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

"The Gospel of John" by Barrett Hammer - Part 8

October 26, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode explores the crucial role women played as faith witnesses in the Gospel of John. Building on last week’s look at abiding and the true vine, the speaker leads a class discussion that defines what a witness is in biblical terms, contrasts eyewitness testimony with being a faith witness today, and highlights how words, actions, and lifestyle communicate the gospel.

The episode walks through three extended Johannine encounters: the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), Mary and Martha with the raising of Lazarus (John 11), and Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb (John 20). Each story is read and unpacked to show how women’s testimony prompted belief, catalyzed community transformation, and demonstrated devotion—often despite marginalization, grief, or personal imperfection.

Class participants and references include the session’s teacher and contributions from classmates (Jeremy, Phil, Tim, Nell and others are mentioned), with connections to broader New Testament examples (Luke 8’s group of women followers, Acts 1:8 and Acts 8’s Samaritan harvest, Romans 16:1 on Phoebe, Acts 9’s Tabitha/Dorcas, and Mark 15’s women at the cross). Barrett emphasizes the “trickle-down” effect of witness—how one person’s testimony can prepare a community for later ministry.

Key takeaways include practical and theological lessons: faith witnessing is shown through integrity, sacrificial love, and consistent daily living; believers can and should share the gospel boldly but graciously; grief and failure don’t disqualify someone from witnessing; worshipful devotion points others to Christ; and God often uses the unexpected and imperfect to accomplish his work. The episode closes with concrete suggestions for being a faithful witness at work, in community, and in difficult moments, and a reminder that ordinary lives can have extraordinary, long-term spiritual impact.

 

Duration 42:28

"The Lord’s Church Is Built by Christ" by Neal Pollard

October 19, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

The Lord’s Church Is Built by Christ (Matt. 16:13-19) 

Neal Pollard 

I. PEOPLE ___________________ ON OTHER _____________________ (13-14) 
 
II. WE MUST _____________________ ______________________ (15) 
 
III. THE _________________ ANSWER IS VERY __________________ (16) 
 
IV. THE ________________ CONCLUSION IS A ________________ ONE (17) 
 
V. THE _________________ BUILDING HAS CERTAIN _________________ (18-19)

 

Duration 37:54

"A Biblical View of Identity in a Confused World" by Hiram Kemp

October 19, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

A Biblical View of Identity in a Confused World - Genesis 1:26-27 
Hiram Kemp 
1. _____________ Your _______________ as an ___________________ (Genesis 1:26-27) 
 
2. ________________ Your ______________ for ________________ (1 John 5:21) 
 
3. __________________ with _______________ (2 Corinthians 4:3-5) 
 
4. __________ False _________ with the Gospel (Galatians 1:6-10) 
 
5. _______________ Your _______________ Through ________________ (Matthew 5:16) 
 
6. _______________ in _________________ Alone (Galatians 3:28-29, 6:14) 

 

Duration 38:13

"The Gospel of John" by Jeremy Waddell - Part 7

October 19, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode the instructor opens class with hymn 260 and launches into an in-depth study of John 15:1–11, focusing on the theme of abiding in Christ. The speaker frames chapter 15 around three relationships — disciples with the Father and Son, disciples with one another, and disciples with the world — and centers today’s lesson on the first relationship: what it means to abide in Christ and how that shapes our life with God and the church.

Topics covered include Jesus as the true vine and the Father as the vine-dresser, the imagery of branches bearing fruit, the conditional and provable nature of abiding (bearing fruit as evidence), and the pruning process — why God removes what hinders growth. The episode emphasizes humility and dependence in prayer, the reciprocal love between Jesus and his followers, and the blessings and warnings tied to faithfulness (answered prayer, increased fruitfulness, glory to the Father versus being cut off and burned).

