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

November 9, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon   How Not to Raise Worthless Kids (1 Sam. 2-3)  Neal Pollard  Eli Raised Worthless Children...  I. THROUGH ______________ PARENTING (2:29)  II. THROUGH ____________ REBELLION (2:29)  III. THROUGH HIS ______ __________ (2:29)  IV. THROUGH HIS __________ TO __________ HIS CHILDREN (3:13)  Contrast His Parenting with That Of ___________ (ch. 1-2)    Duration 28:42

November 9, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon 360 Degree Gratitude: INWARD (Philippians 4:4-7) Neal Pollard  This Text Shows Us How To...  I. _________ OUR HEARTS FOR ____________ (4-5)     A. ___________ (4)     B. Be ________ (5)     C. ________ The Coming Of ________ (5)  II. _________ OUR HEARTS FROM _______________ (6)     A. Don't __________ (6)     B. __________ (6)  III. _________ OUR HEARTS THROUGH ___________ (7)  Conclusion   A. Paul Is Calling for A ______ Heart in This Text!    Duration 29:06

November 9, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode Barrett continues a study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the distinctive "I AM" statements of Jesus. Building on last week’s lesson, the discussion places John’s words in first-century Judea—under Roman occupation and steeped in Old Testament expectation—and explains why Jesus’ metaphors were both surprising and provocative to his contemporaries. The episode covers the historical and theological context of John (likely written around A.D. 90 for a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience) and explains how each "I AM" statement draws on everyday imagery and Old Testament echoes (Exodus, Isaiah, Psalms, Deuteronomy) to reveal Jesus’ identity and mission. The host reads and unpacks three of the seven statements in detail: "I am the bread of life" (John 6), "I am the light of the world" (John 8), and "I am the door/gate" (John 10), showing how each image communicates spiritual sustenance, guidance, protection, and exclusive access to the Father. Contributors in the conversation include Jeremy, Neal, Hiram, Roger, Russell, Rhonda and other class participants, who bring questions, Old Testament connections, and real-life applications. The episode also reflects on practical themes—why people struggled to accept Jesus then and now, barriers like pride, tradition, and fear of social consequences, and how modern pressures and instant gratification can distract from spiritual hunger. A memorable comparison to the Challenger disaster illustrates how ignoring warnings and truth can have tragic consequences. Listeners can expect close readings of John 6, 8, and 10, clear explanations of key Old Testament ties, examples of how to live out these metaphors today (prayer, community, Bible study, being a light to others), and an invitation to examine whether they truly know Jesus or merely know about him. The host closes by previewing a continuation of the series that will cover the remaining "I AM" statements in a future session.   Duration 39:59

September 24, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class In this episode we dive into Ephesians chapter 3 as part of a continuing study of Paul's prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), written while Paul was under house arrest around AD 60–62. The speaker reviews major themes from Ephesians—spiritual blessings in Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, grace through faith, God’s eternal plan for redemption, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church—before unpacking chapter 3 in detail. Key topics include Paul’s self-identification as a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles, his stewardship/dispensation of God’s grace, and the revelation of the “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ through the gospel. The episode highlights Paul’s humility and gratitude, his calling to minister to the Gentiles, and his emphasis on God’s unsearchable, unfathomable riches in Christ. Chris connects these doctrinal points to pastoral application: how the first three chapters of Ephesians present doctrine and spiritual blessings, while chapters 4–6 move into practical instruction for Christian living. Paul’s prayer for believers is examined—asking that they be strengthened in the inner man, that Christ dwell in their hearts, and that they comprehend (as much as possible) the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. The episode also explores the call to unity in the church (Ephesians 4), emphasizing humility, gentleness (meekness), patience, and bearing with one another in love as essential to maintaining the unity of the Spirit. Listeners will hear cross-references to Acts, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Philippians, and 1 Peter to illuminate Paul’s ministry, his self-awareness as “less than the least,” and the broader biblical context of God’s revealed plan. Expect reflections on prayer, spiritual maturity, the manifold wisdom of God revealed through the church, and practical challenges of walking worthy of the calling—living out humility, unity, and sacrificial love within the body of Christ.   Duration 42:31

