Christ Church Lusaka

19/05/2025

We are grateful for the privilege our brother Titus Chifita has to be studying at George Whitefield College. Please keep praying for him and for his family back home in Zambia.

“Doing the Former Prophets assignment was both challenging and enriching. I was especially challenged by Saul’s story—how someone chosen by God could still fail due to disobedience and insecurity. It made me reflect on the dangers of relying on charisma instead of character. I was encouraged by leaders like Joshua and Samuel, who grew through mentorship and trust in God. I learned that godly leadership is not automatic—it requires constant obedience, humility, and growth. Leadership is a divine calling, but sustaining it depends on our willingness to be shaped by God through every season of life and service. My main takeaway was that “Godly, faithful, servant leadership comes from God and is never something to boast about” (A.D. Clarke),” Titus Chifita, BTh2, Zambia.

We are hosting an Open Session on Campus on the 22nd of May. Please register here to visit us on the day: https://www.gwc.ac.za/events/

18/01/2025

Kicking off the new year on a high note, we are poised to transform Africa in 2025! Join us. Visit donate.acu-usa.com.

19/10/2024

Tomorrow marks the second installment in our series on the growth of the Kingdom: *Great Harvest from Small Beginnings.* I will be diving into the parable of the growing seed found in Mark 4:26-29. Join us at the Golden Peacock Hotel located along Kasangula Road, just off Zambezi Road. Our service begins at 9:00 AM and concludes at 10:45 AM.

Come and feast on God’s Word. Below is the outline of my sermon, with some additional insights:

Sermon Title: The Mysterious Growth of God’s Kingdom

Main Text: Mark 4:26-29
Supporting Text: Ecclesiastes 11:1-11

Introduction

Brothers and sisters, have you ever taken a moment to marvel at how seeds grow? A farmer scatters them and cares for the soil, yet the growth process remains a mystery beyond his control. Over time, a small seed transforms into a fruitful, mature plant, even though the farmer cannot explain the process. This natural phenomenon illustrates a deeper spiritual truth that Jesus reveals in today's parable about the Kingdom of God in Mark 4:26-29.

We are called to actively engage in God's kingdom by sowing the seeds of the gospel, but the growth of the kingdom—its expansion and establishment—ultimately comes from God. As we examine this parable, we will explore the mystery of God’s kingdom growth, our role in it, and the assurance that His kingdom will be fulfilled. Along the way, we will reflect on Ecclesiastes 11:1-11, which resonates with these truths about planting, trusting, and reaping.

1. The Sowing of the Seed: Our Duty to Share the Gospel (v.26)

- The profound paradox of the kingdom of God: Though vast and eternal, it is compared to the simple act of sowing seeds—“the kingdom of God is like...”

- The privilege and responsibility of humanity: God invites our participation in establishing His kingdom, “as if a man...” This underscores our privilege and responsibility in sharing the gospel.

- The non-discriminatory nature of the task: The seed is scattered indiscriminately—“...if a man should scatter seed on the ground.” Our role is to sow, trusting that God will manage the results.

2. The Mystery of Growth: Relying on God’s Sovereign Work (v.27-28)

- The passive trust of the sower: “He sleeps and rises night and day...” The sower rests, knowing that the growth of the seeds is beyond his control.

- The incomprehensibility of the kingdom’s growth: “and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.” We may not fully grasp how the kingdom expands, but we trust that God is at work beyond our understanding.

- The sovereign process: “The earth produces by itself...” God’s kingdom grows according to His plan, not through human effort. Our task is to trust that He will bring about growth in His own time.

3. The Coming Harvest: Assurance of God’s Fulfillment (v.29)

- The certainty of the harvest: “But when the grain is ripe...” God promises that the kingdom will achieve its full maturity, and we can have confidence that His purposes will be fulfilled.

- The inevitability of the kingdom’s establishment: While we contribute by sowing, the ultimate harvest—God’s reign—does not depend on us. His plan will certainly come to fruition.

Conclusion

As we conclude, let’s reflect on the sower’s journey in the parable. He sows the seeds but cannot control their growth. Day after day, he trusts that something is happening beneath the surface that he cannot see. Similarly, God calls us to be faithful in sharing the gospel, while the growth of His kingdom is solely in His hands. This knowledge should bring us peace, allowing us to rest in His sovereignty, confident that His plans will not falter, even when we don’t see immediate results.

