Sunday Jan 18th 2026

Topic : “When God Switches the Lights On”

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 49:1-7 & John 1:28-42

Opening: Rev. Chege began with the meaning of Epipháneia—the revelation of Jesus to the Gentiles. He tied this to the Baptism of Jesus and the visit of the Magi, underscoring that from the very beginning, Christ’s mission shattered all boundaries. The light of salvation was never for an exclusive group but was destined to be a revelation for all people, all nations. This divine “showing forth” is the foundation of our inclusive call.

Transition to Theme: This foundational truth leads us into our 2026 congregational theme: **“Back to Basics towards Transformation.”** If Christ’s mission is for all, how do we, as His people, participate? We must return to the core, simple truths that anchor and propel us.

Three “Back to Basics” Points for Transformation:

1) Know Who You Are / Whose You Are.
Drawing from Isaiah 49:1 (“The Lord called me before I was born…”), Rev. Chege emphasized that our transformation starts with identity. Before we *do* anything for God, we must understand what He has said *about* us. We are **called, named, and chosen** by Him. Like the Servant in Isaiah, our purpose is rooted in God’s sovereign knowledge and claim on our lives. You cannot be transformed if you are confused about your identity as a beloved child of God, called into His global mission.

2) Behold the Lamb of God.

Turning to John 1:29-36, he focused on John the Baptist’s proclamation: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” This is the most basic shift in attention: away from ourselves and onto Christ. Transformation is not self-improvement; it is fixing our eyes on the One who takes away sin and restores the world. As the two disciples followed after hearing this testimony (John 1:37), so must we. Our daily basic discipline is to “behold” Him—in Scripture, prayer, and worship—and then to point others to Him, just as Andrew did for his brother Simon Peter.

3) Transformation is Relational.

Rev. Chege highlighted the simple, relational sequence in John 1: Jesus asks, “What are you seeking?” They respond, “Where are you staying?” And He invites, “Come and see.” True, lasting transformation happens in the context of  “coming,” “seeing,” and  “staying with” Jesus, and then immediately bringing someone else into that relationship (Andrew found Simon). Furthermore, Isaiah 49:6 reveals God’s heart: “I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” Our transformed lives are not for isolation but for connection—to God and to others—extending the epiphany light to those around us.

Conclusion: The revelation of Jesus to all nations (Epiphany) is the ultimate “basic” of our faith. As we return to these basics—knowing we are called by God, fixing our gaze on Christ the Lamb, and engaging in transformative relationships—we position ourselves not just for personal change, but to become agents of God’s transforming light for the world. The journey of 2026 begins here: at the feet of the One revealed for all.