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

"Words of Life" by Chris Young - Part 4

April 1, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

In this episode a Chris covers 1 Peter chapter 3, building on last week’s study of chapter 2. Topics include the Christian marriage relationship—wives’ conduct and a gentle, quiet spirit, husbands’ duty to dwell with understanding and give honor, and how godly conduct can win unbelieving spouses. The talk compares Peter’s instruction with passages from Ephesians, Matthew, James, Titus, and the Psalms.

Other key points: how unity and humility are required for Christian fellowship, practical warnings about the tongue, pursuing peace, the reality of suffering and persecution for doing good, being ready to give a reason for one’s hope with meekness, and the significance of Christ’s one-time sacrifice and baptism tied to the resurrection. The speaker also notes Neal’s absence (he’s recovering from a leg issue) and shares pastoral anecdotes and applications for living faithfully under pressure.

 

Duration 36:02

"The Love of God" by Neal Pollard

March 29, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

In this episode Neal reflects and references a reading by Jed as they unpack the omnibenevolence of God through Scripture and historical voices like Barton W. Stone, Walter Scott, and N.B. Hardeman. Topics include the nature of God’s love—its endurance, universality, impenetrability, and impartiality—and how that love is shown in Christ’s sacrifice, forgiveness, guidance, and restoration.

Key points cover what God’s love does (saves, creates intimate relationship, forgives, leads and restores) and why it matters: God’s love reaches everyone, doesn’t cease when we fail, reassures us of God’s presence and provision, and calls for a response of repentance and faith. Expect biblical exposition, historical illustrations, practical application, and a clear invitation to respond.

 

Handout:

The Love of God — Neal Pollard 
 
I. WHAT IS THE ________________________ OF GOD? 
 
   A. It Is ____________________ (Psalm 136:1) 
 
   B. It Is ____________________ (John 3:16) 
 
   C. It Is ____________________ (Romans 8:35-39) 
 
   D. It Is ____________________ (Psalm 145:8-9) 
 
II. WHAT DOES THE _____________________ OF GOD _________________? 
 
   A. It Gives _________________ And ______________ (John 3:16) 
 
   B. It Allows Us To Have A Close ________________ With Him (1 John 3:1) 
 
   C. It Causes Him To _____________________ (Exodus 34:6-7) 
 
   D. It Moves Him To ______________ People In The ______________ Way (Hosea 11:1) 
 
   E. It Prompts Him To _____________ Those Who ____________ To Him (1 John 1:9) 
 
III. WHY DOES THE ___________________ OF GOD ______________? 
 
   A. Because It Reaches _____________, It Will Reach _____________ 
 
   B. It Doesn't Stop When We _______________________ 
 
   C. It _______________ The Kind Of Love We Should Have 
 
   D. It _______________ Us Of God's Presence And Provision 
 
   E. It _______________ Us From Being _______________ To Being _______________ 
 
Conclusion 
 
A. It's Up To Us To __________________ To This Amazing Love 

 

Duration 31:54

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 4

March 29, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode is a classroom-style discussion exploring pride as a recurring biblical struggle. The class unpacks biblical language for pride—words like puffed up, haughty, arrogant and boastful—and why the heart attitude matters.

Topics include three common expressions of pride (an exaggerated sense of self-worth, finding worth in possessions/status, and dangerous self-sufficiency), scriptural warnings and examples (Romans 12:3; 1 John 2:16; Proverbs 3:5–6; John 15:5; Colossians 1; Isaiah 14; 2 Corinthians 12), and practical implications: pride puts God second, leads us away from dependence on Christ, and calls for humility and repentance.

The episode closes by setting up follow-up sessions on pride and possessions, pride and self-sufficiency, and offers practical encouragement to trust God, acknowledge his role in our lives, and cultivate humility.

 

Duration 40:54

"Words of Life" by Chris Young - Part 3

March 25, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class

This episode is a verse-by-verse study of 1 Peter chapter 2, building on an introduction by Neil about the book’s central theme of hope amid persecution. The speaker walks listeners through Peter’s call to spiritual growth — laying aside malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and evil speech — and emphasizes feeding on the word of God like newborns craving milk. Key scriptures quoted include Isaiah, Psalm 118, Galatians, Romans, Philippians, Acts, and Isaiah 53, connecting the early Christians’ context of mounting Roman persecution to practical Christian living today.