The harvest is assured. God’s kingdom will come to full maturity, and one day, Christ will return to gather the harvest. This parable encourages us to trust in God’s mysterious work, remain faithful in our sowing, and confidently anticipate the great harvest that lies ahead. Let us move forward with renewed faith in His promises and hearts ready to sow the seeds of His gospel.

21/09/2024

CHURCH DISCIPLINE AND THE DOCTRINE OF GRACE

I often wonder how, despite holding the doctrine of grace as a core conviction and preaching it regularly, we struggle to practice it, especially in the context of church discipline.

I’ve observed a harsh approach to discipline, even toward those who are remorseful and genuinely repentant.

What is the theological basis for actions like removing someone's faithful sermons from a website or pulling their valuable books—contributions that have enriched theological conversations— out of the bookshelves simply because they’ve fallen into sin? Are we more concerned about protecting our brand, the reputation of our bookstores, and libraries, or are we focused on what truly glorifies God, restores the sinning brother or sister, and edifies the community of believers?

How can one sin render all of someone’s preaching and contributions meaningless? If we’re only to read books and listen to sermons by perfect people, then we’d have no one to learn from.

These are just thoughts I’ve been wrestling with. I may be wrong and I stand to be corrected.

14/09/2024

I AM BLESSED!
(One of the most abused texts of scripture)

Yesterday, on my way to work, I gave my wife a lift since she had an errand to run. Along the way, we picked up a brother from the neighborhood and stopped at a fuel station on Airport Road to get gas. A young fuel attendant came to my window, and I greeted him:

Me: How are you, man?

Attendant: I am blessed, sir. And you?

Me: Wow, you're blessed? Can I get K300 worth of fuel on credit, or maybe you could even pay for me since you're blessed?

Attendant: Ah! No, sir, that’s not how it works. I’m blessed because I’m alive today, I have a beautiful wife, wonderful children, and a job.

Me: Wow! You are indeed blessed. What are your children’s names?

Attendant: Faith, Favor, and Mapalo.

Me: And your wife’s name?

Attendant: Zinah.

Me: What’s your name?

Attendant: I thought I mentioned it already. My name is Dominic. In Portuguese, it means "Sunday" and in English, "Lord," someone in charge.

Me: Are you Portuguese?

Attendant: No, I grew up in a Catholic family, which is how I got the name, but now I’m Pentecostal.

Me: I see. Now I understand why you said you're blessed when I asked how you were.

Attendant: Yes! The Bible says in Job 22:28, "You will declare a thing, and it will be established," and Proverbs 18 says, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." That’s why I declared I’m blessed.

Me: Ah, I thought it was because you acknowledged God’s blessings—your life, family, and job. So it’s more about declaring and avoiding negativity?

Attendant: Yes, it’s both.

Me: Can I give you a bit of homework? Read Job 22:28 again. Read what comes before and after that verse. Ask yourself: Who is speaking? Is it Job, Eliphaz, or God? And to whom are they speaking? Job? God? Us?

Me: You might be surprised to find out that those words in Job 22:28 were spoken by Eliphaz to Job, not by God to Job or to you and me. After that, read Job 42:7 to see how God rebukes Eliphaz for not speaking truthfully about Him.

Me: You’ve taken Eliphaz’s words as if they were God’s. Is this how you study the Bible, Dominic?

Dominic: Eish, sir! I’m not sure, but I get what you’re saying. I’ll do the homework. Thank you!

Me: I’ll check in on you soon, and we’ll go over the passage from Proverbs 18.

Dominic: Thanks so much, sir.

Today, I stopped by to check on him, and he admitted he hadn’t done the homework.

Unfortunately, many Christians, especially in charismatic circles, don’t take time to study the Bible themselves—they just accept what motivational speakers tell them.

I AM BLESSED!

25/08/2024

We are starting a sermon series on the journey of the penitent heart based on the seven penitential Psalms. Psalm 6 is the focus of my sermon this morning. Join us and keep us in your prayers

15/08/2024

JOURNEY OF THE PENITENT HEART
(Penitential Psalms)

Don't miss out on this upcoming series in the Psalms! Make plans to attend as we dive into God’s word together. Bring a friend along to share in this spiritual feast. The series begins next Sunday, August 25th. Join us at the Golden Peacock Hotel, located on Kasangula Road, off Zambezi Road, from 9:00 to 10:45. We’d love to see you there!

series on the penitential psalms,

Series Introduction: "Journey of the Penitent Heart”

The penitential psalms are a collection of seven psalms (Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143) traditionally recognized by the church for their deep expressions of repentance and pleas for God’s mercy. These psalms give voice to the human experience of sin, guilt, suffering, and the longing for forgiveness and restoration. In them, we find an honest reflection of the struggles we face in our spiritual journey and the hope that comes from trusting in God’s grace.

