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

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 8

February 1, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this class-style episode we work through 2 Corinthians chapters 6 and 7. Neal leads an interactive Bible study with contributions from class members tracing Paul’s transition from defending his ministry to calling the Corinthians to holy living. The session reviews the background: Paul’s fruitful 18 months in Corinth, the rise of unnamed critics or “false apostles,” and why this second letter was necessary.

The discussion highlights Paul’s central appeal—echoing Isaiah—that now is the acceptable time and the day of salvation and urges listeners not to “receive the grace of God in vain.” The teacher unpacks what that can look like today: wrong motivation in coming to Christ, failing to persevere, a lack of life-change, or turning to a false gospel. Practical Scripture connections (1 Corinthians 15, Hebrews, Galatians, Isaiah 49) are made to show the urgency and value of genuine conversion and perseverance.

From 2 Corinthians 6:3–13 the class examines how Paul commends his ministry: lists of difficulties endured (endurance, afflictions, beatings, imprisonments, sleeplessness, hunger), spiritual attributes displayed (purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love, truth, the power of God), and the contrasting situations that prove faithful service (glory and dishonor, good report and evil report, dying yet living). These elements are shown as evidence of ministers cooperating with God and submitting themselves to inspection.

The teacher then turns to verses 14–7:1 and unpacks Paul’s call to separation from unbelievers and ungodly influence. The class covers the practical implications of “What fellowship has light with darkness?”—how relationships, partnerships, and associations shape spiritual life. The emphasis is on discerning who influences you, avoiding relationships or commitments that pull you from Christ, and prioritizing your identity as God’s people.

Throughout, the episode balances theology and application: how to spot false teaching, the role of motives in baptism and discipleship, the necessity of transformation (2 Corinthians 3:18), and the tension of being in the world but not of it (John 17). The teacher challenges listeners to keep hearts open, to forgive and love despite risk, and to pursue holiness so that they may receive God’s promises as sons and daughters.

Listeners should expect a thoughtful exposition of Paul’s argument, interactive Q&A moments from class participants, practical examples for modern Christian living, and clear takeaways about perseverance, accountability, and the importance of right fellowship within the church.

 

Duration 43:30

"Deuteronomy" by Andy Wright Part 3

December 23, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

This episode is a recorded Deuteronomy class focusing on the blessings in Deuteronomy 28 (primarily verses 1–14). Led by the instructor with interactive student participation and readings, the session compares the structure of blessings to the curses covered in a previous lesson and highlights key scriptural and theological themes.

Topics covered include the covenant framework and conditional pattern (“if you obey, then you will be blessed”), the parallel structure between the comprehensive curses and blessings, and the specific locations tied to the proclamation of blessings (Mount Gerizim) — including a brief cultural note linking Mount Gerizim to the Samaritan woman at the well.

The discussion unpacks how the blessings touch every area of life (city and field, health, family, work, harvest, livestock, coming and going) and explains the mix of natural consequences (e.g., health and Sabbath rest improving productivity) and divine intervention (e.g., victory over enemies, providence for rain and harvest). Practical examples like Sabbath rest, the lending/borrowing relationship, and the “head not the tail” image are emphasized.

Historical examples are surveyed — the conquest under Joshua, the cycles in Judges, and the faithfulness/decline under the kings — to show that God both promised and enacted blessings when Israel was obedient. A major theological point is stressed: while the curses list many specific violations, the blessings call for wholehearted obedience to all God’s commands, warning against selective or partial obedience.

The class then moves to New Testament application: Jesus is presented as the one who perfectly obeyed the covenant and thus fulfilled the blessings of Deuteronomy. Because Christ earned what Israel could not, he secures and shares those ultimate blessings with believers by grace. The session closes with pastoral and practical implications: obedience aligns us with God’s generous desire to bless (without endorsing a prosperity gospel), grace covers our inability to obey perfectly, and faithfulness matters under the new covenant.

Listeners can expect a mix of exegetical teaching, scriptural readings, historical illustration, classroom Q&A, and a Christ-centered theological application tying Old Testament promises to their fulfillment in Jesus.

Duration 35:52

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 7

January 18, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode is a classroom-style study of 2 Corinthians chapter 5, part of an ongoing series under the theme “Christianity is personal.” Neal walks listeners through verses 11–21, unpacking Paul’s defense of ministry and the biblical motivations that move Christians to share the gospel. The session includes live interaction with congregants and a short testimony from Clay, a recent convert, illustrating the real-life impact of hospitality and witness.

Topics covered include: persuasion as the central task of evangelism; six motivators that drive gospel witness (the terror of the Lord, personal integrity, the love of Christ, the transforming power of reconciliation, the ambassadorial responsibility to plead for others, and the gift of righteousness in Christ); and the ministry threads connecting chapters 3–5 (new covenant, Spirit, righteousness, and reconciliation).

