Lehman Ave Church of Christ

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 6:00 PM Session Wayne Jones delivers a sermon analyzing the last nine chapters of Genesis, focusing on the story of Joseph and Jacob. He argues that the narrative is not primarily about the individual patriarchs but about God's overarching purpose and character. The lecture identifies six key activities of God demonstrated in these chapters: wrapping up previous promises, providing for those in need, healing damaged hearts, restoring broken families, rewarding past actions, and writing the next chapter of His divine plan. These actions are presented as timeless principles, applicable to the lives of believers today, encouraging them to see God as the central character in their own stories and to live out His purpose. Duration 40:09

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 10:30 AM Session   This lecture reframes the biblical story of Joseph from a simple children's tale into a profound narrative about facing life's trials with faith. The speaker argues that Joseph's story is relatable because it mirrors the "roller coaster" of human life, full of ups and downs. The central theme is Joseph's "coat of many trials," representing three key challenges: the trial of persecution (betrayal by family), the trial of perseverance (enduring wrongful imprisonment), and the trial of perspective (resisting pride and bitterness). These trials, though painful, were part of God's providential plan to prepare Joseph for his ultimate role and to show that righteousness does not guarantee an easy life. The lecture urges listeners to learn from Joseph's example: trust God's plan during suffering, maintain a righteous perspective, and find hope in God's power to lift them from their own "pits" of sin and struggle.   Duration 41:53

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 9:30 AM Session   A lesson on "Developing a Courageous Faith Like the Patriarchs." Rose uses the analogy of an anchor line connecting a ship to the anchor (God) to illustrate how faith is developed through the "tension" of life's struggles and trials. The lecture examines the lives of Old Testament patriarchs—Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and briefly Job—as ordinary people who became extraordinary through their active, obedient faith. The core message is that courageous faith is not the absence of fear but an active trust in God, built incrementally through obedience, surrender, and enduring trials. The speaker encourages the audience to embrace their struggles as training grounds, maintain integrity, and cultivate a "pilgrim mentality," always remembering that they are a work in progress, developing their faith to hold onto God's unchanging promises.   Duration 41:34

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 9:30 AM Session   The main content of the lecture analyzed Genesis chapters 37 and 38. The first part focused on Genesis 37, detailing Joseph as Jacob's favored son, the intense hatred from his brothers fueled by this favoritism and Joseph's prophetic dreams, and their plot to kill him. This led to Reuben's intervention, Joseph being thrown into a pit, and Judah's proposal to sell him to Ishmaelite/Midianite traders for twenty shekels of silver. Joseph was then taken to Egypt and sold to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh. The second part of the lecture analyzed Genesis 38, shifting focus to Judah and Tamar to explore themes of immorality and hypocrisy. It outlined Judah's family, the deaths of his sons Er and Onan, the unfulfilled Levirate obligation to Tamar, Tamar's desperate act of disguising herself to conceive by Judah, his hypocritical condemnation, and his eventual confession ("She is more righteous than I"). The narrative concluded with the birth of the twins Perez and Zerah. Throughout the session, Kasarjian emphasized practical applications for modern life, including the dangers of parental favoritism, the difficulty of recognizing divine providence as it unfolds, the tendency to judge others' sins more harshly than our own, the untrustworthiness of feelings as a guide for truth, and the biblical principle of reaping what one sows. Duration 40:08

April 26, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 4 - 8:30 AM Session   Dan Winkler continues a series centered on the phrase “from the beginning,” which occurs 23 times in the New Testament. This session examines Matthew 19, where the phrase appears twice in the context of marriage, divorce, and remarriage (MDR). The speaker critiques common misreadings of the chapter, stressing that its broader theme is “kingdom living,” and that isolating verse 9 neglects crucial context. The lecture unpacks Matthew 19:1-12: the Pharisees' test question on divorce, Jesus' answer anchoring marriage in God's original intent at creation, and the dialogue on the certificate of divorce and eunuchs for the kingdom's sake. A thorough analysis of Matthew 19:9 defines “whoever,” “divorce,” and “adultery,” arguing that God's marriage law applies to all people, not only those in covenant with Him. The session ends with practical lessons for strengthening marriage: using Scripture as the guide, following God's pattern of leaving and cleaving, cultivating togetherness, tender-heartedness, and prioritizing the kingdom of God. Duration 47:05

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 7:00PM Session Walking with God - Justin Rogers   This lecture examines the biblical idea of “walking with God,” centering on Enoch in Genesis 5. It highlights unique features of Enoch's story—the timing of his walk with God and his sudden disappearance—to clarify what a God-directed life looks like. The talk contrasts this walk with worldly mindsets, including practical atheism and self-deifying notions that “God is within me.” It also warns against the prideful belief that “God needs me,” using Peter's missteps as cautionary examples. The central message is that genuine walking with God rests on the confession, “I need God.” The speaker closes with three practical principles: shorten your steps (keep faith simple and live in community), humble your heart (reject self-reliance and control), and follow wherever God leads (trust Him fully without conditions and put nothing before Him). Duration 35:03

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 6:30PM Session   Has God Said…? - Mike Vestal   The lecture by Mike Vestal examines the nature of sin and Satan's strategy in Genesis 3, framing humanity's fall as “Paradise Lost in Seven Steps.” Sin is portrayed not as a trivial act (like eating fruit) but as a grave offense against God—idolatry, rebellion, and distorted love. The seven steps of Satan's strategy are outlined: surprise, craftiness, speaking to relate, questioning to create doubt, deceiving and contradicting God, enticing with alluring promises, and finally ensnaring and enslaving humanity. In contrast, the latter half presents God's superior, pre-ordained plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, which counters each tactic. God's plan is straightforward and centers on the Word becoming flesh to invite and liberate rather than deceive and enslave. The lecture concludes by underscoring the seriousness of sin and the glory of God's redemptive plan, which enables a right relationship with Him through correct belief, practice, and heart affection.   Duration 30:24  

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 6:00PM Session   Closing out the 3rd day of the 2026 version of the Equipped Workshop hosted by the Cumberland Trace Church of Christ, Andy Baker leads the assembly in a few A cappella songs.   Duration 25:11

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 3:30 PM Session   How Involved Should Your Parents Be in Your Life (Gen. 24) - Glenn Hitchcock   The lecture examines parental involvement and faith through Genesis 24, focusing on Abraham. It begins by defining a parent, including both biological and adoptive. The core centers on God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, and how Abraham, in old age, took faithful steps to secure a wife for his son Isaac to ensure the promise continued. He explains five elements of a promise, using God's covenant with Abraham as the main example. The narrative follows Abraham's trusted servant on his mission to find Isaac a wife, emphasizing faith, prayer, and patience. Rebecca, who becomes Isaac's wife, is highlighted as a model of faith and hospitality. The lecture concludes by drawing parallels to modern parenting, advocating high parental involvement marked by guidance, mutual respect, and spiritual support, while allowing children freedom to make their own choices.   Duration 39:48

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 3:30 PM Session   Preachers: Two Dozen Sermon Outlines from Genesis - Todd Crayton   The lecture outlines teachings aimed primarily at preachers but applicable to anyone studying the Bible. It presents preaching as the gospel expressed through a Christian's unique personality and stresses clear, organized communication. The session draws lessons from Genesis, covering the consequences of Lot's choices; Abraham's promises and surrender; humanity's creation in God's image; Joseph's character and faithfulness; God's probing question “Where are you?”; the divine origin and design of marriage; and Noah's dedication in a corrupt world. It urges continual growth in preaching and Bible study, wise use of modern media, and maintaining holiness, humility, and faithfulness in all seasons.    Duration 39:47

