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

July 26, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode is a teaching session from Cumberland Trace exploring Acts 16 and the start of the Second Missionary Journey. Neal sets Acts 16 in context—after the Paul–Barnabas split—and examines the secondary yet pivotal roles of Timothy and John Mark, with reference to Paul, Silas, Luke and the decisions of the Jerusalem council in Acts 15.

Topics covered include Timothy’s background (a disciple with mixed Jewish–Greek heritage, taught Scripture by his mother and grandmother, well regarded in Lystra and Iconium, circumcised to remove barriers to ministry), John Mark’s early role as an assistant and his later significance as the author of the Gospel of Mark, and Luke’s appearance on the journey. Scriptural references and practical implications from Acts 16:1–5 and later New Testament passages are used to build the case.

Neal also shares congregation-specific data and concerns: the church averages about 400 in morning worship; there are roughly 57–60 people in their 20s and 30s, about 97 children and teenagers (plus several expectant mothers), producing nearly 200 people who fit the Bible’s definition of youth when combined with college-aged members. These numbers frame the urgent opportunity and responsibility in developing future leaders.

Key challenges discussed are modern distractions (technology and cultural influences), generational gaps and intimidation in approaching young people, attrition and moral pressures, the limits of the church when the home doesn’t prioritize Christ, and perceived or real shortages of mentors. The teaching repeatedly returns to the principle “to whom much is given, much is required,” emphasizing accountability.

Practical takeaways and action steps include: identify and invest in raw material—young people with potential; put them into responsible service roles that stretch them; balance encouragement (à la Barnabas) with loving admonition; model faith in an intergenerational context; cultivate mentoring relationships rather than cold approaches; and prioritize parenting support (the speaker mentions an upcoming parenting seminar).

The session closes with a clear call to action for listeners: commit to encourage or mentor a young person, remember that adequacy comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5), and actively use the church’s resources and relationships to raise the next generation of leaders. Listeners should expect a blend of biblical teaching, local congregation statistics, candid discussion of obstacles, and concrete mentorship strategies they can put into practice.

 

Duration 37:59

July 22, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode of the New Testament Characters summer series, the class studies Pontius Pilate — the Roman governor who presided over Jesus’ trial — and compares how Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, and 1 Timothy portray him. The lesson opens by placing Pilate in the series context and then reads Matthew 27 aloud before examining passages unique to the other Gospels.

The instructor and the class trace the trial scene: Pilate’s repeated declarations that he finds no fault in Jesus; the crowd’s demand for Barabbas and crucifixion; Pilate’s wife’s warning from a dream; Pilate’s symbolic hand‑washing; the soldiers’ mocking and the role of Joseph of Arimathea in securing Jesus’ body; and the chief priests’ request to guard the tomb. Selected passages from Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18–19, Acts, and 1 Timothy 6:13–16 are compared to highlight differences and emphases across accounts.

Key points emphasized: Pilate repeatedly recognizes Jesus’ innocence but yields to political pressure and public opinion; his question “What is truth?” and his failure to wait for an answer are highlighted as pivotal moments; Jesus’ calm, truthful confession before Pilate is held up as the Christian example. The class also underscores how Pilate’s attempt to disclaim responsibility (washing his hands) did not change the fact that he judged Jesus to be crucified.

The episode broadens into practical application and group discussion. Participants reflect on how Pilate’s fear of losing office and desire to please people mirror modern temptations to choose the easier path over the right one. Real‑world examples raised include responses during the pandemic, public pressure on religious convictions, and moral decisions like issuing marriage licenses that conflict with faith commitments.

Paul’s reference to the “good confession before Pontius Pilate” in 1 Timothy is used to challenge listeners to remain blameless and faithful when obedience is costly. The contrast between Jesus’ steadfastness and Pilate’s weakness becomes the episode’s moral: knowing the truth is not the same as living by it.

Listeners can expect close readings of Gospel texts, historical and theological observations about Pilate’s role, candid classroom discussion, and practical calls to courage and faithfulness in the face of social and political pressure.

