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

August 23, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon 

This episode is a recorded sermon delivered at Cumberland Trace Church, exploring Jesus’ prayer for unity (John 17:20–23) and the practical life of the local church. Glenn reflects on the Lord’s Day as a time to commemorate Christ’s death, worship without instruments, instruct families from Scripture, and call the lost to faith.

Using passages from John 17, Ephesians 3, 1 Corinthians 12 and others, the message uncovers the pattern, purpose and preparation of Christian unity. The preacher outlines a series of spiritual "laws" that shape church life: the law of pardon (gospel obedience and baptism), the law of placement (how God adds and assigns members to the body), the law of purpose (every member’s role to glorify God), the law of peace (working in harmony), and the law of perseverance (standing together through trials).

Practical guidance is emphasized: respond to the gospel in repentance and baptism, study Scripture, rely on mature brothers and elders for help, worship and pray regularly, and serve faithfully in the place God has given you. The sermon stresses the church’s diversity as a strength and the imperative that no member is unimportant.

Adversity is reframed as a tool God uses to direct, inspect, correct, protect and perfect his people—Glenn cites Joseph as a biblical example—and listeners are encouraged to view trials as character-building opportunities. The message also calls Christians to put God and his kingdom first (referred to in the talk as "KFC") and to allow the church to be a support network rather than a place from which to run when problems arise.

The episode closes with an invitation to non-Christians to respond and an encouragement to believers to know their place, purpose and peace in the body of Christ, to persevere together, and to glory God in all circumstances.

 

Duration 36:05

August 23, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode Glenn Hitchcock, a visiting elder and social-work-trained speaker who led a Friday–Saturday parenting seminar and then taught the Bible class and sermon, walks listeners through a comprehensive, biblically grounded approach to family life. He opens with practical anecdotes and a memorable quote about sharing calm with children, then outlines six dynamic features of the Christian family: God as giver, the protective "bubble," scriptural boundaries, behavior and discipline, promotion (preparing children to leave and serve), and the byproducts of procreation and succession.

Glen emphasizes why Christians should never be ashamed of the gospel—its origin, operation, outreach, and outcome—and shows how the gospel both corrects sin and produces salvation across generations. He covers evangelism within the home and the church, the importance of parents as primary disciples (not outsourcing spiritual formation), and the role of family life in producing compatible, faithful candidates for marriage. Biblical references woven throughout include Romans 1:16, Matthew 5:16 & 6:33, 2 Timothy 2:2, Romans 10:17, Psalm 127, and Hebrews 4:12.

Listeners will hear practical, specific guidance: cultivate spiritual habits (cradle roll, family worship, prayer), model faithful behavior (be hearers and doers of the Word), prioritize the kingdom ("KFC — Kingdom-First Christians" vs. "BK — Have-It-Your-Way" families), practice stewardship of children, and actively disciple and evangelize both inside and outside the home. The message also addresses moral, social, economic, and spiritual benefits of Christian parenting, and the long-term goal of succession—raising children whose choices reflect the faith taught to them.

The episode closes with pastoral encouragement: a reminder that parenting is difficult but supported by the church body (the speaker’s "SWAT" network), an invitation to submit to godly counsel and Scripture, and a Q&A-style pastoral tone offering tangible next steps for listeners seeking help. Expect personal stories, humor, clear takeaways, scripture-rich argumentation, and recorded lessons from the seminar for deeper study.

 

Duration 41:44

August 22, 2026 - Saturday AM Third Session

In this seminar recorded at Cumberland Trace, Brother Glenn (joined by his wife, Mercedes) teaches a practical, scripture-centered approach to family life, and Brother Hiram closes in prayer. The talk examines four common "robbers" of joy—circumstances, people, materialism, and worry—and anchors every solution in passages from Philippians and other biblical texts.

Using Philippians as a roadmap, Glenn outlines how to overcome each menace: circumstances through a single focus or singleness of mind (Philippians 1); relational attacks through a submissive, Christlike mind (Philippians 2); materialism and greed through a spiritual perspective that counts earthly things as rubbish (Philippians 3); and worry through a secure mind, thinking on what is honest, pure, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4).

Glenn draws the conversation to family life, defining boundaries as the clear line where one person’s responsibility ends and another’s begins. He emphasizes the Bible as the family guidebook, urging parents to teach God’s parameters clearly and consistently so children can distinguish God’s standards from worldly values.

