The Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity | Mwindula Mbewe

The Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity | Mwindula Mbewe

Pastor Mwindula Mbewe preached from Exodus 20:14 and Hebrews 13:4 on “The Sanctity of Marriage and Sexual Purity,” teaching that marriage is to be honoured and that sexual intimacy is to be kept pure according to God's design. He began by emphasising that the world no longer honours marriage in the way God intends and that marriage remains a primary target of Satan, who seeks to undermine and destroy it. He challenged believers to consider whether they truly hold marriage in high regard, noting that society increasingly normalises cohabitation and sexual relationships outside marriage. He then explained that sex is a gift from God intended exclusively for marriage, pointing to 1 Corinthians 6:12–14, 17 and teaching that sexual intimacy was designed to consummate and seal the marriage covenant between one man and one woman. Sexual purity is therefore maintained by waiting until marriage before engaging in sexual relations. He stressed that sexuality and sensuality are gifts to be expressed within marriage alone and that God's design for sex cannot be separated from God's design for marriage. Referring to Genesis 39:7–9, he encouraged believers to pursue purity and resist temptation as Joseph did. Finally, he addressed the reality of God's judgement upon sexual immorality and explained why this issue matters so deeply to God. Marriage and sex ultimately point beyond themselves to Christ and His relationship with His people. Jesus came to redeem a bride for Himself through His death on the cross, and all who repent and believe become part of His bride. Therefore, sexual immorality dishonours both marriage and the greater reality that marriage represents. The sermon concluded by calling believers to honour marriage, pursue sexual purity, and recognise that God's design for marriage and sexuality reflects His redemptive purposes in Christ.

Honouring Parents and Given Authority | Dr. Conrad Mbewe

Dr Conrad Mbewe preached from Exodus 20:12 on “Honouring Parents and God-Given Authority,” explaining that the fifth commandment is about the custodians of worship and our duty to God. He described it as a twin commandment because, although salvation is personal, the Christian life is not lived in isolation but in community and under God-ordained oversight. The commandment teaches that our relationship with God is reflected in how we relate to those He has placed in authority over us. First, he explored who our father and mother are, explaining that the command extends beyond biological parents to include all those whom God has legitimately placed over us. Referring to Genesis 45:8, he showed that the title “father” can be used in a broader, non-biological sense, while Exodus 22:28 reminds us that authority figures are God’s appointed servants and their position should be respected and guarded. Second, he explained what it means to honour them, emphasising that honour involves respect, reverence, submission, and obedience. This principle also applies to governing authorities, as seen in Romans 13:1–2, 5, and 7, and believers are called to be obedient unless they are commanded to disobey God or participate in sin. God has established authority structures to bring order to His world, and Leviticus 19:1–3 demonstrates that honouring authority is a practical expression of obedience to Him. Finally, he addressed the connection between the fifth commandment and the promise concerning the land, explaining that the Canaanites lost the land because of their idolatry and rebellion against God’s Word. In the same way, persistent disobedience to God’s appointed order leads people away from Him. The sermon concluded by reminding us that this is not merely an Old Testament principle but a universal one, calling Christians to honour and submit to God-given authority as part of faithful worship and discipleship.

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.