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

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

October 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode walks through a Bible class on 1 Corinthians 7:25–40 and the opening of 1 Corinthians 8. Hiram examines Paul’s practical judgments (not direct commands) about betrothed virgins, widows, marriage, and singleness in the context of a mysterious “present distress.” Listeners will hear why Paul urges people to “remain as they are” when possible, the spiritual advantages of singleness, responsibilities and divided concerns for married believers, and Paul’s preference that widows remain single though they may remarry "only in the Lord." Scriptural examples and cross-references include Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Jeremiah, Ephesians, Colossians, and Romans.

In the second half the class turns to 1 Corinthians 8 and the thorny first-century issue of food offered to idols. The lecture contrasts knowledge and love, warns against pride that “puffs up,” and emphasizes that although certain practices may be biblically permissible, Christians must avoid causing others to stumble. Hiram highlights how some believers lack the same understanding about idols and therefore need compassion rather than debate. Key Scripture warnings (including Jesus’ strong language about causing a brother to sin) are used to underline the seriousness of scandal and spiritual harm.

Practical takeaways and how-to principles are given for modern decisions: (1) don’t do what Scripture forbids; (2) don’t violate your conscience; (3) don’t cause another Christian to stumble; (4) beware of ruining your witness with outsiders. The class stresses humility, unity in matters of judgment, and that the right exercise of convictions must be motivated by love. Attendees’ contributions help illustrate real-life applications and common questions.

Expect clear teaching, pastoral application, and helpful rules of thumb for weighing personal convictions versus communal care—especially when Scripture leaves room for Christian judgment rather than direct command.

 

Duration 44:02

October 7, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this sermon-style episode the Denver explores what it means to be "faithful unto death" and faithful throughout life by embracing the promises of God. Opening with a plea for consistent worship attendance and participation, the message emphasizes that regular assembling, study, and mutual encouragement are key to spiritual perseverance.

The talk traces God’s promise of a Redeemer from Genesis 3:15 through the New Testament fulfillment in Christ (citing Titus 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:9 and 1 Peter 1). It highlights the dependability of God’s character, the importance of actively trusting Scripture, and how past fulfillments guarantee future ones. Psalm 37 and 2 Peter 3 are used to reassure listeners that God’s timing and justice are sure—even when scoffers question the Lord’s return.

Practical application is drawn from Galatians 6 (sowing to the Spirit vs. the flesh, generosity, accountability, and steadfastness) and Matthew 25 (the parable of the talents), stressing stewardship of gifts and the promised welcome for those who have been faithful. The speaker also surveys final hope passages—2 Timothy 4, 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians, and 1 Thessalonians 4—teaching that death for the believer is a gain, that Christ is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and that the faithful will share in the coming new heavens and new earth.

Key points: consistent assembly and study build faithfulness; God’s promises are trustworthy and purposeful (often fulfilled "in the fullness of time"); believers are called to sow to the Spirit and serve generously; be vigilant against scoffers and false teaching; and live in readiness for the Lord’s return with confidence in the resurrection and the crown of righteousness. No external guests are featured—the episode is a concentrated sermon aimed at encouraging personal devotion, accountability, and hope in God’s eternal promises.

Duration 45:23

October 4, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode Neal studies 1 Corinthians 5–7 and walks listeners through a pivotal transition in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. Starting with the problems reported from Chloe’s household—division, allegiance to personalities, and serious sexual immorality—Neal explains how Paul moves from urgent correction to answering specific questions introduced by the repeated formula “now concerning.”

The session covers three main blocks: the emergency corrective material in chapters 1–6 (notably the man living with his father’s wife and rampant fornication), Paul’s instructions about marriage and sexual duty in chapter 7 (verses 1–7), and the practical pastoral guidance that follows for different relationship situations. Key pastoral points include the duty of spouses to meet one another’s sexual needs, the prohibition against withholding sex except by mutual consent for brief seasons of prayer, and Paul’s expressed preference for singleness while recognizing marriage as the right option for those who can’t exercise self-control.

The teacher unpacks contentious issues about divorce and remarriage, directly engaging Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 19:3–9) and the exception for sexual immorality. He explains the meaning of terms like “leave” and the nature of ongoing adultery in Jesus’ wording, carefully distinguishing the Lord’s teaching from later interpretations such as the so-called “Pauline privilege.” The episode also addresses mixed-faith marriages—how an unbelieving spouse may be "sanctified" through the believing partner—and what to do if an unbelieving mate abandons the believer.

Practical ministry and pastoral care topics are highlighted throughout: premarital counseling, how cultural pressures and false teaching can distort sexual ethics (including the harmful idea that sex is inherently dirty), and the church’s role in correcting congregational problems biblically rather than “cafeteria-style.” Listeners should expect clear scriptural exposition, pastoral application for marriages and single believers, and blunt, pastoral warnings about common misreadings that have led people astray.

There are no outside guests; the episode is led by a teacher who interacts with congregants and answers live questions. By the end, listeners will have a concise overview of Paul’s marriage theology in 1 Corinthians 7, practical guidance for marital conflicts and mixed-faith unions, and a reinforced call to submit to the plain teaching of Scripture even when it’s difficult to accept.

 

Duration 42:32

October 4, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

In this sermon-style episode Hiram walks listeners through the biblical account of Balaam (Numbers 22–25) and draws practical spiritual lessons from the prophet’s failure. Using the famous scenes of Balak hiring Balaam, the talking donkey, the angel blocking the path, and the repeated blessings that defy Balak’s wishes, the message examines how a prophet who “knew better” nonetheless acted wrongly and led others into sin.

The episode connects Balaam’s story to modern examples of public figures who behaved immorally or deceptively despite knowing better (including references used in the talk: Sharon Moore, George Santos, Elizabeth Holmes, and Brian Williams) to illustrate the timeless danger of choosing personal gain over obedience. Hiram also highlights New Testament citations (2 Peter, Jude, Revelation) that label Balaam as a warning about false teaching and moral compromise.

Listeners are guided through six core lessons: 1) truth is truth no matter who speaks it; 2) God can only open your eyes if you are willing to see; 3) you never truly lose when you follow God; 4) no one can change God’s Word; 5) there is more than one way to disobey (doctrinal error or moral failure); and 6) you can’t make God change his mind. The talk unpacks each point with Scripture references (Numbers, Psalms, Proverbs, Isaiah, John, Romans, Philippians, and more) and contemporary application for personal faith and church life.

The episode closes by contrasting Balaam with Jesus—the greater prophet who rode a donkey into Jerusalem to bless and fulfill God’s Word—and offers a pastoral invitation: if you want to respond to the gospel, confess faith in Christ and be baptized to receive forgiveness and new life. Practical takeaways include cultivating humility to receive truth regardless of its source, guarding the heart against secret compromise, and trusting in the unshakable promises of God’s Word.

 

Duration 40:26