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 3:30 PM Session   In this episode Bethany uses the Stanford Marshmallow Experiment as a vivid entry point to explore the life of Esau from Genesis. The talk weaves psychological research, biblical narrative, and personal stories to examine how impulse, trust, and spiritual awareness shaped Esau's choices and outcomes. The episode reviews key events in Esau's life: his birth and the prenatal prophecy, family dynamics of favoritism, the impulsive sale of his birthright for a bowl of stew, his marriages to foreign women and the friction they caused, and the deception that led to Jacob receiving Isaac's blessing. The speaker also describes the brothers' painful estrangement, Jacob's 20-year exile, and their moving reunion where Esau runs to embrace Jacob. Listeners hear theological reflection and practical lessons, including how rejecting the spiritual life leads to destruction, the high price of undervaluing a spiritual birthright, and the irreversible consequences of impulsive choices. The speaker draws parallels between Esau's emotional decision-making and common modern temptations, emphasizing spiritual discipline, the value of “the next right thing,” and the difference between reconciliation and genuine repentance. The episode closes by revisiting a follow-up to the marshmallow study that links trustworthiness and delayed gratification—used as an analogy for faith and divine faithfulness—and by connecting Esau's story to New Testament warnings (Hebrews 12:15). The talk finishes with personal applications for Christian growth and a closing prayer, leaving listeners with concrete takeaways about restraint, spiritual formation, and the importance of seeking God. Duration 38:45

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   Youth: "Remember Lot's Wife" (Luke 17:32) - Dean Thompson   A lecture-discussion on Jesus' statement in Luke 17:32, “Remember Lot's wife,” presenting it as both a warning and an encouragement for Christians to remain obedient, forward-looking, and steadfast. Drawing from Genesis 19:15–26, the talk underscored the certainty of God's word, the spiritual cost of “glancing back” to old sins or attachments, and the rightness and reward of pressing forward in Christ. The instructor wove together scripture (Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 55:10–11; Psalm 103:17–18; Matthew 7:13–14; 1 Peter 5; 1 John 2:15–17; 2 Thessalonians 1:8–9; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Matthew 28:20; 2 Peter 3:10–12; 1 Thessalonians 5:2–3) with practical examples, including a personal story about leaving a crude group chat and later restoring friendships through honest conversation. A “rearview mirror challenge” invited attendees to write down temptations that pull them back, flip the card as a sign of choosing forward faithfulness, and keep it for reflection. The session closed by urging commitment to the narrow path that leads to life and concluded with prayer.   Duration 38:18

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 In this fast-paced teaching session (a leadership/preacher track) Allen surveys 15 characters from Genesis that are referenced in the epistles of the New Testament, explaining how each person points to major theological themes and offering practical sermon ideas. The episode situates the study within a broader Bible overview (the 5.12 Old Testament / 4.1.21.1 New Testament schema) and emphasizes selecting 3–4 memorable lessons to personalize and preach. Key characters examined include Adam and Eve (human failure and divine redemption; the first and second Adam contrast in Romans 5 and 1 Corinthians 15); Cain and Abel (faithful worship vs. false religion; anger and violence); Enoch (walking with God and being taken by God; Hebrews 11, Jude); Noah (obedient faith, separation from the world, and baptism typology in 1 Peter 3); Lot (worldliness and maintaining faith amid compromise); Abraham and Sarah (justification by faith and works, patient trust); Isaac (substitutionary sacrifice type); Ishmael (bondage under law vs. freedom in Christ); Jacob and Esau (election, spiritual growth, profane living and misplaced priorities); Joseph (God's providence and forgiveness); and Melchizedek (a priestly type of Christ). The episode also unpacks recurring motifs and teaching tools: types and antitypes in the Old Testament, three levels of law, Satan's three temptation tactics (doubt God's Word, deny God's consequences, substitute worldly promises), practical sermon outlines, and multiple New Testament cross-references (Romans, Hebrews, Galatians, James, 1 Peter, Jude, Acts). The speaker provides concrete preaching points and pastoral applications—how to illustrate each character's lesson, sermon outline suggestions, and pastoral exhortations for personal growth and ministry. Listeners should expect a 40‑minute rapid tour designed to equip preachers and students with sermon ideas, textual hooks, and pastoral takeaways—encouraging them to focus on a few key figures for teaching, to apply typology responsibly, and to learn spiritual lessons ranging from repentance and obedience to providence and forgiveness. Duration 41:00

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

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Marriage/Family Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Family - Bill Burk, Steven Ford, Richard Sutton   A panel discussion featuring Richard Sutton, Bill Burke, and Stephen Ford addressed strengthening marriages and families. The session began by introducing the panelists, highlighting their diverse backgrounds in mission work, biblical scholarship, and preacher training. The discussion emphasized that couples often drift into a "coexistent mode" and require intentionality—through improved communication, dedicated time, and small, consistent acts of love—to thrive as God intends. The speakers explored the vital role of older, experienced couples in mentoring younger ones through hospitality, transparency, and modeling a Christ-centered life. The conversation then shifted to parenting, identifying common mistakes like delaying spiritual instruction and prioritizing worldly success over faithfulness. The panelists stressed the importance of teaching scripture early, consistent modeling and discipline, and explaining moral reasoning from a Christian perspective. A significant portion was dedicated to navigating betrayal and broken trust in marriage. Key advice included total honesty, patience, and humility from the offending spouse, and managed emotions, a willingness to understand, and forgiveness from the offended spouse. The session concluded with foundational principles for strong homes: love Jesus first, love your spouse second above all others, and maintain open communication.   Duration 40:09

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session Youth Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Youth - Jerry Elder, Justin Rogers, Tim Lewis   Three directors and ministers—Tim Lewis, Dr. Justin Rogers, and Jerry Elder—discuss the primary struggles facing young people today: busyness, social media pressure, and anxiety. They offer practical guidance for spiritual growth, including consistent, reflective Bible study, taking personal responsibility, and building strong church relationships. They also highlight encouraging trends: young people's desire to serve their communities and pursue truth.   Duration 40:17

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Preachers/Elders Panel Discussion: Questions and Insights for Leaders - Mike Vestal, Richard Melson, Wayne Jones   The panelists discuss how church elders can balance their spiritual and administrative duties, emphasizing delegation ("train and trust"). They explore strategies for elders to genuinely know their congregation in growing churches and outline the components of a healthy, collaborative relationship between elders and preachers based on mutual respect, friendship, role clarity, and spiritual care. The discussion also covers signs of burnout and practical remedies, offers concise advice for new leaders, and concludes by celebrating the joy of witnessing transformed lives through ministry.   Duration 40:29

