"For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost." - Luke 19:10
A few years ago, I was preaching a Bible Conference in Ontario, Canada at a Baptist Church and College. While in the meeting, the pastor graciously asked if I would like to have lunch with a British pastor. Having just returned from living in the UK for five years, I was eager to sit down and hear my favorite accent in the world, and have fellowship with this dear brother.
As lunch carried on, Pastor John Moore told me his personal testimony. He had the privilege to grow up in a home where his mother was a dedicated Christian. At the age of sixteen he became a Christian and immediately joined a local Baptist church and began to get involved in serving the Lord. He was planning an apprenticeship in engineering but sensed a strong calling towards a Christian ministry.
He began to train for a lifetime of service and ministry and after a time of serving as an assistant pastor, he became the superintendent and pastor of the Tent Hall in Glasgow, Scotland. During his almost 9 years at the Tent Hall, he witnessed many come to Christ through the evangelistic preaching and ministry that would go on. Some of the world's greatest preachers and evangelists preached at the Tent Hall during this season of evangelism and revival.

Pastor Moore shared this story with me. He was serving at the Seaman's Chapel in Glasgow as an assistant pastor when he received a telephone call from a large shipping firm. A young sailor had become critically ill in the Glasgow Hospital and had requested a visit from a minister. When Pastor Moore entered the room, the young sailor eagerly greeted him and was excited that he was there. He reached into his briefcase for a gospel tract and pulled out a tract based on John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Pilgrim, who was under a great load of sin, came to the cross and his great pack and load of sin rolled away. As Pastor Moore shared the gospel and this story with the sailor, tears filled the young man's eyes when Pastor asked him, "Do you feel this same burden?" The young man indicated that he did. Pastor Moore shared the gospel with him, the young man prayed and received Christ as Savior. He immediately looked up with the smile of heaven on his face, his burden had been lifted!
Pastor Moore went home that evening rejoicing that God had used him. He told me, "I had so much to do that day, but when the call came, I could not miss the opportunity to share the gospel with this hurting young man!" I am so thankful that he went that day, because that young man will be in Heaven! But also, one of the greatest gospel songs sprung from that event! While sitting by his fireplace he reached for a pen and paper and penned these words and chorus that have blessed the Christian church for decades! Don't miss an opportunity today!
Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary
Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary -
Jesus is very near.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
Troubled soul, the Savior can see,
Every heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary -
Jesus is very near.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary.
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.
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