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

September 27, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode Levi Word leads a heartfelt Bible study centered on 2 Peter 1, challenging listeners not to stop at baptism but to grow into Christian maturity. He explains why Peter (and Jude) warned the early church about false teachers and why spiritual growth—beyond initial faith—is essential for remaining faithful.

Levi walks through the eight qualities Peter lists—faith, moral excellence (virtue), knowledge, self-control (temperance), perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and selfless love—illustrating each with Scripture (including Hebrews 11, Ephesians 2:19–22, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 19, Romans 1, Ephesians 6, and 1 Corinthians 13). He defines faith, emphasizes knowledge gained from both creation and the Scriptures, and stresses practical disciplines such as daily prayer, Scripture study, and putting on the full armor of God to withstand trials and false doctrine.

The episode mixes careful exegesis with personal stories and concrete examples: Levi references conversations with Neal and Bill, recounts time as a police officer, shares moments from working in Ethiopia, and reflects on visiting Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls to underscore the reliability of Scripture. These anecdotes help translate doctrine into real-life application.

Key takeaways for listeners: guard against false teaching; begin growing immediately when you become a Christian regardless of age; shape your mind by Philippians 4:8; practice self-control and perseverance through life’s storms; and let love (1 Corinthians 13) be the capstone of Christian character. Expect a mix of biblical teaching, historical context, practical counsel, and personal testimony designed to encourage steady spiritual growth and a life lived "His way."

 

Duration 50:13

September 20, 2026 - Sunday PM Service

 

Tonight’s Q&A with speakers Neal and Hiram tackles ten thoughtful questions Christians regularly face. The episode opens with a theological framework for distinguishing cultural practices from binding biblical commands—using modesty, manners, and head coverings as examples and offering principles (universality, timelessness, and absence of exceptions) to determine what applies today. The hosts discuss the Shroud of Turin, weighing carbon-dating and historical evidence while stressing that artifacts don’t replace apostolic testimony as the basis of faith. Listeners hear an extended look at Hebrews 10:26 and the nature of willful sin, repentance, and restoration, with references to Luke 15 and 1 John 1:9. Practical worship issues are covered in 1 Timothy 2:8, explaining “lifting up holy hands” as symbolic of a holy life and surveying biblical prayer postures; they also address hand-clapping and clarify New Testament expectations for congregational singing. The panel examines whether it’s ever right to attend a nonbiblical or denominational service with friends, giving guidelines on conscience, evangelistic wisdom, and avoiding compromise. The episode offers encouragement about answered prayer—appealing to Scripture (1 John 5:14, Psalm 46) and personal experience—and a clear explanation of Jesus’ teaching on marriage versus Old Testament polygamy, showing how the New Covenant restores God’s original design. For Bible-study listeners, Hiram provides a readable roadmap through Ezekiel’s final chapters, distinguishing near-term restoration from Messianic fulfillment and connecting Ezekiel’s temple imagery with New Testament typology. Finally, they discuss Romans 16:1 (Phoebe as a diakonos) and Acts 21’s Jerusalem visit, clarifying the semantic range of diakonos, the role of women’s service in the church, and the dangers of compromise in ministerial decisions. Throughout the episode the speakers balance careful exegesis, pastoral sensitivity, and practical application, making complex passages accessible and equipping listeners to think biblically about worship, doctrine, witness, and daily Christian living.

 

Duration 55:09

September 20, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

In this episode Neal opens by describing recent Sunday-night format changes—Bible study through Philippians, rotating worship leaders, and a lively Q&A session moderated by Chris Young with Hiram and others—where more than 20 varied questions were raised (from the Shroud of Turin to Ezekiel’s temple and how to distinguish cultural practices from divine commandments). Neal encourages in-person participation and frames the night’s main focus: ten questions drawn from the congregation that resonate with everyday life.

The central teaching turns to Romans chapter 12 as a turning point in Paul’s writing: chapters 1–11 explain salvation by faith, and chapter 12 applies that truth to a transformed life. Referencing Craig Groeschel’s "The Christian Atheist", Neal warns against a consumer mindset that treats church as optional or merely a service-provider and insists the church exists for the world—God’s people exist to serve, not to be served.

The episode unpacks three major themes from Romans 12: (1) the existence of gifts—each believer has unique abilities and there are no “useless” parts in the body of Christ; (2) the exercise of gifts—Paul lists seven practical expressions (prophesying/teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy, etc.) and explains how these are to be actively used; and (3) the heart or effectiveness of those gifts—what happens in community when gifts are employed faithfully.

Illustrations and Scripture (including 1 Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, Acts 2, Galatians 6) emphasize unity and interdependence—like a symphony or an aspen grove whose trunks share one root—and the practical results when Christians engage: a sharpened moral compass, stronger relationships, increased dedication and hospitality, greater empathy, humility, and the ability to overcome evil with good. Neal highlights that 8 objectives flow from faithful service (based on Romans 12:9–21), such as loving without hypocrisy, blessing persecutors, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and leaving vengeance to God.

