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

October 25, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

This episode asks a timeless question: can you have joy when circumstances change and life isn’t what you expected? Opening with the story of Joni Eareckson Tada — a young diver who became a quadriplegic and moved from bitterness to faith, creativity, and advocacy — the speaker uses her life as a window into how Christians can find joy amid suffering.

The message unfolds as a close reading of the book of Hebrews, tracing the key word "better" through the letter and diagnosing the spiritual struggles facing the original recipients: negligence, hardness of heart, immaturity, and the danger of falling away. The speaker highlights how Hebrews offers "hooks" and resources to hang on to faith, and points to four occurrences of the word "joy" in the closing chapters as practical anchors for believers.

Key lessons: there is joy in what you possess in Christ — because it is better, lasting, and rewarding; joy in what lies ahead — by looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before him; joy in what suffering produces — how discipline and trials refine faith and produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness; and joy in seeing others grow — investing in people and shepherding with an eternal perspective.

Neal illustrates these truths with practical and cultural examples (from doxxing and economic instability to Ernest Shackleton’s endurance and the marathon metaphor) and ties them to Scripture (Hebrews 10–13, Hebrews 12:2, Matthew 6, 1 Timothy 6, John 10, and others). He emphasizes that Christian joy is internal and rooted in relationship with God, not in changing external circumstances.

Listeners can expect both theological depth and pastoral application: encouragement to remember the better and lasting promises of Christ, guidance on how to endure trials by looking forward, and a call to patience and investment in others. The episode closes with an invitation to respond in faith, to seek restoration if you’ve wandered, and to bring burdens before the church community for prayer and support.

 

Handout: 

Reassuring Truths About Joy

Neal Pollard

I. There is Joy in What We ___________________ (Hebrews 10:34)
II. There is Joy in What ____________ ___________ (Hebrews 12:2)
III. There is Joy in What ______________ Produces (Hebrews 12:11)
IV. There is Joy in Seeing ___________ _________ (Hebrews 13:17)

 

Duration 33:11

October 25, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

In this episode Hiram invites listeners to imagine sitting down with iconic figures like Colin Powell, Viktor Frankl, Dolly Parton, and Maya Angelou — then reveals that the ultimate interview subject is the biblical Daniel. Using Daniel’s life as recorded in the 12-chapter book, the message explores how a young captive became a lifelong model of faithfulness under pressure.

The episode walks through practical lessons drawn from key episodes in Daniel’s story: establishing convictions early (Daniel 1), training the heart and emotions so they don’t rule us, and filling our minds with Scripture. It highlights the “elephant and rider” metaphor for shaping habits before the heat of the moment and encourages listeners to make a few lasting, faith-shaped decisions (Christ over the crowd, purity over pleasure, character over reputation).

Listeners also hear why seeking God and surrounding yourself with godly friends mattered for Daniel — including the prayerful example with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) that led to divine revelation in Daniel 2. The sermon stresses the importance of giving all glory to God when you succeed, contrasting Daniel’s humility with the downfall of leaders who exalt themselves.

Other core takeaways include standing firm under testing (the fiery furnace and the lions’ den), remaining active and faithful into old age, and learning to trust God even when prophecy or life circumstances remain unclear (Daniel chapters 7–12). Hiram points listeners back to Scriptures such as Psalm 16, Psalm 119, Matthew 6:33, and 2 Corinthians 5:7 to ground these applications.

The episode features brief congregational participation and concludes with a gospel invitation: to trust Christ, be baptized, and join the church in a life shaped by convictions, prayer, community, humility, perseverance, and trust in God even when the end is not yet visible.

