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

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 4

October 1, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode the speaker walks through Ephesians chapter 4, transitioning from the doctrinal foundation of the first three chapters to the practical, everyday implications for Christian living. The talk highlights major themes including the spiritual blessings we have in Christ, reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles, and the central call to unity in the church. Audience interaction (including remarks from Gary, Neil, Bob and others) helps illustrate the points and keeps the session conversational.

Key doctrinal reminders include the seven "ones" (one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God) and the idea that Christ has ascended and given gifts to the church. The lecture examines the roles named in the text — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors/shepherds and teachers — and explains their purpose in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body until unity and maturity in Christ are reached.

The speaker emphasizes the character qualities that promote unity: lowliness, gentleness, long-suffering, and above all humility. Practical application covers putting off the "old man" and putting on the "new man" through the renewing of the mind, resisting false teaching, and pursuing spiritual growth (moving from milk to meat).

Concrete behavioral instructions are discussed at length: speak truthfully, manage anger ("be angry and do not sin" — deal with conflict quickly and avoid giving the devil a foothold), stop stealing and work to give to those in need, and avoid corrupt talk. Instead, believers are urged to be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving, following Christ’s example and remembering that they are sealed by the Holy Spirit.

Other themes include church growth as a result of every member contributing their gifts, the importance of mentorship and teaching, and biblical counsel on discernment and maturity (references to Hebrews and Romans are used to underscore growth expectations). The episode closes with a challenge to live out the contrasts of Ephesians — old vs. new, death vs. life — and practical encouragement to pursue unity, holiness and loving service within the church.

 

Duration 40:31

"How Not to Raise Worthless Kids" by Neal Pollard

November 9, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

 

How Not to Raise Worthless Kids (1 Sam. 2-3) 
Neal Pollard 
Eli Raised Worthless Children... 
I. THROUGH ______________ PARENTING (2:29) 
II. THROUGH ____________ REBELLION (2:29) 
III. THROUGH HIS ______ __________ (2:29) 
IV. THROUGH HIS __________ TO __________ HIS CHILDREN (3:13) 
Contrast His Parenting with That Of ___________ (ch. 1-2) 

 

Duration 28:42

"360 Degree Gratitude: INWARD" by Neal Pollard

November 9, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

360 Degree Gratitude: INWARD (Philippians 4:4-7)

Neal Pollard 
This Text Shows Us How To... 
I. _________ OUR HEARTS FOR ____________ (4-5) 
   A. ___________ (4) 
   B. Be ________ (5) 
   C. ________ The Coming Of ________ (5) 
II. _________ OUR HEARTS FROM _______________ (6) 
   A. Don't __________ (6) 
   B. __________ (6) 
III. _________ OUR HEARTS THROUGH ___________ (7) 
Conclusion  
A. Paul Is Calling for A ______ Heart in This Text! 

 

Duration 29:06

"The Gospel of John" by Barrett Hammer - Part 10

November 9, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

 

In this episode Barrett continues a study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the distinctive "I AM" statements of Jesus. Building on last week’s lesson, the discussion places John’s words in first-century Judea—under Roman occupation and steeped in Old Testament expectation—and explains why Jesus’ metaphors were both surprising and provocative to his contemporaries.

The episode covers the historical and theological context of John (likely written around A.D. 90 for a mixed Jewish and Gentile audience) and explains how each "I AM" statement draws on everyday imagery and Old Testament echoes (Exodus, Isaiah, Psalms, Deuteronomy) to reveal Jesus’ identity and mission. The host reads and unpacks three of the seven statements in detail: "I am the bread of life" (John 6), "I am the light of the world" (John 8), and "I am the door/gate" (John 10), showing how each image communicates spiritual sustenance, guidance, protection, and exclusive access to the Father.

Contributors in the conversation include Jeremy, Neal, Hiram, Roger, Russell, Rhonda and other class participants, who bring questions, Old Testament connections, and real-life applications. The episode also reflects on practical themes—why people struggled to accept Jesus then and now, barriers like pride, tradition, and fear of social consequences, and how modern pressures and instant gratification can distract from spiritual hunger. A memorable comparison to the Challenger disaster illustrates how ignoring warnings and truth can have tragic consequences.

Listeners can expect close readings of John 6, 8, and 10, clear explanations of key Old Testament ties, examples of how to live out these metaphors today (prayer, community, Bible study, being a light to others), and an invitation to examine whether they truly know Jesus or merely know about him. The host closes by previewing a continuation of the series that will cover the remaining "I AM" statements in a future session.

 

Duration 39:59

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 3

September 24, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode we dive into Ephesians chapter 3 as part of a continuing study of Paul's prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon), written while Paul was under house arrest around AD 60–62. The speaker reviews major themes from Ephesians—spiritual blessings in Christ, the role of the Holy Spirit, grace through faith, God’s eternal plan for redemption, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the church—before unpacking chapter 3 in detail.

Key topics include Paul’s self-identification as a prisoner of Christ for the Gentiles, his stewardship/dispensation of God’s grace, and the revelation of the “mystery” that Gentiles are fellow heirs and members of the body of Christ through the gospel. The episode highlights Paul’s humility and gratitude, his calling to minister to the Gentiles, and his emphasis on God’s unsearchable, unfathomable riches in Christ.

Chris connects these doctrinal points to pastoral application: how the first three chapters of Ephesians present doctrine and spiritual blessings, while chapters 4–6 move into practical instruction for Christian living. Paul’s prayer for believers is examined—asking that they be strengthened in the inner man, that Christ dwell in their hearts, and that they comprehend (as much as possible) the width, length, depth, and height of Christ’s love. The episode also explores the call to unity in the church (Ephesians 4), emphasizing humility, gentleness (meekness), patience, and bearing with one another in love as essential to maintaining the unity of the Spirit.

