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

"Lessons Learned from Nigeria" by Hiram Kemp

April 5, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode Hiram recounts a March 23–31 mission trip to southern Nigeria with a team of ten Americans — including Brian and Sondra Davis of World Bible School, Daniel Gaines, Keefka Sargent, Bill Pennell, Chad Wagner (trip leader), Brittany, and others — to teach, encourage, and serve alongside Nigerian Christians. The group worked with Western Nigeria Christian College (WNCC) and Nigerian Christian Bible College (NCBC), participated in the Great Workshop (about 450 preachers) whose theme emphasized making mission and evangelism a priority, and taught across primary schools, Bible colleges, and congregations such as the Two Towns Church of Christ.

The episode highlights ministry moments: a visit to a prison where 12 young men were baptized, extended jail ministries started by former inmates like Vincent, training sessions for seasoned and newly trained preachers, and hands-on use of World Bible School extension programs. The team taught breakout sessions on mobilizing youth, preaching and biblical fidelity, and a women’s session on how to flourish as a Christian woman in a busy world. The colleges discussed are government-accredited and house both preaching schools and vocational training so ministers can support themselves while serving.

Cultural vignettes and travel details bring the trip to life — local hospitality (staying in members’ homes, a legacy guestbook), lively breakfasts, local cuisine experiments, aggressive traffic and horn-driven driving, and the warmth and constant smiles of Nigerian Christians. Hiram also describes translating challenges in Uyo, the presence of armed security at the workshop due to regional risks, and the national religious landscape that includes Pentecostalism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and other faiths.

Through the trip Hiram draws seven lessons (an acrostic from the name NIGERIA): you’re Never alone; Infectious joy; the Gospel works everywhere; Eagerness for the Word; Radical hospitality; Immediate obedience; and Acts of faith. These lessons are illustrated with personal stories — such as Vincent’s jail baptisms, a breakout session that sparked immediate repentance and commitments to involve youth, and the story of American donor-turned-missionary Bill Pennell — to show how the gospel changes lives and sustains long-term ministry.

The episode balances pastoral reflection with practical takeaways: how training and extension schools equip leaders, why hospitality and vocational training matter for sustainable ministry, and how immediate obedience and contagious joy drive growth even amid poverty or persecution. It closes with an invitation consistent with the New Testament call to repent, confess, and be baptized, and a reminder that the same gospel heard in Nigeria is still powerful and operative everywhere.

 

Duration 38:00

"How To Build Your Character" by Neal Pollard

April 5, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

In this episode Neal walks through Hebrews chapter 13 and shows how the central truth that "Jesus is better" should shape everyday character. Beginning with a striking true-life anecdote about an 18-year-old angler whose honesty cost him a state record but won him a place in the "hall of fame of character," the speaker uses that story to launch into a broader sermon on conscience and integrity.

The sermon explores practical imperatives from Hebrews 13: loving other believers through hospitality and compassion; honoring marriage and pursuing sexual purity; cultivating contentment and resisting the love of money; submitting to and encouraging godly leaders; and rejecting empty or strange teachings that do not benefit the soul.

Key points include concrete definitions of brotherly love (demonstrable, discerning, and enduring), how purity shows itself positively (honoring marriage) and negatively (avoiding fornication, adultery, lust, and pornography), and why contentment is both a discipline and a spiritual command rooted in trust that God will never forsake us.

The message emphasizes spiritual formation: character is shown in habits, words, and actions, and is developed by regular, personal encounter with Jesus — "meeting with Jesus" at the cross, the tomb, and in daily discipleship. The speaker reminds listeners that genuine character change is ongoing and grounded in Christ's sacrifice and ongoing priestly work.

Listeners can expect practical application: self-examination questions about how you think, speak, and act toward your spouse and fellow believers; warnings about cultural pitfalls around money and sexual ethics; encouragement to follow and pray for leaders; and an invitation to pursue a deeper life with Christ so that your actions increasingly reflect his character.

This episode is designed for anyone seeking clear, biblical guidance on growing Christian character in ordinary life — from family relationships to finances to faithful church membership — with an emphatic call to root every change in the person and work of Jesus.

 

Handout: 

HOW TO BUILD YOUR CHARACTER (Hebrews 13) 
Neal Pollard 
 
I. __________________ OTHERS (1-3) 
 
II. BE ___________________ (4) 
 
III. BE _____________________ (5-6) 
 
IV. _____________________ YOUR ___________________ (7-8) 
 
V. _________________ STRANGE ___________________ (9-11) 
 
VI. ________________ WITH __________________ (12-14)

 

Duration 33:05

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 5

April 5, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode Joey leads a Bible-based study on the common sin of pride: what it is, how it appears (an exaggerated sense of self-worth, pride in possessions, and pride in self-sufficiency), and why each form separates us from God.

Key passages discussed include James 4, Philippians 2–3, Proverbs, Matthew 6, and passages on repentance and correction. The speaker explains spiritual consequences like blindness, resistance to repentance, and stubbornness, and highlights Christ’s humility as the model for change.

