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

October 4, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode Neal studies 1 Corinthians 5–7 and walks listeners through a pivotal transition in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Starting with the problems reported from Chloe’s household—division, allegiance to personalities, and serious sexual immorality—Neal explains how Paul moves from urgent correction to answering specific questions introduced by the repeated formula “now concerning.” The session covers three main blocks: the emergency corrective material in chapters 1–6 (notably the man living with his father’s wife and rampant fornication), Paul’s instructions about marriage and sexual duty in chapter 7 (verses 1–7), and the practical pastoral guidance that follows for different relationship situations. Key pastoral points include the duty of spouses to meet one another’s sexual needs, the prohibition against withholding sex except by mutual consent for brief seasons of prayer, and Paul’s expressed preference for singleness while recognizing marriage as the right option for those who can’t exercise self-control. The teacher unpacks contentious issues about divorce and remarriage, directly engaging Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 19:3–9) and the exception for sexual immorality. He explains the meaning of terms like “leave” and the nature of ongoing adultery in Jesus’ wording, carefully distinguishing the Lord’s teaching from later interpretations such as the so-called “Pauline privilege.” The episode also addresses mixed-faith marriages—how an unbelieving spouse may be "sanctified" through the believing partner—and what to do if an unbelieving mate abandons the believer. Practical ministry and pastoral care topics are highlighted throughout: premarital counseling, how cultural pressures and false teaching can distort sexual ethics (including the harmful idea that sex is inherently dirty), and the church’s role in correcting congregational problems biblically rather than “cafeteria-style.” Listeners should expect clear scriptural exposition, pastoral application for marriages and single believers, and blunt, pastoral warnings about common misreadings that have led people astray. There are no outside guests; the episode is led by a teacher who interacts with congregants and answers live questions. By the end, listeners will have a concise overview of Paul’s marriage theology in 1 Corinthians 7, practical guidance for marital conflicts and mixed-faith unions, and a reinforced call to submit to the plain teaching of Scripture even when it’s difficult to accept.   Duration 42:32

October 4, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon In this sermon-style episode Hiram walks listeners through the biblical account of Balaam (Numbers 22–25) and draws practical spiritual lessons from the prophet’s failure. Using the famous scenes of Balak hiring Balaam, the talking donkey, the angel blocking the path, and the repeated blessings that defy Balak’s wishes, the message examines how a prophet who “knew better” nonetheless acted wrongly and led others into sin. The episode connects Balaam’s story to modern examples of public figures who behaved immorally or deceptively despite knowing better (including references used in the talk: Sharon Moore, George Santos, Elizabeth Holmes, and Brian Williams) to illustrate the timeless danger of choosing personal gain over obedience. Hiram also highlights New Testament citations (2 Peter, Jude, Revelation) that label Balaam as a warning about false teaching and moral compromise. Listeners are guided through six core lessons: 1) truth is truth no matter who speaks it; 2) God can only open your eyes if you are willing to see; 3) you never truly lose when you follow God; 4) no one can change God’s Word; 5) there is more than one way to disobey (doctrinal error or moral failure); and 6) you can’t make God change his mind. The talk unpacks each point with Scripture references (Numbers, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, John, Romans, Philippians, and more) and contemporary application for personal faith and church life. The episode closes by contrasting Balaam with Jesus—the greater prophet who rode a donkey into Jerusalem to bless and fulfill God’s Word—and offers a pastoral invitation: if you want to respond to the gospel, confess faith in Christ and be baptized to receive forgiveness and new life. Practical takeaways include cultivating humility to receive truth regardless of its source, guarding the heart against secret compromise, and trusting in the unshakable promises of God’s Word.   Duration 40:26

October 4, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon In this episode Neal examines the Transfiguration account found in Matthew 17 (also recorded in Mark and Luke), opening with a Scripture reading and exploring what the mountain moment reveals about Jesus’ identity and mission. The sermon traces how the Father’s voice— “This is my beloved Son; listen to him”—frames four practical lessons for Christian life: build on what you know, see Jesus as he truly is, allow God to correct mistaken views of Christ, and obey and listen to him. Neal connects the Transfiguration to surrounding events in Matthew’s Gospel (Caesarea Philippi, Peter’s confession, and the subsequent healing of a demon-possessed boy), surveys key biblical references (John 1; Hebrews; 2 Peter; Deuteronomy; Malachi) and explains how glory is both revealed and implicated in Jesus’ earthly ministry. The sermon reflects on the apostles Peter, James, and John—their privileged perspective, continued need to grow, and later struggle to reconcile the glory on the mountain with the suffering of the cross. Contemporary analogies — from the Northern Lights and solar cycles to images returned by the Hubble and James Webb telescopes — are used to illustrate God’s unveiled glory and our limited perspective. The message emphasizes Jesus’ dual nature (Son of Man and Son of God), the Father’s commissioning to “listen to him,” and the unfolding plan that culminates in Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. Practical applications and pastoral invitations close the episode: an encouragement to deepen spiritual growth, a call to see and submit to Christ as he truly is (not on our terms), and an invitation to repent, be baptized, or return to the shepherd. The episode includes roles from the service—Josh’s Scripture reading and Mike preparing to lead the congregation in song—and is aimed at both long-time believers and those considering faith.   Duration 35:17

September 30, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class   This episode explores what it means to be faithful throughout life and faithful unto death, using Paul’s teachings and personal testimony to guide listeners. Denver examines biblical passages—1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:3-5, 2:15; Romans 10:17; Proverbs 22:6; Colossians 3; Ephesians 6:1-4—and applies them to practical Christian living. Key themes include self-discipline, running the race according to God’s rules, studying Scripture to grow faith, the role of consistent assembly, and the importance of godly parenting. Through personal stories about his mother’s influence—her regular church attendance, practical rules (no tobacco, no swearing), compassion, kindness, humility, long-suffering, and dedication— Denver shows how a single faithful example can lead an entire family to the gospel. Expect reflections on childhood, marriage and unbelieving spouses, the promise of Revelation 2:10, and concrete characteristics Christians should cultivate to finish the race and receive the crown of life.   Duration 39:25

September 27, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon In this devotional episode Hiram reflects on God’s intimate, hands‑on care for his people, using the historical role of secretaries and the ministry of angels as a springboard. With readings by Dave—and with acknowledgements to Neal, Kya, Ashley, Linda and others who serve—the talk traces how Scripture shows God personally involved in our cleansing, healing, and ultimate restoration. The sermon centers on three promises God will do himself: 1) He will purify and sanctify us (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; Romans; 1 Peter), 2) He will put us back together after suffering and hardship (1 Peter 5:10; Joel 2:25; Isaiah), and 3) He will dwell with us and permanently remove suffering in the new creation (Revelation 21:1–5; Psalm 56:8). The speaker contrasts God’s direct action with the helpful but secondary role of angels and human servants, emphasizing that some tasks God refuses to delegate. Key scriptural references and themes include Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 103, Romans 3 and 7, 1 Peter, Isaiah, and the closing vision of Revelation 21. Practical application is woven throughout: believers are encouraged to trust God’s work in sanctification, to rely on him for restoration in trials, and to look forward to a future where God himself wipes away every tear. The episode closes with an invitation to respond—turning from sin, submitting to God’s grace, and if needed, receiving baptism (Acts 2:38) and the prayers of the church. Listeners can expect an encouraging, biblical message aimed at strengthening faith in God’s personal, redemptive involvement in our lives.   Duration 14:18