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

May 31, 2026 - Sunday PM Service This episode captures a youth-led evening service featuring prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and a heartfelt message from a recent high‑school graduate. Guests and participants include closing-prayer leader Corbin, Travis, devotionals from Cooper and Maddox, and several young men leading the service. The program blends announcements, communal worship, and a Gospel-centered talk focused on living out Christlike humility. Worship included classic and contemporary songs—"Jesus Loves Me," "Mansion Over the Hilltop," "God Is So Good," "I’ll Fly Away," "Higher Ground," and "You Are Holy"—along with communal prayers and the Lord’s Supper. Multiple prayers asked for the sick and shut‑ins, guidance for speakers, and strength for the young leaders as they serve the congregation. Scripture readings were Philippians 2:3–5, Matthew 5:14–16, and Galatians 6:9–10. The central sermon theme examined the phrase “do nothing from selfish ambition,” contrasting worldly ambition with the call to look outward, serve others, and pursue humility. Speakers emphasized that accomplishments fade but lives touched for Christ endure, urged the congregation not to grow weary in doing good, and reminded listeners that the seeds we plant in daily acts of kindness will yield a spiritual harvest. Key takeaways: pursue ambition for Christ rather than recognition, practice quiet acts of service (even when no one is watching), let your light shine so others glorify God, and remain faithful in planting seeds of love and generosity. The episode ends with an invitation to respond to the Gospel, share prayer requests, and a closing encouragement for all listeners—especially young people—to start sowing now and live as visible reflections of God’s love. Duration 28:22

May 31, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode Joey leads a Bible study and discussion on selfishness — what it is, where it comes from, and how Christians should respond. Beginning with Scripture, the episode defines selfishness using Philippians 2 and James (including James 3:14–15 and James 4) and explains selfishness as putting yourself at the center of the universe. The group examines how unmet desires breed conflict and division, and why selfishness is not from God but from the heart. The study moves through biblical examples: Cain, the prodigal son (Luke 15), and Diotrephes (3 John) are used to show different expressions of self-seeking and preeminence. The speaker contrasts these with the life of Jesus, drawing on Philippians 2:5–8, John 13 (the washing of the disciples’ feet), Jesus’ temptations, Matthew 16:24–28 (deny yourself, take up your cross), and Matthew 22:37–40 (love God and neighbor). Key congregation interactions and contributions from attendees (Andy, Amanda, Russell, Kevin) illustrate practical, real-life implications of selfish attitudes. The episode outlines the harm selfishness does to relationships, churches, and spiritual growth — producing division, power struggles, lack of service, and damaged love for God and neighbor. Romans 12:9–21 is offered as a scriptural blueprint for healthy Christian behavior (loving without hypocrisy, honoring one another, serving, living peaceably, and overcoming evil with good). Practical steps for overcoming selfishness are emphasized: serve others intentionally (even without credit), practice gratitude, cultivate humility, put God first daily, and train yourself to think about others before acting. Joey closes with Paul’s testimony in Galatians 2:20 and the guiding motto for transformation — less self, more Christ — encouraging listeners to allow Christ’s mind to replace self-centered living. Duration 40:09

May 24, 2026 - Sunday PM Sermon This episode is a short devotional sermon focused entirely on the gospel theme of grace. Using a vivid restaurant story—where a surprised diner learns his meal was paid for by another—and the classic General Mills “add an egg” advertising anecdote, the speaker frames grace as God’s unearned gift that changes how we live. The service’s music and readings all build toward this central idea. Hiram lays out three practical realities from Scripture about the grace of God: (1) No bragging — salvation is the gift of God, not our achievement (Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 Corinthians 1:31); (2) No borrowing — in Christ we are fully supplied and lack nothing, so we don’t need to derive identity or worth from jobs or relationships (2 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:3); and (3) Nobody left behind — Jesus took the cup of death in our place so that all who trust him receive life (Hebrews 2:9; Hebrews 5:8–9; John 1:29). The sermon includes scriptural references (John 1:17; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Psalm 25:8; Psalm 34:10; 2 Corinthians 8:9 and more) and two clear metaphors—the unpaid restaurant check and the medicine cup—to make the doctrine of grace tangible: you didn’t earn it, you don’t need to borrow for it, and it’s available so that none need be left out. Listeners can expect encouragement to stop boasting in themselves, freedom from needing approval or identity from worldly things, and reassurance that Christ’s substitutionary work secures salvation for all who trust him. The episode closes with an invitation to respond: to believe in Jesus, turn from sin, and be baptized as a public reception of God’s gift of grace; the congregation is offered prayer and an opportunity to come forward. Duration 9:49

