Cumberland Trace Church of Christ (Formerly Lehman Ave Church of Christ)

February 8, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   This episode weaves together worship, Scripture, and practical counsel as the speaker moves from congregational singing to a focused lesson on escaping the traps of sin. The episode opens with a celebration of singing after deliverance — referencing Moses and Miriam at the Red Sea and noting early Christian practice (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16). Using the modern metaphor of escape rooms, Neal frames sin as a spiritual trap: universal, persistent, and learned. Citing Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Romans 3:23, he emphasizes that everyone stumbles and that ongoing struggle with sin is normal. The poem “Autobiography in Five Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson is used to illustrate stages of change and the hope of walking a different street. The core of the message draws from 1 Corinthians chapters 8–10, where Paul warns the Corinthian church about idolatry, immorality, and testing God. The speaker extracts four practical steps from Paul for breaking free: 1) avoid negative influences that lead to idolatry or immorality; 2) cultivate contentment and gratitude rather than grumbling (Philippians 4:11); 3) be honest about your vulnerability and avoid overconfidence; and 4) do not love anything or anyone more than God. Biblical examples (the Israelites’ failures, Exodus 32, Numbers 25) and cultural warnings (the influence of permissive philosophies) illustrate why these steps matter. Practical next steps and pastoral counsel are offered: confess sin (1 John 1:9), seek accountability and help from others (James 5:16), and rely on God’s faithfulness and the promise of a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). The speaker stresses that asking for help is not weakness but humility and courage, and he encourages listeners who are spiritually lost or struggling to respond to the gospel or request further study and support. The episode closes with an appeal to stand and sing in response and a reminder that, even if you feel overwhelmed, God provides a path out — whether through private repentance, communal accountability, or the saving work of Christ. Expect Scripture-rich teaching, practical application, pastoral compassion, and invitations to worship and prayer.   Handout: FINDING YOUR ESCAPE ROUTE (1 Corinthians 10)  Neal Pollard  Introduction    A. In 1 Corinthians 8-10, Paul Writes The Corinthians To __________________ _________________    B. The ___________ Has Basic, Effective Ways To Keep Us On The _____________ Of ____________    C. To Make Your Escape....    I. _________________ NEGATIVE ___________________ (1-9)    A. Paul Uses ________________ As An Example To The Corinthians    II. BE ______________ WITH WHAT YOU _______________ (10)    III. BE _______________ WITH ____________________ (12)    A. We Think We're _________________ And We Don't ______________; We _______________    IV. DON'T ______________ ANYONE/ANYTHING _______________ THAN ________________ (14)    Conclusion    A. We Can _________________ Any _________________ Problem (13)!  Duration 34:58

February 8, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode we work through 2 Corinthians chapter 7 and preview the giving passages coming in chapters 8–9. Neal walks the class through Paul’s pastoral heart for the Corinthian church, his defense of ministry, and the way corrective rebuke (Paul’s earlier letter) produced godly sorrow that led to repentance. Listeners will hear how Titus’s encouraging report confirmed real change in Corinth and refreshed Paul and his coworkers. Topics covered include the distinction between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow, the spiritual blessings that Christians supply to one another (comfort, accountability, confidence, affection, joy, and mutual repentance), and how healthy church relationships reflect heaven’s priorities. The talk draws connections to Old and New Testament examples (Melchizedek and Abraham’s tithe, Barnabas in Acts, the widow’s offering Jesus noticed, Malachi’s challenge) to show how God works through people and how gratitude should flow into sharing and generosity. Practical application is emphasized: what true repentance looks like in community, why accountability and encouragement matter, and how faithful, sacrificial giving flows from trust in God rather than mere obligation. The speaker also touches on congregational vision and the role of elders in motivating outward-focused ministry and stewardship. Key takeaways for listeners: the church family is a primary channel of God’s comfort and correction; genuine sorrow produces lasting change; and generous giving is a spiritual response that demonstrates trust in God.   Duration 44:28

