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

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 10

November 12, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

This episode walks through the closing chapters of the Book of Philippians, part of Paul’s prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon). The host reviews Philippians 3–4, explains the letter’s central theme that true Christian joy comes from Christ and the gospel — not from changing circumstances — and ties Paul’s teaching to related passages (Galatians, 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, Proverbs, Matthew, John, and 2 Corinthians).

Key topics include Paul’s warning about Judaizing teachers who mix law and Gospel; the call to “press on” toward spiritual maturity; the contrast between earthly focus and heavenly citizenship; the hope and mechanics of the Second Coming and the resurrection body; and how these doctrines shape Christian joy and perseverance.

The episode also unpacks practical counsel from Philippians 4: unity in the congregation (an appeal to Euodia and Syntyche), gentleness and reasonableness, and combatting anxiety by bringing requests to God with thanksgiving. The host highlights the promise that God’s peace will guard hearts and minds and gives a concrete mental-health-style prescription: meditate on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy.

Paul’s teaching on contentment is emphasized — learning to be content in every circumstance and relying on Christ’s strength — with a brief look at the thorn-in-the-flesh passage in 2 Corinthians as context for perseverance. The episode includes reflections, Scripture cross-references, and interaction with listeners, and notes that Neal substituted last week and delivered a complementary sermon on anxiety and prayer.

Listeners can expect theology tied to practical application: how to guard the heart, pursue unity, replace anxiety with prayer and thanksgiving, and cultivate joyful contentment grounded in Christ.

 

Duration 44:34

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Love (Chapter Four)" by Neal Pollard

December 28, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

FOUR FACES OF PROVIDENCE: LOVE (Ruth 4) 
Neal Pollard 
 
I. THIS LOVING REDEEMER HAD THE __________________ (2:1) 
 
II. THIS LOVING REDEEMER HAD ____________________ (2:4-18) 
 
III. THIS LOVING REDEEMER HAD THE ___________________ (ch. 3) 
 
IV. THIS LOVING REDEEMER HAD THE _______ TO MAKE IT ___________ (4:1-12) 

 

Duration 32:30

"When Jesus Returns… (2 Peter 3)" by Hiram Kemp

December 28, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

When Jesus Returns… (2 Peter 3)  
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. _______________ Will Be _________________ (2 Peter 3:1-7) 
 
2. God’s _______________ Will _______________ to an ___________ (2 Peter 3:8-9) 
 
3. His _____________ Will ____________ a __________________ (2 Peter 3:10) 
 
4. The ____________ World ___________ Be _______________ (2 Peter 3:7, 3:10-12) 
 
5. New ______________ and New _____________ Will _____________ (2 Peter 3:13) 
 
6. Every _______________ Will Be _______________ (2 Peter 3:7, 3:14) 
 
7. Jesus _______________ Will ____________ Glorified _____________ (2 Peter 3:18)

 

Duration 33:51

"A Study of 2 Corinthians" by Neal Pollard - Part 3

December 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode resumes a study of 2 Corinthians 2 as Neal unpacks why the Apostle Paul delayed his return to Corinth, how he defends his apostolic authority, and how the church should respond to repentance and restoration. Using the background from Acts and 1 Corinthians 5, the lesson situates Paul’s letter in the timeline of his missionary journeys, explains the likely presence of false apostles and Judaizing critics, and recounts the specific disciplinary case of the man who lived with his father’s wife.

The class explores two primary reasons Paul gives for not coming sooner: changing plans directed by the Lord and a pastoral desire not to cause the congregation additional sorrow until they had processed corrective discipline. The speaker walks through 2 Corinthians 2:5–11 in detail, highlighting Paul’s four practical instructions to the church after the penitent’s return—forgive, comfort, reaffirm love, and be obedient—and Paul’s personal example of forgiveness to prevent Satan from taking advantage of the situation.

Listeners will hear discussion of key pastoral and practical themes: how to implement restorative discipline, the distinction between forgiveness and comfort, the role of godly sorrow in producing repentance, and the dangers of mishandling public sin. Class participants contribute practical reflections; Titus’s report to Paul is noted as the confirming news about the church’s response.

The episode then broadens into leadership principles drawn from Paul’s closing remarks: common distractions leaders face, the image of church leaders as an "aroma" that attracts some and repels others, the limits of human sufficiency and dependence on God’s grace, and proper motives—sincerity, submission, and accountability—versus corrupting or peddling the gospel. The lesson closes with actionable takeaways for elders, teachers, and every believer about restoration, unity, and trusting God’s sufficiency in ministry.

 

Duration 44:35

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 9

November 5, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode the teacher steps in to “pinch hit” for an eventful week in the nation’s capital and leads a deep study through Philippians, focusing on chapter 3 while setting the stage with material from chapters 1–2. After a brief devotional by Cody, the speaker traces the epistle’s structure—greeting and epistolary prayer—and highlights Paul’s aim to equip the Philippians to live differently from the surrounding culture.

The conversation examines Paul’s pattern of alternating positive examples and admonitions: Paul himself (in prison for preaching the gospel), the humility of Christ, and faithful coworkers Timothy and Epaphroditus. These models illustrate the central ethic of putting others before self, pursuing unity, and finding joy even amid suffering. Practical imperatives—stand firm, do nothing from selfish ambition, and work out your salvation with fear and trembling—are explained in context.

Episode highlights include Paul’s warning about external threats to the church: the “dogs,” the “evil workers,” and the “false circumcision” (Judaizers). The host unpacks Paul’s contrast between reliance on fleshly credentials and the surpassing value of knowing Christ, reviewing Paul’s pre‑Christian pedigree to show why abandoning those gains for Christ is the true path to joy.