November 2, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon Unstoppable: How Christianity Thrives in Any Age (Acts 5:12-42)  Hiram Kemp  1. ___________________________ with the _________________________ Work (Acts 5:12-16)  2. ________________________ Words of __________________________ (Acts 5:20)  3. ___________________ God, not ____________________ (Acts 5:29)  4. ______________________ with an ______________________ God (Acts 5:39)  5. _________________________ in ________________________ (Acts 5:40-41)  6. ________________________ to ________________________ (Acts 5:42)   Duration 36:29

November 2, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon   360 Degree Gratitude: "Upward" (Psalm 103) Neal Pollard  This Psalm Challenges Us To…   I. _________________ UP (1-2)     A. _____________ Your ____________     B. __________ Your _______________     C. ___________ Your _____________  II. _______________ UP (3-14)     A. He R______________ (3)     B. He R______________ (4)     C. He R______________ (5)  III. ________________ UP (15-18)       A. The _______ That You Stay Here ________ (15-16)     B. The ____________ To God's ___________ (17-18)    IV. _________________ UP (20-22)       A. The _________________ (20)       B. The _________________ (21)       C. The _________________ (22)       D. Me!  (22)   Duration 34:46       

November 02, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode Jeremy continues a quarter-long study in the Gospel of John and takes a focused look at John 3:16–21, building on Phil’s earlier verse-by-verse treatment. Through scripture references across the New Testament (John, Matthew, Colossians, Romans, Hebrews, Titus, Ephesians and more) the message explores who Jesus is — God’s only Son, Lord and God, the Light, our Hope, the Source of Life, Friend, Judge, the Author and Finisher of our faith, and our Savior. The episode mixes theological exposition with practical application: it distinguishes hope in Jesus from mere wishful thinking, explains why Jesus is not a rubber-stamp for our choices, and emphasizes obedience and daily practice as evidence that “Jesus is our life.” The speaker uses relatable examples and stories (including a testimony about prayer and work, a showing-cows analogy, and a race/pacer metaphor) to illustrate assurance, judgment, and Christian living. Listeners will hear brief contributions from others in the room — references to the earlier presenter, the speaker’s daughters who describe what Jesus means to them, and input from congregants — which highlight how different ages and backgrounds describe Jesus while underscoring that He is the same for all. Key takeaways: recognize Jesus as both Lord and God rather than a figure who merely approves our choices; place confident assurance (not wishful thinking) in the hope Jesus provides; live out faith by practicing what you preach; cherish Jesus as a personal friend who laid down His life; remember that He will be the judge who knows us; and center your life on Christ, the author and finisher of faith. The episode concludes with a call to fill in the blank — who is Jesus to you — and to let that answer shape how you live.   Duration 42:19

September 17, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class   In this episode Chris continues a study of the prison epistles, focusing on Ephesians (with occasional cross-references to Colossians, Romans, Revelation, 1 Peter, and 1 Corinthians). The session reviews chapter 1 and then works through the rich teaching of chapter 2. Topics include the book’s major themes: spiritual blessings "in Christ," the centrality and importance of the church, unity between Jews and Gentiles, and a careful look at predestination. The speaker examines Ephesians 1:3–14 as a catalog of spiritual blessings (holiness, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, sealing by the Spirit, and the guaranteed inheritance). He contrasts the believers’ present status in Christ with their prior condition "dead in trespasses and sins," walking according to the course of the world, and being "children of wrath." Biblical parallels are drawn to Romans 5 and Colossians 2 to explain God’s love, justification, and how baptism connects believers to Christ’s death and resurrection. A major focus is Ephesians 2’s diagnosis of humanity outside Christ followed by God’s intervention: "But God, who is rich in mercy... made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved." The episode emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, clarifies the relationship between faith and works (faith that is alive produces works), and explains that good works are the expected fruit of salvation rather than the means to earn it. The discussion highlights the breaking down of the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, showing how Christ’s death creates one new humanity and brings Gentiles near by the blood of Christ. The church is presented as the household/temple of God, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus as the chief cornerstone—living stones fitted together for God’s dwelling by the Spirit. Listeners hear scripture readings, brief audience interaction and questions, and practical application points: remember where you once were, appreciate God’s mercy, live out the good works prepared for believers, and recognize the church’s unity and spiritual significance. The episode closes with reminders about baptism, reconciliation through Christ, and the ongoing importance of the church as God’s family and temple.   Duration 36:23