 

Duration 38:18

July 19, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

This episode is a recording of a pastoral sermon that opens with joyful congregation news and then unfolds a detailed exposition of John 16:33: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

Neal walks the listeners through John 16 in context (the private discourse to the apostles before the cross), highlights repeated phrases and themes ("these things I have said to you," the Father, the Spirit, repeated uses of "I"), and draws four practical applications for Christians today: (1) Christ’s words are given so you may not stumble; (2) remember His promises in times of trial; (3) the Holy Spirit will help, guide, convict, and glorify Christ; and (4) faith transforms grief into lasting joy.

Scripture and study tools referenced include John 13–17, Matthew 16 and 26, Luke 24, Acts, Romans 12 (the transformed life), Ephesians (spiritual blessings), 1 Corinthians, Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, 2 Thessalonians, Revelation, and practical passages about fleeing temptation (1 Corinthians 6; 1 Timothy 6; 2 Timothy 2; James 4). The sermon uses biblical examples—Joseph in Egypt, Peter and the apostles, Paul and early persecutors—alongside a contemporary illustrative story about Arland Williams Jr. (the Air Florida crash) to emphasize courage and selfless faith.

Key points listeners can expect: careful verse-by-verse attention to John 16 and its repeated motifs; encouragement that Jesus has already overcome the world so believers can stand; a survey of spiritual resources (personal humility and unity, prayer, spiritual gifts, mutual love, biblical truth and promises, and the abiding presence of the Father and Spirit); warnings about the reality of stumbling and the need for vigilance; and a gospel invitation to repent, believe, be baptized, or to return to Christ if you have drifted.

People mentioned in the service include congregation members involved in baptisms and studies and those who came forward during the service. This episode is for listeners seeking biblical encouragement to persevere through trials, deepen trust in Christ’s victory, and apply John 16’s promises in daily life.

 

Duration 42:39

July 19, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode is a sermon-style message built around the anecdote of theologian Karl Barth and the children's hymn "Jesus Loves Me," using that simple confession as the gateway to seven central biblical convictions. Hiram examines why the Bible is trustworthy, how its claims shape faith and life, and what a believer’s response should look like in a changing culture.

The talk surveys evidence Hiram believes points to the Bible’s divine authenticity—its claim to inspiration, supernatural knowledge, high moral ethic, predictive prophecy, and internal unity—and cites passages including 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Genesis 1, Isaiah 44–45, Psalm 119, and John 10:35 as anchors for those claims.

Listeners are led through seven practical, closely argued points: 1) truth doesn’t change; 2) sin is deadly; 3) there is hope; 4) salvation is by grace through faith; 5) worship must be in spirit and in truth; 6) eternity matters most; and 7) faithfulness is required. Each point is illustrated with New Testament and Old Testament passages (e.g., Romans, Matthew, Titus, John, Hebrews) and everyday metaphors to make the implications clear.

Hiram moves from doctrine to application: read and test Scripture honestly, respond to God in repentance and saving faith, be baptized (Acts 2:38; Titus 3), worship God with the right heart and according to Scripture (John 4; Colossians 3), and pursue a lifetime of faithful discipleship. The message includes an invitation for listeners who want help responding biblically—prayer, guidance, and practical assistance are offered.

There are no outside guests; this is a direct, pastoral exposition designed to inform, encourage, and challenge. Expect clear biblical teaching, numerous scripture references, pastoral exhortation, and an urgent call to trust the Bible as the foundation for belief and life: “The Bible tells me so.”