The study moves to core takeaways in Philippians 3: joy comes by avoiding wrong influences, putting Christ above fleshly accomplishments, truly knowing Christ (including the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of suffering), forgetting the past, and pressing toward the upward call. The episode closes with Paul’s call to follow his example, watch for those who are enemies of the cross, and live as citizens of heaven awaiting transformation.

Listeners can expect theological exposition, practical application for congregational unity, personal challenges about priorities and spiritual formation, and memorable examples from Scripture showing how joy is produced when Christ is prized above all else.

 

Duration 45:13

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Lingering (Waiting) (Chapter Three)" by Neal Pollard

December 21, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Lingering (Waiting) (Chapter Three)  
Neal Pollard 
I. BE IN THE ________________ ___________________ (2) 
II. BE YOUR ______________________ (3) 
III. DO THE __________________ _____________________ (4) 
IV. HAVE ____________________ _____________________ (6) 
V. DO NOT ___________________ (11)

 

Duration 32:19

"Raised with Christ: Living the Resurrection Life (Colossians 3)" by Hiram Kemp

December 21, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

Raised with Christ: Living the Resurrection Life (Colossians 3) 
Hiram Kemp 
 
1. Put ________________ Ways to ________________ (Colossians 3:1-9) 
2. _____________ on _____________ New ______________ (Colossians 3:10-14) 
3. Let _______________ Dominate Your ________________ (Colossians 3:15) 
4. ______________ Out Your _______________ in ___________ (Colossians 3:16-17) 
5. Practice _________________ in Every ___________________ (Colossians 3:18-25)

 

Duration 30:08

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

December 14, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode we continue our study of 2 Corinthians, focusing on chapters 1:12 through 2:17. The speaker reviews the major themes introduced earlier — suffering, comfort, confidence, and leadership — and draws two central principles: leadership inevitably involves suffering, and faithful leadership draws us closer to God. Using Paul as the model, the lesson examines how leaders become visible and vulnerable, how criticism and misunderstanding (especially from the Corinthians) test a leader's motives, and why leaders must be trusted when acting according to biblical qualifications and God's will.

The episode traces Paul’s travel plans and explains why he delayed visiting Corinth: not out of selfish motives or wishy-washiness, but because of concern for the congregation—particularly following the difficult disciplinary issue addressed in 1 Corinthians 5—and because Paul was responding to God’s leading amid threats of imprisonment on his journey to Jerusalem. The speaker interprets key verses (including Paul’s defense of his conscience and character, the ‘‘yes and no’’ charge, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness and the Spirit as a seal) while emphasizing that God’s promises and presence are the true reward for leaders, not fame or wealth.

Listeners will hear practical applications for modern church leadership—how criticism often stems from incomplete facts, the difference between constructive and destructive criticism, the pressures of living in a "glass house," and the importance of trusting biblically qualified leaders. The talk also highlights motivations for faithful leadership: the grace of God, the judgment seat of Christ, the promises and work of God, the glory of God, and the relationships with God’s people. The episode concludes with encouragement that even amid misunderstanding and suffering, God comforts and establishes leaders who serve faithfully.

 

Duration 42:39

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 8

October 29, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

Good evening. In this episode we finish Philippians chapter 1 and move into chapter 2 as part of a quarter-long study of Paul’s prison epistles. Recorded as a teaching session, the episode places Paul in Rome under house arrest and highlights the recurring theme of joy throughout Philippians — not as a response to circumstances but as rooted in Christ and his gospel.

 

The study reviews chapter 1: the joy of prayerful fellowship, purposeful living, and the tension in Paul’s heart about living or dying — recognizing that being with Christ would be far better, yet there remains work to do for the church. From verse 27 onward the focus shifts to the “joy of sacrificing self”: the call to let one’s conduct be worthy of the gospel, to stand fast in the Spirit, and to strive together in unity despite persecution. Key cross-references (Acts 5 and 1 Peter 4) are used to show how suffering for Christ is portrayed as an honor or gift that leads to deeper joy.

 

Chapter 2 is emphasized as a direct continuation (note the connective therefore) and underscores unity through humility. Verses 3–4 give the practical formula for unity — do nothing from selfish ambition, esteem others better than yourself, and look out for others’ interests. Verses 5–11 present the supreme example: Christ’s self-emptying humility, incarnation, obedience to death on a cross, and God’s subsequent exaltation of Jesus so that every knee will bow. John 1 and Isaiah/Romans references are used to clarify Christ’s deity and lordship.

 

Practical teachings covered include working out your salvation with fear and trembling while recognizing God works in us, doing all things without complaining or disputing so the church may shine as lights in a crooked generation, and holding fast to the word of life. The episode closes with the joy of working together: Paul’s praise for Timothy’s proven servant-heart and the story of Epaphroditus, who risked his health for the mission and is to be received with gladness.

 

Listeners can expect a sermon-style exposition that blends biblical exegesis, pastoral application, and historical context, with repeated calls to unity, humility, perseverance in suffering, and Christ-centered joy.

 

Duration 42:47

"Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: Labor (Chapter Two)" by Neal Pollard

December 14, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

Four Faces of Providence in Ruth: "Labor" (Chapter 2)  
 Neal Pollard 
 
1.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S _______________ TO _______________ (1-2)  
 
2.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S _____________________ TO WORK (3-9)  
 
3.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S ____________ AND ______________ (10-13)  
 
4.  GOD WORKED THROUGH RUTH'S ______________________ (14-23)

 

Duration 34:56