Much of the session focuses on parental responsibility: parents are the primary disciple-makers, not church programs or camps. Glenn stresses truthful communication, loving restraint, and proper discipline (distinct from abuse) so children learn consequences, self-discipline, and discernment. Key passages referenced include Deuteronomy 6 and Ephesians 6.

Scriptural modeling and transformation are presented as a slow, faith-driven process—imitating Christ in daily life, holding the image of Jesus in the heart, and pursuing heavenly approval rather than earthly praise. He warns against feigning perfection, treating children as “trophy” possessions, or outsourcing core spiritual duties.

The talk closes with five practical takeaways for parents: embrace the role of disciple-maker; model Christlike patterns; set kingdom-first priorities; depend on God’s providence; and prepare children for eternity. Hiram leads a closing prayer, and the hosts make announcements about follow-up sessions and Bible classes.

This episode offers pastors, parents, and caregivers clear biblical instruction, practical examples, and compassionate admonition for raising spiritually grounded children and keeping family life centered on Christ.

 

Duration 52:06

August 22, 2026 - Saturday AM Second Session

In this episode Glenn unfolds the metaphor of the "bubble" — the Christian family and church as a secure, nurturing haven grounded in Scripture (opening with Genesis and references to 1 Peter, 1 Thessalonians and 1 Corinthians). Listeners will hear a theologically rooted explanation of how the family bubble provides protection, instruction, restoration and spiritual growth for all members, including blood relatives, blended families, and adopted children.

The program mixes biblical teaching with practical parenting guidance: the importance of discipleship, submission to scripture, consistent training from the cradle roll onward, and making children feel indispensable and loved. The speaker highlights mental and emotional health benefits of belonging to a Christian community and offers concrete dynamics for family life — patience, confrontation done lovingly, surrender, and obedience leading to victory.

Illustrative stories and Scripture examples are used throughout: Moses choosing God’s people, Joseph resisting temptation, and the prodigal son returning to the family bubble. Glen also shares personal testimony about adoption, marriage, courtship, family hardships, grief, and how extended church leaders and elders provided support and stability (including references to Brother Garland Elkins and the Glenn’s wife Mercedes and daughter).

The episode draws on outside resources and experts mentioned by the speaker, including Dr. Paul Bennett on Greek words for pastoral care and Dr. Kevin Lehman on birth order, to help listeners understand family roles, communication, and stages of spiritual and domestic development. Key scriptural applications (2 Peter 3:18; Matthew 5:16-17; Romans; and other passages) are used to frame parenting as ministry.

Listeners can expect practical encouragement for single parents, blended families, grandparents, and church members who want to strengthen their "bubble": how to build trust with children, cultivate obedience out of love, use community supports, and create lasting memories around the family altar. The episode closes with a prayer for families and an invitation to continue learning in later sessions, along with brief event logistics for attendees.

 

Duration 39:55

August 22, 2026 - Saturday AM First Session

In this episode Glenn leads a practical, scripture-centered seminar on the Christian family, exploring how God intentionally designed marriage and parenting. The talk opens with a personal anecdote (and a light moment about Rummikub) and then revisits last night’s lesson on submission, emphasizing submission to God first and then to one another in love.

Glenn outlines six dynamic features of the Christian family and focuses on the first stage — the beginning — covering topics such as God’s providence in gifting husbands, wives and children; Genesis and Psalm references about family formation; and the biblical roles of husbands as initiators of love and Christ as the head of the home. Key passages and illustrations include Genesis 2:24, Psalm 127 ("Unless the Lord builds the house…"), Ephesians 5:25, and the story of Ruth and Naomi.

Practical counsel is offered throughout: treat children as God’s gifts (not “trophy case” possessions), aim and train children like arrows to help them reach heavenly goals, settle conflicts before the day ends, and create a family “bubble” of protection and rest. The speaker stresses interdependence and humble submission grounded in love for the Lord, the importance of bonding through rituals and memory-making (family puzzles, traditions), and the value of integrating work, chores, church service and spiritual training into daily family life.

Personal examples and guests mentioned include references to the speaker’s wife Mercedes, daughter Lauren, grandparents and congregation experiences that illustrate mentoring, hospitality, and generational bonding. The episode closes with a prayer for families to honor scripture, steward children faithfully, and rely on God’s provision.

