful examination. He emphasizes that God sees everything, even our hidden failures and kind gestures and that there is no hiding from His sight.
Smith also discusses the role of Jesus Christ as our great high priest and mediator between God and humanity. He highlights Jesus’ ability to sympathize with our weaknesses and offer mercy and grace in times of need. Smith encourages the audience to reflect on the words of the song “Christ is Lower Still” and to trust in Jesus’ presence and guidance in their lives.
Listen to the full version here.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on our site are written by our local community of contributors as a reflection of their personal experiences. All information is researched and provided in good faith, however, it does not necessarily represent the views of the organization they’re writing about nor that of the City on Purpose staff, and/or any/all contributors of this site. If there are issues with the accuracy of this piece, we want to fix them. Please contact City on Purpose to submit a request for an update. We strive to be an honest resource for all those in the city – thanks for helping us make that possible! You can also review our full Disclaimer, Terms and Conditions, and Privacy Policy.