Duration 33:19

July 19, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode walks through Acts chapters 13–15 and examines the recurring challenges every church faces. Using the Antioch congregation as the starting point, Hiram traces the Holy Spirit’s call to set apart Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for mission work, highlights the church’s diversity and gifted leadership (Barnabas, Simeon/Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, John Mark), and outlines practical principles for stewarding congregational gifts: learn people’s abilities, diversify service, avoid comfort, and be willing to send leaders to advance the gospel. The message then addresses opposition from false teachers and religious authorities — illustrated by Elymas/Bar‑Jesus and the proconsul Sergius Paulus — including Paul’s Spirit‑empowered rebuke and the tactics for countering error: know and preach the truth, call out destructive teaching when necessary, protect seekers, and hold out hope for those ensnared by falsehoods. The class also covers preacheritis (the tendency to idolize preachers), with the Lystra miracle as a case study and concrete signs and remedies (acknowledge gifts without pledging allegiance, point people to God, and prevent idolatry). Finally, the episode confronts legalism and internal disagreement (the Antioch controversy over circumcision and the Paul–Barnabas split), offering responses such as sound reasoning, firm but generous directives for new believers, trusting God’s sufficiency, and recognizing that conscientious disagreement can expand the work rather than destroy it. Throughout, the speaker ties each biblical episode to contemporary application for congregations: how to manage talent, respond to false teaching, evangelize religious people, resist pride and envy, and keep unity of mission amid differences.

 

Duration 44:42

July 12, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode is a recorded Bible class covering Acts chapters 10–12. Hiram leads the class through three chapters as they examine the recurring challenges the early church faced: welcoming Gentiles, resolving cultural and religious barriers, and stabilizing growing congregations. Key passages include the conversion of Cornelius, Peter’s rooftop vision, the Gentile Pentecost in Cornelius’s house, the church’s response in Jerusalem, the growth of the church in Antioch, and the persecution and deliverance recorded in Acts 12.

The class traces the goal of Acts (Acts 1:8) — to establish and preach the gospel to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth — and evaluates how the early church advanced that mission up through chapter 9. The instructor then details the central challenge in Acts 10–11: how Jews and Gentiles are brought together. The episode examines Cornelius as a ‘God‑fearer,’ his moral life and prayers, why divine confirmation was needed, and why moral religiosity is not the same as salvation in Christ.

The session walks through Peter’s vision of the sheet of animals, his initial resistance rooted in Levitical food laws and cultural heritage, and how both Cornelius and Peter required divine revelation to accept Gentile inclusion. Listeners hear the account of the Holy Spirit falling on Cornelius’s household (a Gentile Pentecost), the subsequent baptisms, and the debate in Jerusalem that forced Peter to explain his actions publicly in Acts 11.

Attention shifts to Antioch, where the gospel advances among Greeks and other non‑Jewish peoples. The class highlights Barnabas’s role in stabilizing that congregation, his bringing Saul (Paul) to help, and the importance of strengthening local churches — emphasizing the principle that one cannot evangelize the world faster than local congregations can be established and stabilized.

The episode also surveys Acts 12: the arrest and execution of James, Peter’s miraculous deliverance, the congregation’s mixed response of doubt and praise, and the lesson that persecution, political opposition, and leadership losses do not stop the spread of God’s Word when believers cooperate with it.

Practical takeaways for modern listeners are emphasized throughout: acknowledge the spiritual good in seekers, show they aren’t far from the kingdom, push for an encounter with Scripture, use the gospel as the neutralizing standard, refuse favoritism or second‑class treatment, strengthen bonds quickly after conversion, listen to God’s leading, and invest in stabilizing local churches as the foundation for wider evangelism. The episode is driven by classroom dialogue between the teacher and participants and offers both exegetical insight and applicable pastoral guidance for welcoming diverse converts today.

 

Duration 44:08

July 15, 2026 - Vacation Bible School Day 4 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode of the Wednesday evening class Chris opens with community announcements then turns to a focused study of Mark 9 and the father’s plea, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief." The session examines how that personal struggle with doubt connects to a larger defense of Scripture’s authority.

Topics covered include the inspiration and unity of the Bible, illustrated by key passages (Mark 9:24; 2 Peter 1:20–21; 2 Timothy 3:16) and practical apologetics. Chris reviews recent class presentations by Bill (archaeological consistency), Dale (fulfilled prophecy), and Joey (scientific consistencies), and draws on an Apologetics Press illustration (Eric Lyons) provided in the course guide from Neil to show how improbable it would be for many diverse human authors to produce a seamless, enduring book without divine guidance.

