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

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 12

May 31, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode Joey leads a Bible study and discussion on selfishness — what it is, where it comes from, and how Christians should respond. Beginning with Scripture, the episode defines selfishness using Philippians 2 and James (including James 3:14–15 and James 4) and explains selfishness as putting yourself at the center of the universe. The group examines how unmet desires breed conflict and division, and why selfishness is not from God but from the heart.

The study moves through biblical examples: Cain, the prodigal son (Luke 15), and Diotrephes (3 John) are used to show different expressions of self-seeking and preeminence. The speaker contrasts these with the life of Jesus, drawing on Philippians 2:5–8, John 13 (the washing of the disciples’ feet), Jesus’ temptations, Matthew 16:24–28 (deny yourself, take up your cross), and Matthew 22:37–40 (love God and neighbor). Key congregation interactions and contributions from attendees (Andy, Amanda, Russell, Kevin) illustrate practical, real-life implications of selfish attitudes.

The episode outlines the harm selfishness does to relationships, churches, and spiritual growth — producing division, power struggles, lack of service, and damaged love for God and neighbor. Romans 12:9–21 is offered as a scriptural blueprint for healthy Christian behavior (loving without hypocrisy, honoring one another, serving, living peaceably, and overcoming evil with good).

Practical steps for overcoming selfishness are emphasized: serve others intentionally (even without credit), practice gratitude, cultivate humility, put God first daily, and train yourself to think about others before acting. Joey closes with Paul’s testimony in Galatians 2:20 and the guiding motto for transformation — less self, more Christ — encouraging listeners to allow Christ’s mind to replace self-centered living.

 

Duration 40:09

"Words of Life" by Hiram Kemp - Part 12

May 27, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode Hiram leads a clear, practical walk-through of the one-chapter epistle 2 John. He situates 2 John alongside John’s other writings, explains why truth and love anchor the letter, and highlights the congregation-centered language (the "elect lady" and her children) John uses to address church life.

Topics covered include: the identity and role of the author ("the elder"); differences between 1 John and 2 John; the centrality of truth that "abides forever"; what it looks like to "walk in the truth" and to love one another as a perpetual command; how to recognize those who truly love the truth by their behavior; and the apostolic urgency to oppose error.

The episode examines John’s stern warnings about deceivers and the antichrist—specifically those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh—together with the first-century context of hospitality and how receiving or greeting false teachers amounts to endorsing their work. Key doctrinal points include the necessity of abiding in the teaching of Christ to have the Father and the Son, the importance of confession, and the danger of adding to or subtracting from the gospel.

This is a focused teaching session by the speaker with pastoral and practical application. Listeners should expect biblical exposition, cultural and textual background (including references to Ephesians, Romans, and examples from the Gospels), and concrete takeaways for church practice: cherish truth, practice sacrificial love, test teachers by their doctrine, avoid endorsing error, and protect the congregation’s faithfulness.

 

Duration 44:37

"Understanding God’s Grace" by Hiram Kemp

May 24, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

This episode is a short devotional sermon focused entirely on the gospel theme of grace. Using a vivid restaurant story—where a surprised diner learns his meal was paid for by another—and the classic General Mills “add an egg” advertising anecdote, the speaker frames grace as God’s unearned gift that changes how we live. The service’s music and readings all build toward this central idea.

Hiram lays out three practical realities from Scripture about the grace of God: (1) No bragging — salvation is the gift of God, not our achievement (Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Corinthians 1:31); (2) No borrowing — in Christ we are fully supplied and lack nothing, so we don’t need to derive identity or worth from jobs or relationships (2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3); and (3) Nobody left behind — Jesus took the cup of death in our place so that all who trust him receive life (Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 5:8–9; John 1:29).

The sermon includes scriptural references (John 1:17; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 25:8; Psalm 34:10; 2 Corinthians 8:9 and more) and two clear metaphors—the unpaid restaurant check and the medicine cup—to make the doctrine of grace tangible: you didn’t earn it, you don’t need to borrow for it, and it’s available so that none need be left out.

Listeners can expect encouragement to stop boasting in themselves, freedom from needing approval or identity from worldly things, and reassurance that Christ’s substitutionary work secures salvation for all who trust him. The episode closes with an invitation to respond: to believe in Jesus, turn from sin, and be baptized as a public reception of God’s gift of grace; the congregation is offered prayer and an opportunity to come forward.