Neal highlights four groups named in the passage — “we” (Paul and co-workers), “you” (the faithful in the church), “those” (the critics/false teachers), and “they/all” (the lost world) — and explains how the passage applies to each. Practical advice emphasizes building rapport, patient teaching (not starting with condemnation), defending gospel integrity through godly character, and allowing Christ’s love to compel us to speak.

Key takeaways and action points: persuasion is meant to be a way of life, not merely a program; believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation and act as God’s ambassadors; we should pray intentionally (the speaker challenges listeners to write three names and pray for opportunities to share the gospel); and the hope of righteousness in Christ should motivate compassionate, courageous evangelism.

Listeners can expect careful exegesis, pastoral application, practical evangelism tips, and encouragement for personal growth in witness. No outside guest speakers are featured beyond congregational interactions and Clay’s testimony; the episode primarily centers on Scripture-driven teaching and concrete next steps for the local church.

Duration 43:59

"Deuteronomy" by Andy Wright Part 2

December 17, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

This episode is a topical Deuteronomy class on curses and their consequences, led by a teacher with interactive audience discussion. The speaker begins by defining what a biblical curse is—how it differs from modern use—and gives everyday analogies (like the childhood rhyme “cross my heart and hope to die”) to show that a curse pronounces real consequences for specific behavior.

The episode walks through the cluster of curses in Deuteronomy 27 (verses 15–26), explaining the offenses named there: idolatry; dishonoring parents; moving boundary markers (stealing); leading the blind astray; perverting justice for foreigners, orphans and widows; various prohibited sexual relationships; secret attacks on neighbors; bribery and murder; and the broad curse on anyone who fails to observe the law. Andy clarifies the social and legal reasons behind several items (for instance, why moving landmarks mattered) and offers biblical examples and trivia—Jeroboam’s calf-worship, Naboth’s vineyard, Gideon’s family—to show these sins did occur in Israel’s history.

Next the class examines the consequences set out in Deuteronomy 28 (beginning verse 15), surveying the long list of curses: agricultural failure, disease (consumption, fever, tumors, boils), military defeat, exile, economic ruin, social collapse and more. The speaker distinguishes between natural consequences (e.g., disease spreading when purity laws are ignored) and divine interventions (e.g., exile and enforced idolatry), and points out historical fulfillment in the cycles of Judges, the divided monarchy, and the Assyrian and Babylonian captivities.

Audience questions and examples (including Job) are used to nuance the theology: not all suffering is direct punishment for sin, though disobedience can and did bring judgment. The class closes by connecting these Old Testament curses to the new covenant: God’s seriousness about sin, the reality that God enforces moral law, and the gospel solution. The teacher highlights Deuteronomy 21:23—"he who is hanged on a tree is accursed"—as prophetic, observing that Christ bore the curse deserved by humanity so believers can be freed from the divine consequences of sin.

Listeners can expect a clear, example-rich unpacking of the texts, historical parallels, pastoral insight about suffering and judgment, and practical application for living under God’s covenant in light of Christ’s sacrifice.

 

Duration 31:25

"Deuteronomy" by Andy Wright Part 1

December 10, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this opening lecture for a new quarter-long class held in the auditorium, the instructor provides a lively, topical overview of the book of Deuteronomy. Rather than proceeding chapter-by-chapter, the course will draw out lasting lessons and themes from Deuteronomy; this episode sets the stage by answering the basic who, what, when, where, how, and why questions and by sharing several trivia-style facts to engage students.

The episode covers authorship and audience (Moses as the primary speaker, with the final chapter likely recorded by another; addressed to the generation raised in the wilderness on the plains of Moab), dating (placed roughly between 1446 and 1406 BC in many traditions), and the meaning of the title (from the Greek Septuagint meaning a “second” giving of the law). The instructor also explains Deuteronomy’s place as the fifth book of the Pentateuch/Torah and notes practical manuscript facts—34 chapters, 959 verses, chapter 28 as the longest, chapter 34 as the shortest, first-word and last-word markers—and how frequently Jesus quotes from Deuteronomy.

Major themes highlighted include the Shema and the call to love God with all heart, soul, and strength; a second reiteration of the law; warnings against idolatry; guidance for kingship; God’s faithfulness in provision; commands to remember and obey; and the covenantal structure of blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The instructor emphasizes Moses passing leadership to Joshua as a crucial narrative moment and points to Deuteronomy 18:18 as an early messianic promise pointing beyond the law.

The lecture also sets out how the Old Testament, and Deuteronomy specifically, functions for Christians today: as example and instruction (1 Corinthians 10:6), as Scripture profitable for teaching, reproof, correction and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16–17), and as a means of revealing sin and pointing to the need for Christ (Romans and Galatians references). The instructor explains that while Christians are under the new covenant, studying the law helps us understand sin, God’s plan, and the coming of the Messiah.

Format and tone: the class promises an interactive, accessible approach with occasional trivia, classroom discussion, and successive sessions that focus more narrowly on key topics such as idolatry, covenant obedience, blessings and curses, and the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. There are no outside guests—this episode is led by the course instructor with student participation—ending on an upbeat note as the group prepares for deeper study in later sessions.

