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

"How to Enjoy God's World God's Way" by Hiram Kemp

May 17, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode explores how to avoid the two common extremes in Christian living — full-on worldliness and monastery-style separatism — and instead embrace a third, biblical way of enjoying God's world. Hiram walks listeners through key passages from Ecclesiastes and other Scripture to show how believers can live joyfully and faithfully: enjoy your work, savor food and drink, accept your portion, cultivate relationships, trust life's seasons, rejoice in youth, and receive life as a gift. Along the way the episode references passages in Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, John, Acts, Paul's letters, and wisdom from writers like Marilynne Robinson to illustrate how creation, vocation, and ordinary pleasures point to God's goodness. The episode concludes with an invitation to respond to the gospel and practical encouragement to live as stewards who enjoy God's gifts while keeping an eternal perspective.

 

Duration 35:33

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 10

May 17, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode of the Common Sins and Struggles class, Joey leads a candid study on the struggle of money and how the love of money can become the root of many other sins. Using key Scriptures (1 Timothy 6:10, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Luke 12, Matthew 6, Mark 10, Luke 16, Proverbs, Philippians and Acts), the discussion traces how money can fuel covetousness, greed, worry, envy, and dishonesty. The class examines Jesus’ warnings through the parables of the rich fool and the rich young ruler and reflects on the danger of misplaced trust in riches.

Participants contribute observations and questions throughout, highlighting practical examples—social media’s role in envy, the difference between planning and worrying, and how even morally upright people can be led astray by wealth. The session also explores subtle signs that money has taken an unhealthy hold: chronic discontent, comparison, compromised integrity, and anxiety over provision.

The lesson closes with guidance on a healthier, biblical perspective: view money as a tool, practice contentment (1 Timothy 6:6–8; Philippians 4:10–12), cultivate generosity (Acts 20:35), and invest in eternal treasures rather than only earthly retirement plans. The host offers reflective questions for listeners: Do you think about money more than God? Do you worry about finances more than you pray? Would you obey God if it cost you financially? The episode ends by encouraging honest self-examination and promising the next class on selfishness.

 

Duration 42:36

"Words of Life" by Hiram Kemp - Part 10

May 13, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode we work through 1 John chapters 3 and 4, exploring how John answers the church’s confusion about how to know if someone truly knows God. Hiram recaps last week (when Chris filled in) and traces John’s two primary evidences of genuine faith: believing rightly about Jesus and loving other Christians.

Topics covered include the rise of false teachers (especially early Gnostic ideas), practical ways to “test the spirits,” and Old Testament and New Testament criteria for evaluating prophets and teachers (Deuteronomy, Acts 17, 1 Thessalonians 5, and more). The episode emphasizes examining teachings against Scripture, checking the fruit of a teacher’s life and doctrine, and watching for financial or reputational red flags.

Key doctrinal focus is on properly identifying Jesus — particularly the necessity of confessing that Jesus “came in the flesh” — and the dangers of denying that truth (the spirit of the antichrist). The host connects this to apostolic authority: listening to apostolic teaching is a mark of being “from God.”

Practical application and pastoral counsel include cultivating spiritual discernment without becoming cynical, assuming the best of people while testing teachings, searching the Scriptures like the Bereans, and asking probing questions. The class highlights love as central: God’s love is shown in sending his Son and loving one another is the primary evidence that God dwells in us. The Holy Spirit’s presence, confidence before the day of judgment, and living out love tangibly (not merely professing it) are presented as decisive signs of belonging to God.

Listeners will leave with biblical benchmarks for evaluating teachers and teachings, concrete markers of authentic Christian life (right belief about Christ, mutual love, spiritual fruit, and obedience to apostolic instruction), and encouragement to live a Spirit-led, discerning, and loving faith.

Duration 41:27

"Doubled Over with Difficulty" by Neal Pollard

May 10, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this sermon-style episode Neal walks listeners through Luke 13:10–17, the account of a woman who had been bent over for eighteen years and was miraculously healed by Jesus. The message examines the biblical story in detail, drawing on cross-references from Hebrews, Matthew, John and other passages to illuminate Jesus’ compassion, authority, and the proper human response to God’s saving work.

Key topics covered include three practical takeaways: (1) the importance of assembling with God’s people even while struggling, (2) the truth that Jesus calls, touches and sets the bound free — demonstrated by five actions he takes in the text — and (3) the natural response of immediate glorification and ongoing service after being healed. Neal also highlights scriptural themes such as desperation turning to faith, the immediacy of Christ’s healing, and the call to repent and be baptized.

The episode unpacks notable scenes and reactions in the passage — the woman’s desperation and faith, the synagogue official’s indignation, the opponents’ humiliation and the crowd’s jubilation — and uses contemporary illustrations (including a cautionary anecdote about delay) to urge listeners not to postpone coming to Christ. Practical applications include resisting excuses that keep you from worship and community, seeking help when needed, and responding to grace with gratitude and obedient service.