Practical application and fixes are offered: cultivate humility, seek God’s opinion over your own, practice contentment, confess and bear one another’s burdens, and live as doers of Scripture rather than mere hearers.

 

Duration 42:13

"Words of Life" by Chris Young - Part 4

April 1, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode a Chris covers 1 Peter chapter 3, building on last week’s study of chapter 2. Topics include the Christian marriage relationship—wives’ conduct and a gentle, quiet spirit, husbands’ duty to dwell with understanding and give honor, and how godly conduct can win unbelieving spouses. The talk compares Peter’s instruction with passages from Ephesians, Matthew, James, Titus, and the Psalms.

Other key points: how unity and humility are required for Christian fellowship, practical warnings about the tongue, pursuing peace, the reality of suffering and persecution for doing good, being ready to give a reason for one’s hope with meekness, and the significance of Christ’s one-time sacrifice and baptism tied to the resurrection. The speaker also notes Neal’s absence (he’s recovering from a leg issue) and shares pastoral anecdotes and applications for living faithfully under pressure.

 

Duration 36:02

"The Love of God" by Neal Pollard

March 29, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

In this episode Neal reflects and references a reading by Jed as they unpack the omnibenevolence of God through Scripture and historical voices like Barton W. Stone, Walter Scott, and N.B. Hardeman. Topics include the nature of God’s love—its endurance, universality, impenetrability, and impartiality—and how that love is shown in Christ’s sacrifice, forgiveness, guidance, and restoration.

Key points cover what God’s love does (saves, creates intimate relationship, forgives, leads and restores) and why it matters: God’s love reaches everyone, doesn’t cease when we fail, reassures us of God’s presence and provision, and calls for a response of repentance and faith. Expect biblical exposition, historical illustrations, practical application, and a clear invitation to respond.

 

Handout:

The Love of God — Neal Pollard 
 
I. WHAT IS THE ________________________ OF GOD? 
 
   A. It Is ____________________ (Psalm 136:1) 
 
   B. It Is ____________________ (John 3:16) 
 
   C. It Is ____________________ (Romans 8:35-39) 
 
   D. It Is ____________________ (Psalm 145:8-9) 
 
II. WHAT DOES THE _____________________ OF GOD _________________? 
 
   A. It Gives _________________ And ______________ (John 3:16) 
 
   B. It Allows Us To Have A Close ________________ With Him (1 John 3:1) 
 
   C. It Causes Him To _____________________ (Exodus 34:6-7) 
 
   D. It Moves Him To ______________ People In The ______________ Way (Hosea 11:1) 
 
   E. It Prompts Him To _____________ Those Who ____________ To Him (1 John 1:9) 
 
III. WHY DOES THE ___________________ OF GOD ______________? 
 
   A. Because It Reaches _____________, It Will Reach _____________ 
 
   B. It Doesn't Stop When We _______________________ 
 
   C. It _______________ The Kind Of Love We Should Have 
 
   D. It _______________ Us Of God's Presence And Provision 
 
   E. It _______________ Us From Being _______________ To Being _______________ 
 
Conclusion 
 
A. It's Up To Us To __________________ To This Amazing Love 

 

Duration 31:54

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 4

March 29, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode is a classroom-style discussion exploring pride as a recurring biblical struggle. The class unpacks biblical language for pride—words like puffed up, haughty, arrogant and boastful—and why the heart attitude matters.

Topics include three common expressions of pride (an exaggerated sense of self-worth, finding worth in possessions/status, and dangerous self-sufficiency), scriptural warnings and examples (Romans 12:3; 1 John 2:16; Proverbs 3:5–6; John 15:5; Colossians 1; Isaiah 14; 2 Corinthians 12), and practical implications: pride puts God second, leads us away from dependence on Christ, and calls for humility and repentance.

The episode closes by setting up follow-up sessions on pride and possessions, pride and self-sufficiency, and offers practical encouragement to trust God, acknowledge his role in our lives, and cultivate humility.

 

Duration 40:54

"Words of Life" by Chris Young - Part 3

March 25, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

This episode is a verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter chapter 2, building on an introduction by Neil about the book’s central theme of hope amid persecution. The speaker walks listeners through Peter’s call to spiritual growth — laying aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speech — and emphasizes feeding on the word of God like newborns craving milk. Key scriptures quoted include Isaiah, Psalm 118, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Acts, and Isaiah 53, connecting the early Christians’ context of mounting Roman persecution to practical Christian living today.

Topics covered: the temporary nature of flesh vs. the enduring Word, the image of Christ as the living stone and believers as living stones, the church as a holy priesthood, spiritual sacrifices, honorable conduct among Gentiles, submission to governing authorities (with limits), the employer-employee application of servant-master teaching, and persevering in suffering as Christ did. The episode offers pastoral encouragement, historical background on first-century persecution, and practical admonitions for personal growth and witness.

