This is part of the worship series,
"On Our Way to the Celestial City"
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
WEEK 2
Burdens are Lifted at Calvary
Call to Worship
Matthew 11:28–30
Scripture
Zechariah 3:1–5
Sermon
"A Change of Clothing"
Affirmation of Faith
Our World Belongs to God stanzas 15, 24, 27
Song Suggestions
"Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary" Moore
"My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" Mote
"What a Friend We Have in Jesus" Scriven
"Amazing Grace" Newton
"Cast Your Burden on the Lord"
"Through it All" Crouch
Drama
| Narrator: |
Christian and his neighbor Pliable left their hometown, the City of Destruction, and began traveling toward the Narrow Gate that would eventually lead to eternal life. Soon after they set out, however, they found themselves in the Slough of Despond. Their feet began to sink deeper and deeper into the mud and murky water. Pliable didn't like it at all and decided to go back home. But Christian kept going. Eventually a man called Help pulled him out of the mud and the mire. Christian kept going all alone until he came to the Narrow Gate. He knocked on the door, and the gatekeeper opened it. "Go the house of the Interpreter," the gatekeeper said. After Christian got there, Interpreter showed him many things that he could expect to meet on his journey to the heavenly palace. When Christian was ready to leave, Interpreter said, "May the Comforter be with you." And Christian started on his way. The road was narrow. On either side was a wall called Salvation. On this road Christian traveled with great difficulty because the load on his back was very heavy. |
| Christian: | [Starts walking down the narrow road with his pack on his back, bent over] This bag is so heavy. I wish 1 hadn't done so many bad things. Evangelist told me that in the Bible these things are called sin. [He goes up an incline, then looks up ahead] What is that I see? [He looks at it with amazement and wonder, then says, as he keeps getting closer] A cross! [Suddenly the burden rolls off his back and tumbles down the incline. Christian reaches up to feel behind him. There is nothing there. He reaches up over his shoulders. Nothing.] My burden, my burden, it's gone! I'm not carrying it anymore. Hallelujah! |
| Narrator: | Just then, three Shining Ones appeared. |
| Christian: | [Reacts with surprise and awe] |
| Angel 1: | Peace be with you— |
| Christian: | And with you too. |
| Angel 1: | You have often made Jesus very sad by your sins. But I am here to tell you that the Lord has forgiven you. |
| Angel 2: | No longer will you need to wear those tattered clothes. I will put new clothes on you. [Proceeds to do so] |
| Angel 3: | [Handing Christian a scroll] You will need this as you continue on your way. Read this scroll and hand it in when you get to the door of the heavenly palace. |
| Christian: | [Opens scroll and reads it softly] For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. [Turning to angels] Oh, thank you, thank you. You have all been so kind. |
| Narrator: | And so Christian went on his way, smiling and singing. |
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