 

Handout: 

A Lifetime of Faithfulness: An Interview with Daniel

Hiram Kemp

1. Establish Your __________________________ Early (Daniel 1:8)
2. Seek __________ & Surround Yourself with ___________ People
(Daniel 2:14-23, 2:46-49)
3. Give ________ the _______ When You _______ (Daniel 2:26-30)
4. When _________, Stand ____________ (Daniel 3:16-18, 6:6-10)
5. Keep ______________ in Old ________________ (Daniel 6:1-10)
6. Keep _____________ When You Don’t ___________ Understand
(Daniel 8:26-27, 12:8)

 

Duration 35:19

October 25, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this bible class, Hiram, co-teaching this quarter with Neal, works through 1 Corinthians chapters 8–11, continuing a quarter-long study on the unified theme of "the same mind and the same judgment." The session reviews Paul’s three-chapter discussion (ch. 8–10) on meat offered to idols, summarizes the major takeaways—most notably, don’t be a stumbling block to others and put others’ souls and good above personal preference—and connects those lessons forward into the opening of chapter 11.

Hiram explains 1 Corinthians 11:1 ("Be imitators of me, even as I am of Christ") in the specific context of sacrificial service: Paul practiced giving up personal rights for the benefit of others, following Christ’s example (Philippians 2), and calls the Corinthians to do the same. Class participants contribute practical summaries—put others above self, do everything to God’s glory, and avoid actions that cause division in the body.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 11:2–16, the lesson places the head-covering passage in its first-century Corinthian context: a widespread cultural custom marking gender distinctions. The teacher stresses that Paul’s instruction addresses role distinctions and public perception in that culture, not worth or value. Key points cover the argument from creation, the social meaning of uncovered or shaved heads in Corinth, the appeal to "nature" as a cultural observation, and the caution against binding that custom across all cultures and eras. The class also notes connections to modesty in 1 Timothy 2:9 and practical sensitivity when visiting churches (anecdote: mission trip to Nigeria where local practice required head coverings).

The second half of the session examines 1 Corinthians 11:17–34 on the Lord’s Supper. Hiram explains Paul’s rebuke: the Corinthian worship gatherings had become divisive—wealthy members feasting while others went hungry—and the Lord’s Supper was being desecrated. Paul’s correction reframes the Supper as a congregational act that proclaims Christ’s death and anticipates his return, and warns against partaking "unworthily" by failing to discern the body—that is, the body of Christ and our relationship to fellow believers.

Practical applications spelled out in the class include: prioritize unity and sacrificial service (yield rights when necessary), respect cultural norms that don’t violate Scripture to avoid being a stumbling block, treat the Lord’s Supper as a communal observance (not a private or appetitive meal), examine yourself relationally toward other Christians before participating, and remember the Supper’s dual solemn and celebratory aspects as a proclamation until Christ returns. References and supporting passages cited include 1 Corinthians 8–11, Philippians 2, Genesis 2, Acts 20, 1 Corinthians 16, and Galatians 3.

The recording features interactive class discussion, local teaching illustrations (including reference to a family retreat with speaker Aubrey Johnson), real-world anecdotes, and clear, pastoral application intended to help listeners apply Paul’s principles on unity, modesty, and congregational worship in contemporary settings.

 

Duration 44:54

October 21, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this sermon episode, Roger, a church elder at Cumberland Trace continues the "Faithful Unto Death" series with a lesson titled "Don't Overlook These Jewels from the Psalms and Elsewhere in the Bible." Drawing primarily from the Psalms and other Scriptures, Roger examines what the Bible says about our faithfulness toward God and offers practical guidance for living a life of spiritual integrity.

The talk walks through key passages including Psalms 1, 15, 101, and 119, and touches on Jeremiah 10:23, Proverbs 14:2, James 4:8, and teachings from the Sermon on the Mount. Using vivid metaphors—the tree planted by streams of water, the contrast between the way of the righteous and the wicked, and the chaff driven by the wind—the speaker highlights spiritual patterns and progressions (walking, standing, sitting) that lead either toward intimacy with God or away from it.

Major themes include: delighting in and meditating on God's Word Day and night; building a storehouse of scripture "hidden in the heart" to prevent sin; exercising integrity, moral courage, and spiritual agility in daily decisions; refusing to set anything wicked before the eyes or let a perverse heart cling; and recognizing the power of influence when making disciples.

