TLDR;
This YouTube video from Hillview Baptist Church - Lusaka encompasses a church service with announcements, worship, prayers, and a sermon by guest Pastor Cody Calhoun. Key announcements include upcoming conferences, retreats, and events for children and couples. The service features musical worship, a Bible reading, and a sermon focusing on the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ, emphasising the importance of knowing and proclaiming the gospel.
- Announcements of upcoming events and conferences.
- Musical worship and congregational singing.
- A sermon on believers as ambassadors for Christ.
- Emphasis on knowing and sharing the gospel.
Announcements [9:15]
Filon Lungo, the deacon on duty, begins by announcing a campus outreach meeting scheduled for the coming Friday from 18:00 to 20:00, inviting students and regular attendees to participate. He then highlights the Zambia Annual Reformed Family Conference, set for 25th to 29th August at Dream Valley Lodge, with the theme "God's design for mankind in a world gone mad," featuring Pastor Jeff Smith from the US as the speaker. Registration is open, with fees of 630 kwacha for workers, 520 kwacha for non-workers, 230 kwacha for children, and $100 for international guests, with installments accepted at the information desk.
The annual HBC couples retreat is announced for 5th to 6th September at Tiffan's Cannon, costing 2,000 kwacha per couple, with flexible payment options. Registration is now closed, but those registered are urged to make payments. A Vacation Bible School (VBS) for children is scheduled for 21st to 23rd August, with a registration fee of 150 kwacha, encouraging parents to register their children for this exciting event.
The youths had a movie day. Finally, he mentions the interchurch social on 20th September.
Worship and Welcome [18:43]
The worship leader expresses gratitude for the opportunity to lead, joined by his wife, and thanks the church for their support following his recent marriage. He introduces the call to worship from Psalm 138:1-8, encouraging the congregation to worship God for his steadfast love and faithfulness, exalting his name and humbling themselves before him. The entire chapter of Psalm 138 is read, expressing thanks to God, praising his name, and acknowledging his enduring love and deliverance.
A prayer follows, thanking God for the day and the strength to gather, asking for hearts ready to worship in praise, song, and the preaching of the word, guided by truth and the Spirit. The prayer acknowledges God's steadfast love and faithfulness, seeking his presence throughout the service.
Musical Worship [24:07]
The congregation stands to sing the song of the month, followed by "There is a Redeemer," expressing gratitude to God for his son and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The ushers are asked to prepare for the offering as the congregation sings "I am a New Creation," celebrating freedom from condemnation and the grace of God.
Introduction of Guest Speaker [34:30]
Richard Kambinda welcomes everyone, especially first-time visitors, and introduces guest speaker Pastor Cody Calhoun. He asks Pastor Cody about himself, his connection to Zambia, and prayer requests for his church. Pastor Cody shares his background as a pastor in Arkansas, his previous time in Botswana, and his long-standing friendship with Pastor Mandulla. He explains his current visit is for a wedding and expresses his desire to support Hillview Baptist Church. He requests prayers for his church to have a global vision and for faithfulness among its members.
Richard notes that Faith Fellowship Baptist Church is the church behind the tent that they're meeting under, and expresses gratitude for their support. He adds praise items for the ladies' Bible study and the youth movie night, and prayer requests for the upcoming VBS, Pastor Munde preaching at a children's camp, and Pastor Cody as he brings the message.
Prayer for the Service [43:26]
A prayer is offered, asking God to enable true worship, to speak to hearts, and to illuminate minds to comprehend the beauty of His word. Gratitude is expressed for successful ministries, including the ladies' Bible study and the youth ministry's movie night. Prayers are lifted for the children's ministry as they plan the vocational Bible club, for Pastor Munde teaching at Lusaka Baptist Church's children's camp, and for Pastor Cody as he shares God's word. The prayer also remembers those who are bereaved and asks for comfort for them.
Bible Reading [57:23]
Richard Kambinda reads Acts 24 from the English Standard Version, detailing the accusations against Paul, his defense before Felix, and Felix's subsequent interactions with Paul regarding faith in Christ Jesus. Felix, though knowledgeable, delays the case, hoping for a bribe, and eventually leaves Paul in prison.
Sermon: Ambassadors for Christ [1:04:28]
Pastor Cody Calhoun preaches from 2 Corinthians 5:18-20, focusing on believers as ambassadors for Christ. He outlines two main points: ambassadors know the message of the gospel and ambassadors proclaim the message of the gospel. He emphasises the importance of knowing the gospel well, being fluent in it, and rehearsing it daily. The gospel is defined by understanding who God is, who humanity is, and who Jesus is.
Using Acts 17 as a case study, Pastor Cody illustrates how Paul engaged with the culture in Athens, presenting the gospel by comparing their false theology to the truth of Christ. He stresses that the good news of Christ's sacrifice is the message that all believers are charged to share. He explains that God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Pastor Cody urges believers to proclaim the gospel, compelled by the love of Christ, and shares that the most loving thing one can do for someone is to share the gospel with them. He encourages listeners not to be afraid of messing up, as it is the work of the Spirit to bring people from death to life. He concludes by encouraging everyone to be brokenhearted for the lost and to consistently lift them up in prayer.
Closing Remarks and Prayer [1:44:09]
The service leader thanks Pastor Cody and welcomes first-time visitors, inviting them to fill out a booklet and remain after the service to connect further. He provides information about the church's various meetings and activities for different groups. A closing prayer is offered, thanking God for the word and asking for continued reminders of the gospel message. The service concludes with the choir leading the congregation in an exit hymn.