 

Duration 35:10

August 21, 2026 - Friday PM Session

Glenn Hitchcock (Peninsula Church of Christ elder, retired Air Force veteran, trained social worker and Memphis School of Preaching alumnus) leads a frank, Bible-centered seminar on the importance of family and Christian parenting. In this episode he introduces six major points about family life—God as originator and protector, Scripture as the family’s boundary, the centrality of submission, the role of behavior and structure, the long-term benefits of promotion into society, and the byproduct of spiritual and biological procreation. Using Ephesians 5 as the foundation, Glenn explains submission as a voluntary, Christ-centered choice that enables healthy relationships, and unpacks marriage principles like leaving and cleaving, oneness, and the husband’s role as the initiator of love. He stresses that true headship mirrors Christ’s sacrificial service, that wives’ submission and husbands’ loving initiation flow from love for the Lord, and that family relationships are sustained by service, responsibility, and sacrifice. Glenn also addresses practical concerns—advocating long courtships, the importance of grandparents and extended family, common marriage pitfalls, and the primary role of parents as disciple-makers (not replacing that with elders or teachers). The episode concludes with a Q&A about transferring submission to children, warnings about societal harms to children (abortion, abandonment, abuse), and an invitation to further sessions. Listeners should expect scriptural teaching, real-life illustrations, pastoral wisdom, practical steps for marriage and parenting, and a preview of the next day’s sessions covering stages of parenting, discipline approaches, and the blessings of parenting.

 

Duration 49:14

 

August 16, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

This episode is a close study of Philippians 3, delivered as a Bible-class sermon that explains how Paul moves the congregation from diagnosing the causes of lost joy to prescribing a Christ-centered remedy. Neal divides Philippians into two main halves and shows how repeated examples and exhortations aim to replace selfish, divisive behavior with a mind that esteems others above self.

Topics covered include what robs a church of joy (conflict, lack of unity, ignorance of Scripture, divisive conduct, selfishness, grumbling), Paul’s urgent warning to "beware" of those undermining the gospel, and his diagnosis of Judaizing influences—described as "dogs," "evil workers," and the "false circumcision." The lesson contrasts those fleshly, legalistic pressures with the marks of true Christians: worshiping in the Spirit, glorying in Christ, and putting no confidence in the flesh.

Neal walks through Paul’s personal credentials (tribal and religious pedigree) only to show he counts all earthly honors as loss for the sake of Christ, stressing that genuine joy comes from knowing Christ experientially, exchanging self-righteousness for righteousness by faith, forgetting the past, and pressing forward toward the heavenly prize. Paul’s practical charge includes following godly examples, recognizing the destiny of those who set their minds on earthly things, and living with the assurance of citizenship in heaven and the resurrection power to come.

Practical takeaways: resist adding human requirements to the gospel, refuse legalistic or self-glorifying influences that steal congregational joy, cultivate intimacy with Christ through obedience and fellowship, and maintain forward-looking perseverance until Christ returns. The teaching references accompanying worksheets used during the class and invites listeners to apply these principles in their church life.

 

Duration 41:18

August 16, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode is an exploration of the biblical reality of sin: how the word remains necessary, what sin is, where it comes from, and how it can be defeated. Hiram begins by noting how language changes—words are added and removed from dictionaries—but argues that the concept of sin cannot be erased because its effects remain visible in human behavior. The talk weaves contemporary anecdotes, cultural observations, and a broad array of Scripture passages.

Key topics and structure: the sermon lays out five essential truths about sin. 1) Sin is not inherited — Hiram argues against the idea of inherited guilt (appealing to Romans, Deuteronomy, Ezekiel 18, and Genesis). 2) Sin is chosen — sin results from individual choice and lust (James, Ecclesiastes, Romans, Joshua). 3) Sin is deceptive and enslaving — illustrated with Cain’s story in Genesis, the “crouching” nature of sin, a Lone Star tick analogy, and a testimony from Kirk Franklin about addiction. 4) Sin is deadly — Paul’s language in Romans and Ephesians describes sin as spiritual death that must be confronted. 5) Sin can be defeated — the sermon points to Christ’s victory (John, Hebrews, Romans) and explains how baptism and ongoing repentance bring new life and cleansing.

The sermon includes memorable illustrations: a viral WNBA moment known as the “Sophie Point,” a medical/tick example showing how small things can be lethal, and Kirk Franklin’s struggle with pornography to demonstrate sin’s power to deceive and enslave. Scriptural anchors include Isaiah, Genesis, Psalm, Ezekiel, James, Romans, Hebrews, John, and others, with the preacher moving between exposition, pastoral application, and earnest invitation.

Pastoral application: listeners are addressed in two ways. Christians are encouraged with the assurance that in Christ their sins are forgiven, they are being cleansed, and they participate in triumph over sin. Non‑believers are urged to recognize the seriousness of sin, to repent, and to take refuge in Jesus through confession and baptism (Acts 2:38 is cited as a practical next step).

