Drama #1: God’s Grace in Place

Overview: A good angel and a bad angel argue about the soul of a Christian.

Bible Theme: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Drama #2: Angel Assignments on Maundy Thursday

Overview: A group of angels get their assignments on the day Jesus is arrested.

Bible Theme: "Whoever wants to be the most important must be last of all and servant of all" (Mark 9:35b).

Drama #3: Waiting in the Last Line

Overview: A group of people in St. Peter’s line discusses why some are let in, and others not.

Bible Theme: “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener… No branch can bear fruit by the itself; it must remain in the vine” (John 15: 1,4).

Drama #4: Door #1, Door #2, or….?

Overview: A bad angel attempts to play a terrible prank on a Christian.

Bible Theme: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).

Drama #5: I’m Not a Physicist, but I Know What Matters

Overview: Three new arrivals at the pearly gates discuss their destination.

Bible Theme: “And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace” (Romans 11:6).

Drama #6: The Pearly Gates: Film at Eleven

Overview: The Pearly Gates are the subject of a National Geographic special.

Bible Theme: “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).

Drama #1 in the Series, Conversations at the Pearly Gates

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)

Characters

Good Angel – a first-time substitute for St. Peter

Sue – A human who has approached the pearly gates

Bad Angel – a tempter who is trying to make trouble

God’s Grace in Place

Two doorways are seen. On stage right is a gold and pearly doorway, with streamers and tinsel, marked “Heaven.” On stage left is a black, altogether unfriendly-looking spiked doorway marked “The Other Place.”

The GOOD ANGEL stands at the podium near the “Heaven” portal. SUE enters from offstage, walking slowly and looking around.

Good Angel

Hello, there, maam, may I help you?

Can I get you where you’re going to?

You have arrived at the pearly gate,

can I help you know your fate?

May I be of help this day,

this day that starts new life today?

Sue

Thank you, yes, my name is Sue.

I’d like to be let on right through.

I know I’m here at the pearly gate

but I’ve long known my great fate.

I know that I should get in

I’m anxious to see my king

Good Angel

Well, just a second, let me look,

He’s got the names here in a book

I just have to check the list,

it’s my job, you know, so I insist.

Sue

Let me ask, while I wait,

are you St. Peter at the gate?

The BAD ANGEL slips out of “The Other Place” doorway and slithers over to where the other two are talking.

Good Angel

Oh, my no, I’m not The Man;

he had to go and off he ran.

St. Peter, see, he’s still on break,

so I am here his place to take

To tell the truth, to be real straight,

I’ve never stood at this gate

I’m not really sure what to do,

St. Peter called me and said “Hey you

Come stand right here while I’m on break,

and don’t let them in by mistake.”

Bad Angel

I could not help but overhear,

I’d just like to be real clear

Did I hear that you are new,

and not real sure what you should do?

That this new job that you possess,

is new and this is your first test?

Good Angel

Yes, that’s right, I know I’m new,

but I think I know what I must do

St. Peter said to check their name,

and not be swayed by a lame claim.

If their name is not in the book,

after I’ve taken a good look

Even if they scream and shout

or pout I have to kick them out.

The Good Angel finds Sue’s name in the book.

Good Angel

And maam, I see your name appear,

so, in you go, you’re all done here.

The Bad Angel looks at the book, incredulously.

Bad Angel

Wait a minute, let me see,

I don’t think that this can be.

I know that this cannot be right,

let me try to shed some light.

While I am not without pity,

I know this one and it’s not pretty.

She’s full of vile and vice and sin,

I know that she should not be in.

I can prove beyond a shadow’s doubt

that she should not go in but out.

Good Angel

This book has been beyond a doubt,

but maybe we should hear you out.

I don’t want a grave mistake,

or my angel license they will take.

Sue

This is silly, don’t you see,

I get to go in there for free.

Because Jesus died and set me free,

there is no other place for me.

I know Jesus personally,

Call him now and you will see.