As we explore these psalms, we’ll see how they not only express the anguish of a soul burdened by sin but also reveal the heart of God, who is compassionate, merciful, and ready to forgive. Through these psalms, we’re invited into a deeper understanding of repentance—not merely as a response to sin but as a pathway to renewal and intimacy with God.

Series Titles:

1. Psalm 6: "A Cry for Mercy: The Suffering Penitent"
- This psalm introduces the theme of deep personal anguish and the plea for God’s mercy in the face of physical and spiritual suffering.

2. Psalm 32: "The Joy of Forgiveness: Confession and Restoration"
- A celebration of the relief and joy that comes from confessing sin and receiving God’s forgiveness, contrasting the burden of unconfessed sin with the freedom of being forgiven.

3. Psalm 38: "The Weight of Sin: A Soul in Anguish"
- This psalm vividly portrays the heavy toll that sin takes on the body and soul, and the desperate plea for God’s help in the midst of suffering.

4. Psalm 51: "Create in Me a Clean Heart: The Heart of Repentance"
- One of the most famous penitential psalms, this psalm is David’s heartfelt confession after his sin with Bathsheba, seeking God’s cleansing and renewal.

5. Psalm 102: "A Prayer of Affliction: Seeking God’s Face in Suffering"
- A psalm of lament, expressing the pain of isolation and affliction, but also a cry for God’s intervention and hope in His eternal nature.

6. Psalm 130: "Out of the Depths: Waiting on the Lord"
- This psalm captures the essence of a soul crying out from the depths of despair, yet waiting in hope for God’s redemption and mercy.

7. Psalm 143: "A Plea for Deliverance: Trusting God in Desperation"
- The psalmist seeks God’s guidance and deliverance from his enemies, reflecting trust in God’s faithfulness even in desperate circumstances.

Conclusion:

Each psalm in this series not only highlights different aspects of repentance and the human condition but also leads us to the cross, where the ultimate solution for our sin is found in Jesus Christ. As we journey through these penitential psalms, let us open our hearts to the transforming power of God’s grace, finding in these ancient prayers a timeless message of hope, forgiveness, and renewal.

Amen!

20/07/2024

REACH, ZA, CHRIST CHURCH LUSAKA

Join us for worship tomorrow at Christ Church Lusaka!

Our service takes place at the Golden Peacock Hotel, located on Kasangula Road, off Zambezi Road. The service starts at 9:00 AM and concludes at 10:45 AM.

We are currently in a series titled "Grow in Grace and Knowledge" based on 2 Peter.

Tomorrow, I will focus on Peter’s final words to believers in 2 Peter 3:14-18. These verses are impactful and practical, divided into two major sections, each featuring a participle and two imperatives.

Come and be inspired by Peter's powerful conclusion!

Here is the outline of my sermon:

Title: An informed productive Christian life
2 Peter 3:14-18
Psalm 1:1-6

Introduction

1. Living with expectation vv.14-16

a. Strive with diligence (v.14)
b. Understand the Lord’s patience (v.15)

2. ⁠Standing firm in knowledge vv.17-18a

a. Stay alert (v.17)
b. Grow in grace and knowledge (v.18)

3. ⁠Giving glory to Christ v.18b

a. Glorify Christ
b. Affirm your faith

Conclusion

13/07/2024

I’m attending the graduation ceremony of Lusaka Ministerial College where one of our church leaders, Paul Ngoma is graduating today.
Christ Church Lusaka

13/06/2024

For the next 3 days I will be attending the Langham Preaching Vision Casting for Zambia. The focus is on “Building a movement committed to Bible Exposition”.

06/06/2024

When Horton, Grudem, and Packer come together, it evokes memories of the BIG Picture. You can try to guess who is who in this picture.

31/05/2024

On a mission trip. I safely arrived yesterday in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. I am here to meet with a group of churches interested in joining the Reformed Evangelical Anglican Church of Southern Africa movement.

My mission is to introduce them to reformed theology. From here, I will head back to Ndola, Zambia, to explore the possibility of a church plant. I covet your prayers.