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 delivered a homily on the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time. He began by discussing the importance of worshiping God, even when we are unable to attend Mass in person. He emphasized that we can still offer our hearts and prayers to God, no matter where we are.

Fr. Schmitz then spoke about the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and how it reconciles us to God. He explained that the Eucharist is the most important part of the Mass, as it is the moment when we receive the body and blood of Christ. He encouraged us to participate fully in the Mass and to offer our own sacrifices to God.

Fr. Schmitz also discussed the importance of faith and hope. He reminded us that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments. We should trust in God’s plan for our lives and have hope for the future.

Finally, Fr. Schmitz concluded his homily by praying for the faithful. He asked God to bless them and to strengthen their faith. He also prayed for those who are sick or suffering, and for those who have died.

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

Miracles Now and Then

Joel Thomas’s sermon delves into the story of John the Baptist, who, despite being imprisoned, sent his disciples to ask Jesus if He was the Messiah. Thomas highlights the concept of circumstantial faith, where our beliefs are influenced by our current circumstances. He emphasizes that John’s faith was tested when he couldn’t reconcile his belief in Jesus with his own suffering.

Thomas draws parallels between John’s situation and our own experiences, where we may question God’s goodness in the face of adversity. He encourages us to look beyond our immediate circumstances and remember God’s faithfulness, as evidenced by the miracles Jesus performed. He reminds us that God is still working, even when we can’t see it.

The sermon concludes with a call to trust in God’s sovereignty and to believe in His promises. Thomas encourages listeners to look back at God’s past faithfulness, look out at the world and see His work, and look up to Him in worship and praise. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a relationship with God, even in difficult times, and trusting that He will work all things for good.

Ultimately, the sermon is a reminder that our faith should be grounded in God’s character and promises, not in our circumstances. By trusting in God, even when we can’t see His plan, we can experience His peace and hope.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

 Fr. Gerardo Ceballos delivered a homily on the Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. He began by discussing the importance of the liturgical life of the Church, emphasizing that it is not just a collection of rituals but a representation of scripture and tradition. He explained that the way priests dress and the objects used in Mass are not arbitrary but have significant meanings rooted in the Church’s history.

Fr. Ceballos then delved into the Gospel reading about the blind man Bartimaeus. He highlighted that Bartimaeus was not just a beggar but a man of high standing who was spiritually blind. He desired to see what others saw in Jesus, recognizing the faith and following of the crowd. Fr. Saos encouraged the congregation to approach the Eucharist with a similar desire, seeking to see the Lord and understand His presence in their lives.

The homily also touched on the importance of patience and understanding, as exemplified by the high priest in the Letter to the Hebrews. Fr. Ceballos acknowledged that priests, like everyone else, have weaknesses but emphasized that it is through these weaknesses that the grace of God becomes evident. He encouraged the congregation to be patient with one another and to seek God’s grace in their own lives.

In conclusion, Fr. Ceballos invited the congregation to reflect on their own spiritual blindness and to ask Jesus to open their eyes to His truth. He emphasized the transformative power of the Eucharist and encouraged everyone to participate fully in the Mass, seeking to encounter the Lord and experience His love.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

All Consuming Fire

Louie Giglio’s sermon delves into the final chapters of the Book of Revelation, emphasizing its core message: a revelation of Jesus Christ. He clarifies that Revelation is not primarily a prophetic roadmap for future events but a divine unveiling of Jesus’ sovereignty and ultimate victory. It’s a reminder that no matter the world’s turmoil, Jesus remains supreme.

Giglio highlights the promise of a new Heaven and a new Earth, a renewed creation where humanity will experience fulfillment and purpose. He challenges the common misconception of Heaven as a passive, ethereal state, asserting that it will be a place of active engagement and meaningful existence. This new Earth will be a perfected version of the current one, a place where God’s original intent for creation is realized.

The sermon underscores the reliability and timeliness of God’s Word. Giglio shares a personal anecdote about the translation of the New Testament into the language of a Middle Eastern people group, emphasizing the importance of making God’s Word accessible to all. He encourages listeners to cherish the Bible as a trustworthy source of truth and to actively engage with its teachings.

The sermon concludes with a focus on the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Giglio highlights the urgency of the message, urging believers to remain vigilant and prepared. He emphasizes the importance of staying rooted in God’s Word and resisting the temptation to drift away from faith. The sermon concludes with a powerful call to invite the Lord Jesus to return, echoing the prayer “Amen, come, Lord Jesus.”

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Bishop Todd Hunter’s sermon emphasizes the significance of the Holy Spirit in Christian life. He highlights the New Testament’s portrayal of Jesus’ reliance on the Father and how this model should be emulated by Christians. The Holy Spirit, he asserts, is not merely a religious consumer choice or a denominational affiliation, but rather a divine power that empowers believers to live a Christ-centered life.

The bishop draws parallels between the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and the ongoing work of the Spirit in the lives of believers today. He encourages listeners to embrace the Holy Spirit as a personal companion, a source of guidance, and a catalyst for spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of a robust, ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit, urging believers to seek the Spirit’s leading in every aspect of their lives.

Hunter addresses common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit, such as the idea that it is only for certain types of Christians or that it manifests in specific, extraordinary ways. He clarifies that the Spirit’s work is diverse and personal and that every believer can experience the Spirit’s empowering presence.

The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the Holy Spirit as a vital force in Christian discipleship. By yielding to the Spirit’s influence, believers can experience the fullness of God’s love, power, and guidance.

Listen to the full version here.

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