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Spyder New user 76 Posts |
Hi. What do you think about the ideas of not doing gospel magic but saying you are a Christian vs saying you are a Christian AND doing gospel magic?
"Do you like card tricks" he asked.
I said no. He did five -W. Somerset Maugham |
Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
There are many fine Christians who perform magic for a living without performing Gospel magic.
Gospel magic isn't for any Christian who wants to perform magic. In fact, no christian should get into Gospel magic because they want to perform magic. I'd rather see them just perform regular magic. Gospel magic requires a different type of commitment. Sure you are performing magic, but it's not about the tricks. It's about the message you feel God is wanting you to convey to your audience. Sometimes Gospel magicians have a trick they want to perform and look for a message to use with it, but I personally believe that the message should come first. If we are constantly chasing down scriptures to fit our tricks, we may be running the risk of looking for ways to present magic rather than looking at ways to present the Gospel. I really believe that Gospel magic is ministry, and it should be treated like any other ministry. A Christian should have a good understanding of scripture, and have a real desire to serve God unselfishly. In other words, if a christian is not willing to serve God in ministry without the use of magic tricks, or evangelizing without the use of Gospel magic, then Gospel magic is most likely just an excuse to perform magic. In that case a Christian is better off just performing magic and leaving the Gospel magic to others. Some Christian magicians will give their testimony at the end of their shows, while some just live an example of a Christian lifestyle. But, it doesn't matter if we are christians who perform magic, or Gospel magicians, in all things we do, let it be pleasing and in honor of God.
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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REV BILL Special user Glen Burnie Maryland 795 Posts |
In short you do what God calls you to do not what you think you would enjoy doing.
Specializing in Family Entertainment,Gospel,Comedy and Educational programs for over 30 years.(Order of Merlin)
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Alan Wheeler Inner circle Posting since 2002 with 2038 Posts |
I often break the ice at Bible studies by doing a little magic during our fellowship time. There is joy and fun and, sometimes, I think, even God's presence. It's Christian magic serving the Gospel, but it's not Gospel magic, strictly speaking!
The views and comments expressed on this post may be mere speculation and are not necessarily the opinions, values, or beliefs of Alan Wheeler.
A BLENDED PATH Christian Reflections on Tarot Word Crimes Technology and Faith........Bad Religion |
Ed_Millis Inner circle Yuma, AZ 2292 Posts |
Gospel Dan, that was excellent!
I have done magic in Children's Church before, but I was already serving there and the magic was a different way to present the message. I have also been asked if I had any tricks that could be used to illustrate certain messages. I don't do any of that now. I was at one point considering marketing to the various VBS programs, but it would just be a marketing thing and not a calling, so I decided against it. So I'm just a Christian who does magic shows. It works well that way. Ed |
BenjaminMan New user 94 Posts |
I'm glad this was addressed.
I am a Christian and a magician, but not a "gospel magician." I don't really tell Bible stories while doing my magic, but I am a Christian and perform magic. |
BenjaminMan New user 94 Posts |
Oops. I posted again.
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Rickfcm Veteran user lower Michigan 382 Posts |
Jesus was a "Christian" carpenter so what's the problem. We all need to earn money to survive.
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Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Precisely, Rick (we Michiganders apparently think alike)!
Everyone wants to differentiate between "regular magic" and "gospel magic" with silly arguments like "gospel magic is about the message, but regular magic is about doing tricks. NO IT IS NOT!!!!!!!!!!! If you are a magician concerned mostly about doing tricks...you are doing just that...doing tricks. You are NOT a magician. Magic is simply storytelling, using magic to illustrate the message. We are actors, playing a role, drawing our audiences in emotionally and telling them a story. It is the SAME for both types of magic. The ONLY thing different is the story. People seem to want to believe that the only "calling" is ministry. I say bull-roar! The HIGHEST calling is that of marriage and parenthood. Our FIRST congregation is our family. We are ALL in ministry, if we are believers. Period. Sometimes I think we take ourselves a little too seriously. Loosen up. Use your magic to tell a story. Make it a gospel story is that is what you are led to do. But whatever you do, do it with a quality that brings glory to God. He can be glorified in the secular, too...let's not forget that.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
MagicBus Inner circle Kalamazoo, Michigan 2869 Posts |
Love all the Michiganers... Pure Michigan... Michigan Magic Day is this Saturday (tomorrow- perfect weather predicted for it)in Coldwater and it includes the Laflins performing, lecturing and selling... Abbott's Flea Market is May 14 in Colon- The Magic Capital of the World!
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Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Wish I could be there!
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
I do both.
I was raised in the Old testament. Of course you all know that Jesus was as well. (raised in the old testament) One day his parents looked around and he was not where he was supposed to be. (like many teens today) Where was he, asking questions in the synagogue. Some of you that have been on this forum know I went from using magic connected to spiritual journey to one more focused on the New Testament fulling the old. Oy Harris laughologist and fisher of men
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Vlad_77 Inner circle The Netherlands 5829 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-11 04:46, Alan Wheeler wrote: God is always present my friend; you need never worry about "thinking" He is there. +In Christ, Vlad |
Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
Again, a big Amen, Vlad! He is ALWAYS present...even at our weakest moments, as well as our highest points. Even when it feels as though we have been abandoned, He is there, gently watching over us.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
Dan Bernier Inner circle Canada 2298 Posts |
He will never leave us, nor forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5-7)
"If you're going to walk in the rain, don't complain about getting wet!"
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Alan Wheeler Inner circle Posting since 2002 with 2038 Posts |
I was refering to a special time of grace or experience of God's glory or manifest presence of the Holy Spirit rather than God's omnipresence. I'll have to check my systematic theology to make sure I'm not off base here.
The views and comments expressed on this post may be mere speculation and are not necessarily the opinions, values, or beliefs of Alan Wheeler.
A BLENDED PATH Christian Reflections on Tarot Word Crimes Technology and Faith........Bad Religion |
harris Inner circle Harris Deutsch 8812 Posts |
Yes when the Holy Spirit is present it is very evident. Jesus at the right hand of God, in some folks theology, told us it is the Holy Spirit (part of the Trinity) that is with us after his resurrection.
May the redeemed of the Lord, say so. (tune in my head...much better than "it's a small world after all" lvoe brother Harris
Harris Deutsch aka dr laugh
drlaugh4u@gmail.com music, magic and marvelous toys http://magician.org/member/drlaugh4u |
Mike Maturen Inner circle Michigan's Beautiful Sunrise Side 2726 Posts |
WHY did you have to mention "It's A Small World"? Now I'll NEVER get it out of my head. The last time, it took three years! LOL.
That song is like demon posession. On another note, last Sunday was Divine Mercy Sunday. What a beautiful day for the late Pope John Paul II to be beatified! John Paul II was a wonderful gift to both the Church and the world.
Mike Maturen
World of Wonder Entertainment The Magic and Mayhem of Mike Maturen 989-335-1661 mikematuren@gmail.com AUTHOR OF "A NEW DAWN--Weekly Wisdom From Everyday Life" member: International Magician's Society |
FriarShaun New user New Mexico 81 Posts |
Twelve letters.
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