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:30 PM Session   Join hosts Emily Pollard, Brittany Kemp, and Tiffany Secula for a heartfelt and practical conversation about living out faith in the middle of busy, messy, and unexpected seasons. Each woman brings personal experience—Emily serving young women in ministry and raising a growing family, Brittany balancing family life, missions experience and graduate study, and Tiffany offering decades of ministry and licensed Christian counseling—to offer encouragement rooted in Scripture and real life. The episode opens with a discussion on spiritual consistency: what it really means and how it looks when schedules and responsibilities shift. Guests reject the idea of a rigid routine and emphasize "habit stacking" and small moments of spiritual connection—audio Bibles, quick Scripture readings, prayer lists, meditative quiet in the car, and leaning on weekly assemblies and preaching as fuel for the week. Passages and examples from Genesis and Psalm 139 underscore the idea of an ongoing spiritual trajectory rather than perfection. Next, the panel tackles comparison, resentment, and unrealistic expectations. Brittany's reminder that "comparison is the thief of joy" sets the tone as speakers encourage contentment (Philippians 4) and gratitude, practical boundaries, and honest communication with sisters in Christ. They discuss warning signs of unhealthy comparison, the difference between harmful comparison and healthy imitation of godly examples, and how to refocus identity on what God says about us rather than cultural pressure or curated social media snapshots. The final thread of the conversation explores trusting God when life doesn't go as planned. Through biblical examples (Joseph, Esther, Ruth, Job) and personal stories of unexpected moves and ministry life, the guests urge listeners to remember God's faithfulness, reflect on past times He provided, and rely on promises like Proverbs 3:5–6. Practical counsel includes looking back to recognize God's hand, leaning on community and counseling when needed, and allowing rest as part of spiritual health. Throughout the episode you'll hear candid anecdotes, Scripture references, and actionable takeaways: use technology (audio Bibles, apps) to stay connected, make small daily anchors that fit your season, practice gratitude and healthy comparison, guard your heart, and trust God's sovereignty when plans change. Expect warm, encouraging teaching geared toward women seeking practical ways to love God and serve others amid real-life demands.   Duration 41:07

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:15 PM Session In this episode we unpack Hebrews 11 and ask the question: why is Abraham called the father of our faith? Using Genesis, Romans, and Hebrews as touchstones, the speaker explores Abraham not only as a literal progenitor but as a spiritual model whose life teaches us how to live by faith. Guests Jett and Luke deliver reflections that frame Abraham's life as a pattern to follow — three specific “footprints” are highlighted: the footprint of trust (obeying God without a blueprint), the footprint of a traveler (living as temporary residents in tents while seeking a heavenly city), and the footprint of sacrifice (willingness to surrender what we love most, exemplified by Abraham's offering of Isaac). The episode references key scriptures (Hebrews 11:8–19, Romans 4, Genesis 12 & 15, John 14:3, Philippians 3:20, 1 Corinthians 15:58) and translates those passages into practical application: examining modern “Isaacs” (idols like phones, social media, jobs, hobbies), reconsidering where we set our roots, and embracing baptism and a pilgrim mentality. The sermon challenges listeners to trade earthly certainty for God's presence and to live visibly as people seeking a better country. Listeners can expect pastoral teaching, personal illustrations, and a clear invitation to evaluate their spiritual residency. The episode closes with gratitude to Jett, Luke, their parents and congregations, and a reminder of upcoming small-group sessions and panels for further discussion. Duration 11:06

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 1:00 PM Session In this episode the speaker examines the biblical call to pursue unity in a world marked by division. Using Genesis 13's account of Abraham and Lot as the central example, the message highlights how humility, selflessness, and intentional peacemaking can resolve conflict and preserve relationships even when resources or opinions clash. Key topics include practical steps for promoting unity—addressing conflict directly and peacefully, choosing humility over advantage, and being willing to sacrifice for the sake of relationship—and New Testament teachings that shape how Christians should pursue peace, including Romans 12:18 and John 17's prayer for oneness. The episode also balances the call to unity with the necessity of truth: unity must not come at the cost of obedience to God. Passages such as John 3 on new birth, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 on withdrawing from the disorderly, and Matthew 18's restoration process are discussed to show when separation may be required to encourage repentance and protect the church. There are no outside guests; this is a focused solo message from the speaker. Listeners will come away with clear, practical takeaways: unity often requires personal sacrifice and humility, it must be rooted in love and the image-bearing worth of every person, and it must remain faithful to biblical truth, so the church's witness reflects God rather than compromise. Duration 12:28

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 11:00 AM Session In this sermon-style episode Caleb addresses the classic question: Why do bad things happen if God is all-powerful and all-loving? Beginning with the philosophical problem of evil, the speaker explains why the old atheist argument against God has lost force and emphasizes that God's providence may include reasons we can't fully see. Using everyday analogies (a bicycle mishap, an airbag repair, the movie Sliding Doors) and real-life stories, the episode illustrates how small, unseen causes can shape far-reaching outcomes. The speaker outlines four biblical reasons God allows suffering: (1) to draw people nearer to know and love God (supported by 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, James 1:2–4, Romans 5:3–5); (2) to glorify God by demonstrating faithful endurance in the face of trials (Job's example and Jesus' teaching on persecution); (3) to put temporal suffering in perspective against the incomparable, eternal reward of heaven (2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Mark 9:43–48); and (4) to show that knowing God is an incomparable good worth sacrifice (illustrated by Paul's testimony of counting prior achievements as loss). The episode references multiple Scripture passages (Isaiah 43:6–7; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; James 1:2–4; Acts 14:22; Romans 5:3–5; 2 Corinthians 4:16–18; Mark 9:43–48) and mixes theological explanation with practical applications: trust God's providence even when reasons are hidden, allow trials to build character and deepen relationships, let suffering reveal the worth of God to others, and hold an eternal perspective that makes present pain feel small by comparison. Listeners can expect a compassionate, scripture-rooted exploration of suffering that balances honest acknowledgement of pain with encouragement: suffering has purposes, Christians are called to persevere and glorify God through trials, and ultimate justice and restoration will be realized in eternity. The speaker invites follow-up conversations and offers to share slides or resources for further study. Duration 39:32

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 11:00 AM Session   Grace from the Beginning - Steve Higginbotham   In this lecture, Steve Higginbotham challenges the misconception that the God of the Old Testament is harsh and graceless while the New Testament reveals a loving God. He argues that God has always been both just and gracious, evident from the very beginning. Using Genesis 3 as the central text, Higginbotham highlights multiple expressions of grace immediately following humanity's fall. He explains how God initiated contact to seek, call, confront, chasten, cover, and ultimately protect Adam and Eve by expelling them from the garden—portraying these actions not as wrath, but as profound acts of loving grace aimed at reconciliation and preventing eternal life in a fallen state.   Duration 33:33

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 11:00 AM Session In this solo teaching episode, Cherie uses the image of family photo albums to lead a flyover tour of Genesis and its echoes in the Gospels. Opening with Psalm 115 and a personal anecdote about a calligraphy plate, the lesson frames Genesis as "God's family album #1" and the Gospels as album #2, exploring how God's plan moves from infancy to maturity and how the Old Testament portraits find fulfillment in Jesus. The episode is organized around eight snapshots: four major events (Creation, the Fall, the Flood, and the Tower of Babel) and four key personalities (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph). For each picture the teacher draws parallels to the Gospels: Creation as God's preparation and Jesus as the Word made flesh; the Fall as humanity's problem and Jesus as the rescuing way; the Flood showing God's loving patience and righteous judgment with warnings about readiness; and Babel as a caution against self-reliance and presumptuous religion. Turning to the four personalities, the talk examines Abraham as the recipient of God's promises fulfilled in Christ, Isaac as a picture of God's provision, Jacob as a portrait of struggle leading to divine purpose, and Joseph as an example of God's sustaining presence through hardship. Along the way the speaker points listeners to key Bible references (Genesis, John, Matthew, Luke and Pauline and epistolary echoes) and weaves in practical applications: cultivate daily awe, accept Christ's rescue, live ready and faithful, avoid self-reliant towers of riches or religion, and trust God's promises and presence. The episode includes personal touches (travel Bible, family stories), brief engagement with archaeological and cultural references related to the flood, and frequent Scripture citations to ground the teaching. There are no external guests—this is a solo, pastoral-style exposition intended to help listeners see their own place in God's story and to anticipate the next "album" yet to come: the Lamb's Book of Life.   Duration 42:39