Listeners can expect biblical exposition, pastoral encouragement, and a clear invitation to come to Jesus for freedom from what binds you, plus guidance on next steps like confession, baptism, and joining the church community.

 

Duration 30:23

"Four Ways God Wants Women to Lead Today" by Neal Pollard

May 10, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

This episode surveys the women of the book of Judges and centers on Deborah — Israel’s fourth judge and a prophetess — to draw practical lessons for Christian living. Neal opens by noting the worshipful setting and surveys a range of women in Judges: Aksa (Caleb’s daughter), Jael (who killed Sisera), Jephthah’s daughter, Samson’s Philistine wives, the Levite’s concubine, the unnamed woman who killed Abimelech with a millstone, Manoah’s wife, and other contemporaries like Ruth, Naomi, and Hannah. These stories show a spectrum of character: faithful and faithless, passive and active, righteous and unrighteous.

The bulk of the message focuses on Judges 4–5 and Deborah’s leadership: her role as a judge sitting under the palm tree, her husband Lapidoth, her prophetic voice, and her victory song in chapter 5. Neal draws four practical applications for women (and for listeners generally): 1) use your tongue properly — speak words that encourage, glorify God, and avoid gossip; 2) be a good influence whose life deserves respect and leads others closer to Christ; 3) cultivate the right Christlike attitude — peaceable wisdom, not arrogance or divisiveness; and 4) be active in service — encourage others, participate in ministry, and model faithful living for younger believers.

The episode weaves scripture references throughout (Judges, 1 Timothy, Philippians, James, 1 Peter, Titus, Proverbs) and applies both cultural observations and pastoral encouragement: women’s influence in society and the church, the importance of godly speech and attitude, and the value of active service in home and congregation. It ends with an invitation to repentance and public response to the gospel for those who have not yet obeyed Christ, and an exhortation for believers to use their gifts and influence for God’s kingdom.

 

Duration 28:19

"Common Sins and Struggles" by Joey Morgan - Part 9

May 10, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode explores money as a universal spiritual struggle: how it shapes our desires, competes with God, and quietly becomes one of the strongest idols in our lives. Joey leads a candid congregation discussion with contributions from Russell, Byron, Chuck, Miller, and others as they wrestle with real-life examples and honest questions about security, pride, and stewardship.

Speakers work through key biblical passages — 1 Timothy 6 (contentment and the love of money), Proverbs 18:11 (wealth as a false stronghold), Deuteronomy 8:11–18 (remembering God as the Giver), Matthew 6:24 (you cannot serve two masters), Matthew 25 (serving Christ by serving others), plus references to Galatians and Ephesians — to show how Scripture frames the problem and the cure.

Major themes include: the love of money as a heart issue rather than money itself being sinful; the many ways money deceives us (false security, pride, status, power); how wealth can push God out of our lives; and the necessity of contentment and gratitude. The conversation stresses that both poverty and riches carry distinct temptations and that the root problem is what we love and depend upon.

Practical application is emphasized: examine where you place your security, ask how financial decisions line up with your faith, and learn responsible ways to help those in need (knowing people’s situations, choosing appropriate help such as food vs. cash). The episode also challenges believers to see themselves as stewards called to help others so God’s promises are fulfilled through the church community.

This message is the start of a multi-week look at money and related struggles (worry, envy, covetousness). Listeners are invited to reflect honestly on their relationship with money, repent where necessary, and pursue a posture of generous stewardship and dependence on God rather than on wealth.

 

Duration 39:07

"Words of Life" by Chris Young - Part 9

May 6, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode we complete a deep study of 1 John chapter 3, beginning with the context in the closing verses of chapter 2. Chris reviews John’s message that Christians are "children of God," explains how this identity gives assurance and confidence at Christ’s return, and examines related passages (1 John 5, 1 Corinthians 15, Philippians 3) that describe the resurrection, the transformation of our bodies, and the hope of being like Christ when He is revealed.

The teaching contrasts the reality of holiness and purity for those born of God with the seriousness of sin and lawlessness, explains key Greek nuances (ongoing practice versus isolated acts), and addresses historical false teachings (including Gnostic tendencies) that downplay sin. The episode stresses the importance of abiding in Christ and God’s Word to avoid falling into sin and deception.

Moving into practical application, the speaker highlights John’s clear distinction between the children of God and the children of the devil, using Cain’s story as an example of jealousy and hatred. Love for the brethren is emphasized as evidence of spiritual life—"not in word or tongue but in deed and in truth." The teaching covers Christian responsibility to care for fellow believers, the relationship between righteous living, love, and effective prayer, and New Testament references that underscore doing good especially to the household of faith (Galatians 6, Luke 10 on the Good Samaritan, Acts on receiving the Holy Spirit).

Listeners can expect exposition, cross-references to key New Testament passages, practical exhortation on holiness and brotherly love, and encouragement to examine one’s heart and actions in light of the gospel. The episode closes with reminder that assurance is available through obedience and the Spirit given at baptism, and a call to live out the truth in tangible ways.