Topics covered: the temporary nature of flesh vs. the enduring Word, the image of Christ as the living stone and believers as living stones, the church as a holy priesthood, spiritual sacrifices, honorable conduct among Gentiles, submission to governing authorities (with limits), the employer-employee application of servant-master teaching, and persevering in suffering as Christ did. The episode offers pastoral encouragement, historical background on first-century persecution, and practical admonitions for personal growth and witness.

 

Duration 45:13

"Words of Life" by Neal Pollard - Part 2

March 18, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

Join this in-depth teaching through 1 Peter chapter 1 as Neal reads the opening verses and unfolds three central "words of life"—hope, holiness, and love—that sustain believers facing persecution and cultural opposition. The episode begins with a careful reading of verses 1–12 and explains Peter’s opening greeting, highlighting how he addresses his audience as "aliens" or "pilgrims," chosen and set apart by God through the Spirit. Neal unpacks Peter’s emphases: believers are born again to a living hope rooted in the resurrection of Jesus, sprinkled with His blood, kept by God’s power, and destined for an imperishable inheritance.

Topics covered include the historical context (Nero’s growing persecution in the mid-60s AD), the mixed Jewish and Gentile makeup of the early churches in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, and how Peter’s identity as "Peter" and "apostle" establishes his authority. The speaker outlines the five imperatives of 1 Peter—fix your hope, be holy, conduct yourselves in fear, love one another fervently from the heart, and crave the sincere milk of the Word—and explains how these commands form a practical framework for living with hope amid trials. Practical applications for contemporary believers are offered: living as strangers in the world, pursuing holiness in heart and conduct, relying on community, and returning continually to Scripture.

The teaching contrasts the world’s pursuit of temporal stability with the Christian’s hope anchored in Christ’s resurrection and second coming, and encourages listeners to be bold, dedicated witnesses motivated by conviction. Expect discussion of texts within 1 Peter that connect hope to the resurrection (e.g., 1:3, 1:13, 1:21; 3:15–18) and an invitation to adopt Peter’s call to steadfast, loving, scripture-saturated discipleship. This episode is ideal for listeners seeking biblical encouragement to endure trials, deepen their identity in Christ, and live out the practical commands Peter gives to the early church.

 

Duration 36:02

" How to Age Well as a Christian" by Hiram Kemp

March 22, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

In this episode Hiram unpacks six foundational but often-missed truths about the character of God, weaving Scripture, real-life anecdotes, and pastoral counsel. Beginning with a humorous opening about a missed celebrity encounter, he moves quickly to the heart of the sermon: the need-to-know God as he truly is, not as we imagine him.

Hiram explores the tension between God’s love and his holiness, showing from Romans, Exodus, and the prophets that God is both tender and fearsome—merciful yet just. He emphasizes that an accurate view of God requires holding these attributes in balance so we neither treat God as permissive nor view him only as wrathful.

The episode also addresses common misconceptions: God does not need us (Acts 17, Psalm 50), yet he chooses and desires relationship with us (John 15). Hiram explains God’s nearness—"He’s not far from any one of us"—and how that closeness should shape our repentance and daily living. He illustrates how God uses limited, imperfect people (1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians) to display his power and glory, and discusses the idea that God will sometimes give people over to their chosen consequences (Romans 1) when they persistently reject truth.

Finally, the sermon brings hope: God forgives. Hiram highlights passages that promise cleansing and full pardon for those who repent and believe (1 John, Acts, Psalm 103), urging listeners not to delay coming to God because of fear or shame. The message concludes with an invitation to respond, a worship moment led by Jer, and practical encouragement for anyone seeking prayer, baptism, or forgiveness.

What to expect: Scripture-rich teaching, pastoral stories, clear gospel invitations, and practical application—suitable for those curious about the Christian faith and for believers wanting a clearer, balanced vision of God’s justice, mercy, and presence.

