What is Gospel Magic?
Gospel magic is the use of magical illusions as object lessons to teach Biblical truths. For example, I can show a red hanky and say that it symbolizes the sin in my life. ("Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18.) When I make it disappear in my hands, it demonstrates how Jesus forgives and forgets our sins. For an added touch, I can then produce a white hanky showing the forgiven sinner white "as wool."
Gospel magic does not use any "powers" from beyond. It is not the sorcery and magic condemned by the Bible. No gospel magician ever claims such powers. We reveal upfront that our tricks are simply illusions to illustrate our teaching. The Bible is full of object lessons. The potter's house, the fig tree and sheep were used by God to teach his people truths in ways they could understand, remember, and share with others.
In gospel magic, we do the same thing, only our object lessons appear at times magical or mystifying.
Experts claim that after 24 hours, we only remember 10 per cent of the things we hear, but retain 40 per cent of the things we see. It is not only scriptural to use object lessons, but good common sense too.
A wise Sunday school teacher, youth leader or pastor will remember to illustrate his/her lessons with visual aids. Magic can be a very compelling visual aid.
Gospel magic is also a great way to draw a crowd to ministry outreaches. I have performed for many Vacation Bible Schools where many of the children are not church kids. My church also has a booth at the local county fair. By performing close-up magic, more people stop at our booth and they are more receptive to taking our tracts and other materials. They also bring back their friends to see the magician. This has resulted in many new visitors to our church.
For more gospel magic or to book me for a church function, go to Magic Ministry.
