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

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

October 4, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

In this episode Neal examines the Transfiguration account found in Matthew 17 (also recorded in Mark and Luke), opening with a Scripture reading and exploring what the mountain moment reveals about Jesus’ identity and mission. The sermon traces how the Father’s voice— “This is my beloved Son; listen to him”—frames four practical lessons for Christian life: build on what you know, see Jesus as he truly is, allow God to correct mistaken views of Christ, and obey and listen to him.

Neal connects the Transfiguration to surrounding events in Matthew’s Gospel (Caesarea Philippi, Peter’s confession, and the subsequent healing of a demon-possessed boy), surveys key biblical references (John 1; Hebrews; 2 Peter; Deuteronomy; Malachi) and explains how glory is both revealed and implicated in Jesus’ earthly ministry. The sermon reflects on the apostles Peter, James, and John—their privileged perspective, continued need to grow, and later struggle to reconcile the glory on the mountain with the suffering of the cross.

Contemporary analogies — from the Northern Lights and solar cycles to images returned by the Hubble and James Webb telescopes — are used to illustrate God’s unveiled glory and our limited perspective. The message emphasizes Jesus’ dual nature (Son of Man and Son of God), the Father’s commissioning to “listen to him,” and the unfolding plan that culminates in Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.

Practical applications and pastoral invitations close the episode: an encouragement to deepen spiritual growth, a call to see and submit to Christ as he truly is (not on our terms), and an invitation to repent, be baptized, or return to the shepherd. The episode includes roles from the service—Josh’s Scripture reading and Mike preparing to lead the congregation in song—and is aimed at both long-time believers and those considering faith.

 

Duration 35:17

September 30, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

 

This episode explores what it means to be faithful throughout life and faithful unto death, using Paul’s teachings and personal testimony to guide listeners. Denver examines biblical passages—1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:3-5, 2:15; Romans 10:17; Proverbs 22:6; Colossians 3; Ephesians 6:1-4—and applies them to practical Christian living. Key themes include self-discipline, running the race according to God’s rules, studying Scripture to grow faith, the role of consistent assembly, and the importance of godly parenting. Through personal stories about his mother’s influence—her regular church attendance, practical rules (no tobacco, no swearing), compassion, kindness, humility, long-suffering, and dedication— Denver shows how a single faithful example can lead an entire family to the gospel. Expect reflections on childhood, marriage and unbelieving spouses, the promise of Revelation 2:10, and concrete characteristics Christians should cultivate to finish the race and receive the crown of life.

 

Duration 39:25

September 27, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

In this devotional episode Hiram reflects on God’s intimate, hands‑on care for his people, using the historical role of secretaries and the ministry of angels as a springboard. With readings by Dave—and with acknowledgements to Neal, Kya, Ashley, Linda and others who serve—the talk traces how Scripture shows God personally involved in our cleansing, healing, and ultimate restoration.

The sermon centers on three promises God will do himself: 1) He will purify and sanctify us (1 Thessalonians 5:23–24; Romans; 1 Peter), 2) He will put us back together after suffering and hardship (1 Peter 5:10; Joel 2:25; Isaiah), and 3) He will dwell with us and permanently remove suffering in the new creation (Revelation 21:1–5; Psalm 56:8). The speaker contrasts God’s direct action with the helpful but secondary role of angels and human servants, emphasizing that some tasks God refuses to delegate.

Key scriptural references and themes include Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 103, Romans 3 and 7, 1 Peter, Isaiah, and the closing vision of Revelation 21. Practical application is woven throughout: believers are encouraged to trust God’s work in sanctification, to rely on him for restoration in trials, and to look forward to a future where God himself wipes away every tear.

The episode closes with an invitation to respond—turning from sin, submitting to God’s grace, and if needed, receiving baptism (Acts 2:38) and the prayers of the church. Listeners can expect an encouraging, biblical message aimed at strengthening faith in God’s personal, redemptive involvement in our lives.

 

Duration 14:18

September 27, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

This episode presents a sermon-style exploration of the book of Proverbs, opening with a playful reminder that wisdom can appear in unlikely places (even Winnie the Pooh) and tracing how Solomon’s sayings offer practical guidance for everyday living. The speaker references biblical examples (Solomon, David, Jesus, Paul) and modern voices (Charles Duhigg, Elizabeth Elliot, Martin Shaw) to show how timeless wisdom applies now.

Participants include Hiram (sermon leader), Denver (scripture reader), Kason (song leader), and brief acknowledgements at the start. The episode blends scripture reading, pastoral teaching, and congregational application, and closes with an invitation to respond in faith and baptism.

Key takeaways are presented as seven practical principles: 1) Do the most important things first—put the fear of the Lord and spiritual priorities at the top; 2) Practice intentional neglect—learn to say no to secondary distractions so you can focus; 3) Be ruthless in eliminating sin—confess and forsake destructive habits quickly; 4) Be courageous enough to apologize—reconcile quickly and humbly; 5) Learn from past mistakes—study others’ failures and your own to avoid repeat sin; 6) Keep a quiet heart—cultivate a settled, prayerful trust in God rather than anxious activity; and 7) Let God have his way—trust God fully ("Godfidence") and surrender control of your life to him.

Listeners should expect a warm, scripturally grounded message that mixes vivid metaphors, practical habits, and an invitation to a deeper relationship with Christ, plus clear next steps for those considering baptism or wanting prayer and support from the congregation.

 

Handout:

How To Live Your Life Wisely

Hiram Kemp

1. Do the ____________ ___________ things __________ (Proverbs 1:7, 16:9)
2. Practice ________________ __________________ (Proverbs 4:25-27, 12:11)
3. Be ________ with ________ sin from your ________ (Proverbs 6:27-28, 28:13)
4. Be ___________________ enough to _______________ (Proverbs 15:1, 17:9)
5. ___________________ from ____________ mistakes (Proverbs 19:20, 26:11)
6. __________________ a ____________________ heart (Proverbs 4:23, 14:30)
7. Let ______________________ have his ________________ (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

Duration 35:29

September 27, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode we work through the end of 1 Corinthians chapter 4 and then dig into chapters 5 and 6. Hiram summarizes Paul’s rebuke of favoritism toward preachers—what he calls “preacheritis”—and explains why Paul, as their father in the gospel, admonishes the Corinthians out of love. The class then moves into the difficult but crucial topic of church discipline, focusing on the report of incest in Corinth and Paul’s instructions for removing an impenitent member, restoring them if possible, and protecting the congregation.

Topics covered include: Paul’s role as father in the gospel and the sending of Timothy; the distinction between talk and power in the kingdom of God; pastoral approaches (rod vs. gentleness) and the motivation to admonish; the biblical purpose of church discipline—saving a soul, purging leaven, and maintaining holiness; the meaning of “deliver to Satan” and parallels in 1 Timothy and Philemon; and practical principles about judging insiders versus outsiders.

The episode also addresses related problems: Christians suing one another and why disputes should be handled within the church, the transformative effect of baptism and conversion (“such were some of you, but you were washed…”), and Paul’s teaching that our bodies are God’s temple, which forbids sexual immorality. The discussion references supporting passages (Romans, James, Hebrews, Exodus, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) to clarify Paul’s teaching and its application today.

Listeners can expect a mix of exegesis and pastoral application, with interactive Q&A from class participants. Key takeaways: admonish from love, practice church discipline as a last resort, protect the church from contagious sin, resolve disputes internally when possible, and live in holiness because we are bought with a price and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Duration 44:26

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