September 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

How to Get Close to God 

Duration 35:34

September 7, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode the Phil opens a 13-week study of the Gospel of John, outlining the scope and themes listeners can expect and offering practical evangelistic tips for starting conversations about Christ. The session introduces the teaching team—Phil Hartnady, with Jeremy Waddell and Barrett Hammer sharing teaching responsibilities across the series—and references earlier ministry perspectives from Hiram and Neil. Phil explains the rhythm of the class and previews who will lead subsequent portions.

The talk begins with short, actionable advice for evangelism and a memorable framing comparison: "the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed," while the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed. The host then surveys the structure of the New Testament—four gospel accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), Acts, the epistles (Romans–Jude), and Revelation—summarizing the emphasis and audience of each gospel: Matthew to the Jews, Mark the action-oriented account, Luke the Gentile physician’s perspective, and John written to the world to demonstrate Christ’s unique divine identity.

Most of the episode focuses on John’s opening chapter and major themes: authorship (John son of Zebedee), purpose (to inspire belief—John 20:30–31), and Christ's divinity ("In the beginning was the Word..."). Phil highlights John’s characterization of Jesus as Logos and emphasizes key motifs—"I AM" sayings, the Lamb of God, and the many signs and miracles that prove Jesus’ authority over time, space, matter, disease, and death (with chapter/verse references and examples such as changing water to wine, healing at a distance, the blind man born blind, walking on water, and raising Lazarus).

The episode also unfolds John the Baptist’s witness, the calling of early disciples (Andrew, Peter, Philip, Nathanael), and the repeated invitation phrase "come and see." Phil stresses John’s evangelistic urgency—how the book builds faith by bearing witness to Jesus’ identity—and closes with a pastoral challenge: while becoming a Christian costs nothing because the price is paid, following Christ costs everything in terms of surrender of self and pride.

Listeners can expect a mix of lecture-style exposition (reflecting the host’s college teaching background), question-and-answer interaction, theological insights about Christ’s nature, and practical tools for sharing the gospel. This episode sets the stage for a deep, faith-building study of John and gives clear signposts for what will be explored in later weeks.

Duration 44:20

August 31, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

Timothy: A Courageous & Capable Servant

Hiram Kemp 

Duration 37:16

August 31, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

Keeping The Main Thing the Main Thing 

Duration 35:25

August 31, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

In this episode—a live class-style sermon with interactive participation —the speaker traces a persistent biblical theme: God always points his people toward “something better.” From Genesis through Revelation the episode examines how Scripture repeatedly entices believers to long for heaven, even amid suffering and exile.

Topics covered include Old Testament foreshadowing (Abraham’s promise, Joseph’s trials, the rainbow in Genesis, Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and the promised land), exile and restoration (Jeremiah and Daniel), and the elevation of hope in Jesus (John 4, John 14; Christ as the fulfillment of Messianic expectation). The class reflects on the cross—Psalm 22 and Hebrews 12—and shows how Jesus’ example and promises shape Christian longing.

The episode surveys New Testament teachings that make heaven practical and motivating: Colossians 3 and 1 John 3 on setting affections on things above, Thessalonians on the return of the Lord, and Revelation 21–22’s picture of a new heaven and new earth. It describes heaven as a place where all things are made new, the home of God, the gathering of the redeemed, and the final reward for faithful, enduring Christian living.

Practical application and key points: to long for heaven Christians must (1) understand what Scripture teaches about heaven (the newness, the presence of God, the reward), (2) anticipate it in hope, and (3) aim for it—by thinking about heaven, talking about it with others, and singing about it in worship. Expect Scripture references, pastoral exposition, personal illustrations, and clear, actionable challenges for how hope of heaven should shape daily living.

Who should listen: anyone wanting a biblically grounded encouragement to place eternal hope at the center of faith—students of Scripture, church small groups, and believers seeking practical ways to let heaven shape holiness, endurance, and evangelism.

