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paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
As a pastor and now a Gospel Magician for the last 3 years or more , I have been struggling with how to best use Gospel Magic.
Magic is great for entertainment and I have no problems using magic to entertain. But like some of you, I have sruggled with issues such as: 1. How to properly routine a magic show (is it just stringing some effects together? And I have the 3 DVD series by Duae Laflin on the Art of Gospel Magic) 2. Whether the lesson is really clear (does magic overpower the message - I mean does the autdience remember the message and not just the magic trick) 3. Whether a magic trick is really necessary (is it really the best way to illustrate a certain truth) Anyway, over Easter I had the opportuntiy to do a Gospel Meeting (adults, teens and kids) where I incorporated a full gospel routine with a full sermon (ie at least a 20-25 minutes proper sermon as opposed to my normal do a routine and summarise the Gospel). Plus my routine which was 20 minutes, the whole affair was about 45 minutes. This was something very new to me (though during Christmas, I preached a full sermon, using part of a magic routine to illustrate the sermon to great effect) Most that I know of approach Gospel Magic in one of two ways. 1. Entertain and then move on to a more focused gospel routine 2. A few tricks to share a short message (10-15 minutes maximum) Anyway, the result of my Easter meeting was amazing (as I am not a gifted evangelist - more of a teacher) - nine people indicated they wanted to recieve Christ (this was told to me by the church that invited me as they did the follow up to confirm etc) Putting aside the fact that conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit and how He works is a mystery ... I am curious as to some of your expereinces and input on this approach. Have any of you done something along what I have done? What is your experience? BTW, when doing evangelistic preaching, the best results before this was 2 or 3 people being convicted of sin and giving their lives to God. It's past 1 AM on a Sunday morning (can't sleep) and I am preaching tomorrow so excuse me if my post is not too clear Thanks Paul
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
Rickfcm Veteran user lower Michigan 382 Posts |
I believe I start out like many others. Like fun stuff at the beginning but towards the end of the lesson the trick the message, like using cut and restored rope to show sin seperates God and man. The message will be remembered better with an illustration. Some may only remember the message, others will remember only the trick, some won't remember anything and others don't care. You can't reach everyone, only God can in his time, you can only present it the best you can. Just let the trick follow the message, not lead it.
Rick Lenski |
Professor Piper Special user Somewhere, out there... 770 Posts |
Do your best...
Plant the seed... Leave the rest to the Lord. God Bless, Prof. Piper
"Nemo has been found! He was on an Admiral's Platter at Red Lobster!"
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paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
I suppose I am struggling with whether for an evangelistic message (as opposed to taeching) a gospel magic presentation without a longer (and thus clearer) prersentation of the good news is as effective as a traditional sermon presentation.
I mean, I know the gospel message is basically simple but in this time and age where biblically illiteracy is so high, would a traditional gospel magic presentation be really clear? I find both helpful and am trying to find ways to make better use of both approaches. I know it is God's Holy Spirit who does the work but my struggle is whether I am planting the seeds properly in a context that maximises the receptiveness to the Gospel Message.
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
Professor Piper Special user Somewhere, out there... 770 Posts |
Paul...
Honestly, I think that you are 'over-thinking' the situation... If your message is straight forward, and your presentation is equally straight forward...Then I don't see any problems. The Lord guides us all...I think that if you present your message in an entertaining way, then you have planted the seed in such a way that if it is meant to grow, it will. God Bless. Prof. Piper
"Nemo has been found! He was on an Admiral's Platter at Red Lobster!"
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paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-28 23:03, Professor Piper wrote: Maybe yu are right Thanks for the input
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
Sandstar Loyal user 232 Posts |
This thread is interesting to me. I am returning to mentalism after 30 years and am in the process of mounting a very different kind of show. Over these decades I have worked as an executive producer and senior writer in Hollywood. I have been a Christian for a long, long time.
I am trying to structure presentations that have a strong overall theme and speak to the real spiritual needs and awarenesses of people (especially young people) today. For over 30 years I have been researching the occult in many of its manifestations. I would urge Christian "magi" to read a book called "The Terror That Comes in the Night." Also, study the Roper polls done with Bud Hopkins. They deal with supernatural experiences in the general population. In addition, I would recommend Graham Hancock's recent book entitled "Supernatural." If you want to take your presentations to a "new level" under the guidance of God, find out what's really happening. It's time to live our lives in a way that is worthy of attack. |
Sandstar Loyal user 232 Posts |
This thread is interesting to me. I am returning to mentalism after 30 years and am in the process of mounting a very different kind of show. Over these decades I have worked as an executive producer and senior writer in Hollywood. I have been a Christian for a long, long time.
I am trying to structure presentations that have a strong overall theme and speak to the real spiritual needs and awarenesses of people (especially young people) today. For over 30 years I have been researching the occult in many of its manifestations. I would urge Christian "magi" to read a book called "The Terror That Comes in the Night." Also, study the Roper polls done with Bud Hopkins. They deal with supernatural experiences in the general population. In addition, I would recommend Graham Hancock's recent book entitled "Supernatural." If you want to take your presentations to a "new level" under the guidance of God, find out what's really happening. It's time to live our lives in a way that is worthy of attack. |
Magic Arty Elite user metro Atlanta 443 Posts |
What a wonderful awsome God we worship, who let's us be creative in presenting his message of good news to the world.
I think that all of us are going to have different ways of making a whoe sermon out of a magical presentation. I used the "Goofus Plant" once for a telling of the parable of the sower. I used the water can as a running theme. When coming up with a sermon, I think the most important thing to do is first ask God what it is he wants to say to your congregation, then pray about how he wants you to say it. Sometmes the message he wants to get across can be done with one routine, others take a case full of props to get the theme across! Keep the message and the effect clear, and be guided by the Holy Spirit, He makes it happen! As for using magic as a witnessing tool, the most inspiring person I have met has been Robert Hill. He uses magic so easily with the message being personal and to the point. Also the listener becomes accountable for what they have heard. In Christ, Arthur |
Shadow Regular user Akron, OH 171 Posts |
I have been blessed to be used by God over the last 4 years, traveling all over Ohio and neighboring states, presenting the Gospel through Magic.
I have witnessed over 200 people coming forward to accept Christ after the shows. While I do preach a sermon from time to time, I have never combined the two as you describe. I do a Magic show that contains both fun, entertaining tricks and tricks that illustrate the message of the Gospel, after the closer I follow up with a summary of the plan of salvation and give an invitation. My home church considers me an evangelist. |
paulmagic Loyal user Malaysia, now In New Zealand 290 Posts |
Thanks for all the feedback. Good food for thought for me.
Many Blessings!!
Paul |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
Paul
I'm glad you asked about this. I am about to post a similar question to the Café Christians - I am trying to decide how to structure a show to allow for a Christian message, and lead into a more direct Bible study type presentation. The intent is to witness. I've not done this before and am interested in how others do this. Shadow: Do you have a posted performance schedule? I might like to come watch you. John
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Shadow Regular user Akron, OH 171 Posts |
John,
At this time I do not post a schedule, but I am working on a new website and hope to have everything up by the end of summer |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
My loss, I make it back to the Cleveland area periodically to visit family.
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Shadow Regular user Akron, OH 171 Posts |
Give me a call when your in town, maybe we could get together.
this goes for all Café members phone number is on my website. |
John Long Inner circle New Jersey 2826 Posts |
Thanks for the offer, but I didn't see a phone number on that site.
Breathtaking Magic;
Not Breath Taking |
Shadow Regular user Akron, OH 171 Posts |
My bad
I thought I had a contact page on that site I'll add it today thanks |
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