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

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Lingering (Waiting) (Chapter Three)" by Neal Pollard

December 21, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Lingering (Waiting) (Chapter Three)  
Neal Pollard 
I. BE IN THE ________________ ___________________ (2) 
II. BE YOUR ______________________ (3) 
III. DO THE __________________ _____________________ (4) 
IV. HAVE ____________________ _____________________ (6) 
V. DO NOT ___________________ (11)

 

Duration 32:19

"Raised with Christ: Living the Resurrection Life (Colossians 3)" by Hiram Kemp

December 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

Raised with Christ: Living the Resurrection Life (Colossians 3) 
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. Put ________________ Ways to ________________ (Colossians 3:1-9) 
2. _____________ on _____________ New ______________ (Colossians 3:10-14) 
3. Let _______________ Dominate Your ________________ (Colossians 3:15) 
4. ______________ Out Your _______________ in ___________ (Colossians 3:16-17) 
5. Practice _________________ in Every ___________________ (Colossians 3:18-25)

 

Duration 30:08

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 2

December 14, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode we continue our study of 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 1:12 through 2:17. The speaker reviews the major themes introduced earlier — suffering, comfort, confidence, and leadership — and draws two central principles: leadership inevitably involves suffering, and faithful leadership draws us closer to God. Using Paul as the model, the lesson examines how leaders become visible and vulnerable, how criticism and misunderstanding (especially from the Corinthians) test a leader's motives, and why leaders must be trusted when acting according to biblical qualifications and God's will.

The episode traces Paul’s travel plans and explains why he delayed visiting Corinth: not out of selfish motives or wishy-washiness, but because of concern for the congregation—particularly following the difficult disciplinary issue addressed in 1 Corinthians 5—and because Paul was responding to God’s leading amid threats of imprisonment on his journey to Jerusalem. The speaker interprets key verses (including Paul’s defense of his conscience and character, the ‘‘yes and no’’ charge, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness and the Spirit as a seal) while emphasizing that God’s promises and presence are the true reward for leaders, not fame or wealth.

Listeners will hear practical applications for modern church leadership—how criticism often stems from incomplete facts, the difference between constructive and destructive criticism, the pressures of living in a "glass house," and the importance of trusting biblically qualified leaders. The talk also highlights motivations for faithful leadership: the grace of God, the judgment seat of Christ, the promises and work of God, the glory of God, and the relationships with God’s people. The episode concludes with encouragement that even amid misunderstanding and suffering, God comforts and establishes leaders who serve faithfully.

 

Duration 42:39

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 8

October 29, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

Good evening. In this episode we finish Philippians chapter 1 and move into chapter 2 as part of a quarter-long study of Paul’s prison epistles. Recorded as a teaching session, the episode places Paul in Rome under house arrest and highlights the recurring theme of joy throughout Philippians — not as a response to circumstances but as rooted in Christ and his gospel.

 

The study reviews chapter 1: the joy of prayerful fellowship, purposeful living, and the tension in Paul’s heart about living or dying — recognizing that being with Christ would be far better, yet there remains work to do for the church. From verse 27 onward the focus shifts to the “joy of sacrificing self”: the call to let one’s conduct be worthy of the gospel, to stand fast in the Spirit, and to strive together in unity despite persecution. Key cross-references (Acts 5 and 1 Peter 4) are used to show how suffering for Christ is portrayed as an honor or gift that leads to deeper joy.

 

Chapter 2 is emphasized as a direct continuation (note the connective therefore) and underscores unity through humility. Verses 3–4 give the practical formula for unity — do nothing from selfish ambition, esteem others better than yourself, and look out for others’ interests. Verses 5–11 present the supreme example: Christ’s self-emptying humility, incarnation, obedience to death on a cross, and God’s subsequent exaltation of Jesus so that every knee will bow. John 1 and Isaiah/Romans references are used to clarify Christ’s deity and lordship.

 

Practical teachings covered include working out your salvation with fear and trembling while recognizing God works in us, doing all things without complaining or disputing so the church may shine as lights in a crooked generation, and holding fast to the word of life. The episode closes with the joy of working together: Paul’s praise for Timothy’s proven servant-heart and the story of Epaphroditus, who risked his health for the mission and is to be received with gladness.

 

Listeners can expect a sermon-style exposition that blends biblical exegesis, pastoral application, and historical context, with repeated calls to unity, humility, perseverance in suffering, and Christ-centered joy.

 

Duration 42:47

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Labor (Chapter Two)" by Neal Pollard

December 14, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: "Labor" (Chapter 2)  
 Neal Pollard 
 
1.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S _______________ TO _______________ (1-2)  
 
2.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S _____________________ TO WORK (3-9)  
 
3.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S ____________ AND ______________ (10-13)  
 
4.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S ______________________ (14-23)

 

Duration 34:56

"Jesus: A Life Like No Other" by Hiram Kemp

December 14, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

Jesus: A Life Like No Other 
Hiram Kemp  
 
1. A ________________________ Birth (Mathew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-35) 
2. Perfect _______________________ (John 8:29) 
3.  ____________________ Teaching (Matthew 7:28-29; John 7:46) 
4. Ministry of _________________ & _______________ (Mark 1:40-45; Luke 7:22) 
5.  _______________________ Death (Mark 10:45; John 19:30) 
6. _______________________ Resurrection (Matthew 28:5-6) 
7.  ________________________ Reign (Acts 2:32-36)

