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

"On the Mountain" by Hiram Kemp

April 12, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode is a sermon-style exploration of Matthew 17 (the Mount of Transfiguration) that uses a memorable vision-clinic analogy to show how Scripture reveals Jesus as he truly is. Hiram traces a pattern across Matthew and the Old Testament: God often calls people "up the mountain" to give clearer spiritual sight. The message weaves narrative, biblical exposition, and practical application.

Topics covered include the role of mountaintop experiences in Scripture, the Mount of Transfiguration itself, and five central lessons the disciples received there: a higher calling, the glorious appearing of Christ, the danger of misplacing glory, the imperative to hear and obey Jesus, and the comfort believers can enjoy. The sermon references numerous passages (Matthew 4–28, Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Psalms, Philippians, 2 Peter, 2 Corinthians, Romans, Hebrews, and others) and illustrations (including the Hudson River airplane landing) to clarify spiritual altitude and transformation.

There are no external guests — this is a focused teaching delivered by the sermon speaker — and it includes pastoral invitations for listeners: unbelievers are called to believe in Jesus and be baptized, while believers are urged to answer God’s upward call, stop spiritual coasting, and respond to the written and spoken Word by listening and obeying. The message concludes with a reminder that the transfiguration points forward to the believer’s future glorification and that seeing Jesus clearly brings comfort, courage, and renewed commitment.

 

Handout: 

On the Mountain — Hiram Kemp 
(Matthew 17:1-8) 
1. _______________________ Calling (Matthew 17:1) 
 
2. A _______________________ Appearing (Matthew 17:2) 
 
3. _________________________ Glory (Matthew 17:3-4) 
 
4. A ________________ to __________________ & _______________ (Matthew 17:5) 
 
5. _________________________ to _______________________ (Matthew 17:6-8) 

 

Duration 33:26

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 6

April 12, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode Joey leads a candid study on common sins and struggles around speech—focusing primarily on swearing (both taking oaths and using profane language) and previewing gossip for the next session. Drawing on Scripture (Genesis, Deuteronomy, Matthew, Ephesians, James, Psalms, and other passages), the talk contrasts biblical oaths with casual swearing, explains how cultural standards shape what is considered profane, and emphasizes why Christians must guard their words.

Key teachings include Jesus’ warning that the mouth reveals the heart and that every careless word will be accounted for, Paul’s charge to speak only what edifies, and James’s extended warning about the tongue as a small but destructive instrument. Joey uses biblical examples (Abimelech and Abraham; Peter’s denial) to show how words reflect inner condition and can either ruin or strengthen witness and influence.

Practical applications offered include learning self-control, replacing destructive vocabulary and habits, distancing oneself from corrupting company, submitting anger to Godly channels (prayer, Scripture memory, constructive outlets), and intentionally using speech to build others up. The episode closes by urging listeners to ‘taste’ their words before they speak, to seek God’s help in guarding the lips (Psalm 141:3), and to prepare for next Sunday’s deeper look at gossip—its causes, effects, and remedies.

 

Duration 40:32

"Words of Life" by Neal Pollard - Part 5

April 8, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode we continue our Words of Life series with a deep, practical walk through 1 Peter chapter 4. Neal situates the epistle in its first-century context—believers scattered and suffering—and explains how their living hope in the resurrection of Christ helps them endure trials. Drawing connections to previous chapters, the message highlights the five imperative themes that guide Christian conduct (hope, holiness, sobriety, brotherly love, and spiritual growth) and shows how they apply within the storms of life.

The heart of the episode examines Peter’s call to “arm yourselves” with Christ’s mindset, focusing on two major themes in chapter 4: the flesh (and the specific sins associated with living according to the flesh) and preparing for judgment. The speaker unpacks the terms Peter uses—sensuality, passions/lusts, drunkenness and revelry, and lawless idolatry—and explains how living differently from the world can lead to opposition and suffering. Yet the sermon reassures listeners that the story does not end in the present storm because of Christ’s resurrection, authority, and promised glory.

The episode also presents practical, positive resources for believers facing trials: sober-minded prayer, fervent brotherly love that forgives and covers sins, and hospitality served without grumbling. Other pastoral reflections include the challenge of maintaining prayer discipline, the shaping influence of societal freedoms on modern believers, and how the Christian life may bring both hardship and hope. This message encourages listeners to live distinctly, arm themselves with Christlike purpose, and support one another toward the ultimate victory and glory that await.

 

Duration 40:32

"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