Duration 47:02

July 30, 2025 - Wednesday PM Bible Class

This episode is a careful, pastoral study of King Manasseh (2 Chronicles 33; 2 Kings 21), placed in the sweep of Old Testament history from Genesis through the period of the kings. The speaker briefly reviews the Bible’s narrative arc—creation, the patriarchs, Joseph, the Exodus, conquest under Joshua, the era of the judges, and the demand for a human king—before focusing on the divided kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the historical context for Manasseh’s reign.

We hear historical facts and textual detail: Manasseh was the 14th monarch of Judah, reigned 55 years (697–642 BC), began ruling as a youth (co-regent with his father Hezekiah), and is often judged the most wicked king of Judah. The episode catalogs his crimes—reversing Hezekiah’s reforms, restoring high places, crafting and installing idols in the temple, occult practices, and even child sacrifice—and mentions traditions (not in the Old Testament text) that link him to the violent death of the prophet Isaiah.

The episode then traces the consequences: Manasseh’s actions provoked God’s anger, Scripture records the invasion and exile that followed, and passages in Jeremiah and 2 Kings are cited showing how his sins defiled Jerusalem and contributed to later national judgment. The host contrasts 2 Kings (which omits Manasseh’s repentance) with 2 Chronicles (which records his humiliation, prayer, and restoration), reading 2 Chronicles 33:12–13 as evidence of a genuine, humble conversion.

Guests and contributors include brief comments and questions from parishioners and readers who help unpack parallel passages (Deuteronomy, Psalms) and theological implications. The speaker also draws on Proverbs, Hebrews, Matthew’s genealogy (which names Manasseh among Christ’s ancestors), and reflections from G. K. Chesterton to broaden the discussion.

Key takeaways and applications are emphasized: there is always hope for repentance even for grievous sin; God’s patience has limits and disobedience brings consequences; individual disobedience can endanger a community; our choices leave an influential legacy (for good or ill); and parents and leaders must persist in teaching righteousness. The host presses listeners to consider today’s “high places” (false worship, dishonesty, sexual immorality, substance abuse, insincere worship) and to pray for church elders and leaders who shepherd the flock.

The episode closes with pastoral counsel: don’t assume any sin is beyond God’s forgiveness, but do not presume on God’s mercy—respond in humility, prayer, and obedience. Listeners can expect clear biblical exposition, practical life lessons, Scripture references for further study (notably 2 Chronicles 33, 2 Kings 21, Jeremiah 15, Proverbs 6, Hebrews 1), and invitations to pray for James Jones and for spiritual leadership in the church.

Duration 42:05

August 24, 2025 - Sunday PM Sermon

Join Hiram and Neil for a thoughtful question-and-answer session tackling tough theological and practical questions from attendees. This episode covers whether God’s omniscience negates human free will and how Genesis 6:6’s language of God’s “regret” should be understood, exploring anthropomorphism and the difference between divine foreknowledge and divine causation.

The hosts discuss Jesus’ baptism (Luke 3:23) and why he was baptized around age thirty, explaining why his example does not set a required age for believer’s baptism today. They outline the biblical prerequisites for baptism—recognition of personal sin, faith and repentance, and an understanding of discipleship—while emphasizing maturity varies by individual rather than by a fixed age.

Hiram and Neil examine ways to help others see the Bible’s reliability, differentiating internal and external proofs such as scientific foreknowledge, archaeological and geographical confirmations, and predictive prophecy (including examples like Tyre and Cyrus). They encourage listeners to read Scripture for themselves and test its claims.

The conversation moves to spiritual dangers and superstition: whether people can still make deals with the devil or worship demons today, the biblical view of sorcery, and how such practices separate a person from God. The panel stresses caution about conjecture and staying within what Scripture clearly teaches.

Listeners also get clarity on phrases like “heaven and earth will pass away,” with explanation of how Jesus used that language in different contexts to emphasize the enduring truth of God’s word, and guidance on interpreting “heaven” in Scripture.

Finally, the hosts define worship from a New Testament perspective: intentional acts of showing worth to God done in spirit and truth. They outline five authorized expressions—preaching/teaching, giving, singing (congregational a cappella), prayer, and the Lord’s Supper (noting the Lord’s Supper’s unique first-day assembly practice)—and explain when Bible study or other gatherings constitute worship. Practical pastoral points on conscience, Romans 14 sensitivity, and how worship is not confined to a building conclude the episode.