October 26, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon Join Hiram and Neil for a thoughtful question-and-answer session tackling tough theological and practical questions from attendees. Hiram and Neil examine ways to help others see the Bible’s reliability. They encourage listeners to read Scripture for themselves and test its claims.   Questions: Can you explain 1 Corinthians 7:15? It seems like this verse allows for an exception for remarriage if the spouse leaves and was an unbeliever. What is the best Bible to read that is easier to read? Which Bible translation communicates best in "today's" English? Is it ok to only give to the church or should you be supporting additional works too (e.g., missionaries, orphans, etc.)? Explain John 16:24. Do we know anything the apostles asked for and how it led to their joy being full? Did they know better than to ask to see Jesus again? What constitutes a marriage in the eyes of God? Does common law marriage qualify? Does a legal (but not religious) ceremony qualify? What about a non-Christian (Muslim, Hindu, Jewish) ceremony? What about same-sex marriage?  What does the Bible say about cremation? Is it allowed or forbidden? Is the phrase "Divine Intervention" a biblical expression? When someone escapes death or has a close call and you survive is this God protecting me?    Duration 47:42

October 26, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon   Jesus’ 7 Keys to the Christian Life  Hiram Kemp  1. ________ Radically (Luke 6:27-36)  2. Kill _________ (Luke 12:1)  3. _______ on the _______ Life (Luke 11:39-41)  4. ________ Yourself _______ & _______ (Luke 14:11)  5. ________ Quickly (Luke 17:3-4)  6. _________ Your _______ (Luke 21:34)  7.  Point ________ to ___________ (Luke 24:46-48)    Duration 29:04

October 25, 2025 - Saturday PM Bible Class Family Retreat Lesson 3   Be Proactive 1 John 4:10, 19 Mark 16:15 Matthew 28:19 Don't think sinners are out of reach Believe people can come back "Go" is a proactive word Wind doesn't blow them into the building   Be Practical Acts 17:28 2 Timothy 3:15-17 People want to make sense of the world We're trying to give them something to change their life and make sense of the world Without God, people feel an emptiness Be thoroughly equipped Storms hit the just and unjust But we have a foundation   Be Patient 2 Peter 3:9 1 Corinthians 3:6 How patient has God been with me God may be doing things we don't see   Be Persistent Luke 18:1 Luke 15:4, 8 In prayer In sharing gospel He needs to be mindful and watch out for our own insecurities Some things or events open hearts Baby Loss of job Family death Diagnosis Difficult circumstances   Be Prayerful Romans 9:2-4 Romans 10:1 Sometimes people need adverse circumstances to come to Jesus Sometimes hearing from someone else will have an impact   Challenge Name 5 family member who are not believers and pray for them by name for a set time Then have a conversation with them about Jesus   Love of God First, tell men what God did then, tell them what to do Philemon 6 Exercise our spiritual muscle   Glorifying_God_in_the_Home.pdf   Duration 43:36

October 25, 2025 - Saturday AM Bible Class   Family Retreat Lesson 2   The Church is your spiritual family Household Ephesians 2:19-22 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Galatians 6:10 Family of God Loving one another in the church glorifies God   Your spiritual family has been called by God to: Rejoice with those who rejoice Romans 12:15 Sports, weddings, babies, Genuine joy Baptisms Weep with those who weep Romans 12:15 Illnesses, hospital, tragedies, deaths Have to show up May not have the words Be careful what you say Some words don't comfort Sometimes silence is best Cards "Tell us your stories about them" Those stories are part of the grieving process Bear one another's burdens Galatians 6:2 2 Samuel 10:11 Come to each other's rescue We don't know the private battles of others What if all sins had an odor Some churches have AA meetings When the enemy (Satan) is winning we need to come fight with the person struggling Glorifying_God_in_the_Church.pdf   Duration 43:30

