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’s homily discussed the importance of knowing the minimum in life. He began by reflecting on common responses to “thank you,” noting that younger generations often say “no problem,” while he prefers “not at all.” He then introduced the phrase “It’s the least I could do,” which he found interesting because it implies that there could be less. He suggested that when we say this, we are acknowledging our relationship with the other person and expressing that we would do anything for them.
Fr. Schmitz then shifted the focus to the concept of “the minimum” in general. He mentioned how we often strive for the ideal, but it’s equally important to know our limits. He used the examples of rest days and wins in life to illustrate this point. He emphasized that knowing our minimum allows us to set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary stress.
In the context of faith, Fr. Schmitz encouraged the congregation to consider the minimum they could do for their relationship with God. He emphasized that the minimum is not about simply checking boxes but about actively engaging with God through worship, love of neighbor, and holiness. He referenced St. James’s letter, which highlights these three essential aspects of religion.
Fr. Schmitz concluded by reminding the congregation that even the minimum requires effort and may involve rearranging their lives. He encouraged them to strive for the ideal while also embracing their minimum, as both are crucial for a fulfilling relationship with God.
Listen to the full version here.
Buckhead Church
The Responsables
The sermon began with Andy Stanley emphasizing the importance of internal transformation and taking responsibility for one’s life. He used the analogy of cleaning the inside of a cup to illustrate the importance of focusing on what’s going on inside, rather than just appearing good on the outside. He emphasized that true change begins with internal transformation and encouraged the congregation to be present and engaged in their faith.
Stanley discussed Jesus’ teachings on hypocrisy and the importance of cleaning the inside of the cup. He emphasized that true holiness lies in having a clean heart and warned against the temptation to focus solely on outward appearances. He encouraged the congregation to take responsibility for their own lives and to strive for internal transformation.
Stanley then discussed the concept of “me nobody can see” and emphasized the importance of being honest with oneself and with God. He encouraged the congregation to conduct an internal audit and to clear their conscience with God. He also emphasized the importance of supporting each other and working together to create a better world.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging the congregation to take responsibility for their own lives and to follow Jesus. Stanley emphasized that by doing so, they can contribute to changing the world and making a positive impact.
Listen to the full version here.
Cathedral of Christ The King
Fr. Dan Ketter delivered a homily focusing on the theme of clean hearts and the importance of living out the basic commands of faith. He began by discussing the Pharisees and scribes in the Gospel, who were preoccupied with outward appearances and traditions while neglecting the inner reality of their hearts. Fr. Ketter emphasized that true holiness lies in having a clean heart, which comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit.
He then explored the concept of “halaha,” which refers to the way one should walk and includes both the 613 Commandments and human traditions. Fr. Ketter warned against the temptation to focus solely on traditions while neglecting the weightier Commandments. He highlighted the importance of being doers of the word, not just hearers, and emphasized that God’s intention is to give us new hearts through the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Ketter further explained that God’s desire is for us to have a Divine heart transplant, replacing our stony hearts with natural hearts. He emphasized that by living out the beautiful traditions of our Catholic faith from a clean heart, we can contribute to purifying and transforming our hearts. Father Ketter reminded the congregation that at the end of their lives, the only thing that will matter is how well they have loved.
In conclusion, Fr. Ketter encouraged the congregation to strive for a clean heart and to live out the basic commands of faith. He reminded them that God’s intention is to give them a new heart and that by embracing this gift, they can become one body and one spirit in Christ.
Listen to the full version here.
Passion City Church
The service began with greetings from Pastor Dan Watson and Raina Greer, who expressed their gratitude for the online community. They encouraged viewers to take a moment to stop, reset, and remember God’s goodness in their lives. The service included pre-recorded worship music and a message from Pastor Grant Patrick.
Pastor Grant’s message focused on the importance of the Sabbath and aligning oneself with God. He used the analogy of a car that needs alignment to illustrate how being out of alignment with God can lead to various negative consequences. He emphasized that a full calendar without an empty soul is not fulfilling and encouraged the congregation to prioritize rest and remembrance of God’s faithfulness.
Pastor Grant also discussed the concept of “noise” in the world and how it can distract us from God. He reminded the congregation that God has never failed them and encouraged them to trust in Him. He shared a story about Dr. Dallas Willard, who described Jesus as “relaxed,” emphasizing that God is in control and invites us to rest in Him.
The service concluded with a prayer from Pastor Grant, thanking God for the opportunity to open His Word and for the reminder to rest and trust in Him. He also prayed for those who find it difficult to rest and for God to gently invite them into a deeper relationship with Him.
Listen to the full version here.
Trinity Anglican Church
Pastor Nate Smith begins by discussing Mark 7, where Jesus addresses the Pharisees’ focus on external rituals like handwashing. He emphasizes how Jesus redirects the conversation from mere actions to the deeper issue of heart transformation. Smith uses a historical example of a physician advocating handwashing to prevent disease, highlighting that while physical cleanliness is important, it cannot cleanse the soul.
He argues that external practices alone, such as rituals or traditions, are insufficient for spiritual transformation. Instead, true change begins within, rooted in one’s heart and intentions. Smith encourages believers to examine their motivations and ensure that their actions stem from genuine love and devotion to God, rather than simply adhering to religious norms.
Smith also touches on the importance of simplicity in faith. He urges listeners to strip away unnecessary distractions and focus on cultivating a sincere, personal relationship with Jesus. This, he suggests, is the pathway to genuine spiritual growth and transformation.
In conclusion, Pastor Smith challenges his congregation to prioritize their inner spiritual life over external appearances. By nurturing a heart aligned with Christ’s teachings, believers can experience the profound change that Jesus calls for, moving beyond superficial acts to a deeper, more authentic faith.
Listen to the full version here.
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