January 7, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   This episode is a classroom-style exploration of Deuteronomy focused on the biblical theme of remembrance. The speaker (a teacher/sermon leader) walks listeners through verses that repeatedly command Israel to "remember" or "not forget," examining what the Israelites were to recall—deliverance from Egypt, God’s mighty acts (plagues, the Red Sea, manna, provision of water, etc.), covenant promises, their provocations (complaints, the golden calf), and the warning about Amalek. The class includes interactive questions and comments from attendees, which help surface practical questions about justice, proportionality, and how Old Testament commands apply today. Key points covered include: the importance of remembering God’s acts to keep dependence on God rather than self; the obligation to remember past weakness so the community shows compassion to the powerless; the instruction to remember Amalek as a reminder that God’s justice will come; and warnings that forgetfulness leads to idolatry, arrogance, and disobedience. The speaker connects these Old Covenant themes to the New Covenant—drawing parallels between Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and our deliverance from sin in Christ, the continuing consequences of provoking God, and the call to faithful covenant-keeping. Practical applications and takeaways are emphasized: study Scripture so you can remember what you’ve been taught; share the testimony of eyewitnesses and historical evidence for faith; hate the sin but love the sinner; live as pilgrims who anticipate God’s justice and salvation; and keep God’s love at the center of remembrance. The episode ends with pastoral encouragement to remain faithful, remember God’s past faithfulness, and live in hope as you await Christ’s return. Duration 43:20

December 30, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this episode of the Deuteronomy class, the instructor leads a topical study on idolatry as presented throughout Deuteronomy. Using key passages (including Deut. 4, 7, 9, 29, and the Song of Moses in 32), the class explores the Bible’s repeated commands against idols and carved images, the story of the golden calf, and the specific injunctions to destroy pagan altars and statuary. The lecture includes close readings of Deut. 29:17 and 32:21 (God’s jealousy over foolish idols), Deut. 4:15–16 (the prohibition on making any form to represent God), and Deut. 7:5, 25 and 9:12 (commands and historical reminders of Israel’s failure). The session surveys why idolatry mattered historically and why God fiercely opposed it: pagan gods were false and devotion to them was wasted; pagan worship practices (documented by other ancient writers like Herodotus) could be destructive — including child sacrifice, ritual sex, and self-harm; and images diminish and misrepresent the incomparable Creator. The golden calf episode is used as a prime example of how quickly a people can turn to crafted representations and how images box God into a limited, misleading form. Class discussion connects these Old Testament teachings to the New Covenant: Jesus is presented as the true image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and incidents like Jesus cleansing the temple are read as condemnations of anything that robs God of exclusive worship. Andy also draws practical, contemporary parallels — warning that modern “idols” can be careers, money, comfort, entertainment, or even devotion to a hobby or brand — and challenges listeners to examine what competes for God’s place in their lives. Format and contributors: this is a recorded classroom lecture with interactive Q&A between the instructor and students. Key takeaways include God’s demand for exclusive devotion, the theological reasons images are forbidden, historical evidence of pagan practices, and concrete prompts for personal reflection and repentance in light of both Old and New Testament teaching. Duration 42:30

February 1, 2026   In this episode the speaker offers a sermon-style, verse-by-verse exploration of the book of Exodus, arguing that the whole book is designed to reveal who God truly is. Using the recurring phrase "so that they may know that I am the Lord," the message traces how God introduces himself to both Israel and Egypt through deliverance, mighty signs, provision, and dwelling among his people. The talk is grounded in specific Exodus passages (including chapters 6–17, 25–40) and connects Old Testament events to New Testament fulfilment and Christian experience. Topics covered include God as Deliverer (the Exodus rescue and its theological implications), demonstrations of divine Power and Mighty Works (the plagues, the Red Sea, and the role of miracles), Gods removal of Calamity (the frogs episode and the distinction between signs and true authority), and Sanctification (how God sets his people apart). The episode also treats the importance of Remembering and Teaching Gods acts to future generations, Gods Provision in the wilderness (manna and water from the rock), Gods dwelling with his people (the tabernacle and the promise of Emmanuel), and the gift of Rest (the Sabbath and the rest found in Christ). Hiram draws on a wide range of biblical cross-references and examples — including Job, the Psalms, Isaiah, the Gospels, Acts, Paul's testimony, Peter's deliverance, and the healing in John 9 — to show continuity between Exodus and the whole biblical story. Contemporary illustrations and testimonies appear as well: John Newtons conversion at sea, Tilly Smiths tsunami warning, and modern reflections on providence, evangelism, and perseverance in faith. Key takeaways emphasize that Exodus is more than history or national origin: it is theological and transformational. Listeners will hear seven major ways the episode argues we know God is Lord — he delivers, displays power, removes calamity, sanctifies his people, commands remembrance, provides for needs, dwells with his people, and offers rest — and how each of these motifs applies to Christian life today, including the assurance of salvation, baptismal invitation, and the call to tell others. The tone is pastoral and invitational. The speaker repeatedly connects ancient narratives to present-day faith practice (noting relevance even for listeners in 2026), encourages the hearing of Scripture as a means of transformation rather than mere information, and closes with an invitation for listeners to respond: to confess faith, be baptized, request prayer, or pursue further study with the church. Expect a clear, sermon-driven exposition that blends careful biblical reading, applied theology, memorable illustrations, and practical next steps for faith: how Gods acts in Exodus point us to Jesus, assure us of Gods ongoing presence, and invite us into rest and mission.   Handout:  How We Know He is the LORD — Hiram Kemp    1. He _________________ His _________________ (Exodus 6:6-7, 7:5)    2.   His ___________________ & ____________________ Works (Exodus 7:17)    3.   He ____________________ ___________________ (Exodus 8:8-10)    4.   He ______________ His _______________ (Exodus 8:22, 11:7)    5.   His _______________ must be ______________ & _____________ (Exodus 10:1-2)    6.   He ______________ for _______________ (Exodus 16:4-6, 16:12)    7.   He ______________ with His _____________ (Exodus 29:45-46)    8.   He ____________ Us _____________ (Exodus 31:12-13)   Duration 38:10