The episode emphasizes concrete habits listeners can adopt: steady Bible study, regular prayer, public and private witness of God’s testimonies, teaching by example, and intentionally shaping one’s associations. The speaker urges listeners to build a reservoir of scriptural knowledge so that when crossroads come, they’ll have the wisdom to choose rightly and to speak God’s truth boldly and without shame.

Closing with pastoral encouragement and personal reflection, the message reminds listeners that remaining faithful is a day-by-day practice—one step at a time—relying on God to order our steps. Practical, scripture-rich, and pastoral in tone, this episode equips Christians to press forward in faith, protect their hearts, and deepen their devotion to God's Word.

 

Duration 41:33

October 18, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

In this episode Neal reflects on recent church life — the record-setting trunk-or-treat, and the upcoming family retreat with an elders-appointed speaker on “Serving Through Encouragement.” Jeremy leads the songs and a travel anecdote (worshiping in Palmerston North, New Zealand) sets a warm, relatable tone before the sermon focuses on worship itself.

The core of the message unpacks Psalm 95 and connects it with New Testament teaching (John 4:24, Hebrews, 1 Corinthians 14, Colossians 2, Matthew 15:9 and Acts 17). The sermon distinguishes acceptable worship from three problem types—vain worship (following men’s commands), ignorant worship (missing God’s design), and will-worship (imposing our preferences over God’s)—and explains why worship must be offered both in spirit and in truth.

Practically, Neal offers a “divine packing list” for worship: bring your heart (avoid hardening or desensitization), bring eager anticipation (longing to meet with God and the community), bring praise (joyful, expressive, grateful, reverent, obedient), bring active participation (corporate engagement, not passive attendance), and bring yourself (remove distractions and shoo away the “buzzards” that pick at your worship). Stories — from a distracted song leader clipping nails to Abraham shooing birds during sacrifice — illustrate how small things can derail devotion.

The episode closes by emphasizing results: worship that pleases God (Hebrews 13:15–16) transforms attitudes, strengthens discipleship, and serves as a witness to others. Listeners can expect encouragement, practical instruction for weekly worship, scriptural grounding, and a pastoral invitation to respond (renew commitment, return from drifting, or request prayer) as the congregation stands and sings.

 

Duration 31:59

October 18, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

In this episode Neal expounds on 2 Corinthians 5 to help listeners identify the motivations that should drive a Christian life — from longing for a renewed body to the certainty of Christ’s presence and the coming judgment. The message weaves Scripture (2 Corinthians 5; 1 Corinthians 15; Philippians 1:21; Revelation 21; Psalm 139; Ecclesiastes 12) with vivid illustrations — the Waldorf Astoria hotel as a metaphor for a greater eternal house, battlefield heroism by Desmond Doss, sacrificial rescue by Maximilian Kolbe, the Titanic as a picture of eternal separation — to press home what it looks like to live with eternity in view.

The episode features a pastor-style exposition addressing practical and spiritual implications: what it means to be "absent from the body and present with the Lord," how believers should "walk by faith and not by sight," and why pleasing God, fearing the Lord, and being seized by Christ’s love are powerful motives for holy living.

Key points covered: the promise of a new, imperishable body; the comfort of Christ’s immediate presence for those who trust Him; the seriousness of the coming judgment (including the private secrets and spoken words that will be evaluated); the motivating power of the fear of the Lord balanced with the compelling love of Christ; and the ministry of reconciliation that calls believers to represent Christ and win souls.

Listeners will also hear pastoral application and a clear invitation at the close: for believers to renew their devotion and for those not yet committed to respond to God’s grace through repentance, public confession, and baptism. Expect biblical teaching, real-life illustrations, and a pastoral summons to live with eternity as your aim.

