How ACU’s Approach to Debate & Declamation Works | Dr Isaac Madsen

The Sanctity of the Sabbath | Pr. Francis Banda

Pastor Francis Kaunda preached from Exodus 20:8–11 on “The Sanctity of the Sabbath,” focusing on the fourth commandment and explaining what Israel heard and what that command means for God's people today. God commands His people to remember the Sabbath, set it apart, and keep it holy by treating it differently from the other days of the week. For six days they were to work, but on the seventh day ordinary work was to cease because that time belonged to God. The command teaches that time is not ultimately ours but God's, and it raises the important question: Who owns your time? Pastor Kaunda emphasised that work itself is not a curse but a divine calling given by God, and that the pattern of six days of work and one day of rest reflects God's own pattern in creation, calling us to imitate Him. The goal of the Sabbath is ultimately more about the person of God than the day itself, reminding us of our dependence upon Him. The Sabbath points to our need for God by teaching that we are not sufficient in and of ourselves and that our lives, work, and time are under His authority. He also noted that there are consequences for disregarding God's command to keep the Sabbath holy, as the command calls God's people to recognise His lordship over every aspect of life and to rest in Him.

How ACU’s Approach to Debate & Declamation Works | Dr Isaac Madsen

Have you ever wondered how ACU’s approach to debate and declamation works? In this video and podcast episode, Isaac Madsen, soil science lecturer and experienced agricultural researcher, explains how ACU equips students to engage in debate and declamation — from conducting sound research to presenting ideas clearly, thoughtfully, and persuasively. Discover how students are trained to think critically, organise arguments, communicate effectively, and engage ideas through a biblical lens.

Reverence for God’s Name | Pr. Oswald Sichula

Pastor Oswald Sichula preached from Exodus 20:7 on “Reverence for God’s Name,” focusing on the third commandment and teaching that the Decalogue does not produce salvation but shapes how redeemed people live before God. He explained that while the first commandment calls believers to worship God alone and the second calls them to pure worship, the third commandment presses deeper into how God’s people speak about Him, bear His name, and live under His redemption, asking whether our lives magnify or trivialise His glory. God’s name is holy and should never be treated casually. First, he explained what it means to take God’s name in vain, showing that the commandment prohibits empty, careless, and thoughtless speech about God. This includes reducing God’s name through sin, using His name while living a double life, swearing falsely by His name, and religious hypocrisy where people profess to belong to God while living like the world. Calling oneself a child of God means carrying the name of God, and therefore our lives should reflect His holiness. Second, he spoke about manipulative and forced devotion, warning against using God or His Word as a spiritual lucky charm or a tool for personal gain instead of worshipping Him rightly. Referencing Exodus 20:7, he emphasised that God will not hold guiltless those who misuse His name, which is why the Israelites treated His name with deep seriousness and reverence. God is not distant or passive but an active participant in our worship, conversations, and daily lives, and this exposes the true condition of the human heart. The sermon challenged believers to examine where they have become casual in their walk with God and reminded them that true reverence comes from looking away from ourselves and towards Christ, the One who perfectly kept every commandment. He concluded by encouraging believers to cultivate lives where their lips and lifestyles match, through the help of the Holy Spirit who produces genuine reverence for God, while also reminding non-believers that this commandment ultimately calls them to repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Exclusive and Pure Worship of God

Pastor Collins Sakalunda preached from Exodus 20:3–6 on “The Exclusive and Pure Worship of God,” teaching that the Ten Commandments show Christians how to live in a way that reflects the image and character of God. He explained that the commandments are divided into two categories, with the first four regulating humanity’s relationship with God and the remaining commandments regulating relationships with others, reflecting the greatest commandments of loving God fully and loving one’s neighbour as oneself. He emphasised that the law is a reflection of God’s character and introduced the term’s theme, The Decalogue. First, he spoke about the exclusive worship of God from verse 3, explaining that the first commandment defines who alone deserves worship and that God will not share His glory with false gods. This commandment is foundational because it identifies the one true object of worship, and God has the right to demand exclusive worship because He alone is Creator, Deliverer, and Saviour, as supported in 1 Corinthians 8:4. Christians are therefore called to reject every false god and worship the true God alone. Second, he spoke about the pure worship of God, explaining that it is not enough to worship the right God; we must also worship Him in the right way. The second commandment teaches that our approach to God matters and warns against false worship and idolatry. He explained the four parts of the commandment: the prohibition against carved images because God is jealous for His glory, the command not to bow down to idols, the warning for those who hate God, and the greater promise of mercy for those who obey Him. In conclusion, he warned that many people today still struggle with the same idols Israel faced, and that even churches can fall into idolatry through things people manipulate or elevate above God. He ended by reminding us that true worship requires us to change rather than trying to reshape God, and that genuine worship can only come through a personal relationship with Christ.

Why ACU’s Approach to Debate & Declamation Matters | Mr Tiisa Chiwele

Have you ever wondered why ACU places such a strong emphasis on public speaking, respectful debate, and critical discussion through a biblical lens? In this video and podcast episode, Tiisa Chiwele — manager, educator, writer, editor, and faculty member at ACU — unpacks the vision and purpose behind ACU’s unique approach to debate and declamation. Discover why students are encouraged to think critically, communicate clearly, engage ideas passionately, and debate in a respectful and God-honouring manner. Learn how these skills help shape graduates who are prepared to engage thoughtfully and faithfully with the world around them. The African Christian University, founded by the Reformed Baptist Church Association of Zambia, aims to glorify God in the pursuit of truth. Through this mission, they inspire students to use their talents and education to transform their communities and foster cultural renewal in Africa.