February 1, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode a pastoral sermon addresses the reality of change—in personal life, in the church, and in the spiritual life—while celebrating a momentous shift in local leadership. Speakers reflect on recent transitions (the appointment of new elders), offer biblical perspective, and give practical guidance for how a congregation should respond. The message draws on scripture and church history—Peter’s Pentecost sermon, the inclusion of Cornelius and the Gentiles, Hebrews, Acts 20 and 1 Peter—to show how spiritual change is both God-ordained and costly. Listeners will hear how believers are called to view themselves as strangers and pilgrims, why the gospel remains unchanging, and how growth inevitably brings organizational shifts. Neal lays out a three-word framework for healthy change: anticipate, analyze, accept. He illustrates these points with personal anecdotes (a difficult 1,150-mile move and a long-standing building relocation) and memorable stories—the Grady Nutt radio tale, the railroad gauge history, and an airline crew-resource-management example—to highlight why some traditions persist and when change is necessary. Hiram closes by focusing on constants that never change and four elder responsibilities that endure: elders must watch themselves, guard the flock, be honored and obeyed, and remember the Chief Shepherd. These points are grounded in passages such as Acts 20, 1 Peter 5, Hebrews 13, and John 14 and include modern analogies (cybersecurity and pastoral oversight) to show how elders protect and shepherd the congregation. Practical takeaways include how the church can support and submit to shepherding leadership, how to evaluate changes biblically rather than reactively, and why spiritual stability rests on unchanging truths about Christ. The episode ends with an invitation to respond to the gospel—repentance and baptism for the forgiveness of sins—and a closing song.   Handout: THREE WORDS TO USE WITH "CHANGE" — Neal Pollard  Introduction    A. The _______________ Began With A Dramatic _________________    B. This Church Has Been Through A Lot Of _________________    C. Let's Consider 3 Things About Change As We Install New Elders:    I. _________________________ CHANGE    II. __________________________ CHANGE    III. _________________________ CHANGE     4 Responsibilities that Don't Change — Hiram Kemp  1. __________________ must ____________________ themselves (Acts 20:28)    2. ___________________ must __________________ the _________________ (1 Peter 5:2)    3. ________________ must be _________________ & _______________ (Hebrews 13:17)    4. ________________ must __________________ the __________________ Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4)    Duration 35:45