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 11:00 AM Session   This episode takes a close look at Genesis chapters 26–28, moving from a broad overview of the book into a focused study of the characters, events, and theological lessons in these three chapters. The host reviews the historical sweep of Genesis, summarizes chapters 26–28 (Isaac in Gerar, the stolen blessing, and Jacob's ladder), and reflects on how these stories illustrate both human failing and God's unshaken rule. The program references earlier contributions by guest Chance and includes insights offered during the class session. Chapter-by-chapter, the episode covers: Genesis 26 — Isaac following Abraham's footsteps in Gerar, repeating the ‘‘sister'' deception, growing prosperity, conflicts over wells, the covenant with Abimelech, and Esau's disappointing marriages; Genesis 27 — Rebekah's plot and Jacob's deception that results in the stolen blessing, Isaac's blindness and trembling, Esau's bitter reaction, and the theological tension between human scheming and God's prior will; Genesis 28 — Jacob's departure, the famous ladder-to-heaven vision, his vow and tithe promise, and the beginning of his long exile. The episode pulls out two central themes: sibling rivalry and divine sovereignty. It traces sibling conflict as a recurring, corrosive thread in Scripture (Cain and Abel, Ishmael and Isaac, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers), and identifies four biblical causes of sibling rivalry illustrated here — favoritism, worldliness, selfish ambition, and envy. It also examines the reality of divine sovereignty: how God's purposes are accomplished despite human sin, why God is neither dependent on nor endorses sinful means, and how individual justice and consequences still play out. Listeners will get practical application and pastoral guidance: how to respond to God's sovereignty in uncertain times (trust, obedient service, confident witness, and worship even when it is difficult), and a set of relational prescriptions for families and churches — pursue love not hate, cooperation not competition, unity not separation, honor not innuendo, edification not envy, reconciliation not rivalry, and brotherhood not division. The speaker also highlights the personal costs of ‘‘right outcome, wrong method'' and invites the audience to examine where they stand in these narratives. Overall, this episode blends biblical exposition, pastoral application, and theological reflection — equipping listeners to understand the narrative arc of Genesis 26–28, recognize the spiritual dynamics at work in family and church life, and apply lessons about faithfulness, justice, and the sovereign reign of God in their own lives.   Duration 40:58

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 10:00 AM Session This episode features a heartfelt sermon-style teaching from a pastor/teacher working through Genesis 39, aimed especially at teens, parents, and church leaders. The speaker uses Joseph's encounter with Potiphar's wife to explore how private decisions reveal character and how young people can stand firm in the face of sexual pressure. Topics covered include: the biblical account of Joseph in Genesis 39; three crucial decisions for resisting temptation—deciding who you belong to, deciding how you will respond to temptation before the moment arrives, and deciding what matters more than comfort; the difference between public failure and private character; and the long-term cost of compromise versus the immediate cost of faithfulness. The sermon emphasizes that strength is choosing God in private, and that fleeing temptation is often the right strategy. The speaker illustrates key points with contemporary examples—phone screen-time reports, online temptations and apps, and the marshmallow self-control test—and practical research-backed suggestions such as talking openly about sex and purity, providing a positive home environment, monitoring media, staying busy with good activities, and studying God's design for relationships. The message also includes pastoral encouragement: even when doing right leads to hardship (as it did for Joseph), God's presence and favor remain—"the Lord was with him"—and failure is not final. Listeners can expect candid, practical guidance, clear biblical teaching, and a compassionate call to seek accountability and support from parents, elders, and youth leaders. The episode closes with encouragement to build an identity in Christ, make preemptive decisions about temptation, and accept the cost of faithfulness while trusting God's continued presence and purposes.   Duration 38:32

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 10:00 AM Session   Text Questions:  Is Genesis 3:15 The First Messianic Prophesy? - Bart Warren   A rigorous theological analysis arguing that Genesis 3:15 is the “protoevangelium”—the first gospel and first messianic prophecy—grounding the claim in narrative context, Hebrew linguistic features, cross-textual biblical themes, and historical reception. The talk concludes that the verse promises a human deliverer who will be wounded yet ultimately triumph over the serpent (Satan), restoring hope and access to life through Christ's victory.   Duration 41:18

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 10:00 AM Session   Questions About Spiritual Growth and Development  Discusses the multifaceted nature of Christian spiritual growth. Key indicators of increasing faith include decreased fear, increased obedience, sensitivity to sin, and the fruits of the Spirit. Maturity is a disciplined, lifelong process nurtured by consistent engagement with Scripture, prayer, enduring trials, and active participation in a supportive church community. This resilience is built by trusting God's character, especially during life's unexpected challenges.   Duration 41:33

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 10:00 AM Session This episode is a sermon-style teaching that walks through Genesis 20–25, using the lives of Abraham and Isaac to reveal the character of the God who is called the friend of Abraham. Rather than focusing only on the biographical details of Abraham, the message unpacks how these chapters help us know God better — his pursuit of people, his faithfulness to promises, and his gracious provision. Topics covered include Abraham's journey to Gerar and the Abimelech episode, God's intervention in dreams, the opening of Sarah's womb and the birth of Isaac, the covenant at Beersheba, Hagar and Ishmael's desert deliverance, the testing on Mount Moriah, Sarah's burial in Machpelah, the servant's mission to find Rebekah, and the blessing of Ishmael and Isaac leading to the Jacob and Esau scene. The episode ties these Old Testament narratives to New Testament fulfillment in Jesus, the Spirit as our guarantee, and the hope of resurrection. Key points emphasized: God is a pursuing God who draws his people back in times of weak faith; God is a fulfilling God who keeps his promises; God is a providing God who brings life in the face of certain death; God is a resurrecting God who inspires trust beyond the grave; God guides and directs his people; and God is the blessing-giver whose gifts we must not trade for immediate gratification. The teaching highlights numerous typological connections to Jesus — the Seed, the Lamb, the Resurrected One — and explains how those themes shape Christian hope and discipleship. Listeners can expect a pastoral, Scripture-saturated exposition (no external guests), practical application for seasons of wavering faith, and a steady invitation to trust the God of Abraham — the friend who pursues, provides, fulfills, leads, and blesses his people now and forever. Duration 37:47

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 9:00 AM Session Location: Room 116 Instructor:  Keith Kasarjian Title:  Leadership - Why Is There Suffering, Evil, and Death Summary Keith delivered a practical lecture on equipping “equippers” to help people grapple with evil, pain, and suffering, emphasizing pastoral sensitivity over philosophical debate. He cautioned against three common missteps (dismiss, deny, dogmatize), offered perspective on the scale and faith-testing nature of suffering, outlined multiple causes (laws of nature, personal sin, others' actions, persecution for doing right, and testing), and presented a framework for understanding God's will in three dimensions: ideal (Eden), ultimate (eternal salvation and heavenly comfort), and present in light of human sin (enduring consequences while God provides salvation through Christ). He illustrated points with personal experiences, international ministry contexts (including India and Odisha), biblical examples (Job, James, Paul, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego), and a powerful story of prison evangelism in Cameroon that transformed suffering into gospel progress. The core aim was to better prepare leaders to walk with people through hard questions without pretending to have all answers, anchoring hope in God's ultimate will.   Duration 39:52