 

Handout: 

What Moves You To Serve Christ (2 Corinthians 5)

Neal Pollard

I. I WANT TO _______ IN THE NEW ________ BUILT BY ________ (1-4)
II. I DESIRE THE ___________________ OF ________________ (5-8)
III. I LONG TO ____________________________________ CHRIST (9)
IV. I WILL ____________________ BEFORE __________________ (10)
A. I Will _______________________________________ Appear There
B. I Will Stand Before The ______________ _____________ Of Christ
C. I Will Be ______________ According To What I Have ____________
V. I KNOW THE ___________________ OF THE _______________ (11)
VI. I AM _________________ BY THE __________ OF CHRIST (14-16)
VII. I AM _______________ TO THE ____________ OF CHRIST (17-20)
VIII. I AM ______________ FOR THE ______________ OF CHRIST (21)

 

Duration 31:54

October 18, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode the bible class walks through 1 Corinthians chapters 8–10 (with close attention to chapter 9), exploring Paul’s urgent plea for unity in the church and the practical outworking of Christian liberty. Neal frames the discussion around two major themes in the letter — how believers should use their liberty without harming others, and how the body should preserve unity (with the Lord’s Supper serving as the symbolic center).

Key topics include the controversial question in Corinth about eating meat offered to idols, the conscience of new or weak Christians, and the tension between legitimate personal rights and the responsibility to protect other believers. Neal unpacks recurring Greek purpose-clauses (the repeated “so that”) in Paul’s argument and follows Paul’s three-step approach: his own example, Old Testament warnings, and practical guidelines for communal life.

Passages and points examined closely include 1 Corinthians 8:9 (don’t let liberty become a stumbling block), 9:19–27 (Paul’s example of becoming “all things to all men” so that he might save some), and 10:1–33 (warnings from Israel’s wilderness history and the contrast between table fellowship with the Lord and participating in idolatrous feasts). The study also previews the Lord’s Supper as the means by which Christians visibly affirm mutual support and unity.

The episode mixes biblical exposition with modern, practical applications and a personal anecdote: a deacon’s hospitality that inadvertently introduced a new Christian to alcohol and led to long-term harm in that family. Contemporary examples discussed include decisions about music, holiday observance, drinking, smoking, and online behavior — all considered through Paul’s three litmus tests: 1) Are you truly certain your action is right? 2) Is it leading you away from Christ through lack of discipline? 3) Will it cause another believer to stumble?

Takeaways for listeners: prioritize relationships over asserted rights, exercise humility and sensitivity in matters of conscience, avoid flirting with temptation or idolatry, and always act to glorify God and seek the salvation and strengthening of others. The recording is a Bible-class/sermon by the lead teacher/pastor (no external guest speakers), with references to other teachers in the series and congregational examples.

 

Duration 45:29

October 18, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode a longtime Christian and former U.S. Marine—invited by Neal to teach on "being faithful unto death"—reflects on decades of spiritual growth and setbacks and offers a practical, scripture-saturated guide to lifelong faithfulness. Speaking from the benefit of hindsight, he weaves personal stories (including four years in the Marines), biblical teaching, and cultural observation into a clear, pastoral lesson.

Topics covered include the role of preambles and guiding principles in life and faith; three common causes that derail faithfulness (discouragement, outside influences given too much priority, and too little effort); and three observable indicators that someone’s faith has weakened (poor worship attendance, too little Bible study, and passive service).

Roger introduces an XY-axis metaphor—faithfulness measured over time—and urges listeners to perform regular self-examination against the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5). He draws on key Scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 5:21, John 14, Romans 14:12, Ephesians 6:14–17, James 1:5, Philippians 4:6–7, Isaiah 41:10, and Titus 2 to ground his counsel in biblical truth.

Three core qualities are emphasized as essential to remaining faithful: moral courage and uncompromised integrity; careful preparation (prayer, Scripture study, and seeking spiritually sound counsel); and spiritual calmness in the face of trials. Military imagery—"duty belts," armor, and training—illustrates how Christians are equipped for spiritual battles and why steady preparation matters.

Practical takeaways include a three-point readiness strategy—pray so you will be ready, search the Scriptures (especially Psalms and Proverbs), and seek wise, church-based counsel—and ongoing habits of self-examination and perseverance. Roger also references contributions from others (Neal, a verse shared earlier by Bill, commentator Wayne Jackson, and a quote from Brent Pollard) to underscore the communal and historical roots of the lessons.