February 1, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this class-style episode we work through 2 Corinthians chapters 6 and 7. Neal leads an interactive Bible study with contributions from class members tracing Paul’s transition from defending his ministry to calling the Corinthians to holy living. The session reviews the background: Paul’s fruitful 18 months in Corinth, the rise of unnamed critics or “false apostles,” and why this second letter was necessary. The discussion highlights Paul’s central appeal—echoing Isaiah—that now is the acceptable time and the day of salvation and urges listeners not to “receive the grace of God in vain.” The teacher unpacks what that can look like today: wrong motivation in coming to Christ, failing to persevere, a lack of life-change, or turning to a false gospel. Practical Scripture connections (1 Corinthians 15, Hebrews, Galatians, Isaiah 49) are made to show the urgency and value of genuine conversion and perseverance. From 2 Corinthians 6:3–13 the class examines how Paul commends his ministry: lists of difficulties endured (endurance, afflictions, beatings, imprisonments, sleeplessness, hunger), spiritual attributes displayed (purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truth, the power of God), and the contrasting situations that prove faithful service (glory and dishonor, good report and evil report, dying yet living). These elements are shown as evidence of ministers cooperating with God and submitting themselves to inspection. The teacher then turns to verses 14–7:1 and unpacks Paul’s call to separation from unbelievers and ungodly influence. The class covers the practical implications of “What fellowship has light with darkness?”—how relationships, partnerships, and associations shape spiritual life. The emphasis is on discerning who influences you, avoiding relationships or commitments that pull you from Christ, and prioritizing your identity as God’s people. Throughout, the episode balances theology and application: how to spot false teaching, the role of motives in baptism and discipleship, the necessity of transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18), and the tension of being in the world but not of it (John 17). The teacher challenges listeners to keep hearts open, to forgive and love despite risk, and to pursue holiness so that they may receive God’s promises as sons and daughters. Listeners should expect a thoughtful exposition of Paul’s argument, interactive Q&A moments from class participants, practical examples for modern Christian living, and clear takeaways about perseverance, accountability, and the importance of right fellowship within the church.   Duration 43:30

December 23, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   This episode is a recorded Deuteronomy class focusing on the blessings in Deuteronomy 28 (primarily verses 1–14). Led by the instructor with interactive student participation and readings, the session compares the structure of blessings to the curses covered in a previous lesson and highlights key scriptural and theological themes. Topics covered include the covenant framework and conditional pattern (“if you obey, then you will be blessed”), the parallel structure between the comprehensive curses and blessings, and the specific locations tied to the proclamation of blessings (Mount Gerizim) — including a brief cultural note linking Mount Gerizim to the Samaritan woman at the well. The discussion unpacks how the blessings touch every area of life (city and field, health, family, work, harvest, livestock, coming and going) and explains the mix of natural consequences (e.g., health and Sabbath rest improving productivity) and divine intervention (e.g., victory over enemies, providence for rain and harvest). Practical examples like Sabbath rest, the lending/borrowing relationship, and the “head not the tail” image are emphasized. Historical examples are surveyed — the conquest under Joshua, the cycles in Judges, and the faithfulness/decline under the kings — to show that God both promised and enacted blessings when Israel was obedient. A major theological point is stressed: while the curses list many specific violations, the blessings call for wholehearted obedience to all God’s commands, warning against selective or partial obedience. The class then moves to New Testament application: Jesus is presented as the one who perfectly obeyed the covenant and thus fulfilled the blessings of Deuteronomy. Because Christ earned what Israel could not, he secures and shares those ultimate blessings with believers by grace. The session closes with pastoral and practical implications: obedience aligns us with God’s generous desire to bless (without endorsing a prosperity gospel), grace covers our inability to obey perfectly, and faithfulness matters under the new covenant. Listeners can expect a mix of exegetical teaching, scriptural readings, historical illustration, classroom Q&A, and a Christ-centered theological application tying Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Jesus. Duration 35:52

January 18, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode is a classroom-style study of 2 Corinthians chapter 5, part of an ongoing series under the theme “Christianity is personal.” Neal walks listeners through verses 11–21, unpacking Paul’s defense of ministry and the biblical motivations that move Christians to share the gospel. The session includes live interaction with congregants and a short testimony from Clay, a recent convert, illustrating the real-life impact of hospitality and witness. Topics covered include: persuasion as the central task of evangelism; six motivators that drive gospel witness (the terror of the Lord, personal integrity, the love of Christ, the transforming power of reconciliation, the ambassadorial responsibility to plead for others, and the gift of righteousness in Christ); and the ministry threads connecting chapters 3–5 (new covenant, Spirit, righteousness, and reconciliation). Neal highlights four groups named in the passage — “we” (Paul and co-workers), “you” (the faithful in the church), “those” (the critics/false teachers), and “they/all” (the lost world) — and explains how the passage applies to each. Practical advice emphasizes building rapport, patient teaching (not starting with condemnation), defending gospel integrity through godly character, and allowing Christ’s love to compel us to speak. Key takeaways and action points: persuasion is meant to be a way of life, not merely a program; believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation and act as God’s ambassadors; we should pray intentionally (the speaker challenges listeners to write three names and pray for opportunities to share the gospel); and the hope of righteousness in Christ should motivate compassionate, courageous evangelism. Listeners can expect careful exegesis, pastoral application, practical evangelism tips, and encouragement for personal growth in witness. No outside guest speakers are featured beyond congregational interactions and Clay’s testimony; the episode primarily centers on Scripture-driven teaching and concrete next steps for the local church. Duration 43:59

