December 7, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

FOUR FACES OF PROVIDENCE IN RUTH: "LOSS" (Chapter One) — Neal Pollard 

Duration

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

 The Savior God Promised — Hiram Kemp 

Duration 34:13

December 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode Neal announces a new quarter-long study of 2 Corinthians and explains why the class begins with Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians rather than First Corinthians. He places the letter in historical context (Acts 18–20), ties it to the later prison epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon), and recommends earlier teaching on First Corinthians by Hiram and Brittany as helpful background.

The episode gives an extended cultural and historical overview of Corinth — its Greek origins, destruction and re-founding under Rome, strategic isthmus location with two ports, the prominence of the slave trade, widespread pagan immorality (including how “to Corinthianize” became synonymous with sexual vice), and the city’s importance as the provincial capital of Achaia. These details set the stage for why the Corinthian church faced the problems Paul addresses.

Key topics covered include a review of the problems raised in 1 Corinthians (division, idolatry, sexual immorality, marriage questions, worship abuses such as corruption of the Lord’s Supper, confusion over spiritual gifts, questions about the resurrection, and factional allegiance to leaders), and how the church largely responded to Paul’s first letter. The speaker explains that 2 Corinthians arises from a new crisis: a group of Jewish opponents who undermine Paul’s apostleship and claim apostolic authority themselves.

The episode highlights the central themes and purposes of 2 Corinthians: Paul’s defense of his apostleship and leadership, the danger of false or unordained leaders, and the pastoral necessity of protecting church order. It emphasizes Paul’s personal investment in the Corinthian congregation — the suffering he endured, his pastoral care, and his insistence that God-ordained leadership matters because “sheep need a shepherd.”

A major motif introduced is comfort: the speaker surveys 2 Corinthians 1:1–11 and summarizes the letter’s repeated emphasis on comfort in the midst of affliction. He identifies the sources of that comfort as God (the “Father of mercies”), Christ, other believers who have suffered, and the prayers of the community, and underscores Paul’s theme of abundant, effective consolation despite severe trials.

Guests and contributors mentioned include teachers Hiram and Brittany (previous lectures on First Corinthians) and Chris (his Wednesday class on the prison epistles); the speaker also references Luke’s account in Acts and several Pauline passages as he reads and opens 2 Corinthians 1:1–11. Listeners can expect a mix of historical background, theological orientation to the letter, pastoral application about church leadership and suffering, and a reading of the opening verses to begin the study.

Duration 44:47

October 22, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode we begin a verse-by-verse study of the book of Philippians, focusing on chapter 1 and its historical context. Chris sets the scene by reviewing Acts 16 — the Macedonian call that brought Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke to Philippi — and highlights key persons like Lydia and the Philippian jailer who played roles in the church’s founding. The episode also situates Paul’s letter historically, explaining his Roman imprisonment (house arrest around AD 60–62) and how that confinement shaped the letter’s emphasis.

Topics covered include: the geographic and cultural background of Philippi (a Roman colony in Macedonia), the origin of the church there, and the circumstances that prompted Paul’s affectionate and joyful letter. The host unpacks major themes such as joy and rejoicing, the meaning of being a bondservant of Christ, the distinction between the believers Paul calls “saints” and his own humility, and the practical results of gospel partnership between Paul and the Philippian congregation (including their generosity).

Key points emphasized: Paul’s overriding theme that true Christian joy is rooted in Christ and the gospel — not in changing circumstances; the joy of prayerful fellowship (Paul’s thankful, persistent prayers for the Philippians); the joy of purposeful living (how Paul’s chains actually advanced the gospel and emboldened other believers); and the famous tension in Paul between “to live is Christ” and “to die is gain,” showing his devotion to Christ and concern for the church’s growth.

The episode highlights concrete illustrations from the text: the Macedonian call, Lydia’s conversion and hospitality, Paul’s witness to Caesar’s household and the palace guard, divisions among those preaching (envy vs. goodwill), and practical exhortations for love, knowledge, discernment, and bearing the fruits of righteousness. Listeners can expect historical background, theological teaching, and pastoral application designed to help them understand Philippians’ message of Christ-centered joy and faithful living.

Duration 40:00

November 30, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

Listening & Living Out the Word (James 1:17-27) 

Receiving the Word Properly (James 1:17-21) 

Duration 39:40

November 30, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode is the final class of the quarter and a wrap-up of a multi-week study of the Gospel of John, focusing on the remaining "I AM" statements. The instructor leads the group through extended readings and discussion from John 10, 11, 14, and 15, explores Old Testament echoes (Psalm 23, Ezekiel 34, Jeremiah 23, Isaiah, Micah, Exodus), and highlights John’s stated purpose in John 20:30–31: that readers may believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name.

Topics covered include: "I am the Good Shepherd" (John 10) — Jesus’ sacrificial care, contrast with hirelings, intimate knowledge of his sheep, protection and provision; "I am the Resurrection and the Life" (John 11) — power over death, hope beyond the grave, and comfort in loss; "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" (John 14) — Jesus as exclusive access to the Father, truth as the foundation for the path, and life as the goal; and "I am the True Vine" (John 15) — abiding in Christ, pruning, bearing fruit, and dependence on the vine for spiritual vitality.

