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

lehmanavechurchofchrist
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Sermons and classes from our weekly church of Christ services

  1. 20m ago

    "Into the Word: Philippians: Part 2" by Hiram Kemp

    August 8, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon This episode is an Into the Word class focused on Philippians 1:27 through 2:30. Hiram walks the group through Paul’s call to live a selfless, humble life: to let one’s conduct be worthy of the gospel, stand firm together, and strive side-by-side for the faith. Topics include why people act selfishly, the biblical ideal of heavenly citizenship, and how believers should respond to outside opposition. Using Scripture and practical illustrations, the lesson highlights Paul’s commands (do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit; count others more significant; look to others’ interests) and explains how those commands are grounded in the gospel. Key scriptural examples include the life and humility of Jesus (Philippians 2:5–11), Paul’s own willingness to be poured out, Timothy’s devotion, and Epaphroditus’s sacrificial service. Hiram also references Hebrews, Ephesians, Colossians, and practical metaphors (Roman phalanx, the Stanford marshmallow experiment) to show humility’s long-term reward and the pattern of suffering before exaltation. Practical takeaways and applications are emphasized: work out your salvation collectively with faith and humility (recognizing God is at work), stop grumbling and gossip, serve others before yourself, and cultivate unity so the congregation can shine as lights in a crooked generation. The episode closes with a pastoral charge to model the faith in action and trust God’s timing for exaltation. Duration 41:27

  2. 21m ago

    "Whose Approval Do You Seek" by Neal Pollard

    August 9, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon In this episode Neal examines 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8 and explores the uneasy tension every Christian faces between seeking the approval of people and seeking the approval of God. Opening with a personal memory about early preaching nerves, the sermon places Apostle Paul’s defense of his integrity at the center and shows how even great preachers wrestle with fear and public opinion. Using vivid modern and biblical illustrations—including the tragic story of teenager Zachary Nazario who died attempting a viral subway-surfing stunt, Old and New Testament examples (Aaron, Saul, false prophets, John the Baptist, Nathan), and a historical analogy with Chamberlain and Churchill—the speaker demonstrates how social pressure, vanity and desire for acceptance can drive people to excuse error, endorse impurity, or practice deceit. The message identifies three common motives that push us to please people: the desire for advantage (flattery), greed (material gain), and the pursuit of glory or fame. It then turns to practical counsel from Paul on how to pursue God’s approval instead: be bold (courage to speak truth), be aware (let God examine your heart), be genuine (consistent integrity), be gentle (show compassion while speaking truth), and be sacrificial (invest your life in others). The episode closes with a pastoral appeal about the priority of God’s approval over fleeting human praise, a brief reminder of what God requires for salvation—believing in Christ, genuine repentance, and baptism—and an invitation for listeners who are struggling to seek help and prayer from their brothers and sisters in Christ. Topics covered: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–8; preaching and pastoral integrity; cultural pressure, error, impurity, deceit; motives of flattery, greed and glory; practical steps to please God; biblical and contemporary illustrations; invitation to repentance and community support.   Handout:   WHOSE APPROVAL DO YOU SEEK? (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8) Neal Pollard I. ___________________ WE SEEK THE _________________________ OF ___________________ (3) A. _____________________________________________ (3) B. _____________________________________________ (3) C. _____________________________________________ (3) II. ________________________ WE SEEK THE ___________________ OF __________________ (5-6) A. ________________________________ An ________________________________ (5) B. ___________________________________________________________________ (5) C. ___________________________________________________________________ (6) III. ______________________________ TO SEEK GOD'S ___________________________ A. Be _______________________________________________________________________ (2) B. Be _______________________________________________________________________ (4) C. Be ______________________________________________________________________ (5-6) D. Be _______________________________________________________________________ (7) E. Be _______________________________________________________________________ (8)   Duration 31:35

  3. 22m ago

    "A Study of the book of Acts" by Hiram Kemp - Part 10

    August 9, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class This episode is a Bible-class-style teaching through Acts 18–19 that examines recurring challenges the church (and individual Christians) will always face. Using Paul’s ministry in Corinth and episodes with Apollos and the Ephesian disciples, the lesson focuses on two major themes: overcoming fear and correcting mistaken ideas about salvation. The first section deconstructs the “halo effect” and reminds listeners that Paul was a very human leader who experienced fear—at times trembling in Corinth—despite his apostolic record. The teacher walks through Acts 18:1–11 alongside 1 Corinthians 2:3, Ephesians 6, Colossians 4, 2 Timothy, Psalm 56, Joshua 1:9, Romans 8:18 and other passages to show how Jesus’ assurance ("Do not be afraid... I am with you") and the reality of faith-with-fear shaped Paul’s response: keep speaking, rely on the divine presence, remember you are not alone, and choose to not be ruled by fear. The classroom discussion also applies this to congregational fears (budgets, membership, ministry change) and personal fears (evangelism, rejection, death, failure). The second section turns to correcting mistaken ideas about salvation, focusing on Acts 18:24–26 and Acts 19:1–7. The lesson contrasts Apollos’ powerful but incomplete knowledge (he knew only John’s baptism) with Priscilla and Aquila’s gentle correction, and Paul’s encounter with twelve Ephesian disciples who received John’s baptism but had not yet received the Holy Spirit. Key biblical distinctions between John’s baptism and baptism in the name of Jesus are highlighted along with why the early church rebaptized some. The episode offers practical, pastoral guidance for talking with people who hold different or incomplete views: acknowledge what they do right, take conversations aside rather than publicly shame, open Scripture together and show the "way of the Lord" more accurately, ask good questions to learn what they truly believe, listen closely, put the matter between the person and the Bible (not denominational opinion), and leave the results with God. It also identifies unhelpful responses to avoid—demeaning language, name-calling, challenging sincerity, or staying silent—and emphasizes speaking the truth in love. There are no outside guests; the hour is driven by classroom teaching and group discussion. Listeners can expect Scripture-based exposition, practical evangelism tips, pastoral counsel for congregational leadership, and clear, actionable steps for addressing fear and doctrinal confusion in real-life ministry settings.   Duration 41:46