December 17, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   This episode is a topical Deuteronomy class on curses and their consequences, led by a teacher with interactive audience discussion. The speaker begins by defining what a biblical curse is—how it differs from modern use—and gives everyday analogies (like the childhood rhyme “cross my heart and hope to die”) to show that a curse pronounces real consequences for specific behavior. The episode walks through the cluster of curses in Deuteronomy 27 (verses 15–26), explaining the offenses named there: idolatry; dishonoring parents; moving boundary markers (stealing); leading the blind astray; perverting justice for foreigners, orphans and widows; various prohibited sexual relationships; secret attacks on neighbors; bribery and murder; and the broad curse on anyone who fails to observe the law. Andy clarifies the social and legal reasons behind several items (for instance, why moving landmarks mattered) and offers biblical examples and trivia—Jeroboam’s calf-worship, Naboth’s vineyard, Gideon’s family—to show these sins did occur in Israel’s history. Next the class examines the consequences set out in Deuteronomy 28 (beginning verse 15), surveying the long list of curses: agricultural failure, disease (consumption, fever, tumors, boils), military defeat, exile, economic ruin, social collapse and more. The speaker distinguishes between natural consequences (e.g., disease spreading when purity laws are ignored) and divine interventions (e.g., exile and enforced idolatry), and points out historical fulfillment in the cycles of Judges, the divided monarchy, and the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities. Audience questions and examples (including Job) are used to nuance the theology: not all suffering is direct punishment for sin, though disobedience can and did bring judgment. The class closes by connecting these Old Testament curses to the new covenant: God’s seriousness about sin, the reality that God enforces moral law, and the gospel solution. The teacher highlights Deuteronomy 21:23—"he who is hanged on a tree is accursed"—as prophetic, observing that Christ bore the curse deserved by humanity so believers can be freed from the divine consequences of sin. Listeners can expect a clear, example-rich unpacking of the texts, historical parallels, pastoral insight about suffering and judgment, and practical application for living under God’s covenant in light of Christ’s sacrifice.   Duration 31:25

December 10, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this opening lecture for a new quarter-long class held in the auditorium, the instructor provides a lively, topical overview of the book of Deuteronomy. Rather than proceeding chapter-by-chapter, the course will draw out lasting lessons and themes from Deuteronomy; this episode sets the stage by answering the basic who, what, when, where, how, and why questions and by sharing several trivia-style facts to engage students. The episode covers authorship and audience (Moses as the primary speaker, with the final chapter likely recorded by another; addressed to the generation raised in the wilderness on the plains of Moab), dating (placed roughly between 1446 and 1406 BC in many traditions), and the meaning of the title (from the Greek Septuagint meaning a “second” giving of the law). The instructor also explains Deuteronomy’s place as the fifth book of the Pentateuch/Torah and notes practical manuscript facts—34 chapters, 959 verses, chapter 28 as the longest, chapter 34 as the shortest, first-word and last-word markers—and how frequently Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy. Major themes highlighted include the Shema and the call to love God with all heart, soul, and strength; a second reiteration of the law; warnings against idolatry; guidance for kingship; God’s faithfulness in provision; commands to remember and obey; and the covenantal structure of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The instructor emphasizes Moses passing leadership to Joshua as a crucial narrative moment and points to Deuteronomy 18:18 as an early messianic promise pointing beyond the law. The lecture also sets out how the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy specifically, functions for Christians today: as example and instruction (1 Corinthians 10:6), as Scripture profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and as a means of revealing sin and pointing to the need for Christ (Romans and Galatians references). The instructor explains that while Christians are under the new covenant, studying the law helps us understand sin, God’s plan, and the coming of the Messiah. Format and tone: the class promises an interactive, accessible approach with occasional trivia, classroom discussion, and successive sessions that focus more narrowly on key topics such as idolatry, covenant obedience, blessings and curses, and the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. There are no outside guests—this episode is led by the course instructor with student participation—ending on an upbeat note as the group prepares for deeper study in later sessions.   Duration 36:14