 

Duration 40:21

"Words of Life" by Hiram Kemp - Part 8

April 29, 2026 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

This episode is a verse-by-verse Bible study of 1 John 2 that unpacks what it means to "walk in the light." Hiram examines John's purposes for writing (joy, assurance of eternal life) and connects chapter 2 to the opening themes of chapter 1: the reality of Jesus in the flesh, fellowship with God, and ongoing cleansing by the blood of Christ (1 John 1:1–4; 1:7; 1:9; 5:13).

Key topics covered include two foundational practices for remaining in the light: avoiding a sinful lifestyle while also availing yourself of Jesus as advocate and propitiation when you do sin (1 John 2:1–2). The study stresses that forgiveness is available but not a license to continue in sin; Christians should aim to sin less as they remain dependent on Christ’s atoning work.

Hiram then explains obedience as the proof of knowing Christ: keeping Jesus’ commandments demonstrates genuine fellowship with God (1 John 2:3–6). Loving obedience is presented as the evidence of a living relationship with Jesus, not mere lip service—echoing passages like John 14–15, Matthew 7, and Romans 6.

Another major emphasis is the "new commandment" to love one another (1 John 2:7–11). John shows that love for fellow believers is the practical marker of walking in the light—hatred or persistent discord signals darkness and cuts off fellowship and access to forgiveness. The lesson stresses reconciliation and the urgency of restoring relationships.

The episode also warns against loving the world—defined as the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—and explains how false teachers and "antichrists" (those who deny Christ or the incarnation) were an active threat in John’s day (1 John 2:15–27). Listeners are encouraged to rely on the anointing and truth they have received to discern error and remain steadfast.

The study closes with practical application: abide in Christ, practice righteousness, reject worldly desire, love the brethren, and keep God’s commands so that when Christ appears you will not shrink back in shame. No external guests are featured; this is a focused, teacher-led Bible class that combines exposition, cross-references, and pastoral application to help listeners know what to expect and how to live out 1 John 2.

 

Duration 39:27

"The Clutter You Can't See" by Neal Pollard

May 3, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

In this episode we celebrate life’s milestones—honoring two college graduates, ten high school graduates, and the joyful baptism of Randy Huff and his son Hayden after study and outreach by Justin and Hiram—before moving into a practical, pastoral message about clearing the spiritual clutter that can crowd our hearts and minds.

Using everyday images (garage and yard-sale culture, a mattress left at a driveway, and spring-cleaning rituals) Neal connects physical decluttering with spiritual renewal. He grounds the message in Scripture—referencing passages such as Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4, Romans 12:2, Matthew 6 and Luke 12—and explains how thoughts and habits accumulate and distract us from kingdom priorities.

The core of the sermon identifies three common kinds of mental and spiritual clutter to remove: worry (explored through Jesus’ teaching on anxiety and supported by a 2020 Penn State study that found writing down worst-case fears can shrink anxiety), discontent (illustrated by the Stanford marshmallow experiment and biblical warnings about covetousness and envy), and the desire for human approval (examined through New Testament warnings and the example of Daniel and Paul’s moral courage).

Practical antidotes are offered: replace worry with trust in God’s care, learn the discipline of contentment through dependence on Christ, and cultivate moral courage to seek God’s approval rather than man’s. Historical and biblical examples—from Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel to Paul, Timothy, and the image of Cheyenne “dog soldiers”—underscore the cost and reward of standing for faith.

The episode closes with pastoral encouragement to cast cares upon the Lord, respond to God’s invitation for help and repentance, and a call to communal prayer and support for those who want help unloading their burdens. Listeners can expect scripture-rich teaching, relatable stories, psychological and biblical insights, and a clear invitation to action and spiritual renewal.

 

Duration 35:19

"How to Make Your Life Count" by Hiram Kemp

May 3, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

This episode is a deep-dive sermon on the life of King Hezekiah, unpacking why he stands out among the kings of Israel and Judah. Drawing primarily from 2 Chronicles 29–32, 2 Kings 18–20 and Isaiah 36–39, Hiram traces Hezekiah’s reforms, his restoration of temple worship and the Passover, his reliance on prayer during the Assyrian crisis, his miraculous extension of life after terminal illness, and the pride that followed his blessings.

Listeners will hear five practical takeaways for making a life count: refuse to be bound by your past, make pleasing God your primary aim, capitalize on the privilege of prayer, use your time wisely, and remain humble in blessing. Each point is illustrated with biblical references, historical events from Hezekiah’s reign (including Sennacherib’s defeat and the Babylonian envoys), and contemporary examples — from cultural references like Jim Carrey to modern analogies such as landline communication and reflections from Bronnie Ware on end‑of‑life regrets.

The sermon also includes application and invitation: how Hezekiah’s example challenges listeners to change course regardless of family history, prioritize God over popular approval, pray constantly, steward remaining time well, and guard against pride when blessed. The episode closes with a call to repentance, faith in Christ, and opportunities for prayer and baptism for those who want to respond.

Duration 35:02