Contributors and production notes: the sermon references interactions, and the song leader who follows the invitation. Contemporary cultural references and testimonies are used to make theological points accessible.

Expect a mix of hard truths and hopeful gospel assurance: honest descriptions of sin’s reality (deceptive, chosen, enslaving, and deadly) followed by the central Christian claim that Jesus has the power to free and raise people into newness of life. The episode ends with a clear invitation to respond and practical next steps for those ready to trust Christ.

 

Handout:

What Everyone Needs to Know About Sin

Hiram Kemp

1. __________________ is not ______________________ (Ezekiel 18:20)

2. _____________________ is _____________________ (James 1:13-15)

3. ____________ is __________ & __________ (John 8:34; Hebrews 3:13)

4. ______________________ is ___________________ (Ephesians 2:1-3)

5. _______________________ can be ___________________ (John 8:36)

 

Duration 32:42

August 16, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode from the class "Challenges the Early Church Faced," Neal unpacks Acts 19–21 to identify obstacles the early church encountered during Paul’s third missionary journey and draws practical lessons for today. The session covers Paul’s extended ministry in Ephesus (three years), his pattern of reasoning and persuading in the synagogue, and the moment he withdraws to the Hall (School) of Tyrannus when faced with hardened hearts. Listeners will hear close reading of Acts 19:8–10 and discussion of how gospel preaching meets stubbornness, ignorance, and resistance to change.

The class also examines extraordinary signs and competing beliefs: Luke’s account of miracles, handkerchiefs and aprons bringing healing, and the dramatic episode of Sceva’s seven sons attempting exorcism in Jesus’ name. The lecture traces how Paul’s encounters shift from Jewish opposition to Gentile superstition and idolatry, and how early Christian witness collided with local religious practice and professions.

Money and profession emerge as a central challenge when the gospel undermines lucrative trades—highlighted by the Demetrius-led uproar in Ephesus and the report of costly books and shrines being burned (valued at 50,000 silver pieces). The discussion connects those events to modern tensions between vocational interests, cultural identity, and wholehearted commitment to Christ.

Throughout the episode Neal engages class participants on practical questions like when to persist and when to move on, how to build common ground (appealing to shared Scripture), how to reason persuasively (Isaiah 1:18; 1 Peter 3:15), and how to handle fellowship concerns (Romans 14; 2 John). The class is invited to address comparative-religion issues and how to respond to world religions in our context.

Expect a mix of expository teaching, real-time Q&A and pastoral application: historical overview of Paul’s journeys, close textual study of Acts 19–21, examples of resistance (hard hearts, competing beliefs, economic pushback), and concrete guidance for modern evangelism, apologetics, and church fellowship. This episode is for listeners wanting biblical insight into opposition the early church faced and practical tools for faithful ministry today.

 

Duration 40:48

August 12, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode we take a focused look at the life and legacy of John Mark — the often-overlooked figure behind the Gospel of Mark. Hiram traces Mark’s appearance in Scripture, beginning with the mysterious young man in Gethsemane (Mark 14:51–52), his upbringing in Mary’s house (Acts 12), his early role as an assistant on Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey (Acts 13), his sudden departure at Pamphylia, and the sharp disagreement between Barnabas and Paul that followed (Acts 15). The narrative continues through Mark’s later reconciliation with Paul (Colossians, Philemon, 2 Timothy) and his close relationship with Peter (1 Peter 5:13), together showing his development from servant to valued minister and Gospel author.

The episode highlights five practical lessons from Mark’s life: the lasting value of a Christian home and spiritual environment; the importance of leaving no question marks in your life; faithfulness in whatever task you are assigned (even in humble service); the power and necessity of second chances; and the responsibility to make good on those second chances. Along the way the host references supporting Scripture (Deuteronomy, Proverbs, Ephesians, Psalm 71, Ecclesiastes, Mark 10, and others), church tradition about Mark’s possible ties to Peter and his later ministry, and how Mark’s Gospel reflects themes of service and eyewitness testimony.

Listeners can expect thoughtful application for parents, church leaders, and individuals: how early spiritual influences matter, how Christian community can develop and restore people, and how forgiveness and prudence differ when restoring trust. The episode closes with discussion questions about forgiveness versus trust, what makes someone useful to ministry, and the difference between evaluating and developing others — all anchored in Mark’s life and the broader biblical witness.

 

Duration 42:09