Listeners will hear cross-references to Acts, 1 Corinthians, 1 Timothy, Philippians, and 1 Peter to illuminate Paul’s ministry, his self-awareness as “less than the least,” and the broader biblical context of God’s revealed plan. Expect reflections on prayer, spiritual maturity, the manifold wisdom of God revealed through the church, and practical challenges of walking worthy of the calling—living out humility, unity, and sacrificial love within the body of Christ.

 

Duration 42:31

"Unstoppable: How Christianity Thrives in Any Age" by Hiram Kemp

November 2, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

Unstoppable: How Christianity Thrives in Any Age (Acts 5:12-42) 
Hiram Kemp 
1. ___________________________ with the _________________________ Work (Acts 5:12-16) 
2. ________________________ Words of __________________________ (Acts 5:20) 
3. ___________________ God, not ____________________ (Acts 5:29) 
4. ______________________ with an ______________________ God (Acts 5:39) 
5. _________________________ in ________________________ (Acts 5:40-41) 
6. ________________________ to ________________________ (Acts 5:42)

 

Duration 36:29

"360 Degree Gratitude: Upward" by Neal Pollard

November 2, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

360 Degree Gratitude: "Upward" (Psalm 103)

Neal Pollard 

This Psalm Challenges Us To…  
I. _________________ UP (1-2) 
   A. _____________ Your ____________ 
   B. __________ Your _______________ 
   C. ___________ Your _____________ 
II. _______________ UP (3-14) 
   A. He R______________ (3) 
   B. He R______________ (4) 
   C. He R______________ (5) 

III. ________________ UP (15-18) 
 
   A. The _______ That You Stay Here ________ (15-16) 
   B. The ____________ To God's ___________ (17-18) 
 
IV. _________________ UP (20-22) 
 
   A. The _________________ (20) 
 
   B. The _________________ (21) 
 
   C. The _________________ (22) 
 
   D. Me!  (22)

 

Duration 34:46

 

  

 

"The Prison Epistles" by Chris Young Part 2

September 17, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

 

In this episode Chris continues a study of the prison epistles, focusing on Ephesians (with occasional cross-references to Colossians, Romans, Revelation, 1 Peter, and 1 Corinthians). The session reviews chapter 1 and then works through the rich teaching of chapter 2. Topics include the book’s major themes: spiritual blessings "in Christ," the centrality and importance of the church, unity between Jews and Gentiles, and a careful look at predestination.

The speaker examines Ephesians 1:3–14 as a catalog of spiritual blessings (holiness, adoption, grace, redemption, forgiveness, sealing by the Spirit, and the guaranteed inheritance). He contrasts the believers’ present status in Christ with their prior condition "dead in trespasses and sins," walking according to the course of the world, and being "children of wrath." Biblical parallels are drawn to Romans 5 and Colossians 2 to explain God’s love, justification, and how baptism connects believers to Christ’s death and resurrection.

A major focus is Ephesians 2’s diagnosis of humanity outside Christ followed by God’s intervention: "But God, who is rich in mercy... made us alive together with Christ by grace you have been saved." The episode emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, clarifies the relationship between faith and works (faith that is alive produces works), and explains that good works are the expected fruit of salvation rather than the means to earn it.

The discussion highlights the breaking down of the middle wall of partition between Jew and Gentile, showing how Christ’s death creates one new humanity and brings Gentiles near by the blood of Christ. The church is presented as the household/temple of God, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets with Jesus as the chief cornerstone—living stones fitted together for God’s dwelling by the Spirit.

Listeners hear scripture readings, brief audience interaction and questions, and practical application points: remember where you once were, appreciate God’s mercy, live out the good works prepared for believers, and recognize the church’s unity and spiritual significance. The episode closes with reminders about baptism, reconciliation through Christ, and the ongoing importance of the church as God’s family and temple.

 

Duration 36:23

Question and Answer with Hiram Kemp and Neal Pollard

October 26, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

Join Hiram and Neil for a thoughtful question-and-answer session tackling tough theological and practical questions from attendees. Hiram and Neil examine ways to help others see the Bible’s reliability. They encourage listeners to read Scripture for themselves and test its claims.

 

Questions:

• Can you explain 1 Corinthians 7:15? It seems like this verse allows for an exception for remarriage if the spouse leaves and was an unbeliever.
• What is the best Bible to read that is easier to read? Which Bible translation communicates best in "today's" English?
• Is it ok to only give to the church or should you be supporting additional works too (e.g., missionaries, orphans, etc.)?
• Explain John 16:24. Do we know anything the apostles asked for and how it led to their joy being full? Did they know better than to ask to see Jesus again?
• What constitutes a marriage in the eyes of God? Does common law marriage qualify? Does a legal (but not religious) ceremony qualify? What about a non-Christian (Muslim, Hindu, Jewish) ceremony? What about same-sex marriage? 
• What does the Bible say about cremation? Is it allowed or forbidden?
• Is the phrase "Divine Intervention" a biblical expression? When someone escapes death or has a close call and you survive is this God protecting me? 

 

Duration 47:42

"Jesus’ 7 Keys to the Christian Life" by Hiram Kemp

October 26, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 

Jesus’ 7 Keys to the Christian Life 
Hiram Kemp 
1. ________ Radically (Luke 6:27-36) 
2. Kill _________ (Luke 12:1) 
3. _______ on the _______ Life (Luke 11:39-41) 
4. ________ Yourself _______ & _______ (Luke 14:11) 
5. ________ Quickly (Luke 17:3-4) 
6. _________ Your _______ (Luke 21:34) 
7.  Point ________ to ___________ (Luke 24:46-48) 

 

Duration 29:04