 

Duration 36:14

"When The Lord Looks at His Church (Rev. 2:18-29)" by Neal Pollard

January 19, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

When The Lord Looks at His Church (Rev. 2:18-29) — Neal Pollard 
 
I. HE _________________________ (18) 
 
II HE _________________________ (19-20) 
 
III. HE ________________________ (21-23) 
 
IV. HE ________________________ (24-25) 
 
V. HE ________________________ (26-28) 
 
VI. HE HAS THE __________________ __________________ (29) 

 

Duration 37:35

"God's Blueprint for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-24)" by Hiram Kemp

January 19, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

God's Blueprint for the Church (Ephesians 4:11-24) — Hiram Kemp 
1. _______________ with ________________ ________________ (Ephesians 4:11) 
 
2. _____________ Equipped for ______________ (Ephesians 4:12) 
 
3. ___________________ Spiritual _________________ (Ephesians 4:13-14) 
 
4. Reflect ____________________ in ____________________ (Ephesians 4:15-16) 
 
5. Get ___________________ of _________________ Ways (Ephesians 4:17-22) 
 
6. Live ______________________ Lives (Ephesians 4:23-24) 

 

Duration 32:11

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 6

January 11, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode we continue a Bible class through 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 4 and 5 with an emphasis on ministry (diakonos) and Christian leadership. The class explores why Paul frames his defense of ministry as a larger treatise on service, answering accusations from false apostles and explaining who God can use for service.

Key topics covered include the biblical meaning of ministry and the qualities God uses in servants: integrity of character, humility (recognizing adequacy comes from God), durability (perseverance under pressure), and spiritual stability expressed as faith. Practical applications to church leadership and everyday personal leadership are discussed throughout.

The episode also examines the rewards and perspective God gives to faithful servants. Using Paul’s contrasts between the temporal and the eternal, the class traces three primary blessings: (1) a promised new body and eternal home beyond our "tent" of flesh; (2) present courage and hope supplied by the Spirit as a pledge, enabling believers to walk by faith, not sight; and (3) confident standing before the judgment seat of Christ, knowing deeds will be recompensed and that a life lived to please God matters.

Illustrations and pastoral application pepper the teaching — from tent‑camping imagery to references to Job, James, Ephesians, and other New Testament passages — all aimed at helping listeners reframe suffering as "light and momentary" compared with eternal glory. The class closes by previewing the next session’s topic (motives for sharing Christ) and reiterates the call to persevere in faithful service.

 

Duration 41:44

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 12

December 3, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode we finish our quarter by working through Colossians chapter 1 and beginning chapter 2, part of the New Testament prison epistles. The speaker situates Colossae geographically and historically, explains the city’s relationship to nearby Laodicea and Hierapolis, and explores the background of false teachings infiltrating the church there — including Judaizing legalism, Greek philosophical influences, and early elements of Gnostic thought.

Chapter 1 is examined in depth as a doctrinally rich celebration of Christ’s supremacy: his deity, role in creation, relationship to the church, victory over death, and the fullness of the Godhead dwelling in him (verses 15–20). The episode highlights key themes such as the preeminence, authority, and all-sufficiency of Jesus Christ (with verse 18 as the chapter’s bellwether), and explains reconciliation through Christ’s blood (verses 20–23), stressing the conditional nature of remaining reconciled — continuing steadfastly in the faith.

The teacher draws parallels to Ephesians and Matthew 24, emphasizing how the gospel had spread to “every creature under heaven” by Paul’s day, and explains Paul’s role as a steward of the revealed “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs in Christ. Practical preaching principles from Colossians (warning and teaching) are outlined, and the episode concludes with an overview of chapter 2 warnings against deceptive philosophy, legalistic observance of festivals and Sabbaths, and angelic worship.

Listeners can expect a mix of historical context, careful exposition of key verses, doctrinal clarification, and pastoral application aimed at helping Christians recognize and resist false teaching while remaining rooted, built up, and steadfast in Christ. The episode encourages listeners to read the short book of Colossians (four chapters) and Philemon to complete the study of the prison epistles.

 

Duration 35:51

"Know Your Enemy: Lessons from Ephesians" by Hiram Kemp

January 11, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

 Know Your Enemy: Lessons from Ephesians — Hiram Kemp 
 
1. _________________ Reigns Supreme Over ________________ (Ephesians 1:20–23) 
 
2. The __________________ Works Through ________________ (Ephesians 2:1–3) 
 
3. Never ___________________ the __________________ an _________________ (Ephesians 4:27) 
 
4. __________________ in the Light ____________________ Him (Ephesians 5:6–12) 
 
5. God’s __________________ Is Necessary for _____________________ (Ephesians 6:10–11) 
 
6. We Are _____________________ in Spiritual __________________________ (Ephesians 6:12)

 

Duration 33:17