January 19, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   When The Lord Looks at His Church (Rev. 2:18-29) — Neal Pollard    I. HE _________________________ (18)    II HE _________________________ (19-20)    III. HE ________________________ (21-23)    IV. HE ________________________ (24-25)    V. HE ________________________ (26-28)    VI. HE HAS THE __________________ __________________ (29)    Duration 37:35

January 19, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   God's Blueprint for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-24) — Hiram Kemp  1. _______________ with ________________ ________________ (Ephesians 4:11)    2. _____________ Equipped for ______________ (Ephesians 4:12)    3. ___________________ Spiritual _________________ (Ephesians 4:13-14)    4. Reflect ____________________ in ____________________ (Ephesians 4:15-16)    5. Get ___________________ of _________________ Ways (Ephesians 4:17-22)    6. Live ______________________ Lives (Ephesians 4:23-24)    Duration 32:11

January 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode we continue a Bible class through 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 4 and 5 with an emphasis on ministry (diakonos) and Christian leadership. The class explores why Paul frames his defense of ministry as a larger treatise on service, answering accusations from false apostles and explaining who God can use for service. Key topics covered include the biblical meaning of ministry and the qualities God uses in servants: integrity of character, humility (recognizing adequacy comes from God), durability (perseverance under pressure), and spiritual stability expressed as faith. Practical applications to church leadership and everyday personal leadership are discussed throughout. The episode also examines the rewards and perspective God gives to faithful servants. Using Paul’s contrasts between the temporal and the eternal, the class traces three primary blessings: (1) a promised new body and eternal home beyond our "tent" of flesh; (2) present courage and hope supplied by the Spirit as a pledge, enabling believers to walk by faith, not sight; and (3) confident standing before the judgment seat of Christ, knowing deeds will be recompensed and that a life lived to please God matters. Illustrations and pastoral application pepper the teaching — from tent‑camping imagery to references to Job, James, Ephesians, and other New Testament passages — all aimed at helping listeners reframe suffering as "light and momentary" compared with eternal glory. The class closes by previewing the next session’s topic (motives for sharing Christ) and reiterates the call to persevere in faithful service.   Duration 41:44

December 3, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   In this episode we finish our quarter by working through Colossians chapter 1 and beginning chapter 2, part of the New Testament prison epistles. The speaker situates Colossae geographically and historically, explains the city’s relationship to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis, and explores the background of false teachings infiltrating the church there — including Judaizing legalism, Greek philosophical influences, and early elements of Gnostic thought. Chapter 1 is examined in depth as a doctrinally rich celebration of Christ’s supremacy: his deity, role in creation, relationship to the church, victory over death, and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him (verses 15–20). The episode highlights key themes such as the preeminence, authority, and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ (with verse 18 as the chapter’s bellwether), and explains reconciliation through Christ’s blood (verses 20–23), stressing the conditional nature of remaining reconciled — continuing steadfastly in the faith. The teacher draws parallels to Ephesians and Matthew 24, emphasizing how the gospel had spread to “every creature under heaven” by Paul’s day, and explains Paul’s role as a steward of the revealed “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ. Practical preaching principles from Colossians (warning and teaching) are outlined, and the episode concludes with an overview of chapter 2 warnings against deceptive philosophy, legalistic observance of festivals and Sabbaths, and angelic worship. Listeners can expect a mix of historical context, careful exposition of key verses, doctrinal clarification, and pastoral application aimed at helping Christians recognize and resist false teaching while remaining rooted, built up, and steadfast in Christ. The episode encourages listeners to read the short book of Colossians (four chapters) and Philemon to complete the study of the prison epistles.   Duration 35:51

