I am always on the lookout for science experiments that can be turned into a Gospel magic trick. 

The trick: Completely wet one paper towel and press it flat down on the plate. Light the piece of paper and let it begin to burn. Place the paper inside the glass and immediately turn it over onto the paper towel. Let the flame burn out, then lift up the glass. The glass will adhere to the paper towel and plate.

Our Bible verse today says: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 

There are so many wonderful things that we can do for God. We can pray that our friends and family members will come to know Him. We can help people out by giving them things that they might need like food or clothing or money. What are some other things we can do for God? (Wait for responses.)

Yes. Those are all great ideas of things we can do for God. And our Bible verse says that ANYTHING we do for God will NEVER be wasted. There is another Bible verse that says “…when we are weak, God is strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) So, even if we can only do little things for the Lord, God will still show Himself powerful to all who can see.

Let me show you what I mean…

I have here a plate, a paper towel, and a glass. Let’s let the plate remind you of you.  Now let’s let this paper towel remind us of Jesus whom the Bible calls “the Living Water”. (Immerse paper towel in the water.) I think this name of Jesus reminds us of a water fountain that just keeps giving water and never stops. God gave you His one and only Son, Jesus. (Flatten the paper towel onto the plate.)

Here is a a pretty glass. This glass will remind us of the good work we can do for God.

Here are 3 pieces of paper. (Hold up the piece of paper.) Can I have 3 of you each write an example of a good deed that can be done for God? (Wait for response and write it down on the piece of paper.) Excellent! I will write that good deed on this paper.

Here is a lighter. I am going to light this piece of paper, because another Bible verse says, “Let your light shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise the Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

I am now going to put the good deed in the pretty deed holder.

I am going to turn this work for God over onto the plate, because I want to give to God all that I do for Him.

The light is burning out, but don’t worry, God is still at work. He has taken the good deed that you or I did and can show the world around us that He is strong and powerful!

Now, what will happen if we don’t give our good deeds over to the Lord?  Instead our good works are just all about us. (Take a second plate and place the wet paper towel on it. Light a second piece of paper and place it in a second glass, but don’t turn it over and try and lift the plate. Of course, it won’t work.) Hmm. A Good work plus No connection to God and His Son Jesus equals no power. You see, when we don’t do our good deeds for the Lord, God’s power won’t be able to shine through us.

But if we give our good works to the Lord (Do the whole trick with the 3rd plate and so on…) then God’s power will be seen by those around us and nothing we do for Him will ever be wasted.