Listeners can expect a thoughtful, pastoral sermon that combines personal testimony, military-shaped metaphors, and direct biblical application. The episode concludes with an encouragement to trust Christ’s righteousness, to study and put on the spiritual armor Paul describes, and to live out faithfulness day by day until the end.

 

Duration 41:04

October 11, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode Hiram walks through what the book of Revelation — and the wider New Testament — teaches about the devil: who he is, how he operates, and what that means for Christians today. Early in the service Landon reads Revelation 12:9–11 to frame the discussion, and Hiram references passages from Genesis through Revelation (including Matthew, John, 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Job, and Revelation 2, 3, 9, 12 and 20) to trace biblical teaching and common misconceptions.

Topics covered include: the devil’s biblical presence from Genesis to Revelation; popular misunderstandings (e.g., myths about hell, physical depictions, and equal opposition to God); the devil’s favorite tactic of using suffering to tempt and weed out believers; the five practical “commandments of suffering” (don’t blame God, don’t miss church, don’t neglect prayer, don’t abandon Scripture, and don’t give up); and the reality that Satan has followers — some obvious, some deceived into thinking they’re doing God’s work.

Other key points: the many names of Satan (dragon, serpent, deceiver, enemy) describe his varied works; his influence is real but temporary — “his time is short” — and God, in his wisdom, allows limited satanic power in a fallen world; yet Revelation also promises the devil’s ultimate and eternal destruction. The episode emphasizes the already-and-not-yet of Christian victory: believers overcome now by the blood of the Lamb, the word of testimony, and a willingness to deny self, and will share in final triumph when Christ returns.

Practical takeaways and encouragements include being alert to the devil’s devices (rush, pressure, false doctrine, appeals to conscience-violations or pride), holding fast in suffering, and living in confidence that gospel truth and Christ’s reign make Christians more than conquerors now and in eternity. The message closes with an invitation to respond to the gospel and practical steps for those seeking prayer or baptism.

 

Handout:

What the Book of Revelation Teaches Us About the Devil

Hiram Kemp

1. _______ is one of His Favorite ______ (Revelation 2:10)
2. _______ Has His _______ (Revelation 2:24, 3:9, 13:4)
3. His Many _______ Describe His Many _______ (Revelation 12:9-10,
12:17)
4. His _______ is _______ (Revelation 12:12)
5. He is _______ Allowed to _______ Power (Revelation 20:2-3, 20:7)
6. He Will Be _______ Destroyed (Revelation 20:10)
7. _______ Can _______ Him _______ (Revelation 12:11)

 

Duration 36:02

October 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

In this sermon at Cumberland Trace Church of Christ Hiram examines Matthew 16 and the New Testament meaning of the word ekklesia to explain what Jesus meant when he said, "I will build my church." Scripture was read by Chuck, and Mike closes the service by leading a congregational song.

The episode unpacks six key characteristics of the church Jesus builds: that it is owned by Christ (not a human institution), loving (commanded by Christ to love one another), spiritual (focused on inner transformation and sanctification), singular (one body with consistent doctrine and practice), eternal (part of God’s eternal purpose), and inviting (open to all with an urgent call to respond).

Key passages and references include Matthew 16, Acts 2, 1 Peter 2, John 13–17, Colossians 1:18, Ephesians, 1 Corinthians 3:11, Revelation 22:17, and practical appeals such as Acts 2:38 on baptism. Hiram contrasts cultural expectations of church with New Testament priorities, warns against treating the church as a personal project, and urges listeners to accept the universal invitation into God’s family.

Listeners can expect biblical explanation, pastoral application (what church membership and worship should look like), encouragement for genuine Christian love and unity, and a clear invitation to respond in faith and baptism. The sermon concludes with an invitation to pray, accept the gospel, and join the ongoing work of inviting others into the kingdom.

 

Handout:

The Church Jesus Built

Hiram Kemp
1. _______ by _______ (Acts 20:28)
2. _______ (John 13:34-35)
3. _______ (1 Peter 2:5-9)
4. _______ (Ephesians 1:20-23, 4:4)
5. _______ (Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:28)
6. _______ (Revelation 22:17)

 

Duration 29:27