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 9:00 AM Session In this episode, Jody explores the role of apologetics in preaching, emphasizing that defending the faith is not a competitive debate but a pastoral, truth-centered practice that both reassures believers and invites nonbelievers. Drawing heavily on New Testament texts—especially John, Luke, Peter, Paul, and Hebrews—the talk traces how the gospel roots redemption in creation: God as Creator, the Word becoming flesh, and the unfolding proclamation of Christ from Genesis through Acts. Topics include: how Jesus reasoned from shared, observable reality to make spiritual claims; the importance of credible eyewitness testimony and converging-witness reasoning; the theological and philosophical basis for preaching (including the relationship between creation and revelation); and practical guidance for connecting the message of Scripture with listeners' common experiences. The speaker underscores that apologetic preaching should combine conviction with compassion, avoid manufacturing meaning or seeking personal prestige, and aim to exalt God rather than the preacher. Key points and illustrations: John's prologue and the incarnation as foundational apologetic themes; Luke's emphasis on orderly investigation and eyewitness testimony; Peter and Paul's appeals to testimony and generational transmission of the gospel; Jesus' method of using observable realities, moral accountability, and pointed questions to prompt thinking; and the metaphysical grounding of physical realities (e.g., math, forces, time) as pointers to a transcendent Creator. The episode also reflects on pastoral practices—how to meet people where they are, ask why, and lead thoughtful, loving, and reasoned responses to life's big questions. Listeners can expect a thoughtful, scripture-rooted case for why apologetics belongs at the heart of preaching and pastoral care, with practical examples and biblical passages to explore further. The speaker offers to share slides used in the talk for those who want deeper study. Duration 45:33

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 9:00 AM Session This episode is a sermon-style teaching that carefully unpacks Genesis chapters 18 and 19, exploring how these two chapters lay foundational truths for the whole Bible: the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and the unfolding of God's righteous justice. The speaker walks through Abraham's encounter with the Lord and two angels—highlighting Abraham's hospitality, the emphatic promise that Sarah will bear Isaac, Sarah's skeptical laugh, and the profound question, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” The teaching points to a possible Christophany and ties the promise directly to the later fulfillment in Isaac. Attention then turns to Abraham's bold intercession on behalf of Sodom, the negotiation from fifty righteous down to ten, and a theological meditation on God's dual attributes of righteousness (tzaddik) and justice (mishpat). The sermon emphasizes that God does not act rashly but judges with full knowledge and perfect moral clarity. Genesis 19 is examined in detail: Lot's compromised witness in Sodom, the violent mob demanding to “know” the visitors, Lot's tragic offer of his daughters, the angels' rescue, Lot's hesitation, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot's wife becoming a pillar of salt. The aftermath—Lot's daughters' grievous scheme and the birth of the Moabites and Ammonites—is presented as consequence and warning about environmental influence. Key takeaways include the interwoven truths of God's promise and God's justice, the social corrosiveness of unchecked sin, and practical warnings about the influence of place and companions (summarized with references to Paul, Jude, Ezekiel, Romans, and Luke). There are no guest speakers; this is a single-teacher exposition aimed at helping listeners apply the moral and spiritual lessons of these chapters to their lives and communities. Duration 41:29

April 25, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 3 - 8:00 AM Session In this episode Brother Dan continues the series examining the operative phrase "from the beginning" in the New Testament, focusing on 1 John 2:7–11 and its connection to Jesus' command to "love one another." He traces the phrase across the Gospels and Epistles, showing how the command appeared from the start of Jesus' ministry and is reinforced throughout John, Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Corinthians, Colossians and more. The sermon outlines five vivid biblical descriptions of love—love as a badge, blockade, buffer, boundary, and bond—and explains what each image means for Christian life and witness. Brother Dan emphasizes that love should be visible to the world (John 13:34–35), fulfills the law (Romans 13:8–10), tempers conviction with affection (1 Corinthians 16:13–14), keeps us in bounds (Ephesians 5:1), and binds the church in harmony (Colossians 3). He also gives five practical directions for where our love should flow: toward those who mistreat or hate us (Luke 6), toward those who have sinned and now come home (2 Corinthians 2), toward those we have already forgiven (Ephesians/Titus), toward our families (Ephesians 5; Titus 2), and toward people who are different or marginalized (James 2). Each category is illustrated with memorable anecdotes and pastoral counsel. Along the way Brother Dan uses personal and cultural illustrations—from Texas and Tom Landry to a desert-island parable, a childhood football memory, a child with one hand at Bible class, and a cautionary reference to Madeleine Murray O'Hare's diary—to underscore how love must look and act in ordinary life. He warns against factionalism, gossip, backbiting, and punitive treatment of repentant brothers and sisters, urging the church to practice forgiveness, reaffirmation, and visible unity. Key takeaways include: Jesus' command to love was present from the beginning of His ministry; love should be both principled and practical; love protects and corrects without harming; forgiveness requires active comfort and restoration; and a loving church is the strongest testimony to the world. Listeners will leave with scriptural pointers and pastoral challenges to love one another more deeply and visibly. Duration 45:45

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 7:00PM Session Location: Auditorium Instructor: Clay Leonard Title:  Getting to Know God Through Revelation Summary This lecture explores the biblical concept of special revelation—God revealing Himself to specific people with specific details—contrasted with general revelation in creation. Through scriptural examples involving Moses (Exodus 19–34), Elijah (1 Kings 17–19), and Peter at the Transfiguration (Matthew 16–17), the speaker emphasizes that God's primary mode of revelation is through His word and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ, as affirmed by passages like John 1:1,14 and Hebrews 1:1–2. The lecture culminates in an invitation to respond to Jesus' call through faith, repentance, confession, and baptism, stressing that ongoing discipleship means “listening to Him.” Duration 30:54

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 6:30PM Session Location: Auditorium Instructor: Tim Lewis Title:  You Meant It for Evil, God Meant It for Good Summary This lecture explores the theme "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good," drawn primarily from Joseph's story in Genesis. Joseph's life is presented as a case study of how God can use suffering, betrayal, and hardship for a greater, redemptive purpose. The lecture extends this theme to the Apostle Paul's imprisonment and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It also includes modern examples—such as a survivor of the Oklahoma City bombing and a story of a Bible confiscated in Soviet-occupied Hungary—to show that God continues to work through human pain and evil acts to bring about good, save lives, and spread the gospel. The central message encourages believers to maintain faith and trust in God during unjust suffering, letting their pain become a ministry that blesses others rather than pushing them away from God.   Duration 29:44

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 6:00PM Session   Closing out the 2nd day of the 2026 version of the Equipped Workshop hosted by the Cumberland Trace Church of Christ, Andy Baker leads the assembly in a few A cappella songs.   Duration 25:16