  4. 23m ago

    Men of the New Testament: "Peter" by Jeremy Waddell - Part 8

    August 5, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class In this episode Jeremy focuses on the life and legacy of the Apostle Peter, using Scripture and practical reflection to trace his journey from an ordinary fisherman named Simon to a cornerstone leader of the early church. The class explores Peter's background (John 1), calling and new name (Matthew 4), occupation and its character-shaping demands, and his family life, grounding each trait in concrete biblical scenes. Key events covered include Peter walking on water (Matthew 14), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17), his impulsive act of cutting off Malchus’ ear (John 18), his threefold denial of Jesus and bitter repentance (Luke 22), and his public restoration by the risen Christ on the beach (John 21). The episode then follows Peter through Acts — Pentecost and the first sermon (Acts 2), healings and miracles (Acts 3, 5, 9), opening the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10), imprisonment and release (Acts 12) — and summarizes the themes of 1 and 2 Peter (hope in suffering, spiritual growth, warnings about false teachers). Throughout the talk Jeremy highlights Peter’s personality: impulsive, courageous, passionate and imperfect — and shows how those traits produced both failures and strengths. The discussion emphasizes the difference between guilt/regret and true repentance, using Peter’s denial and restoration as a model: grace publicly restores and sends people back to service rather than leaving them sidelined. Practical lessons include how God uses imperfect people, how boldness must become Spirit-directed to be effective, why repentance changes everything, and how leaders are called to be humble servants. The episode mixes biblical exposition with classroom interaction and personal anecdotes (fishing analogies and real-life examples) and closes with reflective questions for listeners: which of Peter’s traits do you share, what fears hold you back from serving boldly, how has God used your weaknesses, and how can you extend grace to others? Listeners can expect an encouraging, Scripture-rich exploration aimed at helping Christians repent, recover, and live out their God-given potential.   Duration 39:35

  5. 24m ago

    "Into the Word: Philippians" by Neal Pollard - Part 1

    August 2, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon   This episode is a deep, classroom-style walkthrough of the book of Philippians. Neal opens with historical background on Philippi — its Thracian origins, Hellenistic and Roman developments, and religious landscape — then situates Paul’s letter as one of the prison epistles (circa AD 60–63). The episode covers the founding of the Philippian church in Acts (Lydia, the riverside prayer group, the jailer and his household), Paul’s relationship with the Philippians, and the practical reasons he wrote: encouragement, guidance, and unity in the face of internal strife and looming external persecution under Nero. Key topics examined include authorship and dating, the epistolary structure (greeting, thanksgiving/prayer, body, closing), and the letter’s major themes: joy and rejoicing (repeated throughout), the unselfish mind (phronein), unity and putting others above self, humility exemplified in Christ (Phil. 2:5–11), and the believer’s identity as saints set apart. Neal highlights recurring motifs and examples Paul uses — servants/bondservants, overseers and deacons, and the epistolary prayer in Philippians 1:3–11 — and stresses Paul’s conviction that his imprisonment actually advanced the gospel by opening doors to new listeners (guards, officials, citizens). The episode also draws practical, 21st‑century applications: how Philippians addresses fear of death and uncertainty, coping with division and disharmony, maintaining healthy church and family relationships, financial support and the relationship between churches and preachers, dealing with false teachers, and cultivating a Christlike attitude. The presenter underscores three central pastoral words for the church: gratitude, guidance, and gladness, and points listeners toward living out sacrificial priorities, strong relationships, and joyful service. Format and tone: this is a recorded Bible class/sermon aimed at helping listeners build a bridge from first‑century context to present application. There are no external guests; the lesson is delivered by the class instructor with references to biblical figures (Paul, Timothy, Lydia, Epaphroditus, the Philippian jailer) and later church fathers (Polycarp). Expect a mix of historical background, exegetical explanation, thematic overview, and concrete life application centered on knowing Christ, pursuing unity, and adopting the mind of Christ. Duration 46:11