May 17, 2026 - Sunday AM Bible Class In this episode Joey continues a teaching series on common sins and struggles, focusing on selfishness as the root of many moral and relational problems. Drawing on Philippians 2:1–4 and James 3–4, the talk defines selfishness biblically, contrasts it with Christlike humility, and explains how selfish ambition, conceit, envy, and self-seeking lead to conflict and spiritual stagnation. The episode reviews how selfishness disguises itself as ambition, self-protection, convenience, or the pursuit of happiness, and shows how common behaviors — laziness, anger, pride, gossip, the love of money and even extreme sins like murder, adultery, and stealing — often trace back to an “I/ my” mindset. The speaker outlines practical warning signs (always needing to win arguments, refusing to apologize, demanding attention, controlling behavior, unwillingness to serve) and explains how inward selfishness can be harder to spot than outward acts. Two biblical case studies illustrate the problem: Cain’s refusal to accept correction (Genesis 4) and the prodigal son’s entitlement and wasted inheritance (Luke 15). James is used to show the origin of selfishness in worldly desires and its consequences — confusion, fights, and wars — and to present the opposite virtues: peace ableness, willingness to yield, mercy, and impartiality. The speaker closes by previewing the next session, which will examine additional biblical examples and offer concrete steps to overcome selfishness by cultivating humility, looking outward to others, serving sacrificially, and following Jesus’ example. This teaching is delivered as a solo lesson (no guest speakers) and is intended to help listeners identify selfish patterns in their lives and begin practical spiritual growth toward humility and healthier relationships. Duration 41:08

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 10:30 AM Session This episode is a classroom-style apologetics lecture that tackles the three central questions of the Christian faith: Is there a God? Is the Bible from God? Is Jesus the Son of God? Led by an instructor in apologetics, the talk walks listeners through clear, memorable arguments and practical steps for explaining and defending Christian belief. On the first question—Is there a God? —the speaker presents the Kalam (prolonged cosmological) argument: whatever begins to exist has a cause; the universe began to exist; therefore, the universe has a cause. He explains supporting scientific and philosophical points (including the second law of thermodynamics) and draws out the attributes such a cause must have—immaterial, timeless, spaceless, and immensely powerful—linking those attributes to the biblical picture of God. On the second question—Is the Bible from God? —the lecture uses a Thomas B. Warren-style argument: if Scripture contains information that could not be of human origin, it is from God. The instructor surveys feature of Scripture that point beyond mere human authorship—remarkable unity across 40 authors and 1,500 years, examples of scientific foreknowledge (e.g., Job 26:7), deep moral and spiritual teaching, and especially fulfilled prophecy. Isaiah 53 is treated in detail as a powerful predictive text fulfilled in the life, death, burial, and vindication of Jesus. On the third question—Is Jesus the Son of God? —the episode adopts the minimal facts approach: presenting five historical facts widely accepted by skeptical scholars (Jesus’ death by crucifixion, the disciples’ belief they saw the risen Jesus, Paul’s conversion, James’s conversion, and the empty tomb) and showing that the best explanation for these facts is Jesus’ bodily resurrection. The lecturer addresses alternative theories (hallucination, swoon, theft, fabrication) and explains why they fail to account for all the evidence. Key takeaways and practical application are emphasized throughout: faith is not a blind leap into darkness but a step into the light of evidence; memorize and practice succinct arguments (the handout provided lists core claims and blanks to fill); be ready to give an answer (1 Peter 3:15); and take concrete next steps—identify the question you’re least sure about, focus on the most compelling argument you encountered, and start a conversation with someone who is asking these questions. The instructor also invites listeners to continue studying apologetics for deeper engagement. Duration 45:25