January 11, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon    Know Your Enemy: Lessons from Ephesians — Hiram Kemp    1. _________________ Reigns Supreme Over ________________ (Ephesians 1:20–23)    2. The __________________ Works Through ________________ (Ephesians 2:1–3)    3. Never ___________________ the __________________ an _________________ (Ephesians 4:27)    4. __________________ in the Light ____________________ Him (Ephesians 5:6–12)    5. God’s __________________ Is Necessary for _____________________ (Ephesians 6:10–11)    6. We Are _____________________ in Spiritual __________________________ (Ephesians 6:12)   Duration 33:17

January 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   Dealing With Disillusionment (2 Corinthians) — Neal Pollard    I. REALIZE THAT _________ GOD DOESN'T MAKE US ________ FROM _________    II. WE MUST LEARN TO PROPERLY _____________ _______________    III. SEE THINGS FROM A ______________ & NOT AN _____________ FOCUS    IV. CHECK YOUR ______________ FOR __________________ GOD    V. ACCEPT THAT ___________ MORE MEANS ___________ ___________ MORE    VI.  LET ______________ TEACH _______________ & NOT ______________   Duration 34:10  

January 4, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this class on 2 Corinthians (primarily chapter 4 with a look toward chapter 5), the class explores what it means to be ministers of the new covenant and who God chooses to use in service. The session opens with a careful exposition of Paul’s language: the frequent use of the Greek word family diakoneo/diakonos (servant/ministry) and the contrast between the ministry of life in Christ versus a ministry of death presented by false teachers. Key teaching points include: the character of those God uses (perseverance, a good conscience, and openness), the humility of God’s servants ("treasure in earthen vessels"—the surpassing power belongs to God), and the durability of Christian service (afflicted but not crushed; persecuted but not abandoned). The speaker draws on Paul’s life and sufferings—beatings, shipwrecks, and trials—as the model for steadfast ministry, emphasizes not waiting for perfection before serving, and warns against being a stumbling block by tampering with God’s word or acting craftily.   Practical applications and leadership lessons are given throughout: leaders should model integrity and transparency, avoid adding unnecessary rules that hinder others, and view setbacks as opportunities for God’s refining work. Anecdotes (including references to Paul, gospel preacher George Bailey, and a longtime elder named Russell Young) illustrate humility, unselfishness, and how God uses ordinary, fragile people to reveal Christ’s life to others.   Listeners can expect expository Bible teaching, concrete examples of ministry in adversity, encouragement to serve despite weakness, and actionable advice for both personal discipleship and church leadership. The class concludes by noting that God not only calls servants but also provides grace and strengthening for those who remain faithful in service.   Duration 43:36

November 19, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this episode we continue the study of the prison epistles, finishing Philippians and beginning Colossians. The host recaps Philippians’ central theme — that Christ and his gospel, not life’s circumstances, are the source of Christian joy — and highlights Paul’s gratitude for the Philippians’ faith, generosity, and encouragement, even noting the reach of the gospel into Caesar’s household while Paul was under house arrest. Shifting to Colossians, the episode covers historical and geographical background (Colossae in Phrygia, its proximity to Ephesus, Laodicea, and Hierapolis), questions about Paul’s direct involvement in that church’s founding, and likely sources of the congregation’s problems. The host outlines the structure and twin-epistle relationship with Ephesians: the first two chapters are doctrinal and the final two chapters are practical. He identifies the main false teachings Paul confronts — Judaizing legalism and early forms of Gnosticism — and explains Paul’s emphasis on the preeminence, sufficiency, and deity of Christ. The episode walks through Colossians 1 in detail: thanksgiving for the church’s faith, love, and hope; prayer requests for spiritual wisdom and worthy living; and the central doctrine that Christ is supreme — over God, creation, the church, and death — and that through him believers are reconciled and redeemed by his blood. Scriptural connections are made to Mark, John, Romans, Ephesians, and 1 Corinthians to illuminate Paul’s claims about Christ’s role in creation, reconciliation, and resurrection. Listeners can expect careful exposition, pastoral application (faith, hope, love; bearing fruit; walking worthy), and encouragement to read Colossians for themselves. The episode closes emphasizing the transformative contrast from darkness to light and the all-sufficiency of Christ for the church amid false teaching.   Duration 42:51

January 4, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   THE HEART OF HIS STORY (Isaiah 53)  Neal Pollard  I. THERE IS ______________________________ (1-3)    II. THERE IS ______________________________ (4-6)    III. THERE IS ____________________________ (4-10)    IV. THERE IS ___________________________ (11-12)   Duration 30:50