On a local level the sermon describes the Cumberland Trace Church of Christ’s vision work: elders have developed multiple vision groups (now expanded to 17) to channel members’ gifts into ministries—media & technology, young adult and college work, missions, strengthening the church family, and more. Listeners are invited to discover where they fit, to be baptized or restored if needed, and to join the congregation in active service and prayer.

The episode closes with a clear call to action: examine your role in the body of Christ, use the gifts God has given, and respond—whether by joining a vision group, seeking restoration, or professing faith through baptism—so the church can fulfill its mission together.

 

Handout:

 

10:30am: OUR GIFTS FOR GOD'S GLORY (Romans 12) — Neal Pollard Announcements & Upcoming Events
Introduction
A. The ________ Doesn't Exist for Us; The _______ Exists for the _________
B. This Chapter Teaches Us About...
I. THE __________________ OF GIFTS (3-6)
II. THE _________________ OF THESE GIFTS (6-8)
III. THE _________________ OF THESE GIFTS (9-21)
A. It ____________ Our Moral ___________ (9)
B. It ___________ Our ______________ (10)
C. It __________ Our ____________ (11-12)
D. It _________ Our _____________ (13)
E. It ___________ Our __________ (14)
F. It __________ Our ___________ (15)
G. It _________ Our _____________ (16)
H. It _________ Our _____________ (17-21)
Conclusion
A. Our ____________ Are Designed to Help Us Literally _____________ This ____________

 

Duration 29:50

September 20, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode Neal continues a verse-by-verse study through 1 Corinthians chapters 3 and 4, picking up where Hiram left off. The message surveys Paul’s diagnosis of spiritual immaturity in the Corinthian church — personality-driven division, worldly wisdom, and the dangers of lining up behind men instead of Christ — and unfolds Paul’s corrective plan for rebuilding congregational unity.

The lesson walks through Paul’s metaphors: the vineyard and the building. Converts are pictured as building materials — gold, silver and precious stones versus wood, hay and straw — and Paul explains how the “day” of trials (fire) will reveal what endures. The talk emphasizes that the proper foundation is Jesus Christ and that God, not human planters or waterers, causes growth.

Key theological points include the role of the Spirit and the collective nature of the church as God’s temple. The speaker addresses the promise of reward when converts endure, the heartbreak of followers who fall away, and the comforting truth that teachers who faithfully labor will be saved even if some of their converts prove spiritually weak.

Practical application focuses on humility and stewardship: Paul and Apollos are presented as servants and stewards, not celebrities, and the congregation is exhorted to adopt servant-hearted attitudes. The talk calls believers to be faithful in evangelism, live consistently as salt and light, learn and teach the “mysteries” of the gospel, and avoid worldly wisdom that breeds pride and division.

Illustrations and personalities referenced include the apostle Paul as the primary example, a mention of Hiram’s prior lesson, Timothy as a faithful child in the Lord, and modern examples of individuals who amplified evangelistic fruit. The episode closes by encouraging imitation of faithful teachers, fostering unity through instruction, and preparing to continue in chapter 4 next week.

 

Duration 44:44

September 16, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

This episode is a sermon-style teaching about the faithfulness of God and how His unchanging character forms the foundation for our own faith. Bill opens with 1 Corinthians 1:4–9 and frames the message around five pillars that describe God’s faithfulness—His omniscience (ever-knowing), omnipotence (ever-powerful), omnipresence (ever-present), truthfulness (ever-honest), and absoluteness (never-changing). The talk emphasizes that our faithfulness is a response to God’s consistent faithfulness toward His people.

Scripture passages referenced include Psalm 31:23; 1 John 1:9; Revelation 2:10; Hebrews 4:13; Ephesians 3:20; Psalm 139:7–10; Hebrews 6:18; Malachi 3:6; Deuteronomy 7:9; Lamentations 3:23; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Timothy 4:6–8; and many Psalms. Bill also surveys biblical examples—Job, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, the Israelites, David, Elijah, Peter, Thomas and the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11—to illustrate how faith is tested and ultimately strengthened when we turn back to God.

Key takeaways and practical guidance include inviting God into everyday decisions and relationships, praying for wisdom and strength, practicing love and forgiveness, resisting the devil, studying Scripture to build faith, and surrounding yourself with God’s people. The message calls listeners to rely on God’s promises rather than feelings, to count the cost of commitments, and to view divine discipline as training that shapes faithful living.

Memorable moments include the speaker’s personal testimony of being 46 years in the Lord, a light-hearted anecdote about two mischievous boys, and repeated encouragements to remain faithful until death in order to receive the crown of righteousness (paired with Revelation 2:10 and 2 Timothy 4:6–8). The episode closes with a pastoral prayer asking God to help listeners live faithful lives and to trust His unchanging faithfulness through every season.