October 24, 2025 - Friday PM Bible Class Family Retreat Lesson 1   Light illuminates The world needs the light Matthew 4:12-17 People saw the light We're dwelling in darkness Not for us to keep to ourselves People are dying in darkness Just   Light Exposes (Reveals) John 3:19-21 Exposes ignorance, hypocrisy Are we self-righteous? Do we put more conviction in politics than faith?   Light Guides John 1:6-9 Luke 1:78-79 Risk our comfort or safety Go into dark to guide people to the light Light guides our feet in the Way of peace Kids need this light too They need us to guide them You are the light of the world, not someone else Light extinguishes darkness Light is more powerful Your ministry is where you are Sometimes a team of one - the market is wide open Do we only shine around other lamps?   Light Overpowers / conquers John 16:33   Glorifying_God_in_the_Community.pdf   Duration 32:27

October 26, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   This episode explores the crucial role women played as faith witnesses in the Gospel of John. Building on last week’s look at abiding and the true vine, the speaker leads a class discussion that defines what a witness is in biblical terms, contrasts eyewitness testimony with being a faith witness today, and highlights how words, actions, and lifestyle communicate the gospel. The episode walks through three extended Johannine encounters: the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Mary and Martha with the raising of Lazarus (John 11), and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb (John 20). Each story is read and unpacked to show how women’s testimony prompted belief, catalyzed community transformation, and demonstrated devotion—often despite marginalization, grief, or personal imperfection. Class participants and references include the session’s teacher and contributions from classmates (Jeremy, Phil, Tim, Nell and others are mentioned), with connections to broader New Testament examples (Luke 8’s group of women followers, Acts 1:8 and Acts 8’s Samaritan harvest, Romans 16:1 on Phoebe, Acts 9’s Tabitha/Dorcas, and Mark 15’s women at the cross). Barrett emphasizes the “trickle-down” effect of witness—how one person’s testimony can prepare a community for later ministry. Key takeaways include practical and theological lessons: faith witnessing is shown through integrity, sacrificial love, and consistent daily living; believers can and should share the gospel boldly but graciously; grief and failure don’t disqualify someone from witnessing; worshipful devotion points others to Christ; and God often uses the unexpected and imperfect to accomplish his work. The episode closes with concrete suggestions for being a faithful witness at work, in community, and in difficult moments, and a reminder that ordinary lives can have extraordinary, long-term spiritual impact.   Duration 42:28

October 19, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon   The Lord’s Church Is Built by Christ (Matt. 16:13-19)  Neal Pollard  I. PEOPLE ___________________ ON OTHER _____________________ (13-14)    II. WE MUST _____________________ ______________________ (15)    III. THE _________________ ANSWER IS VERY __________________ (16)    IV. THE ________________ CONCLUSION IS A ________________ ONE (17)    V. THE _________________ BUILDING HAS CERTAIN _________________ (18-19)   Duration 37:54

October 19, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon   A Biblical View of Identity in a Confused World - Genesis 1:26-27  Hiram Kemp  1. _____________ Your _______________ as an ___________________ (Genesis 1:26-27)    2. ________________ Your ______________ for ________________ (1 John 5:21)    3. __________________ with _______________ (2 Corinthians 4:3-5)    4. __________ False _________ with the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10)    5. _______________ Your _______________ Through ________________ (Matthew 5:16)    6. _______________ in _________________ Alone (Galatians 3:28-29, 6:14)    Duration 38:13

October 19, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode the instructor opens class with hymn 260 and launches into an in-depth study of John 15:1–11, focusing on the theme of abiding in Christ. The speaker frames chapter 15 around three relationships — disciples with the Father and Son, disciples with one another, and disciples with the world — and centers today’s lesson on the first relationship: what it means to abide in Christ and how that shapes our life with God and the church. Topics covered include Jesus as the true vine and the Father as the vine-dresser, the imagery of branches bearing fruit, the conditional and provable nature of abiding (bearing fruit as evidence), and the pruning process — why God removes what hinders growth. The episode emphasizes humility and dependence in prayer, the reciprocal love between Jesus and his followers, and the blessings and warnings tied to faithfulness (answered prayer, increased fruitfulness, glory to the Father versus being cut off and burned). Practical application is highlighted throughout: using and developing spiritual gifts, serving the congregation, helping others discover their talents, and concrete spiritual practices to remain in Christ — prayer, praise, study and meditation on Scripture, service, repentance, and consistent growth. Anecdotes (including a farm example) and references to supporting passages (Romans, Ephesians, Hebrews, and Old Testament vine imagery) help connect doctrine to daily Christian living. Guests/participants are the class instructor and attending members who contribute reflections and questions. Key takeaways: abiding is continuous and measurable by fruit, Jesus has already modeled what he asks, spiritual fruitfulness requires humility and practice, and God both prunes and rewards those who remain in the vine.   Duration 31:40