Evidence for unity highlighted in the episode: the 1,600-year span and 40 authors behind 66 books, multiple languages and continents, diverse backgrounds (from Pharaoh’s house to fishermen, physicians to statesmen), harmony of theme (Old Testament — Christ is coming; Gospels — Christ came; Acts–Revelation — Christ is coming back), and consistency of moral instruction and historical detail. Specific textual examples include the consistency on lying (Exodus 20, Proverbs, Ephesians) and Paul’s and Peter’s attestations to Scripture’s divine origin and permanence.

Chris draws one of the program’s most vivid demonstrations by linking Genesis 2–3 with Revelation 21–22: the river and the tree of life, the presence and removal of the curse, and the promise that God will make all things new—showing how the end of human history echoes its beginning and reinforcing the claim that Scripture is unified and God-breathed.

Takeaways and practical points: the Bible’s unity and longevity point to divine authorship; Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction; believers are encouraged to keep the Word before them, study it closely, and use it as the "sword of the Spirit" in personal doubt and daily witness.

 

Duration 38:02

July 14, 2026 - Vacation Bible School Day 3 - Tuesday PM Bible Class

In this episode Joey leads a class discussion exploring "scientific foreknowledge" in the Bible — arguing that when Scripture touches the natural world it consistently aligns with later scientific discoveries. Joey frames the series by contrasting the Bible’s theological purpose (not as a science textbook) with its surprising accuracy on specific scientific matters and invites listeners to think of God’s wisdom as preceding human understanding.

The episode covers three detailed case studies: circumcision and vitamin K (why Genesis prescribes circumcising male children on the eighth day), the water cycle (biblical passages that describe evaporation and return of water long before modern closed-loop explanations), and hygiene/germs (Levitical laws on washing, quarantine, burial of waste, and other practices that anticipate later public-health measures). The host also references Matthew Maury’s discovery of ocean currents after reading Psalm 8, showing how a scientist used Scripture to inspire investigation.

Along the way Joey cites other contributors and context from recent meetings — mentioning Bill’s archaeological points from Sunday and Dale’s comments the previous night — and points to broader themes such as prophecy, archaeological support, and the difference between proven scientific facts and later scientific theories. Historical milestones (Henrik Dam’s discovery of vitamin K in the 1930s, the rise of germ theory with Pasteur and Lister, John Dalton’s work on the water cycle, Semmelweis on handwashing) are placed alongside the much earlier biblical instructions to highlight timeline contrasts.

Key takeaways: the Bible contains incidental scientific information that matches established science, many biblical laws promoted public health long before microbiology, the presence of accurate natural-world statements can strengthen faith for some listeners, and the central message remains theological — Scripture teaches who God is and how to relate to Him — even when it intersects with scientific truth.

Duration 55:34

July 13, 2026 - Vacation Bible School Day 2 - Monday PM Bible Class

In this episode you’ll join a live classroom-style session that explores predictive prophecy as evidence for the Bible’s divine origin. Dale opens by describing how they were invited to teach and introduces the evening’s themes—archaeology, scientific foreknowledge, cohesion and unity of Scripture, and above all predictive prophecy. The session is interactive: attendees ask questions, volunteers participate in demonstrations, and the presenter references specific biblical passages throughout.

Topics covered include Messianic prophecies (Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, Micah 5:2, Zechariah 9:9, Psalm 16:10, Psalm 110, Genesis 49:10 and the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15), national and historical prophecies (Daniel’s four empires in Daniel 2 and 7, Ezekiel 26 on Tyre, Jeremiah 50–51 on Babylon), and the surprising mention of Cyrus by name in Isaiah. The presenter highlights how these prophecies span centuries, languages and cultures, yet converge into a cohesive narrative.

The episode features concrete examples and historical verifications: Ezekiel’s prediction of Tyre becoming a bare rock used by fishermen, Jeremiah’s description of Babylon’s fall and the Euphrates being diverted, Daniel’s detailed visions of successive empires, and Isaiah’s naming of Cyrus long before his rise. The class also discusses how critics have tried to re-date books like Daniel, and how secular records (like cuneiform inscriptions and the Cyrus Cylinder) corroborate key events.