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 3:30 PM Session This lectureship sermon walks through Genesis chapters 15–17, exploring how God's promises are revealed and fulfilled in the lives of Abram/Abraham, Sarai/Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael and the promised son Isaac. Delivered by a minister at a Christian lectureship (no guest speakers), the message focuses on biblical-history, covenant theology, and practical application for believers today. Genesis 15 is presented as a chapter of assurance: Abram's fear about being childless, God's repeated promise (look to the stars), and the covenant-ceremony with divided animals and the smoking oven/burning torch that confirms God's presence and sworn commitment. The preacher emphasizes that God is our shield and exceedingly great reward, and that past fulfillments of promise (culminating in Christ) give us confidence in future promises. Genesis 16 examines the danger of human attempts to "help" God: Sarai's plan to use Hagar, the painful consequences of that decision, Hagars flight and encounter with the angel of the Lord, and the birth and future character of Ishmael. The sermon warns that planning for God reveals a lack of faith, produces dissatisfaction, and ultimately fails to achieve Gods intended purpose. Genesis 17 highlights the renewal and clarification of God's covenant: Abram's name becomes Abraham, Sarai's name becomes Sarah, the covenant sign of circumcision is commanded (on the eighth day), and the promise of Isaacs coming is made explicit. The speaker notes the wisdom of the eighth-day command (medical context of clotting/prothrombin) and commends Abraham's prompt obedience, while noting God's broader mercy toward Ishmael. Key takeaways and applications: God's promises can carry us through deep fears; they do not require our feeble adjustments; and they point to a bright future founded on Gods faithfulness and oath (Hebrews 6). Listeners are encouraged to trust God's timing, rely on His presence, and find hope in the fulfilled and yet-to-be-fulfilled promises revealed throughout Scripture. Duration 37:26

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 3:30 PM Session Location: Room 116 Instructor: Richard Sutton Title:  Leadership - How to Recover from Failure Summary Richard Sutton's lecture series explores the inevitability of failure in leadership and the path to restoration. He challenges the notion of a perfect leader, using his forty-five years of experience and biblical examples like Abraham, Moses, Elijah, and David to show that all leaders stumble. The key difference between a failed leader and a resilient one is not the misstep itself but the refusal to repent and learn, as exemplified by King Saul. The lectures identify common leadership failures—bad decisions driven by emotion, exhaustion and stress, and moral missteps—and offer practical and spiritual guidance for overcoming them. Sutton uses the lives of Moses and Elijah to illustrate how to handle bad decisions and burnout. Moses, despite his failures driven by anger, was still used powerfully by God because of his profound humility. Elijah, after a great victory, faced burnout and despair, but God responded not with rebuke but with physical rest and gentle affirmation. This highlights that some struggles are physical and emotional, not purely spiritual. The series culminates with a detailed analysis of King David's moral failure with Bathsheba, presenting it as a story of progressive sin, cover-up, and confrontation. Despite his grave sins, David's redemption came through honest confession and repentance, demonstrating that God is not surprised by human failure and offers a path back through a broken and contrite heart. The overarching message is one of encouragement: leaders should stay humble, own their mistakes, prioritize rest, repent honestly, and receive God's restorative grace, knowing they are not alone and that God is not finished with them. Duration 40:08

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 3:30 PM Session This episode is a sermon-style exploration of Genesis 11 (the Tower of Babel) that traces the biblical problem of pride from creation through the flood and back into post-flood humanity. Rebekah defines pride biblically as "an attitude or action that elevates oneself above God," and unfolds six key lessons drawn from the Babel account: pride transgresses God's commands, forgets its place in the world, hurts other people, makes us insecure, is sneaky, and must be stopped. The episode weaves Scripture with personal stories and practical application. Passages referenced include Genesis 1, 9, 11; Micah 6:8; Proverbs; James 4; John 13 (Jesus washing the disciples' feet); Romans and Colossians on humility and compassion; Philippians 2 on Christ's humility; and Daniel 4 (the humbling and restoration of Nebuchadnezzar). The speaker also quotes C.S. Lewis on humility and shares candid personal anecdotes — about parenting a teething baby, life as a preacher's wife, and a childhood track story — to illustrate how pride can hide in suffering, service, and everyday attitudes. Listeners should expect a mix of theological teaching and practical exhortation: the sermon shows how pride often opposes God's explicit commands (for example, God's command to fill the earth), how it redirects praise from God to ourselves, how it fractures community (the literal confusion and scattering at Babel), and how it ultimately undermines our security. The talk confronts subtle forms of pride (seeking recognition in worship or service, spiritual pride, and disguised bitterness in trials) and urges self-examination whenever we are tempted to ask, "What can I get?" rather than "How can I worship and serve?" Practical applications include renewed focus on worship (prostrating before God rather than seeking personal acclaim), hospitality and friendliness to newcomers in the church, humility in Christian service, and honestly tracing personal struggles back to possible pride. The speaker emphasizes that God often humbles people for their good — using the Tower of Babel and Nebuchadnezzar as examples — and calls listeners to bow now, embrace humility modeled by Jesus, and trust God's lasting recognition rather than temporary human praise. No external guests are featured; the message is presented by the speaker as a pastoral, scriptural exhortation aimed at encouraging humility, repentance, and gospel-shaped community. The episode closes with an appeal to follow Christ's example of self‑emptying love (Philippians 2) so believers might shine like stars by leading many to righteousness. Duration 44:42

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 2:30 PM Session Location: Room 116 Instructor: Richard Melson Title:  Text Messages - Genesis Characters in Acts Summary Richard Melson delivered a lecture emphasizing how Genesis undergirds the New Testament, particularly Acts, by presenting God's plan of redemption conceived before the foundation of the world. He clarified a misunderstanding about the session's title (“Genesis characters in Acts” versus “text messages”), asserting the focus is character studies of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph as referenced in Acts 3 and 7. Melson highlighted God's sovereignty, covenant promises, and faithfulness, and urged believers to be consistent, courageous, and convinced—traits exemplified by the patriarchs despite their flaws. He traced key Genesis passages, connected them to Acts 3:13, Acts 3:25, and Stephen's sermon in Acts 7, and discussed “character” as tested and approved, with Jesus as the express image of God (Hebrews 1:3). He underscored redemption in type (Genesis 3:21), the seed promise (Genesis 3:15), genealogies' role in preserving the seed line, and parallels between Joseph and Jesus. The lecture concluded by stressing obedient, trusting faith (e.g., Mark 16:16 alluded in “believes and is baptized”) as the proper response to God's promises and plan. Duration 41:00

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 2:30 PM Session Join a seasoned panel of speakers including Todd, John, Denny, Howard, and references to Brother Wayne Jackson, Brother Caleb Colley, O'Connor, Mike, with Sam Wilkins closing in prayer, as they tackle difficult questions from the book of Genesis. This episode investigates foundational topics that stretch from the opening words of Scripture to the unfolding scheme of redemption. First, the panel examines how literally we should read the days of creation in Genesis 1. Speakers discuss the Hebrew term yom, Exodus 20:11, arguments for a 24‑hour day reading, and how that view interacts with science and young‑earth apologetics. They address the perception that literal biblical faith opposes science and point listeners to resources and evidence used by creationist scholars. Next, the conversation moves to troubling narratives of judgment in Genesis—such as the global flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah—and how these events relate to God's holiness, justice, love, and wrath. Panelists unpack why divine judgment is not arbitrary, emphasize God's patience and long‑suffering (including Noah's 120 years of warning), and explain how love and righteous anger can coexist. The discussion then focuses on the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and whether God set humanity up to fail. Panelists outline four purposes of the tree: enabling genuine devotion, inviting trust, establishing moral boundaries, and defining God's role as Lawgiver. They argue the tree provides a real context for moral freedom rather than a trap. Listeners will also hear reflections on Genesis as a record of human failure alongside divine faithfulness. Using examples like Cain and Abel, Abraham's struggles, Jacob's deception, and Joseph's long wait, the panel shows how Genesis portrays flawed people candidly while demonstrating God's covenantal loyalty and redemptive work through imperfect agents. Finally, the episode addresses how to maintain trust in God's promises when fulfillment is delayed. Speakers reflect on biblical timeframes (Abraham, Joseph), New Testament perspectives (2 Peter), and practical pastoral insights for patience and spiritual growth during waiting seasons. Practical takeaways include ways to engage skeptics respectfully, resources for further study, and pastoral encouragement that Genesis aims to reveal God's character—both his justice and his mercy—while inviting listeners into deeper trust. The session closes with a prayer from Sam Wilkins and information about follow‑up sessions and worship led by Andy Baker. Duration 42:08

