Sunday Jan 11th 2026

Core Message: True transformation in our lives, ministries, and communities begins not with mastering advanced techniques, but by returning to the most basic, non-negotiable element of our walk with Christ:  fixing our eyes on Jesus amidst the storm.

Summary Outline:

1. The Obedient Baseline (v.22-24): The disciples’ journey began with a simple, obedient act—getting into the boat as Jesus commanded. Our “back to basics” journey starts with obedience to Christ’s clear word, even when it leads us into inevitable storms (the wind and waves). The basics are not a guarantee of calm, but the foundation for faith in the chaos.

2. The Fundamental Focus (v.25-29): In their terror, Jesus came in a way that defied their understanding. Peter’s radical request—“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you”—is the essence of ‘back to basics.’ It is a cry to move from the safety of the familiar (the boat) toward the person of Christ, on His terms. The most basic act of faith is to hear His command and step out, even when everything rational says you will sink.

3. The Diverted Gaze & The Basic Cry (v.30-31): Peter began to sink not because the wind grew stronger, but because his focus shifted from the Master to the storm. This is the critical moment of the sermon. Our transformation is hindered not by the severity of our storms, but by the shift in our gaze.** The most basic, transformative prayer is Peter’s three-word cry: “Lord, save me!” It is a prayer of desperate dependence, not sophisticated theology. Immediately, Jesus’ hand caught him. The basic response is grace.

4. The Transformative Question (v.31): Jesus’ question, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” is not a shaming, but a loving invitation to self-examination. He anchors Peter’s identity not in his failure (“Sinker”) but in his faith (“You of little faith”). Going back to basics means constantly examining: “Where is my focus right now? On the problem or on the Person?”

5. The Transformed Worship (v.32-33): When Jesus got into the boat, the storm ceased. The ultimate transformation occurs not when the storm stops, but when **Christ’s presence is recognized in the vessel**. The disciples’ worship declaration, “Truly you are the Son of God,” was born not from a calm sea, but from a rescued follower and a present Savior. Transformation is the shift from fear to worship, because He is in the boat.

Call to Action (Aligned with 2026 Theme):

• Back to Basics is Back to His Word: Start each day not with the newsfeed, but with His command. Obey the clear things.
• Back to Basics is Back to His Person: In every decision and crisis, ask: “Lord, is that you? Command me.” Have the courage to step out of comfort zones toward Him.
• Back to Basics is Back to Dependence: When you feel yourself sinking, don’t try to swim harder. Cry the basic cry: “Lord, save me!” Extend that hand to others sinking around you.
• Back to Basics Leads to Transformation: As we fix our eyes on Him, our personal storms, our ministries, and our communities will be transformed. The calm will come, and our testimony will shift from “Look at the storm!” to “Truly, He is the Son of God!”

Conclusion: Capt. Muthoni urged the congregation to see 2026 not as a year of simplistic retreat, but as a year of radical recentering. The most profound transformation flows from the most basic practice: taking our eyes off the waves and locking them on the face of our Savior. When we go back to that basic focus, we walk on water with Him, and our lives become a testament of transformative grace.