 

Duration 40:30

September 13, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode Hiram confronts Marcionism—the early church controversy of dismissing the Old Testament—and explains why the whole Bible is essential for Christian faith. Framing the talk around the title "Old Testament Lessons for New Testament Christians," the sermon walks listeners through ten concrete lessons drawn from Genesis through the Prophets and the Writings that shape New Testament belief and practice.

Topics covered include the historical example of Marcion and his edited Bible, the continuity between Old and New covenants, and ten specific takeaways: (1) God as Creator (Genesis, Psalms), (2) the equal value of every person as God’s image-bearer (Genesis, Leviticus, Proverbs), (3) God’s heart for the nations (Jonah, Ruth, Joshua), (4) the inevitability and purpose of suffering (Job, John 16), (5) the indispensability of prayer (Psalms, 1 Samuel, Jeremiah), (6) God’s seriousness about obedience (Leviticus, 2 Samuel, Numbers), (7) God’s sovereignty over nations and rulers (Exodus, Daniel, Romans 13), (8) God’s willingness to forgive anyone (Manasseh, Isaiah, Psalm 103), (9) divine providence surpassing human plans (Joseph, Esther, Romans 8), and (10) the hope of better days to come (Isaiah, Hebrews, John 14).

Hiram weaves scripture references and illustrative stories—Job’s suffering, Jonah and Nineveh’s repentance, Joseph’s providence, and the restoration of Manasseh—into pastoral encouragement. He emphasizes practical implications for listeners: don’t reject the Old Testament, value every life, persevere through suffering, pray regularly, respect God’s commands, submit to civil authorities while praying for them, trust God’s providence, and live in expectation of Christ’s return.

Participants and contributors mentioned in the recording include Darrell (who reads a passage), co-teachers Barrett and Grant (noted for teaching the Psalms class), Neal (co-teaching with the speaker), and Chase (who leads the closing invitation song). The episode closes with an invitation to receive prayer, restoration, or baptism and an appeal to embrace the hope both Testaments point to in Jesus Christ.

 

Handout:

Old Testament Lessons for New Testament Christians

Hiram Kemp

1. God is __________________________ _________________________ (Genesis 1:1)
2. Every ______________________ has ______________________ (Genesis 1:26-27)
3. God wants all _____________________ to know ________________ (Jonah 3:1-10)
4. ______________________________ is _________________________ (Job 1:20-22)
5. ______________________ is _____________________________ (1 Samuel 1:9-18)
6. God does not _____________ ___________ lightly (Leviticus 10:1-3; 2 Samuel 6:6-7)
7. God is _____________ over ____________ & ___________ (Daniel 4:17, 4:25, 4:35)
8. God will ____________ ______________ & ______________ (2 Chronicles 33:1-20)
9. God's _______________ is ____________ than our __________ (Genesis 50:15-21)
10. Better _______________________ are ________________________ (Isaiah 2:1-4)

 

Duration 34:48

September 13, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

In this sermon-style episode Hiram unpacks why the Bible is unique, authoritative, and central to Christian life. Drawing on passages from both Old and New Testaments (including Deuteronomy, Psalm 119, Isaiah, John, Romans, 2 Timothy, Hebrews, Revelation, and more), the message traces the Bible’s divine inspiration, careful preservation across history, and the sacrifices made to translate and protect it—highlighting figures like the anonymous monastic copyists and William Tyndale.

Key topics covered include: the Bible as God-breathed Scripture meant to be read and memorized; the completeness and sufficiency of Scripture; warnings against adding or removing God’s Word; how the Bible reveals truth (sometimes wounding us) and calls for honest self-examination; the Bible’s difficulty and the need for patient, disciplined study; the fact that all Scripture points to Jesus; and the universal, timeless application of biblical teaching. Practical comparisons (e.g., the Bible as lamp, X-ray, and mirror) and pastoral counsel underscore that engaging Scripture is not merely informational but transformative.

The episode features the sermon delivered by the pastor (speaker); it references historical context and apologetic considerations and addresses common modern objections—such as curiosity about “lost books”—by explaining the canon’s completion and authority. Scriptural examples and pastoral stories illustrate how the Bible is intended to form believers, not just inform them.

Listeners can expect clear takeaways and practical challenges: read the Bible regularly (don’t just quote verses), allow its truth to wound and change you, use tools and community to work through difficult passages, and trust that Scripture is sufficient to guide faith and practice. The episode closes with an invitation to repentance and baptism, and an offer of pastoral support for anyone seeking restoration or spiritual help.