 

Handout:

How to Age Well as a Christian  
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. Leave ____________ Mistakes ____________ (Psalm 25:7) 
 
2. ______________ the Next _____________ (Psalm 71:17-18) 
 
3.  ____________ Your Age Without __________ (Proverbs 16:31, 20:29) 
 
4.  ____________ to Retire from ______________  (Psalm 92:12-15) 
 
5. Look ____________ with Great _____________ (2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1)

 

 

Duration 35:07

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 3

March 22, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode is a teaching-style class that examines anger as a common human struggle from a Christian perspective. Following a recent series on laziness, the speaker leads an interactive discussion with members of the congregation about what anger is, how it is triggered, and why it can quickly move from a natural emotion to sinful behavior.

The episode defines anger using every day and dictionary definitions, then breaks down several types of anger: quick temper, settled or deliberate (righteous indignation), dispositional anger (chronic irritability), and passive-aggressive resentment. Joey emphasizes that anger itself is an emotion and not always sinful but explores how it often becomes destructive when poorly managed.

Two biblical case studies anchor the lesson. First, Genesis 4 (Cain and Abel) shows how rejection and jealousy led Cain’s anger to fester into hatred and ultimately murder. Second, Numbers 20 (Moses at Meribah) illustrates how prolonged frustration and impatience caused Moses to disobey God—striking the rock instead of speaking to it—and suffer consequences, losing the right to enter the Promised Land.

The class also contrasts human anger with God’s anger, noting that God’s wrath is righteous and informed by perfect knowledge, while human rage is limited and often vengeful. The speaker stresses that Christians are not judges or avengers and should avoid acting on partial information or assumed motives.

Practical guidance is offered throughout: slow down, give yourself time before reacting (count to ten, write unsent emails), take the issue to prayer, avoid letting anger churn into bitterness, and seek forgiveness and reconciliation. Scriptural advice is referenced, including the idea not to let the sun go down on your anger and the value of being slow to anger and quick to forgive.

The episode closes with audience interaction, real-life examples, and a reminder of the next lesson topic—pride—coming next Sunday.

 

Duration 42:39

"Things Most People Don’t Know About God" by Hiram Kemp

March 22, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

In this sermon-style episode, speaker Hiram explores the mismatch between common ideas of God, and the portrait Scripture gives us. Drawing on passages from Isaiah, Romans, Exodus, Acts, Hebrews, Psalms and more, Hiram lays out six key truths most people miss about God and explains why they matter for everyday faith.

First, Hiram shows that God is both deeply loving and genuinely fearsome: not a one-dimensional kindness nor an unrelenting judge, but a holy God who balances mercy with seriousness (Romans 11; Exodus 34; Nahum 1).

Second, the sermon emphasizes that God does not need us — He is self-sufficient and triune — yet He freely chooses us out of love (Acts 17; John 15; Zephaniah 3). Hiram unpacks how this truth reshapes worship, service and our motives.

Third, Hiram reminds listeners that God is closer than we often think: omnipresent, intimately involved, and near to the brokenhearted (Acts 17; Psalm 139; Hebrews 4). This nearness is presented as both comfort and accountability.

Fourth and fifth, the talk confronts our assumptions about usefulness and consequence: God uses weak and limited people so His power is displayed (1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians), and He will, at times, give people over to the consequences of their choices (Romans 1; Genesis). These sober truths are balanced with hope.

Finally, Hiram affirms the Bible’s promise of forgiveness — God delights to forgive when we repent (1 John 1; Acts 2; Psalm 103) — and urges listeners not to let fear or shame keep them from confessing and receiving mercy.

The episode mixes theological depth with practical application, scriptural cross-references, contemporary illustrations (including a modern AI analogy), and a call to respond for repentance, baptism and community support. This is a focused, pastoral message intended to correct mistaken images of God and invite listeners to know Him rightly.

