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

"Developing Spiritual Resilience" by David Pahman

September 28, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

Developing Spiritual Resilience (Matt. 13:18-23, 2 Cor. 4:8-9) - David Pahman

• Spiritual resilience- the continuation of religious beliefs and practices through changing events and circumstances in life. 
  • Job 1:21-22 - “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
  • Habakkuk 3:17-18 - “Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
  •  According to 21st Century Christian “Churches of Christ in the United States” Number of congregations fell by 1,103 or 8.5% from 2000-2018 - 13,032 to 11,929 Total members of the churches of Christ Declined by 13.12% From 1,645,545 (2000) to 1,429,699 (2018)
  •  Congregation Size 65% of the congregations have 99 or fewer members with an average of 47 35% of the congregations have 49 or fewer members with an average of 29
• Whose responsibility is it to prepare our young people for life in today’s culture?
  •  It is the primary responsibility of parents.
    • The Israelites were to educate their children what God had done for them. Ex. 13:8 - "And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, 'This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.'”
    • God’s truths were to be passed down from generation to generation. Ps.78:5-7 - …And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children;6 That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, That 
      they may arise and declare them to their children,7 That they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments. 
    • Fathers, in particular, are to teach their children. Isa 38:19 - …The father shall make known Your truth to the children. Eph 6:4 - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
  • It is a non-stop process that begins at birth and continues through maturity. Deut. 6:5-7 - "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
  • Grandparents, schools and other Christians have responsibilities
    • Grandparents have an important role
      • Ex 10:2 - "and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and your son's son the mighty things I have done in Egypt, and My signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD."
      • Deut 4:9 - "Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and your grandchildren
      • 2 Tim 1:5 - when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.
    • Schools have great influence Acts 22:3 - "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus 
      of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the strictness 
      of our fathers' law and was zealous toward God as you all are today.
      • The schools of the Chaldeans tried to hinder. Dan. 1:3 - Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel …,4 young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans.
    • Other church members are to teach as well. Titus 2:2-6 - that the older men be sober, reverent, 
      temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in 
      behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise exhort the young men to be sober-minded,
• Suggestions for Christians in today’s world
  • Help our young people to experience God – text, social media, home Bible studies, host teens and college students, singles and young couples, engage outside of assemblies, sing their songs along with old favorites, engage with them in worship,
  • Help our young people to discern the culture around them to identify what is of Christ and what is not – reflect with others, engage in conversations, ask about their pressures
  • Develop meaningful, intergenerational relationships –Singing nights, meals after services, support youth events, connect with grandchildren, connect with young adults
  • Help young people to train for vocational ministry – all need to know how they can minister in their occupations of choice
  • Engage in countercultural mission – help young people to thrive in a different culture, teach to be salt & light
• 2 Cor. 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crush; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed”
• Rom. 8:37-38 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure 
  that neither death, nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor 
  height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ 
  Jesus our Lord.”

• 2 Tim. 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”

   

 

Duration 37:29

"Enlisting For the Future" by Dale Pollard

Enlisting For the Future (2 Tim. 2:2) - Dale Pollard 
Timothy’s Monsters 
 
His ____________________ of __________________ (I Cor. 3.4) 
 
His own ________________________ (2 Tim. 1.5) 
 
His   __________________________ 
 
His ___________________________ 
 
His very _______________________ 
 
Paul’s Mentoring Methods 
 
___________________________ 
 
Constant __________________________ (I Tim. 6.12) 
 
Filled him with ____________________________ 
 
Helpful _________________________ & ______________________ 
 
Three Essential Investments 
 
T________________________________ 
 
T________________________________ 
 
T________________________________ 

 

Duration 23:44

"The Gospel of John" by Phil Hartnady - Part 4

September 28, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode the teacher leads an in-depth study of John 3:16 and John 4, opening with a close reading of the famous verse and its core themes: the love of God, the sinfulness of mankind, and the centrality of Christ’s death for reconciliation. The speaker reflects on Nicodemus’s encounters with Jesus and the richness of John 3:16 — including a discussion about translation differences ("should" vs. "shall") and how versions can affect theology and practice.

The lecture then moves to John 4 and the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well: why Jesus traveled through Samaria, the significance of his request for water, the exchange about "living water," and the breakthrough moment when Jesus reframes worship. The speaker explains the historical and cultural context (Jew–Samaritan tensions, Mount Gerizim, Jacob’s well) and highlights Jesus’ insight into the woman’s life.