 

Handout:

The Bible...
Hiram Kemp

1. The Bible is _________________ to be ________________ (Deuteronomy 17:18-19)
2. The Bible is _________________________________________ (John 16:13; Jude 3)
3. The Bible ______________________ the ________________________ (John 17:17)
4. The Bible is ____________________________________________ (2 Peter 3:15-16)
5. The Bible is ___________________ _______________________ (Luke 24:27, 24:44)
6. The Bible _________ to ________, _________, for ___________ (2 Timothy 3:16-17;
Hebrews 4:12-13)
7. The Bible is ___________________ to ____________________ You (Psalm 19:7-8)

 

 

Duration 30:51

September 13, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode we work through 1 Corinthians chapters 1–3 to confront division in the church and re-center attention on the person and work of Jesus. Hiram continues a conversation started by Neal and interacts with class members as they unpack Paul’s call to unity, the danger of “preacher-itis,” and the source of true wisdom.

Topics covered include: Paul’s opening reminders that the Corinthians are sanctified and called; the critique of factions formed around favorite preachers; the countercultural nature of God’s wisdom—how the message of Christ crucified appears as folly to the world but is the power of God; and the contrast between worldly intelligence and godly wisdom.

The episode also examines why God chooses the lowly and despised to shame the wise, how the apostles received revealed truth through the Spirit, and practical implications for evangelism and teaching. Key pastoral points emphasize preaching Christ (not the preacher), leaning on Scripture so faith rests on God’s power, and understanding ministry roles: some plant, some water, but God gives the growth.

Listeners can expect a mix of exposition and interactive Q&A that highlights biblical prescriptions for unity—seeing God rightly, pursuing spiritual maturity (measured by behavior and humility, not merely knowledge), and giving all glory to the Lord so the church stops dividing over personalities and instead becomes a unified, God-centered witness.

 

Duration 43:32

September 9, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode a Charlie leads a thoughtful lesson on practicing faithfulness in the home, drawing practical lessons from Scripture and a real-life family example. He opens by explaining the series theme “Faithful Unto Death” and outlines preliminary questions every parent and spouse should consider: Am I a member of the Lord’s church? Did I marry a member? Have I encouraged my children to marry within Christ’s church?

The talk examines how marriage choices, church commitment, Bible study, prayer, and regular worship shape family life. The speaker cites 1 Peter 3 to highlight responsibilities for wives (submission, gentle and quiet spirit, winning by conduct) and husbands (dwell with understanding, give honor, be heirs together so prayers are not hindered).

An unnamed family is presented as an illustrative example — not perfect, but exemplary — of faithful parenting across generations: four children raised in the church, three marrying Christians, a son-in-law converted and now an elder, a daughter who shifted from classroom teaching to educating grandchildren at home, and a devoted grandmother who counseled family members and sought Biblical solutions for marital problems.

Key takeaways include the importance of intentional mate selection according to God’s will, the need to teach teens and young adults Biblical standards before marriage proposals come, the vital role grandparents and mature Christians in supporting families, and the centrality of Scripture and prayer as a manual for marriage and family life. The episode closes with a congregational prayer and a note that Bill Dayton will speak next week on understanding God’s faithfulness.

 

Duration 31:59

September 6, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode Neal leads listeners through a vivid imagining of the Israelites’ night at Pi-hahiroth, walking through the Red Sea and witnessing the destruction of the Egyptian army. Using Exodus 15 as his anchor, he examines how God’s majesty is revealed in three dimensions: His names (El, Elohim, Adonai, Yahweh), His characteristics (highly exalted, awesome in praise, wonder-working), and His acts (the Red Sea crossing, redemption and deliverance). The sermon connects those Old Testament events to Psalmic praise, New Testament witness, and the atoning work of Jesus.

Along the way Neal references scripture readers and worship leaders present in the service and weaves in anecdotes (a modern glacial disaster, a personal childhood story, and Handel’s Messiah) to illustrate the power and emotional response elicited by God’s greatness. He highlights Hebraic oral memory and the role of songs in preserving and passing on the memory of God’s deeds.

Key points include the theological meanings behind each Old Testament name of God, the call to remember and rehearse God’s mighty acts across generations, and the dual idea of redemption (physical deliverance in Exodus and spiritual redemption through Christ). The sermon emphasizes practical responses: worship, remembrance, rededication, and a public invitation for listener response — baptism or renewed obedience.

Listeners can expect a richly descriptive sermon that blends exegesis, historical and biblical references, practical application, and a closing invitation to respond to God’s grace. The episode is ideal for anyone seeking a deeper appreciation of God’s majesty, the theological significance of Exodus 15, and encouragement to live out an obedient, remembering faith.

 

Handout:

THE MAJESTY OF GOD (Exodus 15)

Neal Pollard

It is seen in...
I. HIS ____________________________________________________
II. HIS ____________________________________________________
III. HIS ___________________________________________________

 

Duration 33:10