 

Duration 9:49

"The Difference the Gospel Makes" (Philemon 1-25) by Hiram Kemp

May 24, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode is a sermon-based exploration of the New Testament book of Philemon, examining how the gospel transforms ordinary lives and relationships. The speaker walks listeners through the historical background — Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus — and explains why this brief one-chapter letter matters for Christians today. Using everyday analogies (the periodic table, weather apps, and a modern “magic eraser” photo example), the message emphasizes that Christian truth is not merely factual knowledge but a force that should change behavior and relationships.

The core of the episode outlines six practical ways the gospel makes a difference: it produces true love, changes how we approach people (the "living room" vs. "courtroom" models), redefines a person’s past, repairs broken relationships, empowers believers to do hard things, and saturates life with grace. Key biblical passages and images are referenced throughout (Philemon, John, 1 John, 2 Corinthians), and Paul’s pastoral method — appealing in love rather than commanding — is highlighted as a model for Christian influence.

The sermon also covers concrete illustrations and applications: Paul’s personal appeal to Philemon to receive Onesimus as a brother, Paul’s offer to repay any debt Onesimus owes, and the necessity of real reconciliation and hard but loving conversations in families, churches, and workplaces. Practical next steps discussed include confessing faith, baptism, and letting the gospel’s grace reshape daily conduct and relationships.

Listeners will hear reflections on how the gospel changes identity and memory (God’s forgiveness as an ultimate eraser of past sins), how grace sustains obedience, and why faith should result in visible, relational transformation. The episode features the lead preacher and musical contributions from Mike; it closes with an invitation to respond to the gospel and practical encouragement to let faith reshape personal life and community relationships.

 

Duration 33:37

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 11

May 17, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode Joey continues a teaching series on common sins and struggles, focusing on selfishness as the root of many moral and relational problems. Drawing on Philippians 2:1–4 and James 3–4, the talk defines selfishness biblically, contrasts it with Christlike humility, and explains how selfish ambition, conceit, envy, and self-seeking lead to conflict and spiritual stagnation.

The episode reviews how selfishness disguises itself as ambition, self-protection, convenience, or the pursuit of happiness, and shows how common behaviors — laziness, anger, pride, gossip, the love of money and even extreme sins like murder, adultery, and stealing — often trace back to an “I/ my” mindset. The speaker outlines practical warning signs (always needing to win arguments, refusing to apologize, demanding attention, controlling behavior, unwillingness to serve) and explains how inward selfishness can be harder to spot than outward acts.

Two biblical case studies illustrate the problem: Cain’s refusal to accept correction (Genesis 4) and the prodigal son’s entitlement and wasted inheritance (Luke 15). James is used to show the origin of selfishness in worldly desires and its consequences — confusion, fights, and wars — and to present the opposite virtues: peace ableness, willingness to yield, mercy, and impartiality.

The speaker closes by previewing the next session, which will examine additional biblical examples and offer concrete steps to overcome selfishness by cultivating humility, looking outward to others, serving sacrificially, and following Jesus’ example. This teaching is delivered as a solo lesson (no guest speakers) and is intended to help listeners identify selfish patterns in their lives and begin practical spiritual growth toward humility and healthier relationships.

Duration 41:08

"Words of Life" by Hiram Kemp - Part 11

May 20, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

This episode is a teacher-led Bible class focused on First John chapter 5. Hiram walks the group through the chapter’s major themes: how Christians can know they currently possess eternal life, what constitutes true faith, and how faith should be demonstrated in a believer’s life.

Topics covered include: the meaning of being "born of God," the relationship between faith and obedience, the two chief commandments (love God and love one another), and the idea that God’s commandments are not burdensome. The class emphasizes that faith is more than intellectual assent — it produces transformed life, love for God’s children, and victory over the world through union with Jesus.

The speaker carefully unpacks John’s testimony about Jesus — the three witnesses (the Spirit, the water, and the blood) — and connects these witnesses to biblical proofs (miracles, the Father’s testimony, scripture, and the resurrection) that establish Jesus as the Son of God. Practical questions are addressed: how to receive the Son, how to be assured of salvation, and why believers sometimes struggle to feel confident despite biblical assurances.

Key practical points include the privilege of prayer and confidence before God (asking according to his will), the distinction John draws between sins that lead to death and those that do not, and the call to keep oneself from idols. The lesson concludes by urging listeners to internalize the assurance of eternal life so they can faithfully share the gospel with others.

This episode features an instructor-led Bible study with class participation. Expect clear explanation of Scripture, cross-references to the Gospel of John and other New Testament passages, and pastoral application aimed at encouraging confidence in Christ and active Christian living.