The class includes interactive dialogue with students, practical applications, and short teaching moments: why Jesus uses Old Testament imagery, how knowing the flock shapes ministry and relationships, the need to follow and bring others into the fold, and how trust in the resurrection eases anxiety about death and loss.

Key takeaways: Jesus’ "I AM" sayings repeatedly point to his deity and his unique role as shepherd, savior, guide, and life-giver; faith here is presented as trust grounded in signs and witness rather than blind belief; abiding in Christ is essential for fruitfulness and growth; Christian discipleship requires intentional relationship-building (knowing the flock) and witness to others. The instructor also reflects on John’s deliberate repetition and selection of signs as a method for deepening faith and encouraging lifelong study.

This is a classroom conversation rich with questions, anecdotes (including a youth’s perceptive remark and a brief sports anecdote about repetition), and pastoral application intended to help listeners expect thoughtful exposition, biblical connections, and practical steps for following Jesus as the Good Shepherd, the Resurrection, the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Duration 41:52

October 15, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

In this episode the speaker completes a close study of Ephesians 5 and begins unpacking Ephesians 6, summarizing the major themes of the letter — life "in Christ," the centrality of the church, God’s eternal plan, unity, and peace — and showing how the first three doctrinal chapters lead to the practical applications of the last three.

Topics covered include the Biblical model for marriage (wives’ submission and husbands’ sacrificial love modeled on Christ and the church), the church-Christ analogy, and how authentic leadership in the home eliminates abuse and fosters mutual respect. The discussion also examines children and parenting (honor, obedience, and discipline tempered by love) and the cultural background of first-century Ephesus to clarify passages addressing slaves and masters, with modern application to employer–employee relationships rather than an endorsement of slavery.

The episode shifts to spiritual preparedness with an extended look at Ephesians 6: the call to "put on the whole armor of God" (truth, righteousness, readiness with the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word), the reality of spiritual warfare, and the need for persistent prayer and mutual intercession. Paul’s perspective as an "ambassador in chains" is highlighted — he asks for boldness to proclaim the mystery of the gospel rather than release from prison — and the host urges listeners to pray for missionaries and those suffering, referencing a recent urgent prayer request related to students in Tanzania.

Key takeaways: understand submission in its biblical and cultural context and under God’s higher authority; husbands are called to sacrificial, nourishing love; parents must balance discipline and tenderness; the slave–master instructions point to ethical employer–employee conduct today; believers must equip themselves with all aspects of God’s armor and commit to prayer and bold witness even amid hardship.

Duration 41:58

November 23, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

The Great Example of Onesiphorus (2 Tim. 1:15-18)  

Duration 30:16

November 23, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

360 Degree Gratitude: Forward Gratitude in Advance (Habakkuk 3:17-19) 

Duration 33:00

November 23, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode the teacher delivers what he calls his final class in the book of John and clarifies last week’s discussion on worship and encouragement. The session reviews why worship must be centered on God and how Christians should build one another up: encouraging performers young and old, supporting preachers and leaders, and showing grace in our speech. Practical pastoral counsel stresses the need to be present at worship even when we feel unprepared, drawing on Hebrews 4:15–16 and other scriptures to reassure listeners that coming to the assembly provides mercy and help in time of need.

The main biblical focus is on Jesus as the true temple. Using John and Old Testament references the speaker traces the theme of God dwelling with his people — from the tabernacle to Jesus (John 1:14) — and explains how Jesus is the connection between heaven and earth (John 1:51, Jacob’s ladder imagery). Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (John 2:13–17) is presented both as a display of his authority and as a call to purity: God’s house should be a house of prayer, not a den of profiteering. The talk also examines Jesus’ provocative claim about destroying the temple and raising it in three days, showing how that points to his death and resurrection and the replacement of the old temple system.

Key scriptural moments covered include Jesus teaching openly in the temple (John 7), the leaders’ fear that Rome would remove their place (John 11), and how repeated New Testament passages emphasize access to the Father through Christ (John 14:6; Hebrews 10; 1 Timothy 2:5). The speaker ties these passages to practical lessons: do not cling to earthly buildings or possessions as security, stay rooted in scripture, look back on life experiences to understand Jesus’ words, and build your life on Christ rather than on shifting earthly foundations.

Pastoral application throughout the lesson includes encouraging one another daily (Philippians 2; Ephesians 4; 1 Thessalonians 5:11), pursuing holiness and inward purity (James, Psalms, Proverbs), and rejoicing in the spiritual fruits and joy that come from abiding in Christ (John 6–8; Galatians 5:22). The episode closes with a reminder that Jesus is the final sacrifice and mediator who grants forgiveness and access to God, and the speaker urges listeners to know, obey, and abide in Christ as the true temple. Barrett is mentioned as taking the next class to summarize previous lessons; class participants contribute reflections during the discussion.

Duration 39:48