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 2:30 PM Session In this sermon-style episode Brian unpacks Genesis 12:1–9 and surveys chapters 13–15 to explore Abram's call and covenant, showing how God's prompt, promise, power, and presence shape faithful living. The speaker opens with gratitude to the congregation that invited him and shares a personal connection to the community before reading Genesis 12 aloud and framing the sermon around Abram's response to God's command to “go.” Key topics include Abram's immediate obedience when God said “go,” comparisons to Noah as an archetype of obedience, and how Abram's faith was accounted as righteousness (with reference to Romans 4). The preacher traces biblical patterns of calling—from Isaiah's vision to the New Testament call to the church (ecclesia)—and emphasizes that God's call often moves people from comfort into uncomfortable but faithful places. The episode examines God's promises to Abram (“I will show you,” “I will make you a great nation,” “I will bless you…”) and highlights the future-oriented generosity of those promises. The sermon also reviews Abram's missteps (the Egypt episode with Sarah) and prophetic echoes of later Israelite history, showing both human frailty and God's sovereign power and protection. Listeners will hear practical applications: how to respond to God's prompt, the role of baptism and obedience in receiving God's righteousness, the comfort of God's promised presence, and the assurance of divine providence in daily life. Stories from Genesis—Lot's fateful land choice, Abram's separation from Lot, the rescue in chapter 14, and the covenant sealing in chapter 15—are used to illustrate consequences of choices and the reality of God's faithfulness. Scripture and sermon references include Genesis 12–15, Genesis 5–9 (Noah), Isaiah 6, Hebrews 1:1, Romans 4, Matthew 5 and 28, Mark 16, and Romans 8:31. Expect a blend of exposition, pastoral application, and encouragement: a call to trust God's voice, obey His commands, lean on His promises, and live with confidence that God is with His people.   Duration 36:59

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 1:30 PM Session Location: Room 116 Instructor: Mike Vestal Title:  Preaching Seriously on Sin Summary On April 24, 2026, Mike Vestal urged taking sin seriously in preaching, using Genesis as a foundational lens. He defined preaching through eight components: the proclamation of divine truth by a man of God, derived through proper interpretive method, proclaimed to people in an engaging manner to achieve a desired purpose, and ultimately for God's glory and the salvation of souls. He underscored sin's gravity—idolatry, rebellion, and distorted love—while contrasting its devastation with God's greater grace and redemption. Genesis was presented as essential for grasping core biblical themes and contemporary issues including origins, the image of God, gender, marriage, family, deception, law, promise, conflict, war, and sexual immorality. Practical illustrations included Jacob's life and pastoral counsel on loving people, preaching with urgency and authority, and confronting heart idols. The lecture ended with recommended resources for preaching Genesis.   Duration 41:21

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 1:30 PM Session In this episode Lori at the Eclipse workshop offers a fast-paced, deeply pastoral study connecting the book of Genesis with the Psalms and what those connections mean for Christian women today. Opening with a memorable historical anecdote—Buzz Aldrin quoting Psalm 8 after the moon landing—the talk centers on an exegesis of Psalm 8 (a Psalm of David), highlighting its chiastic structure, its language for God (Yahweh and Adonai), and the surprising theological details woven into the short poem: praise from babes, God's glory "above the heavens," humanity made a little lower than the angels, and dominion over creation. The presenter then broadens the view to show how many Psalms echo Genesis themes rather than retell Genesis narratives: creation, the fall, God's covenant promises, providence, and God's desire for relationship with humanity. She outlines Genesis (chapters 1–11 as primeval history; chapters 12–50 as the patriarchal promise that culminates in the line of Abraham) and emphasizes five recurring motifs in Genesis—God's power, plan, promise, presence, and provision—and how the Psalms reflect and respond to those motifs in praise, lament, and prophecy. Key scriptural touchpoints and cross-references discussed include Psalm 8; Matthew 21:16 where Jesus cites the Psalm; Genesis 1–3 and Genesis 12 (the Abrahamic promise); Hebrews and 1 Corinthians 1:27; and Psalm 51 and other Psalms that show Israel's covenant memory, worship practices, and longing for the Messiah. The talk also notes editorial and literary features of the Psalter (its fivefold division, psalms of praise versus lament, and how individual psalms function as worship, prayer, and theological reflection). The episode ends with practical application for listeners: why Genesis matters for personal faith, how the Psalms teach us to pray in joy and distress, and concrete responses—seek God in Scripture, worship corporately and in nature, trust him through lament, and obey as a response of love. The message closes with a pastoral prayer asking God's blessing on the attendees and their families and pointing forward to the ultimate hope of redemption in Christ.   Duration 41:38

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 1:30 PM Session   In this episode recorded at the Cumberland Trace congregation as part of a Genesis-themed gathering, the speaker explores Genesis chapters 10–11 and traces God's plan from the Table of Nations to the Tower of Babel and on to Pentecost. Framed around four focal ideas — design (diversity), defiant centralization (pride), divine disruption (judgment and scattering), and divine dissolution (Pentecost's reversal) — the message shows how Scripture presents diversity as intentional, pride as rebellion against God's command to fill the earth, and God's sovereign intervention as the means to restore his mission. The sermon examines Noah's charge to be fruitful and multiply, the genealogies of Shem, Ham, and Japheth (including the curse on Canaan), and how Genesis 10 functions as the Bible's first “world map.” It unpacks Genesis 11's narrative of prideful centralization at Babel, the confusion of language, and God's scattering of people as both judgment and redirection. The talk connects these Old Testament events to New Testament fulfillment in Acts 2, where the Holy Spirit reunites the nations in one gospel message, leading to the explosive growth of the early church. Guests and references mentioned include Sister Rebecca Colley (scheduled to teach on pride and its link to Babel), a referenced sermon by Brother Cliff Goodwin, and earlier remarks by Brother Stephen. The speaker also cites Psalm 33 and Proverbs 19 and points to Genesis, Joshua, Matthew, and Luke for genealogical and covenant context. Illustrations — such as maps, family stories, and the Lost River Cave's outward-flowing river — are used to emphasize the call to go outward rather than remain inward and to highlight practical implications. Key takeaways: celebrate and appreciate God-designed diversity; repent of and “amend the tower of pride” in personal, professional, and church life; and actively advance the divine mission by scattering outward to share Christ with all nations. The episode closes with an encouragement to join God's mission, use whatever gifts one has to serve, and to refocus on building people who bear God's name rather than building monuments to ourselves.   Duration 34:49

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 11:00 AM Session Location: Room 116 Instructor: Adam Faughn Title:  Leadership - How to Weather the Storms of Leadership Summary Adam Faughn presents a lecture on the challenges of leadership, framing them as "storms." He argues that leadership is inevitably stormy, especially for those guiding people in the ways of God. Drawing from Matthew 14, where Jesus's disciples face a storm on the Sea of Galilee, Faughn highlights three common pitfalls for leaders in crisis: losing direction, losing sight of reality, and becoming distracted. He asserts that the ultimate solution is unwavering trust in Jesus. Through anecdotes and biblical analysis, he concludes that a leader's duty is to trust Jesus and stand firm through any storm, ensuring they continue guiding people toward heaven. Duration 36:52