October 12, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon   How Can I Know God’s Will for My Life? (Psalm 143:10) - Hiram Kemp  1. _________ the ____________ (Ephesians 5:17)  2. _________ what you ________ ______ (Romans 12:2)  3. _________ for __________ (Galatians 6:10)  4. ____________ the __________ (Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)  5. ___________ the _________ (Proverbs 16:1-3, 16:9)  6._________ for _________ & _________ (Psalm 143:10; James 1:5-8)  7._________ to _________ (Hebrews 12:2)   Duration 36:32

October 12, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S PURPOSE (1 Cor. 1:1-3)   Neal Pollard  Introduction  A. In Every Pauline _______ And John's Words to the ____ Churches Of ______, God Identifies       Each  Church's ____________     1. For Corinth, that was overcoming religious ________ (1:10)  B. We Need To ___________ How God Sees His __________  C. From Our Text, Let Us Observe...  I. THE ________________      A. In Simplest Terms, It Means "To Make ______, _______ and _______"        1. It implies the ___________ of ______ (Rom. 8:13)        2. It implies the ______ and _________ of the Christian _______ (2 Pt. 1:5-7)        3. Our _____ is more and more ______ to God's _______ (Mt. 6:10)  II. THE _______________--"in Christ Jesus"     A. We Must Always Make _______ How One ______ ____ Christ (Rm. 6:3-4; Ga. 3:27)     B. Also, Spiritual _________ Only Occurs ___ ________  III. THE _______________--"Called"     A. What Are The __________ Of This ____________?        1. It gives us _________, ___________, __________, and ___________  IV. THE _________________--"Grace and Peace"  Conclusion  A. If the Lord's _______ Is Sanctified, Won't _______ See The ________ Of It?   Duration 35:54

October 12, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class   In this episode the hosts pick up a topical study of the Gospel of John, following Phil’s opening sessions. The class leaders explore the central theme of Jesus’ humility as recorded in John, weaving scripture, historical examples, personal stories, and practical application together to help listeners see humility as a strength, not a weakness. The discussion opens with definitions and helpful analogies — from Merriam-Webster’s simple definition to Gavin Ortlund’s reflections in Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness, and quotes by C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller — and a few personal reflections (flying over the Yukon, mountain vistas) to illustrate humility as awe and perspective. The episode surveys humility in both secular and biblical examples (Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela; Moses, Job, John the Baptist, Paul) and then turns to the Gospel of John to trace humility from the incarnation to the cross. Key passages examined include John 1:1–14 (the Word becoming flesh, Jesus’ humble birth in a manger and the shepherds’ witness), John 13 (the washing of the disciples’ feet as servant leadership), John 4 (Jesus’ patient, barrier-breaking conversation with the Samaritan woman), and John 10:11–18 (the good shepherd who lays down his life). The hosts highlight Jesus’ humility in action: submission to the Father, service to the marginalized, willingness to be misunderstood, and ultimate self-emptying in death. They contrast worldly leadership with Jesus’ model and use anecdotes (e.g., the shepherds of the East who lead rather than push) to bring biblical truth into modern perspective. The episode ends with tangible application: serve without seeking recognition; listen more and speak less; admit mistakes and seek forgiveness; prioritize others’ needs; pray with dependence, not pride; avoid judging and comparing; accept lowly tasks willingly; remain teachable; forgive quickly; and live for God’s glory rather than your own. The closing thought recalls C.S. Lewis — humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less — and invites listeners to let Jesus’ example shape their daily lives.   Duration 42:51