By Duane Laflin – From the book: “Gospel Lessons with a Change Bag”  Buy the entire book

This routine is from a true classic that’s been revised and uploaded to the store as a download… Get “Gospel Lessons with a Change Bag” instantly and start using these ideas right away!

This is a strong trick and message! Take eight 3×5 cards and put the letters L I V E on them. Do this twice so that you have two of the letter “L” , two of the letter “I”, two of the letter “V”, and two of the letter “E”.

Use a punch to put one hole in the top of each card.   Take a red ribbon and string four of the cards on it in order so they spell LIVE. Those four cards strung together are placed on one side of the change bag and hidden.

When doing the effect display the letters EVIL and comment on sin. Explain that all of us have done evil things (Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23). Comment further that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Because of the evil in our lives we are spiritually condemned.

Then explain that God loves us in spite of the evil (Romans 5:8). Drop the letters into the change bag one at a time. Along with them drop in some red ribbon. Tell the audience that Jesus died for the ungodly. He shed His blood for sinners..not for a bunch of perfect individuals. (Shake the bag as if mixing the letters).

Finally have a helper reach into the bag and remove the letters and ribbon. Show how they now are all strung together and spell a new word, LIVE. The gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23) through Jesus Christ our Lord.