 

Duration 45:13

"Words of Life" by Neal Pollard - Part 2

March 18, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

Join this in-depth teaching through 1 Peter chapter 1 as Neal reads the opening verses and unfolds three central "words of life"—hope, holiness, and love—that sustain believers facing persecution and cultural opposition. The episode begins with a careful reading of verses 1–12 and explains Peter’s opening greeting, highlighting how he addresses his audience as "aliens" or "pilgrims," chosen and set apart by God through the Spirit. Neal unpacks Peter’s emphases: believers are born again to a living hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, sprinkled with His blood, kept by God’s power, and destined for an imperishable inheritance.

Topics covered include the historical context (Nero’s growing persecution in the mid-60s AD), the mixed Jewish and Gentile makeup of the early churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, and how Peter’s identity as "Peter" and "apostle" establishes his authority. The speaker outlines the five imperatives of 1 Peter—fix your hope, be holy, conduct yourselves in fear, love one another fervently from the heart, and crave the sincere milk of the Word—and explains how these commands form a practical framework for living with hope amid trials. Practical applications for contemporary believers are offered: living as strangers in the world, pursuing holiness in heart and conduct, relying on community, and returning continually to Scripture.

The teaching contrasts the world’s pursuit of temporal stability with the Christian’s hope anchored in Christ’s resurrection and second coming, and encourages listeners to be bold, dedicated witnesses motivated by conviction. Expect discussion of texts within 1 Peter that connect hope to the resurrection (e.g., 1:3, 1:13, 1:21; 3:15–18) and an invitation to adopt Peter’s call to steadfast, loving, scripture-saturated discipleship. This episode is ideal for listeners seeking biblical encouragement to endure trials, deepen their identity in Christ, and live out the practical commands Peter gives to the early church.

 

Duration 36:02

" How to Age Well as a Christian" by Hiram Kemp

March 22, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

In this episode Hiram unpacks six foundational but often-missed truths about the character of God, weaving Scripture, real-life anecdotes, and pastoral counsel. Beginning with a humorous opening about a missed celebrity encounter, he moves quickly to the heart of the sermon: the need-to-know God as he truly is, not as we imagine him.

Hiram explores the tension between God’s love and his holiness, showing from Romans, Exodus, and the prophets that God is both tender and fearsome—merciful yet just. He emphasizes that an accurate view of God requires holding these attributes in balance so we neither treat God as permissive nor view him only as wrathful.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions: God does not need us (Acts 17, Psalm 50), yet he chooses and desires relationship with us (John 15). Hiram explains God’s nearness—"He’s not far from any one of us"—and how that closeness should shape our repentance and daily living. He illustrates how God uses limited, imperfect people (1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians) to display his power and glory, and discusses the idea that God will sometimes give people over to their chosen consequences (Romans 1) when they persistently reject truth.

Finally, the sermon brings hope: God forgives. Hiram highlights passages that promise cleansing and full pardon for those who repent and believe (1 John, Acts, Psalm 103), urging listeners not to delay coming to God because of fear or shame. The message concludes with an invitation to respond, a worship moment led by Jer, and practical encouragement for anyone seeking prayer, baptism, or forgiveness.

What to expect: Scripture-rich teaching, pastoral stories, clear gospel invitations, and practical application—suitable for those curious about the Christian faith and for believers wanting a clearer, balanced vision of God’s justice, mercy, and presence.

 

Handout:

How to Age Well as a Christian  
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. Leave ____________ Mistakes ____________ (Psalm 25:7) 
 
2. ______________ the Next _____________ (Psalm 71:17-18) 
 
3.  ____________ Your Age Without __________ (Proverbs 16:31, 20:29) 
 
4.  ____________ to Retire from ______________  (Psalm 92:12-15) 
 
5. Look ____________ with Great _____________ (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1)

 

 

Duration 35:07

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 3

March 22, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode is a teaching-style class that examines anger as a common human struggle from a Christian perspective. Following a recent series on laziness, the speaker leads an interactive discussion with members of the congregation about what anger is, how it is triggered, and why it can quickly move from a natural emotion to sinful behavior.

The episode defines anger using every day and dictionary definitions, then breaks down several types of anger: quick temper, settled or deliberate (righteous indignation), dispositional anger (chronic irritability), and passive-aggressive resentment. Joey emphasizes that anger itself is an emotion and not always sinful but explores how it often becomes destructive when poorly managed.

Two biblical case studies anchor the lesson. First, Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel) shows how rejection and jealousy led Cain’s anger to fester into hatred and ultimately murder. Second, Numbers 20 (Moses at Meribah) illustrates how prolonged frustration and impatience caused Moses to disobey God—striking the rock instead of speaking to it—and suffer consequences, losing the right to enter the Promised Land.

The class also contrasts human anger with God’s anger, noting that God’s wrath is righteous and informed by perfect knowledge, while human rage is limited and often vengeful. The speaker stresses that Christians are not judges or avengers and should avoid acting on partial information or assumed motives.

Practical guidance is offered throughout: slow down, give yourself time before reacting (count to ten, write unsent emails), take the issue to prayer, avoid letting anger churn into bitterness, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Scriptural advice is referenced, including the idea not to let the sun go down on your anger and the value of being slow to anger and quick to forgive.

The episode closes with audience interaction, real-life examples, and a reminder of the next lesson topic—pride—coming next Sunday.

 

Duration 42:39