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 11:00 AM Session   Join hosts Kathy Pollard and Carla Moore live from the Cumberland Trace Church of Christ "Equipped" workshop for an encouraging episode of the Looking Up podcast, recorded in front of a group of women studying the book of Genesis. In this episode they mix warm fellowship and personal updates—including a shout-out to attendee Jennifer Eskew (who traveled from Alaska) and joyful family pregnancy announcements—with a thoughtful study on worship and the opening chapters of Scripture. The conversation centers on the theme that God made us to worship. Kathy and Carla explore early examples of worship in Genesis—Cain and Abel's offerings, Noah's altar after the flood, and Abraham's sacrifice in Genesis 22 (the first time the word worship appears)—and highlight how our view of God shapes true worship. They unpack Hebrew worship terms like shakah (bowing down), hallel (praise), and yadah (lifting hands) and connect those postures and words to Psalms and New Testament teaching about sincere, God-centered praise. The hosts contrast the two creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2: chapter 1 presents God as Elohim, the mighty Creator who speaks the cosmos into being with powerful commands, while chapter 2 portrays Yahweh Elohim as intimate and hands-on—forming man, breathing life, planting the garden, and building woman from Adam's rib. These differing portraits reveal both God's majesty and his desire for a close, covenant relationship with humanity. Kathy and Carla also use a vivid analogy—comparing Eden to the idyllic Camelot—to illustrate how God's original design was perfect, how sin shattered that harmony, and how the rest of Scripture unveils God's plan to restore fellowship with His people. They remind listeners that nothing took God by surprise and that redemption is woven throughout the story of the Bible. Practical application rounds out the episode: the hosts offer tangible ways to prepare your heart for worship (prepare the night before, choose a psalm, pray in the morning or in the shower, sing on the drive to church, and even lift your chest to change your posture and attitude). They read and reflect on Psalm 95—calling listeners to come before God with joy, thanksgiving, and an unhardened heart—and discuss how worship brings rest and renewal both now and ultimately in God's promised dwelling with His people. Expect a warm, conversational episode that blends biblical teaching (Genesis 1–3, 4, 8, 22; Psalm 95; Lamentations 3:41 and New Testament references), Hebrew word insights, personal stories, and simple, faith-building practices to help listeners reclaim joyful, heartfelt worship in everyday life. Closing line: "Until next time, He will be known."   Duration 40:57

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 11:00 AM Session   In this sermon-style episode, guest speaker Bill preaches to a local congregation (with thanks to hosts Neil, Hiram, and the elders) from Genesis chapters 6–9. Centered on the theme "Sin, Grace, and Covenant," the message examines the corruption of the antediluvian world, God's grief over human wickedness, and the single line of faithful survival through Noah and his family. Bill surveys competing interpretations of key phrases (the "sons of God," the Nephilim, and lines of Seth and Cain), explains the significance of Noah's righteousness — "Noah walked with God" — and highlights the genealogical continuity from Adam through Noah to Abram and ultimately to Christ. He argues for a plain-historical reading of Genesis 1–11 and stresses how those chapters set the stage for the rest of Scripture, including Genesis 12 and the promise to Abraham. The episode carefully unpacks the flood narrative itself: God's warning (the 120-year period), the ark's construction and the distinction between clean and unclean animals, the deluge's mechanics ("fountains of the great deep" and the "windows of heaven"), the timeline (40 days of rain, 150 days of prevailing waters), and the ark's resting on Ararat. Bill defends the global scope of the flood and draws attention to textual details often glossed over in children's retellings. Attention is given to covenant and worship after the flood: Noah's altar, God's promise never to destroy the earth again by water, the rainbow as the covenant sign, and how the Noahic covenant is universal and unconditional. The sermon links the flood typologically to New Testament themes — especially 1 Peter 3's comparison of salvation through the ark with salvation through baptism and Christ's resurrection — and cites Old and New Testament passages (Psalm, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Matthew, 2 Peter) to show the flood's theological importance. Finally, Bill offers pastoral application: the possibility and duty of faithful living in an ungodly age, the seriousness of divine judgment balanced by the height of God's grace, and the enduring trustworthiness of God's promises. Listeners should expect exegetical detail, theological reflection on history and covenant, and clear invitations to consider how Noah's faithfulness points forward to Christ and to our own call to walk with God.   Duration 39:19

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 10:00 AM Session   Location: Room 116 Instructor: Andy Baker Title:  Preaching - Countercultural Preaching Summary In this lecture on countercultural preaching, instructor Andy Baker argues that the core message for preachers in any era is "Jesus has a better way." He begins by referencing 19th-century hymn writer Priscilla Owens to emphasize the timeless need for scripture. Baker then outlines three unhealthy alternatives to countercultural preaching: anti-cultural (law without love), a-cultural (love without law), and pro-cultural (abandoning both). The lecture is structured around the components of his core message, asserting that preaching must focus on Jesus, recognize the Bible's enduring relevance, convey that Jesus offers a comparatively "better" path of continuous growth, and proclaim this as a guiding "way" for a world moving in the opposite direction. Baker emphasizes that effective preaching requires not just proclaiming this message but living it with authenticity, humility, and conviction. The ultimate goal is the transformation of listeners, urging them to become living sacrifices by renewing their minds. The lecture concludes by framing preaching as an unapologetically optimistic and hopeful task, especially in challenging times, meant to bring people to the cross and show them Jesus's better way.   Duration 43:20

April 24, 2026 - Equipped 2026 - Day 2 - 10:00 AM Session   In this episode John offers a personal, text-driven tour through the names of God found primarily in Genesis and throughout Scripture, trading a purely academic approach for a pastoral, relational look at who God is. Rather than only cataloguing lexical definitions, John shows how each divine name reveals character, purpose, and a pattern that points forward to Jesus as the fullest revelation of God. Topics covered include the opening name Elohim (God the Creator) in Genesis 1; the tetragrammaton (Yahweh) introduced in Genesis 2 and echoed in Exodus 3:14; titles such as Adonai (Lord), El Elyon (God Most High), El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Roi (the God who sees), and Yahweh Yireh (the Lord who provides). John weaves these names with key biblical passages and images — Paul's road-to-Damascus encounter, Abraham's covenant and the test on Moriah, Hagar's encounter in the wilderness, Melchizedek's blessing in Genesis 14, and New Testament connections in John and Colossians. Key points emphasized are the complementary truths that God is both transcendent (the Creator who speaks the universe into being) and immanent (a hands-on, compassionate God who sees, provides, delivers, and enters human history). Listeners will hear how the names function theologically: as proclamations of sovereignty, as covenant promises, as pastoral comfort for the lonely and afflicted, and as foreshadowings of Christ. Illustrative stories and applications include Paul/Saul's recognition of divine presence, Abraham's faith and obedience, Hagar's encounter with the Angel of the Lord (El Roi), Melchizedek's title “God Most High,” and New Testament scenes where Jesus reveals and embodies the divine “I Am.” John also references a neighbor-turned-Bible-student and a mention of Brother Higginbotham to show how these biblical insights play out in real conversations and ministry. What to expect: a blend of careful exegesis, vivid narrative examples, and pastoral reflection that invites listeners to move beyond knowing God's will to truly knowing God. The episode closes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate revelation — the Word who was with God and was God — and encourages listeners to study the names of God to deepen love, faith, and devotion. (If you'd like the PowerPoint used in the talk, John offers to share it on request.)   Duration 41:33