Duration 47:26

August 24, 2025 - Sunday AM Sermon

This episode is a heartfelt sermon and marriage seminar message delivered at Cumberland Trace, led by a speaker, John Moore. The episode celebrates the church’s dedication to helping families and explores what it takes to move from the marriage altar to decades of faithful, joyful marriage.

Topics covered include practical marriage guidance framed as “rules of the road” from Colossians 3, common detours and hazards couples face, and the need for regular “engine repair” and communication to resolve conflict. The speaker encourages couples to keep “fuel in the tank” by practicing biblical love, referencing Colossians 3, 1 Corinthians 13, 1 Thessalonians, Romans, 1 John 4, and 2 Corinthians 5 as foundational texts.

The episode contrasts worldly notions of love with the Bible’s teaching that love is more than feeling — it is action and a command. The speaker discusses the five love languages as a helpful tool, explains four Greek concepts of love (eros, storge, phileo, agape), and emphasizes the difference between friendship-based phileo love and sacrificial, decision-based agape love. Listeners hear real-life examples and practical counsel about forgiveness, loving the unlovable, returning good for evil, and creating shared experiences to rebuild trust and phileo love over time.

Key takeaways include: love binds everything together in harmony; love must be learned, exercised, and commanded; true love is giving and sacrificial as demonstrated in the gospel — God’s love for the unlovable shown on the cross; and that Christian marriage and church life are transformed when we choose to love like God. The speaker offers an invitation to reconciliation, baptism, and community support, urging listeners to take concrete steps toward healing and stronger relationships.

Duration 38:15

August 24, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This weekend we have been very blessed to have John and Carla Moore providing a marriage seminar for our community. John continues some of the lesson today in our adult bible class.

In this episode, the speaker opens with a heartfelt prayer and explores the story of Joseph from Genesis to draw lessons about marriage, family, pain, and forgiveness. Using Joseph’s life—his favoritism by his father, the jealousy and cruelty of his brothers, his betrayal and sale into slavery, false accusation, imprisonment, and eventual rise to power—the speaker examines how unresolved bitterness can linger and how God’s providence can transform suffering into good.

The episode covers: the dynamics of a dysfunctional family, parental favoritism, sibling rivalry, emotional wounds from youth, human temptation toward vengeance, and the complexities of forgiveness. The speaker highlights three key factors that made Joseph’s forgiveness possible: 1) refusing to take God’s place in judgment, 2) trusting that God can redeem evil and bring about a greater good, and 3) repaying evil with kindness—serving and providing for those who wronged him.

Illustrative examples include Joseph’s interactions with his brothers (treating them as strangers, testing them, and finally revealing himself), Judah’s growth into responsibility, and a modern testimony of Adam Brasile, a man who was wrongfully imprisoned for 12 years and later found faith and gratitude through his suffering. The speaker connects these narratives to New Testament principles—Jesus’ sacrificial love, Paul’s teaching in Romans, and the call to love enemies—and encourages listeners to trust God, do good, and replace bitterness with service.

This episode is for anyone struggling with family pain, bitterness, or forgiveness. Listeners can expect biblical teaching, pastoral encouragement, practical steps for letting go of resentment, and a reminder of God’s long-term, redemptive purposes. The message concludes with a call to follow Joseph’s example: surrender hurt to God, fill the void with good works, and believe that God can bring blessing out of brokenness.

Duration 43:01

August 17, 2025 - Sunday AM Bible Class

This episode explores the vital role of Bible classes in church growth, and the responsibilities Christians have to teach. The speaker emphasizes that teaching is both a gift and a skill that develops over time through study, practice, and prayer.

Topics include common excuses (fear, lack of knowledge, time, comparison), practical solutions (study habits, team teaching, rotation, and thinking outside the box), and examples from scripture such as Hebrews 5, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy 2:2, and Nehemiah to show how teaching is entrusted and multiplied.

The talk encourages listeners to start where they are, use their abilities, rely on God’s Word, and partner with church leaders to cultivate teachers who make the Bible accessible and relevant for all ages.

Duration 45:58