  6. 25m ago

    "The Blessed Life No One Talks About" by Hiram Kemp

    August 2, 2026 - Sunday AM Sermon   This episode is a sermon-style exploration of Matthew 5:3–12, the opening Beatitudes of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. Hiram contrasts modern attempts to define the “good life” (citing thinkers such as Dr. Jonathan Haidt and ancient philosophers) with Jesus’ countercultural announcement of what it means to be truly blessed: poverty of spirit, mourning over sin, meekness, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, mercy, purity of heart, peacemaking, and even rejoicing in persecution. Using cross-references from Psalm, Isaiah, Augustine, and New Testament writers, the preacher unpacks each Beatitude with theological grounding and practical application: cultivate humility, grieve sin rightly, hunger for God’s righteousness, show compassion and mercy, pursue inner purity, engage in peacemaking, and stand firm under opposition. The message critiques cultural idols of success (wealth, status, self-promotion) and reframes flourishing as God’s approval rather than worldly gain. The episode also includes pastoral direction and next steps: an invitation to respond to Jesus, mention of Phil leading worship following the sermon, and Neal available after the service for conversation or prayer. Listeners can expect clear biblical exposition, scriptural citations, pastoral encouragement to practical change, and an invitation to baptism and spiritual reconciliation. Duration 34:37

  7. 6d ago

    "A Study of the book of Acts" by Neal Pollard - Part 9

    August 2, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode we walk through Acts 16–18 with a practical focus on the personal and corporate challenges the early church faced — especially the difficulty of discerning and submitting to God’s will. Neal reflects on recent ministry experiences (including trips to Cambodia and Tanzania) and open with a short anecdote about learning not to “hesitate.” Guests and voices in the conversation include Hiram (co-teacher) and references to Chris Young’s earlier study of Acts; the talk frequently cites Paul, Luke, Timothy and Silas as the missionary team and highlights Luke’s joining the group in Troas. The teaching traces Paul’s second missionary journey, the Holy Spirit’s direct leading in Acts 16:6–13, and the vision that sent Paul into Macedonia. Key biblical themes covered: how to discern God’s direction (Scripture, prayer, renewing the mind), the role of providence, Proverbs 16:3 and Romans 12:6–8 as practical guides, and the idea that sometimes God’s leading is understood only in hindsight — the “rearview mirror” of divine guidance. The episode compares three city responses in Acts 17 — Thessalonica (hostility and persecution), Berea (eager reception and daily Scripture examination), and Athens (skepticism, ridicule, and a few conversions) — drawing out lessons for evangelism, teaching, and living in a largely non‑religious culture. Practical takeaways include honest tools for decision making when multiple “doors” seem open: anchor decisions in Scripture, commit plans to the Lord, stay in prayer, watch for opportunities to use spiritual gifts locally (and globally), and accept that planting seeds is part of the calling even when immediate results are unseen. Listeners can expect scriptural exposition, real-life ministry illustrations (including an extended personal example about discerning whether to serve overseas), and direct application for congregational life — how to spot a “Macedonian call” at home or abroad and how to respond in faith whether you meet mockery, delay, or belief.   Duration 40:39

  8. 6d ago

    Men of the New Testament: "John the Apostle" by Cody Basham - Part 7

    July 29, 2026 - Wednesday Bible Class In this live, uplifting lesson a teacher delivers his first full class exploring the life, ministry, and writings of John the Apostle. The session blends scripture reading, practical reflection, and brief audience interaction as the speaker walks listeners through who John was, why he mattered to Jesus, and what his testimony means for Christians today. The episode traces John from his calling as the son of Zebedee and member of Jesus’ inner circle (Matthew 4; Matthew 10) to his portrayal as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” who stood at the cross and was entrusted with Mary’s care (John 13; John 19). Key moments covered include John racing to the empty tomb (John 20), meeting Jesus by the Sea of Tiberias (John 21), witnessing the raising of Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5), the Transfiguration (Matthew 17), and Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26). Cody reviews the books attributed to John: the Gospel of John (emphasizing Christ’s divinity with passages like John 1 and John 3:16), the three epistles (1–3 John) with themes of love, obedience, fellowship, warnings against false teachers, and practical encouragement (including the example of Gaius), and finally Revelation — written on Patmos — with its visions, messages to the seven churches, calls to repentance, and scenes of final judgment. The lesson highlights major theological points from John’s witness: Jesus as the Lamb of God and Son of God, the Good Shepherd who lays down his life, the way/the truth/the life, and the true vine that branches must abide in. The teacher emphasizes repentance, perseverance ("be faithful unto death"), separation from false teaching, and living out the commandments as evidence of love for God (1 John). Important Revelation themes discussed include church condition categories (loveless, persecuted, compromising, corrupt, dead, lukewarm) and the Great White Throne judgment. Practical takeaways close the episode: encouragement to speak up about faith, to run the Christian life as a marathon rather than a sprint, to maintain a good reputation through faithful service, and to press on in obedience and love. Cody invites critiques and feedback as part of growing in confidence and continuing the work of sharing the gospel.   Duration 39:01

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