To illustrate how difficult it would be to fabricate such prophecies, the presenter conducts a live experiment with two volunteers inventing a hoax prophet named “Curtis,” comparing predictions and fulfillments with often comical mismatches (treadmills vs. sub sandwiches, Milwaukee vs. Canada). A second demonstration—the blue‑ringed octopus cup—drives home points about probability and plausibility. Dale cites statistical arguments (Peter Stoner’s calculations) about the improbability of one person accidentally fulfilling multiple Messianic prophecies.

Guests and participants include audience volunteers and an engaged crowd asking questions and sharing reactions. The tone is apologetic and inquisitive: the presenter encourages listeners to verify passages, consider historical evidence, and use select, verifiable prophecies in conversations about the reliability of Scripture.

Key takeaways: prophecy provides a powerful, testable line of evidence for the Bible’s claims; certain prophecies are strikingly specific and historically corroborated; the unity and predictive reach of Scripture (from Genesis through the prophets and Daniel) is presented as faith‑building; and the episode equips listeners with memorable examples and conversational points for discussing prophecy with skeptics.

 

Duration 40:59

July 12, 2026 - Vacation Bible School Day 1 - Sunday PM Bible Class

In this episode Bill leads a lively class-style exploration of the complex relationship between archaeology and the Bible. Bill argues that while archaeology can sometimes corroborate biblical details, it does not "prove" Scripture—the Bible is presented as the ultimate, absolute authority. Listeners are taken through the larger debate over timelines, methodology, and the limits of physical evidence.

The program contrasts the modern, roughly 200-year history of archaeology with the Bible’s traditional, literal timeline of about 6,000 years, and discusses how those differing chronologies shape interpretations. The speaker highlights that archaeology often raises questions or offers multiple interpretations rather than delivering definitive answers.

Concrete case studies are covered in depth: the Exodus narrative, the conquest accounts (Jericho and Ai), debates over the location of Mount Sinai, claims about Pharaoh’s army at the Red Sea, and sensational finds like alleged remains of Noah’s Ark. The episode flags which of these claims are widely debated or lack direct archaeological confirmation.

A major portion of the talk focuses on Hezekiah’s Tunnel and the Pool of Siloam: the tunnel’s construction, the ancient inscription describing the stonecutters’ rendezvous, and how the feature aligns with Old Testament descriptions and later New Testament references (including Jesus’ healing at the Pool of Siloam). This segment is presented as a strong example of where biblical description and physical remains converge.

Bill explains "burn layers"—strata of destruction in archaeological sites—and uses examples such as Shiloh and Jericho to show how sudden destruction horizons can match biblical accounts of conquest, while also stressing that later rebuilding can obscure earlier events. The theological dimension is emphasized through the story of Rahab as an example of grace appearing amid judgment.

The Dead Sea Scrolls receive special attention as one of the most remarkable finds supporting the preservation and reliability of Scripture: nearly 1,000 manuscripts from Qumran, the languages they contain, and their significance for understanding Jewish belief in the Second Temple period and the textual history of the Hebrew Bible.

The episode also reviews a handful of corroborating inscriptions and human remains—such as the Pilate Stone, the first-century heel bone with an embedded nail, and the Gallio inscription—illustrating archaeology’s role in confirming historical persons, administrative titles, and cultural details mentioned in the New Testament.

Throughout the lecture the speaker warns about overhyped or bogus claims and encourages careful, critical investigation. He references modern popular apologetics researchers and online resources (Jonathan Moore; Apologetics Press contributors Kyle and Jeremy Butt, David and Jeff Miller) and mentions plans for travel groups to Israel for those interested in seeing sites firsthand.

Key takeaways: archaeology can illuminate and sometimes corroborate biblical narratives, but many discoveries are debated or ambiguous; careful scholarship and discernment are essential; and for the speaker, the archaeological record ultimately points back to the authority and reliability of Scripture. The episode closes with an encouragement to keep digging—both literally in the field and figuratively in God’s Word.

Duration 30:11