This is the place where each month, I will either teach a new trick, or actually perform one for/on YOU! These will most likely not be EARTH-SHATTERING tricks, but I think you will agree that the lessons they are designed to teach are extremely valuable, and very practical for children's workers!
This page is dedicated to anyone who has ever had to teach children, and wondered, "what am I going to speak on this Sunday??". All materials are commonly available, and should cost little or nothing to gather up and use.
Comment:
I
REALLY struggled as to whether I should just perform this trick on this page for (with) you interactively via email - or give the full explanation and routine. I chose to go with the full explanation and routine, because it is STRONG, and very effective for a clear communication of the Gospel. It can, however, be adapted to interactive use on the net, or, as I have used it a number of times, over the radio! Some very famous magicians with whom I am acquainted have even used similar tricks on prime time national television!!! Enjoy!
Materials Needed: Pencil or Pen, Paper
Setting Up:
Copy all the numbers shown in the illustration, exactly as they are displayed. (Or better yet, print off the graphic!!)
Presentation:
Do
you believe in, "coincidence"? You know, like when strange things happen, and it seems like maybe you have experienced it before... or maybe when two people seem to think the same thing, at the same time. The word for that is, "coincidence". And yet - I wonder... is there REALLY such a thing? Or is there a plan to this life? Let's find out..."
(Ask the spectator to pick any number - just in his/her mind from 1 to 30. It is important that they have a completely free choice, and also that they do NOT tell you what number they chose. [Not yet, at least] As they are selecting a number, take the pencil and write the words, "GOD'S PLAN" on a blank sheet of paper.)
Alright... You have selected your number - and it was YOUR choice. And while you were doing that, I wrote the words, "God's Plan" here on this otherwise blank sheet of paper. Now, despite what some very famous people on television are telling us - NO ONE has the ability to read your mind, or predict your future. The Bible is clear about this point. However, it is also very clear about the fact that God DOES have a plan - and He is always in control of that plan.
(Show the spectator the chart with all the numbers on it. Ask them to, without revealing their number, simply identify the columns, by letter, that contain the number they chose. While they are doing that, on the OTHER side of the paper that has the words, "God's Plan" written on it, be ready to write a number. To find the number, add the top figures of each column they name. That is, if his number appears in columns A, D, and E... you would add 2, 8, and 4 - and the number he chose would be 14it ONLY shows in those columns. As soon as the spectator names the columns, YOU add the top numbers, and write the answer on the back of the paper. Then turn the paper over [hiding the number], and write, "FOR [name of spectator]", and lay the paper down for now.)
Ok - As you can see, I have added your name to the page, right under the words, "God's Plan". Did you know God has a plan for you? It's true, and while I do not know all of the details of God's plan for you - I do know part of them! It is in God's plan for you to be saved...
(At this point, the situation will determine the direction of the conversation... I use this both for evangelism, where the spectator may not know anything about Christianity - and I will go the direction of leading them to Christ via the four spiritual laws, or as encouragement to the Christian, speaking of the calling the Lord has for all of us, via the Great Commission [Mark 16:15].)
And back to the issue of "coincidence"... I personally don't believe in it. Sure, there are some things that happen in life that I cannot explain - but I know God is in control, all the time! Just like, even though you may not have known it - I have been in control of this trick the whole time. Take a look at the back of the paper, and see that I have written your number down, even though you never told me what it was. Coincidence?? No. Mind reading?? NO WAY! Just a good trick, that teaches us clearly that even though we may not be aware of the whole thing, there is a plan to life, and it's a good thing God is the one who is in control!
NOTES:
Depending upon the direction I go with the trick, I use the paper with "God's Plan for (their name)" on it, to write down the four spiritual laws, and the Scripture verses I use to support them, or the verses that support the will of the Lord for the believer. Then, at the end of the trick, I GIVE them this paper, so they can take it with them, and maybe look up the Scriptures themselves. In fact, I even write down my name and phone number, so that if they have questions, or want my help, they can easily get in touch with me.
I am a firm believer that evangelism is just the first step... and that we need to be responsible to disciple new believers and this trick is a great way to do just that. I hope you enjoy it, and even more, I hope you USE it!
How can one be a Christian, and also an illusionist?
The answer may be found by clicking: What is Gospel Magic?