The latter portion focuses on the nature and purpose of Christian worship. The episode defines the five New Testament acts of worship (singing, prayer, the Lord’s Supper, teaching/reading Scripture, and giving) and introduces the practical framework of the Three A’s — Audience (who worships), Attitude (the disposition of heart and reverence), and Action (the authorized activities). The speaker warns against unbiblical innovations, emotionalism without truth, and casual approaches to worship (including dress), using biblical examples (e.g., Uzzah, Ananias and Sapphira) to show the stakes of faithful obedience.

Key takeaways include: John 3:16 summarizes Scripture’s major themes, Jesus offers "living water" leading to eternal life, worship must be God-centered and conform to Scripture, and authentic worship requires the right audience, a reverent attitude, and actions authorized by the New Testament.

 

Duration 44:50

"The Kings: Faithfulness and Failure in Israel and Judah" by Robert Warren Part 11

August 20, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode — the second-to-last installment of a summer series on the kings of Israel — hosts dig into the life and reign of Saul, Israel’s first earthly king. Running about 35 minutes, the episode leans heavily on scripture readings (primarily from 1 Samuel, with supplemental passages from Deuteronomy, Leviticus, and 1 Peter) and explores why Saul’s promising start ended in failure. The hosts reference previous contributions from Landon and Russell as they trace the narrative.

The discussion covers key moments: the people’s demand for a king (1 Samuel 8) and God’s prior instructions (Deuteronomy 17); Saul’s unexpected anointing and early humility (1 Samuel 9–10); his comedic moment hiding among the baggage; and his initial successes and public approval (1 Samuel 11–12). The episode then moves into the turning points of Saul’s reign: the unauthorized sacrifice at Gilgal (1 Samuel 13), Saul’s rash oath that endangered his troops and nearly cost Jonathan his life (1 Samuel 14), and the partial obedience at Amalek when Saul spared King Agag and the best spoil (1 Samuel 15). The hosts also cover Saul’s growing paranoia and attempt on David’s life, his consulting a medium after God stopped answering him, and his tragic death.

Throughout the episode Robert highlights recurring themes and takeaways: the primacy of obedience over sacrifice, the danger of trusting human reasoning instead of God’s commands, the corrupting influence of pride and misuse of authority, and God’s patience and the call to repentance. Expect a mix of close scripture reading, practical applications for leaders and followers, and theological reflections on why Saul’s story still matters today.

 

Duration 37:43

"4 Gifts God Offers His Children (Zephaniah 3:14-20)" by Neal Pollard

September 21, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

4 Gifts God Offers His Children (Zephaniah 3:14-20) 
Neal Pollard

• "The Lord Has Hidden"
• This Book Is About Judgement and Future Blessings
• God Blesses Over and Over Again
• First Blessings: WORSHIP (14)
  • Worship is a tangible reminder of His goodness
• Second Blessing: INTIMACY (15,17)
  • God is with us and near us (Ps. 73; Heb. 4,7; Js. 4:8)
• Third Blessing: FORGIVENESS (15)
  • "All the Charges are dropped" (cf. Romans 8)
  • A Beautiful thing happens when God forgives us
• Fourth Blessing: COMFORT (18-19)
  • He listens (Psalm 40:1)
  • He Lifts (Psalm 40:2)
  • He Strengthens (Psalm 40:2)
  • He Renews (Psalm 40:3)
  • At the end, God will reward us openly (Mat. 25:34)
  • Our mighty Warrior and King is personally coming!

Duration 39:20

"How Reading the Old Testament Can Change Your Life" by Hiram Kemp

September 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

How Reading the Old Testament Can Change Your Life (2 Timothy 3:16-17) 
Hiram Kemp 

 

1. The ___________________ of ____________________ (Exodus 34:6-7) 
 
2.  The ____________________ of _________________ (Genesis 3:1-6) 
 
3.  The ____________________ of ____________________ (Psalm 130:3-4) 
 
4.  The ________________ of God's ___________________ (Joshua 1:9) 
 
5.  The _________________ of ____________________ (Jeremiah 33:3) 
 
6.  ____________________ for __________________ (Genesis 3:15 

 

Duration 36:57

"The Gospel of John" by Phil Hartnady - Part 3

September 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode walks through John 2 and the opening of John 3, unpacking the wedding at Cana and the first recorded sign of Jesus, plus the immediate aftermath in Jerusalem and the first encounter with Nicodemus. The speaker draws on historical detail and scripture to give listeners cultural context for first-century weddings, the process of grape harvesting and winemaking, and the Jewish purification vessels mentioned in the text.

Phil examines the Miracle at Cana in detail: Jesus turning water into wine, the six stone jars, and the master of the feast’s reaction. The episode highlights the theological and practical questions raised by the passage—especially whether the wine was intoxicating—bringing in commentary from Clark and David Jones and interaction with audience members who weigh in on whether the sign emphasizes taste, quality, or moral concerns about alcohol.