 

Duration 44:19

Equipped 2026: Youth: "Why You Should Believe and Convince Others to do the Same" by Nathan Liddell

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 10:30 AM Session

 

This episode is a classroom-style apologetics lecture that tackles the three central questions of the Christian faith: Is there a God? Is the Bible from God? Is Jesus the Son of God? Led by an instructor in apologetics, the talk walks listeners through clear, memorable arguments and practical steps for explaining and defending Christian belief.

On the first question—Is there a God? —the speaker presents the Kalam (prolonged cosmological) argument: whatever begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist; therefore, the universe has a cause. He explains supporting scientific and philosophical points (including the second law of thermodynamics) and draws out the attributes such a cause must have—immaterial, timeless, spaceless, and immensely powerful—linking those attributes to the biblical picture of God.

On the second question—Is the Bible from God? —the lecture uses a Thomas B. Warren-style argument: if Scripture contains information that could not be of human origin, it is from God. The instructor surveys feature of Scripture that point beyond mere human authorship—remarkable unity across 40 authors and 1,500 years, examples of scientific foreknowledge (e.g., Job 26:7), deep moral and spiritual teaching, and especially fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 53 is treated in detail as a powerful predictive text fulfilled in the life, death, burial, and vindication of Jesus.

On the third question—Is Jesus the Son of God? —the episode adopts the minimal facts approach: presenting five historical facts widely accepted by skeptical scholars (Jesus’ death by crucifixion, the disciples’ belief they saw the risen Jesus, Paul’s conversion, James’s conversion, and the empty tomb) and showing that the best explanation for these facts is Jesus’ bodily resurrection. The lecturer addresses alternative theories (hallucination, swoon, theft, fabrication) and explains why they fail to account for all the evidence.

Key takeaways and practical application are emphasized throughout: faith is not a blind leap into darkness but a step into the light of evidence; memorize and practice succinct arguments (the handout provided lists core claims and blanks to fill); be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15); and take concrete next steps—identify the question you’re least sure about, focus on the most compelling argument you encountered, and start a conversation with someone who is asking these questions. The instructor also invites listeners to continue studying apologetics for deeper engagement.

 

Duration 45:25

Equipped 2026: "Joseph Saves His Family" by Wayne Jones

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 6:00 PM Session

Wayne Jones delivers a sermon analyzing the last nine chapters of Genesis, focusing on the story of Joseph and Jacob. He argues that the narrative is not primarily about the individual patriarchs but about God's overarching purpose and character. The lecture identifies six key activities of God demonstrated in these chapters: wrapping up previous promises, providing for those in need, healing damaged hearts, restoring broken families, rewarding past actions, and writing the next chapter of His divine plan. These actions are presented as timeless principles, applicable to the lives of believers today, encouraging them to see God as the central character in their own stories and to live out His purpose.

Duration 40:09

Equipped 2026: "The Fall and Rise of Joseph" by Parker Webster

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 10:30 AM Session

 

This lecture reframes the biblical story of Joseph from a simple children's tale into a profound narrative about facing life's trials with faith. The speaker argues that Joseph's story is relatable because it mirrors the "roller coaster" of human life, full of ups and downs. The central theme is Joseph's "coat of many trials," representing three key challenges: the trial of persecution (betrayal by family), the trial of perseverance (enduring wrongful imprisonment), and the trial of perspective (resisting pride and bitterness). These trials, though painful, were part of God's providential plan to prepare Joseph for his ultimate role and to show that righteousness does not guarantee an easy life. The lecture urges listeners to learn from Joseph's example: trust God's plan during suffering, maintain a righteous perspective, and find hope in God's power to lift them from their own "pits" of sin and struggle.

 

Duration 41:53

Equipped 2026: Ladies: "Developing a Courageous Faith Like the Patriarchs" by Rose Crayton

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 9:30 AM Session

 

A lesson on "Developing a Courageous Faith Like the Patriarchs." Rose uses the analogy of an anchor line connecting a ship to the anchor (God) to illustrate how faith is developed through the "tension" of life's struggles and trials. The lecture examines the lives of Old Testament patriarchs—Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and briefly Job—as ordinary people who became extraordinary through their active, obedient faith. The core message is that courageous faith is not the absence of fear but an active trust in God, built incrementally through obedience, surrender, and enduring trials. The speaker encourages the audience to embrace their struggles as training grounds, maintain integrity, and cultivate a "pilgrim mentality," always remembering that they are a work in progress, developing their faith to hold onto God's unchanging promises.

 

Duration 41:34