Practical application is highlighted throughout: using and developing spiritual gifts, serving the congregation, helping others discover their talents, and concrete spiritual practices to remain in Christ — prayer, praise, study and meditation on Scripture, service, repentance, and consistent growth. Anecdotes (including a farm example) and references to supporting passages (Romans, Ephesians, Hebrews, and Old Testament vine imagery) help connect doctrine to daily Christian living.

Guests/participants are the class instructor and attending members who contribute reflections and questions. Key takeaways: abiding is continuous and measurable by fruit, Jesus has already modeled what he asks, spiritual fruitfulness requires humility and practice, and God both prunes and rewards those who remain in the vine.

 

Duration 31:40

"How Can I Know God’s Will for My Life?" by Hiram Kemp

October 12, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

How Can I Know God’s Will for My Life? (Psalm 143:10) - Hiram Kemp 
1. _________ the ____________ (Ephesians 5:17) 
2. _________ what you ________ ______ (Romans 12:2) 
3. _________ for __________ (Galatians 6:10) 
4. ____________ the __________ (Colossians 3:23-24; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) 
5. ___________ the _________ (Proverbs 16:1-3, 16:9) 
6._________ for _________ & _________ (Psalm 143:10; James 1:5-8) 
7._________ to _________ (Hebrews 12:2)

 

Duration 36:32

"A People For GOD'S Purpose" by Neal Pollard

October 12, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

A PEOPLE FOR GOD'S PURPOSE (1 Cor. 1:1-3)  
Neal Pollard 
Introduction 
A. In Every Pauline _______ And John's Words to the ____ Churches Of ______, God Identifies       Each 
Church's ____________ 
   1. For Corinth, that was overcoming religious ________ (1:10) 
B. We Need To ___________ How God Sees His __________ 
C. From Our Text, Let Us Observe... 
I. THE ________________  
   A. In Simplest Terms, It Means "To Make ______, _______ and _______" 
      1. It implies the ___________ of ______ (Rom. 8:13) 
      2. It implies the ______ and _________ of the Christian _______ (2 Pt. 1:5-7) 
      3. Our _____ is more and more ______ to God's _______ (Mt. 6:10) 
II. THE _______________--"in Christ Jesus" 
   A. We Must Always Make _______ How One ______ ____ Christ (Rm. 6:3-4; Ga. 3:27) 
   B. Also, Spiritual _________ Only Occurs ___ ________ 
III. THE _______________--"Called" 
   A. What Are The __________ Of This ____________? 
      1. It gives us _________, ___________, __________, and ___________ 
IV. THE _________________--"Grace and Peace" 
Conclusion 
A. If the Lord's _______ Is Sanctified, Won't _______ See The ________ Of It?

 

Duration 35:54

"The Gospel of John" by Barrett Hammer - Part 6

October 12, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode the hosts pick up a topical study of the Gospel of John, following Phil’s opening sessions. The class leaders explore the central theme of Jesus’ humility as recorded in John, weaving scripture, historical examples, personal stories, and practical application together to help listeners see humility as a strength, not a weakness.

The discussion opens with definitions and helpful analogies — from Merriam-Webster’s simple definition to Gavin Ortlund’s reflections in Humility: The Joy of Self-Forgetfulness, and quotes by C.S. Lewis and Tim Keller — and a few personal reflections (flying over the Yukon, mountain vistas) to illustrate humility as awe and perspective.

The episode surveys humility in both secular and biblical examples (Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela; Moses, Job, John the Baptist, Paul) and then turns to the Gospel of John to trace humility from the incarnation to the cross. Key passages examined include John 1:1–14 (the Word becoming flesh, Jesus’ humble birth in a manger and the shepherds’ witness), John 13 (the washing of the disciples’ feet as servant leadership), John 4 (Jesus’ patient, barrier-breaking conversation with the Samaritan woman), and John 10:11–18 (the good shepherd who lays down his life).

The hosts highlight Jesus’ humility in action: submission to the Father, service to the marginalized, willingness to be misunderstood, and ultimate self-emptying in death. They contrast worldly leadership with Jesus’ model and use anecdotes (e.g., the shepherds of the East who lead rather than push) to bring biblical truth into modern perspective.

