Go! And Take One Small Step Toward God - Psalm 8:3–4
Date: 20th July 2025 – 56th Anniversary of the First Moon Landing
Opening Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for moments in human history that stir our sense of wonder. As we remember a moment in history when man first set foot on the moon, help us reflect on the greater journey—Your journey toward us through Jesus Christ. We thank You for Your Son Jesus, who stepped down from Heaven to redeem us. Today, help us to see beyond the stars and fix our eyes on the Saviour. Open our hearts to Your truth. May we respond with faith, repentance, and obedience. Speak to our hearts today. Draw us to Your truth. Help us take that one step of faith toward You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Introduction: One Small Step, One Giant Leap
56 years ago, on 20th July 1969, over 600 million people watched as Neil Armstrong stepped onto the surface of the moon. His words echoed across the globe: “That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”
It was a moment of awe—a human standing on another celestial body. It was a milestone that redefined human capability.
But friends, the greatest leap in all of history wasn’t made by man reaching for the moon. It was God reaching down to Earth—it was God stepping into our world through Jesus Christ.
Psalm 8:3–4 (NLT): “When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?”
Point 1: The Wonder of Creation Reveals the Glory of the Creator
Psalm 8 is a psalm of David—a shepherd boy who often gazed at the stars. This psalm is a song of awe, a hymn of praise that recognises the grandeur of creation and the grace of God toward humanity.
“Work of Your fingers” — the word ???????? (etsba?) signifies delicate and intentional crafting. The stars were not flung randomly—they were carefully placed by the Creator.
David marvels: Who are we compared to the vastness of space? And yet—God is mindful of us. That’s the glory of the Gospel.
Genesis 1:16 (NLT): "God made two great lights—the larger one to govern the day, and the smaller one to govern the night. He also made the stars."
Just a passing phrase: He also made the stars. What we regard as magnificent, God treats as a minor detail in creation. He is majestic, sovereign, and yet personal.
John Piper once said: "God is not impressed by the size of the universe. He made it with a word. But He is passionate about His glory in the saving of souls."
Do you ever feel small? Insignificant? Look at the stars. Then remember this—the God who made them also made you, loves you, and sent His Son to die for you.
That’s the perspective we must carry—our God is not only Creator but Saviour.
Point 2: The God of the Cosmos Cares for You Personally
Luke 12:6–7 (NLT): “What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”
Jesus reminds us that in the vastness of the universe, God sees you.
The God Who placed the Moon in orbit Knows Your Name - You are more than a speck in the cosmos. You are known. You are seen. You are loved.
The Telescope and the Mirror
The telescope allows us to see into the depths of space. But a mirror reveals something even more important: ourselves. And when we look into God’s Word, it’s like a mirror that shows us our sin—and our need for a Saviour.
R.T. Kendall once said: "The greatest truth is not that we can reach God, but that He reached us."
And He did—through Jesus Christ, God stepped into our world. One giant leap—not of man to heaven, but of God to Earth.
Point 3: The Word Became Flesh—God Came to Us
John 1:14 (NLT): "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness..."
This is the central truth of Christianity: God came down. This isn’t just theology—it’s history.
God entered our broken world, not with a space suit, but in human flesh.
He walked our roads, wept our tears, bore our sins, and died our death. He rose again, victorious.
Gospel Presentation:
Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man.
He lived a sinless life we could not live.
He died on the cross for our sins.
He was buried.
On the third day, He rose from the dead.
The moon landing was historic, but the resurrection is eternal. That’s the “giant leap” that changed everything.
Romans 5:8 (NLT): “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Max Lucado said: "God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus."
That’s the transformation that takes place when we step into a relationship with Jesus.
Friends, the Gospel is not self-help. It’s soul-transformation. It’s about becoming like Christ.
Point 4: Salvation Begins with One Step—Faith and Repentance
Acts 3:19 (NLT): “Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.”
Repent – µeta???? (metanoeo) means to change one’s mind, direction, and heart.
The Christian life begins with one small step—a step of repentance, of faith, of surrender.
Repentance isn’t just remorse—it’s turning toward Jesus.
The First Step
Neil Armstrong’s step was rehearsed countless times. The first footprint on the moon is preserved to this day because there’s no wind to blow it away.
But your first step toward Jesus? It’s eternal. Heaven rejoices. The angels celebrate.
Charles Stanley said: "Obey God and leave all the consequences to Him."
That first step might seem scary—but it’s the most secure step you’ll ever take.
Point 5: Go! And Take the Next Step in Your Faith
Philippians 3:14 (NLT): “I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Salvation is not the end—it’s the beginning. It’s time to take the next step in your walk with God.
Salvation isn’t the final step—it’s the first step in a lifelong walk with Jesus.
Too many believers live on the launchpad—waiting, hesitant, afraid.
But God is calling us to lift off—to pray more boldly, serve more sacrificially, love more generously, and witness more courageously.
Your spiritual journey is not meant to be stagnant. It’s meant to be a continual walk toward Christlikeness.
R.T. Kendall also said:
"The degree to which God will use you is directly proportionate to the time you spend in His presence."
So don’t just take one step—take many. Walk with Him. Dwell with Him. Be used by Him.
Read His Word.
Pray daily.
Share the Gospel.
Serve others.
Let every step you take—from today until eternity—be directed by Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Conclusion: One Small Step Toward God Is the Greatest Leap You’ll Ever Make
The moon landing inspired wonder.
But the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus inspire worship.
Jesus has made the first move—He came to Earth.
The moon landing was spectacular—but temporary.
The invitation to step into a relationship with Jesus? Eternal.
The heavens declare the glory of God.
The cross declares the grace of God.
And the empty tomb declares the victory of God.
Will you take that step today?
Call to Action:
Believer: Are you walking daily with Christ? Or are you stuck at the launchpad of your faith? Are you standing still in your faith? It’s time to take your next step—read the Bible, join a small group, serve, share your faith.
Seeker: God made the first move—He stepped down. God is calling you. Will you take that one small step that leads to eternal life?
Invitation to Salvation:
If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day. Say yes to the One who said yes to the cross for you.
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge my sin and my need for You. I believe You died and rose again. I trust You as my Lord and Saviour. Forgive me. Change me. Guide me every step of the way. Amen.
Benediction:
As you go into this new week, may your eyes be lifted to the heavens,
not to be lost in the stars, but to remember the One who made them.
May you walk boldly, take faithful steps, and keep pressing toward the heavenly prize.
And may your life shine like a star in the darkness—pointing others to Jesus.
In His name, Amen.