 

Duration 34:21

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Loss (Chapter One)" by Neal Pollard

December 7, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

FOUR FACES OF PROVIDENCE IN RUTH: "LOSS" (Chapter One) — Neal Pollard 
 
Providence is God's continual __________________ over His created ___________________ 
 
I. WE WILL FACE ___________ KINDS OF ________ (1:1-5) 
 
   A. ____________________ Loss (1) 
 
   B. ____________________ Loss (1) 
 
   C. ____________________ Loss (5) 
 
II. WE WILL FACE ______________________ IN TIMES OF ___________________ (1:6-15) 
 
III. THE DECISIONS WE MAKE IMPACT OUR ____________________ FROM LOSS (1:16-22)

 

Duration

"The Savior God Promised" by Hiram Kemp

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

 The Savior God Promised — Hiram Kemp 
1. ______________________ the _______________________ (Genesis 3:15) 
 
2. ___________________ all __________________ (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 2:2-3) 
 
3. _____________ the ________________ & confront _________________ (Isaiah 42:1-4) 
 
4. ________________ __________________ to those in ________________ (Isaiah 9:1-2, 42:6-7) 
 
5. _________________ Through ___________________ (Isaiah 53) 
 
6. ____________ a New____________ & a New ______________ (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezek. 36:25-27)

 

Duration 34:13

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 1

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode Neal announces a new quarter-long study of 2 Corinthians and explains why the class begins with Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians rather than First Corinthians. He places the letter in historical context (Acts 18–20), ties it to the later prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and recommends earlier teaching on First Corinthians by Hiram and Brittany as helpful background.

The episode gives an extended cultural and historical overview of Corinth — its Greek origins, destruction and re-founding under Rome, strategic isthmus location with two ports, the prominence of the slave trade, widespread pagan immorality (including how “to Corinthianize” became synonymous with sexual vice), and the city’s importance as the provincial capital of Achaia. These details set the stage for why the Corinthian church faced the problems Paul addresses.

Key topics covered include a review of the problems raised in 1 Corinthians (division, idolatry, sexual immorality, marriage questions, worship abuses such as corruption of the Lord’s Supper, confusion over spiritual gifts, questions about the resurrection, and factional allegiance to leaders), and how the church largely responded to Paul’s first letter. The speaker explains that 2 Corinthians arises from a new crisis: a group of Jewish opponents who undermine Paul’s apostleship and claim apostolic authority themselves.

The episode highlights the central themes and purposes of 2 Corinthians: Paul’s defense of his apostleship and leadership, the danger of false or unordained leaders, and the pastoral necessity of protecting church order. It emphasizes Paul’s personal investment in the Corinthian congregation — the suffering he endured, his pastoral care, and his insistence that God-ordained leadership matters because “sheep need a shepherd.”

A major motif introduced is comfort: the speaker surveys 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 and summarizes the letter’s repeated emphasis on comfort in the midst of affliction. He identifies the sources of that comfort as God (the “Father of mercies”), Christ, other believers who have suffered, and the prayers of the community, and underscores Paul’s theme of abundant, effective consolation despite severe trials.

Guests and contributors mentioned include teachers Hiram and Brittany (previous lectures on First Corinthians) and Chris (his Wednesday class on the prison epistles); the speaker also references Luke’s account in Acts and several Pauline passages as he reads and opens 2 Corinthians 1:1–11. Listeners can expect a mix of historical background, theological orientation to the letter, pastoral application about church leadership and suffering, and a reading of the opening verses to begin the study.

 

Duration 44:47

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 7

October 22, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode we begin a verse-by-verse study of the book of Philippians, focusing on chapter 1 and its historical context. Chris sets the scene by reviewing Acts 16 — the Macedonian call that brought Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke to Philippi — and highlights key persons like Lydia and the Philippian jailer who played roles in the church’s founding. The episode also situates Paul’s letter historically, explaining his Roman imprisonment (house arrest around AD 60–62) and how that confinement shaped the letter’s emphasis.

Topics covered include: the geographic and cultural background of Philippi (a Roman colony in Macedonia), the origin of the church there, and the circumstances that prompted Paul’s affectionate and joyful letter. The host unpacks major themes such as joy and rejoicing, the meaning of being a bondservant of Christ, the distinction between the believers Paul calls “saints” and his own humility, and the practical results of gospel partnership between Paul and the Philippian congregation (including their generosity).

Key points emphasized: Paul’s overriding theme that true Christian joy is rooted in Christ and the gospel — not in changing circumstances; the joy of prayerful fellowship (Paul’s thankful, persistent prayers for the Philippians); the joy of purposeful living (how Paul’s chains actually advanced the gospel and emboldened other believers); and the famous tension in Paul between “to live is Christ” and “to die is gain,” showing his devotion to Christ and concern for the church’s growth.

The episode highlights concrete illustrations from the text: the Macedonian call, Lydia’s conversion and hospitality, Paul’s witness to Caesar’s household and the palace guard, divisions among those preaching (envy vs. goodwill), and practical exhortations for love, knowledge, discernment, and bearing the fruits of righteousness. Listeners can expect historical background, theological teaching, and pastoral application designed to help them understand Philippians’ message of Christ-centered joy and faithful living.

 

Duration 40:00