The episode ends with tangible application: serve without seeking recognition; listen more and speak less; admit mistakes and seek forgiveness; prioritize others’ needs; pray with dependence, not pride; avoid judging and comparing; accept lowly tasks willingly; remain teachable; forgive quickly; and live for God’s glory rather than your own. The closing thought recalls C.S. Lewis — humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less — and invites listeners to let Jesus’ example shape their daily lives.

 

Duration 42:51

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 1

September 10, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

This episode is a teaching-led exploration of Ephesians chapter 1, recorded as part of a quarter-long study of the prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon). The instructor sets the stage by explaining Paul's situation—writing under house arrest in Rome around AD 60–62—and outlines the original recipients (the church at Ephesus), their history, and the challenges they faced in a city known for idolatry and the Temple of Diana.

Topics covered include the historical and literary context of Ephesians, Paul’s relationship with the Ephesian church (including his farewell meeting with the elders in Miletus from Acts 20), and later references to Ephesus in Revelation which warn that the congregation lost its “first love” despite remaining doctrinally strong. The lesson distinguishes the book’s structure—chapters 1–3 as doctrinal and chapters 4–6 as practical application—and emphasizes recurring themes such as the church, the phrase “in Christ,” and the spiritual blessings available to believers.

The core of the episode is a verse-by-verse walk through 1:3–14 (noted as a single long sentence in the Greek) that catalogs Paul’s catalog of spiritual blessings: election before the foundation of the world, predestination to adoption, grace and redemption through Christ’s blood, forgiveness of sins, inheritance, and the sealing by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. The instructor explains key theological terms (predestined, adoption, redemption, seal) and how they fit into Paul’s larger purpose of uniting Jews and Gentiles into one body—the church.

Practical applications are drawn throughout: the need for elders to guard the flock against false teaching, the centrality of evangelism (and the danger of losing zeal even when doctrine remains sound), the inseparability of Christ and his church, and how remembrance of spiritual blessings brings joy and endurance amid persecution and hardship. The resurrection, Christ’s exaltation, and the hope of future inheritance are presented as sustaining truths.

The episode is presented by the course instructor and is designed to be discussion-friendly—referencing a set of tough questions raised by an attendee to encourage listener engagement and reflection on how Ephesians’ doctrines translate into daily Christian living.

 

Duration 46:59

"What Concern For Each Other Looks Like" by Neal Pollard

October 5, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

WHAT CONCERN FOR EACH OTHER LOOKS LIKE (Jeremiah 8:18-9:1) - Neal Pollard 

• Jeremiah didn't ignore the People's sin.
• Heartbreak (8:18) 
  • Look what happens when we open our hearts to each other
• Concerned Attention (8:19)
• Empathy (8:21-9:1) 
  • It impacts us personally
  • It makes us look for a cause
  • It makes us look for a solution
• Jeremiah struggled in his task
• God wants us to be concerned about each other
• Whatever the problem, we should care

 

Duration 32:01

"A Faith Like Caleb's" by Neal Pollard

October 5, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

A Faith Like Caleb's - Neal Pollard 
Introduction 
Caleb Had a Faith… 
I. TO __________________ ___________________ (Numbers 13) 
 
   A. Your ________________ May Not Be ___________________ 
 
   B. When David Faced His, He Collected _____________________ (So Should We): 
 
II. TO ______________________ THE _____________________ (Numbers 32) 
 
III. TO _______________ MOUNTAINS (Joshua 14) 
 
IV. TO _______________________ WITH HIS _____________________ (Joshua 15; Judges 1) 
 
   A. How Can We Pass Our ______________________ To Our _____________________? 
 
      1. Be what you _______________________ to be 
 
      2. Let your ______________________ be visible in everything 
 
      3. Make sure you ________________________ the ______________________'s work 
 
      4. Make it clear that _____________________ is your ________________________ 

 

Duration 33:55