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

In his homily, Fr. Mike Schmitz begins by discussing the significance of the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” He uses the example of a comedian named Shane Smith, a recent Catholic convert, to emphasize the importance of this question. Schmitz then asks the audience a personal question: “If you could have one tattoo, what would it be?” This question serves as a metaphor for the significance of our beliefs and identity.

Fr. Schmitz continues by sharing a story about a man who collects people’s philosophies of life. This story highlights the diversity of beliefs and the importance of understanding our own. He then returns to the central question, “Who do you say Jesus is?” emphasizing that this is the most important question we will ever be asked. Fr. Schmitz argues that Jesus is unique because he claims to be God, and that we cannot simply dismiss him as just another religious figure.

Fr. Schmitz quotes C.S. Lewis, who states that “Christianity if false is of no importance if true is of infinite importance.” This quote underscores the profound implications of our beliefs about Jesus. Fr. Schmitz encourages the audience to consider their answer to the question, reminding them that the only reason to believe anything is because it is true. He emphasizes that we cannot avoid answering this question and must choose between believing that Jesus is Lord or not.

Fr. Schmitz concludes his homily by discussing the consequences of our beliefs about Jesus. He argues that if we say Jesus is Lord, it must make a difference in our lives. Quoting James, he reminds us “What good is it if your faith is dead?” Fr. Schmitz emphasizes the infinite importance of our answer to the question, “Who do you say Jesus is?”

Listen to the full version here.

Buckhead Church

The Power of a Made Up Story

Joel Thomas begins the sermon by discussing the importance of community and belonging. He emphasizes that God created us to be in relationship with others and that we should not be isolated. Joel Thomas then talks about the power of stories and how they can impact our lives. He mentions that stories can inform our lives, inspire our perspectives, and shape our minds. Joel Thomas also discusses the importance of archetypes and how they can resonate deeply with us. He uses the example of the tortoise and the hair to illustrate this point.

Joel Thomas then goes on to discuss the three parables that Jesus told in Luke chapter 15. He explains that these parables were meant to disrupt our view of God and that they can be uncomfortable to hear. Joel Thomas then reads through the parables and explains their meaning. He emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God, even when we feel lost and unworthy.

Joel Thomas concludes the sermon by calling on the audience to join the search party for those who are lost and to celebrate the homecoming party for those who have returned. He emphasizes the importance of God’s love and mercy and encourages the audience to experience his love for themselves. Joel Thomas also calls on the audience to be a part of the church and to love people back to the love of God.

The sermon is a powerful message about the importance of community, belonging, and the love of God. It is a message that encourages us to seek out those who are lost and to celebrate their return. It is also a message that reminds us of the power of God’s love and mercy.

Listen to the full version here.

Cathedral of Christ The King

Fr. Juan Carlos’s homily on the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time focused on the importance of living our Christian identity. He began by discussing the example of Jesus, who revealed his identity as a servant through his words, thoughts, and actions. Fr. Juan Carlos then emphasized that our true identity as adopted children of God can only be fulfilled when we embrace the Cross of Christ. He explained that the Cross of Christ challenges our societal norms and encourages us to prioritize love and service over power and recognition.

Fr. Juan Carlos highlighted the transformative power of the Cross of Christ, which can destroy division, hatred, and doubt, and bring about faith, hope, and life. He challenged the audience to live their Christian identity by humbly serving others, showing kindness, avoiding lies and power-seeking, and empowering others. Fr. Juan Carlos emphasized that embracing the Cross of Christ is essential for experiencing a true Resurrection and living a life of service and love.

Fr. Juan Carlos concluded his homily by reminding the audience of the importance of living their Christian identity in their daily lives. He encouraged them to pray for the grace to serve others, make gestures of kindness, avoid lies and power-seeking, and use their authority to serve others. He emphasized that by embracing the Cross of Christ, we can transform our lives and proclaim our faith in Jesus through our actions.

Fr. Juan Carlos’s homily was a powerful reminder of the importance of living our Christian identity in a world that often prioritizes power, recognition, and self-interest. He challenged the audience to embrace the Cross of Christ and follow Jesus’ example of service, love, and humility.

Listen to the full version here.

Passion City Church

All Consuming Fire

Louie Giglio begins his sermon by discussing an article in The New Yorker about the growing market for underground hideouts, which is fueled by the belief that we are living in the end times. He mentions a Pew research study from 2022 which found that 39% of Americans believe we are living in the end times. Louie Giglio then talks about the book of Revelation and emphasizes that there is only one Revelation, not multiple interpretations. He also highlights the importance of the word “repentance” in the context of the end times.

Louie Giglio continues by discussing Revelation chapter 15, which describes seven angels with seven plagues. He explains that these plagues represent God’s wrath and that they are the final stage of God’s judgment. Louie Giglio also mentions the “sea of glass mixed with fire” and the people who have been victorious over the Beast and his image. He emphasizes the importance of persevering through trials and tribulations in order to receive harps from God and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

Louie Giglio then discusses the Tabernacle of the Testimony, which is a symbol of the moral fortitude of God. He explains that the seven angels with the seven plagues came out of this temple and that they were given golden bowls filled with the wrath of God. Louie Giglio also emphasizes the importance of repentance and turning to God, even in the face of judgment.

Finally, Louie Giglio concludes by calling on the audience to repent and turn to Jesus. He uses the analogy of a wayward son who returns home after realizing his mistakes. Louie Giglio emphasizes that it is not too late to repent and that God is a loving and merciful father who welcomes all who turn to him.

Listen to the full version here.

Trinity Anglican Church

Kris McDaniel’s sermon focuses on the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones to gain fresh perspectives and deepen our understanding of God. He uses the story of Jesus’ visit to Cesaria Philippi as a metaphor for disrupting our routines and seeking new experiences.

McDaniel emphasizes that by stepping outside of our familiar surroundings, we can become more receptive to God’s teachings. He highlights the significance of Jesus’ two questions to his disciples in Cesaria Philippi: “Who do people say that I am?” and “Who do you say that I am?” McDaniel argues that these questions challenge us to examine our own beliefs and perceptions of Jesus.

The sermon then delves into the importance of surrendering control to God. McDaniel points out that our desire for control can often hinder our spiritual growth. He emphasizes that by letting go and trusting in God, we can experience greater peace and fulfillment.

McDaniel concludes by encouraging his audience to embrace change, step out of their comfort zones, and seek a deeper understanding of Jesus. He emphasizes that by doing so, we can grow spiritually and experience the transformative power of God’s love.

Listen to the full version here.

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