The teaching then moves to Jesus’ cleansing of the temple: the presence of animals for sacrifice, money changers, and the economic abuses associated with temple commerce. The speaker explains why John records a temple-cleansing early in Jesus’ ministry (noting John’s chronological approach) and emphasizes the symbolic and authoritative nature of Jesus’ actions.

The episode closes by introducing John 3 and the nighttime visit of Nicodemus. The lecturer explains the distinction Jesus makes between physical birth and spiritual rebirth—"born of water and the Spirit"—and stresses that Nicodemus’s confusion reveals a common misunderstanding of spiritual realities. Key takeaways include Jesus’ knowledge of hearts, the purpose of signs, and the centrality of spiritual rebirth for entering God’s kingdom.

Throughout the episode the presenter references scriptural cross-references, historical sources, and audience Q&A, and previews the next session on John 3:16. Listeners can expect thoughtful historical background, theological reflection, and practical applications for interpreting these foundational accounts.

Duration 45:51

"The Kings: Faithfulness and Failure in Israel and Judah" by David Pahman Part 10

August 13, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode the speaker examines the reign of King Ahaz of Judah (c. 735–715 BC), weaving biblical history, recent archaeological news, and pastoral application. The episode opens with a brief news item about a rare biblical seal with an ancient fingerprint found in debris near Jerusalem’s Temple Mount (reported in early August), then moves into a detailed study of Ahaz using primary passages: 2 Kings 16, 2 Chronicles 28, and key sections of Isaiah (especially chapters 7–8), with contextual mentions of Micah. A recorded illustrative clip from Dan Winkler is played to help listeners picture Ahaz’s geopolitical choices.

The host summarizes Ahaz’s life and reign: he became king at twenty, reigned sixteen years, followed the idolatrous practices of Israel, made metal images for the Baals, sacrificed his sons, removed treasures from the temple to buy Assyrian support, and copied foreign altars. Isaiah’s direct confrontation with Ahaz is highlighted (Isaiah 7:3–12), including God’s offer of a sign and Ahaz’s refusal—choosing Assyria over trust in God. The narrative also covers how Israel and Syria attacked Judah, how captives were taken and later released, and how Assyrian intervention ultimately afflicted Judah rather than securing lasting protection.

Key themes and takeaways are emphasized for contemporary listeners: the dangers and consequences of compromising moral and spiritual values—especially in moments of weakness; the importance of heeding God’s counsel even when fear seems rational; the reality that children do not always follow their parents’ faith; and the practical counsel to draw closer to God during crises rather than pull away. The episode stresses that short-term political or material fixes (like Ahaz’s deal with Assyria) can cost far more in the long run.

Listeners can expect historical background, scripture-based exegesis, pastoral application, and practical lessons for faithfulness under pressure. The episode references the Fox News report on the Temple Mount seal; the biblical texts listed above and includes the Dan Winkler illustrative clip to connect ancient decisions to modern dilemmas.

 

Duration 37:17

"Better Living" by Neal Pollard

September 14, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

BETTER LIVING (Genesis 4) 
Neal Pollard 
Introduction 
People Are Always _______________ What Is _________________ 
 
B. In Genesis 4, We Have A ___________ Between Two ______________ 
 
I. BETTER LIVING IS NOT DETERMINED BY ___________________ (1-2) 
   A. To God, It’s Not a Matter of Being _________________, But of Being _____________ Again 
 
II. BETTER LIVING IS NOT DETERMINED BY ______________ (2) 
   A. Some ______________ Make It ____________ For Proper Living 
 
   B. Other _____________ Promote _______________ 
 
III. BETTER LIVING IS DETERMINED BY ______________ (3-4) 
   A. Not All _____________ Is _____________ 
 
   B. The ____________ and ____________ ____________ and _____________ Together  
 
IV. BETTER LIVING IS DETERMINED BY ____________ (5-7) 
   A. He Was Very ____________ 
 
 V. BETTER LIVING IS DETERMINED BY ___________ (8-16) 
   A. ____________ Have ________________ (Gal. 6:7-9) 
Conclusion  
A. We Get To _______________ What Kind of Life We _______________ To Live

 

Duration 26:01

"When Faith Is Targeted" by Neal Pollard

September 14, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

When Faith Is Targeted

• We see the power of a voice
• Sometimes people don't want to hear truth
• Truth is absolute
• It's OK to have feelings, but don't let that be your guide
• Strive to avoid
  • Sin
  • Deceit
  • Slander
  • Threats
  • Worry
• Our response to this act will make an eternal difference

 

Duration 31:33