 

Handout: 

Things Most People Don’t Know About God 
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. God is Both _______________ & _______________  (Romans 11:22)  
 
 
2. God ______________ Not Need ________________ (Acts 17:24-25) 
 
 
3. God is _______________ Than We _______________  (Acts 17:27-28)  
 
 
4. God ______________ Weak _______________ (1 Corinthians 1:26-29)  
 
 
5. God Will __________ You Up to _________ (Romans 1:24, 1:26, 1:28) 
 
 
6. _______________ Will ________________ (Isaiah 1:18) 

 

Duration 30:42

"Words of Life" by Neal Pollard - Part 1

March 11, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode Neal and Hiram introduce this quarter’s two parallel tracks: a six-week look at 1 Peter (the “words of life”) and leadership lessons from 2 Samuel and Nehemiah, plus upcoming sessions on 1–3 John. The conversation explains how the pulpit and classroom teaching will be shared and what listeners should expect in the coming weeks.

The main portion of the episode focuses on Peter—his names and background (Simon/Cephas/Petros, son of Jonah), his trade as a fisherman, family life, temperament, education, and hometowns (Bethsaida and Capernaum). Neal traces Peter’s development from an impulsive, outspoken disciple who both succeeds and fails dramatically to a restored leader shaped by Jesus’ teaching and the Spirit.

Key Gospel episodes are highlighted to show Peter’s character and growth: Peter’s confession that Jesus has the “words of life,” walking on water, the miraculous catches of fish, cutting off Malchus’ ear, his threefold denial and restoration, presence at the Transfiguration, and his role in Pentecost and the early church. The host emphasizes Peter’s mix of bold action, humility, failure, and repentance as an encouragement to listeners who see themselves in him.

Attention is given to Peter’s leadership role in the early church (leading the selection of the twelfth apostle, preaching at Pentecost, miracles, confronting authorities, and missions to Jews and Gentiles), and to the likely historical context of his letters—writing against a backdrop of growing persecution (notably Nero’s Rome) and the need to encourage believers facing suffering.

The episode previews the purposes and major themes of Peter’s letters: 1 Peter as pastoral encouragement for suffering Christians (words like suffering, glory, grace, faith, and calling) and 2 Peter as a warning against false teachers and an exhortation to knowledge, godliness, and readiness for the Day of the Lord. The host connects Peter’s eyewitness experiences with Jesus to the authority and pastoral tone of his epistles and invites listeners to dive into the text beginning next Wednesday.

Duration 46:36

"What the Bible Teaches About Demons" by Hiram Kemp

March 15, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode, we trace the long cultural fascination with demon possession—from The Exorcist and modern Hollywood hits to early Christian testimony—and then dive into a clear, biblical crash course on demons: their reality, origins, operations, limitations, and ultimate defeat. The host examines historical perspectives (Justin Martyr, Tertullian), explores scriptural references across Deuteronomy, the Psalms, the Gospels, Acts, Paul’s epistles, and Revelation, and contrasts popular sensationalism with sober biblical teaching.

Topics covered include the reality of demons and how the Bible presents them, competing theories about their origin (including discussions of Genesis 6 and the Nephilim), the ways demons operate—through deception, possession/oppression, and idolatry—and Jesus’s distinctive authority over them during his earthly ministry. The episode reviews New Testament examples of demonic encounters, the apostles’ ministry of deliverance, and how demonic activity differs today (more mental and doctrinal influence than physical possession). It also outlines the limitations of demonic power, practical spiritual defenses (the armor of God, prayer, faith), and the Christian assurance of final victory over darkness.

The episode features scriptural analysis (Ephesians, Colossians, 1 Peter, 1 Timothy, James, Revelation) and pastoral application: how Christians should avoid extremes of skepticism or sensationalism, recognize false teachings and occult practices as demonic influence, and rely on Christ’s supremacy and the Holy Spirit’s power. Listeners can expect a balanced, Bible-centered perspective aimed at informing faith, strengthening spiritual discernment, and offering hope in Christ’s ultimate triumph over evil.

 

Handout:

What the Bible Teaches About Demons— Hiram Kemp 
 
1. The _________________ of _________________ (Mark 5:9) 
 
2. The _________________ of _________________ (Jude 6) 
 
3. The _________________ of ________________ (1 Timothy 4:1) 
 
4. ________________ during the ________________ of Jesus (Mark 1:27) 
 
5. The _______________ of _________________ (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9) 
 
6. The ________________ of __________________ today (Ephesians 6:11-13) 
 
7. The _________________ defeat of ________________ (1 John 3:8)

 

Duration 34:01