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 3:30 PM Session This episode is a sermon-style exposition of Genesis 32–36 that traces how God transforms Jacob into Israel. Featuring speaker Carl, the message opens with prayer and moves through Jacob’s fear, prayer, night-long wrestling with God at Peniel, the physical limp he receives, and the subsequent reconciliation with Esau. The speaker examines the personal and domestic consequences of true spiritual change and emphasizes that God not only forgives but reshapes us. Topics covered include the necessity of facing your past, honest prayer rooted in God’s promises, the breaking of self-reliance, the significance of Jacob’s limp as a reminder of dependence, and how humility produces reconciliation. The sermon also addresses spiritual leadership in the home, the need to identify and bury idols, perseverance through grief (including the losses and sins recorded in Genesis 35), and the contrast between outward success and covenant blessing as illustrated by Esau and Jacob’s lineages. Key points and takeaways: growth begins when we confront what we’ve avoided; honesty with God starts real change; God’s refining often strips our control so His power is shown in our weakness; true conversion is visible in humility toward others and concrete steps to remove idols; spiritual maturity requires leadership, endurance, and faithful worship amid sorrow; and the promise of God matters more than immediate worldly success. The speaker issues direct challenges—confess sins, pursue reconciliation, bury idols, and cling to God until He makes you new. Listeners can expect a careful biblical walk-through, practical application for personal and family life, reflective questions for self-examination, and pastoral encouragement to let God complete the work of transformation in their hearts and homes. Duration 29:02

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 2:30 PM Session Text Questions: Who Really Wrote The Book Of Genesis And How Do We Know? - Jody Apple The lecture series discusses the authorship of Genesis and the Pentateuch, focusing on the evidence for "substantial Mosaic authorship" and how to properly frame questions about the topic. The instructor argues that while Genesis does not explicitly name Moses, a cumulative case built on Old and New Testament evidence, narrative continuity, and thematic cohesion supports Moses's foundational role. The talks contrast this view with critical theories like the documentary hypothesis, which are critiqued for their naturalistic assumptions. The lectures emphasize that Genesis is a foundational text for key biblical doctrines (God, creation, humanity, sin, judgment), and questioning its authorship impacts the unity and authority of Scripture. The discussion draws parallels between defending biblical historicity and defending the historicity of the Holocaust, highlighting the method of converging multiple lines of evidence. The speaker encourages reading the entire Pentateuch in large segments to perceive its unity and highlights resources like Gene Garrett’s “Rethinking Genesis” for further study. The lectures also touch on the nature of divine inspiration, the use of sources by biblical authors like Luke and Paul, and the necessity of a metaphysical framework that acknowledges intangible realities (like truth and mathematics) for rational thought. Duration 43:32

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 2:30 PM Session This Equip Conference message (hosted at Cumberland Trace Church) walks through Genesis 29–31, tracing the intertwined lives of Jacob and Laban and drawing practical, faith-filled lessons for listeners. The speaker opens from the well where Jacob meets Rachel and follows the story through Jacob’s long years with Laban, the marriage deception, the family rivalries, the birth of the sons, Rachel’s theft of the household idols, and Jacob’s eventual departure and covenant with Laban. The episode highlights five central lessons found in these chapters: the providence of God working behind the scenes across years and setbacks; the importance of honesty in contrast to the persistent deceit of Jacob and Laban; the reality that God can and does work through messy, broken families (from Leah and Rachel’s rivalry to the formation of the twelve tribes); the call to follow God’s guidance obediently; and biblical principles for working through conflict. Listeners will hear concrete scriptural teaching (Genesis 29–31 with references to Romans 8:28, Matthew 5:37, Ephesians 4:25 and other passages) and practical helps: four questions to evaluate whether you’re following God’s guidance (Is it biblical, loving, Christ-like, and service-oriented?) and four steps for resolving conflict modeled in Genesis 31 (go to the person, be straightforward, know the facts, and pursue a peace that honors God). Through narrative detail and pastoral application, the speaker shows both the messiness of human relationships and the faithfulness of God who brings good from broken situations. Expect clear biblical exposition, real-world application for families and relationships, and encouragement to trust God’s providence and pursue honesty, obedience, and peacemaking in your own life. Duration 38:58