Real Hope: The Power of the GospelShembull

## TNT It is said that one day Billy Graham sent one of his New Testaments off to a book-binder for some much-needed repair. When it was returned he found that the book-binder, feeling that the edge, was too little to contain the full words "The New Testament," wrote "TNT." Apparently, Mr. Graham was a little taken back at first, but on reflection the great evangelist said, "I like it! Indeed, this is God’s TNT!" The Gospel is no delicate matter. It is explosive, powerful, awesome, and extremely effective at causing change. But simultaneously it is gentle and full of love, grace, and patience. Only God could create something that is somehow incredibly powerful in its simplicity. In its purest form it is after all quite uncomplicated. Take the thief on the cross for instance. For him no baptism, no communion, no confirmation, no speaking in tongues, no mission trip, and no Sunday-best church clothes. He couldn’t even bend his knees to pray. He didn’t really say that much—no reciting the sinner’s prayer. But he walked into heaven the same hour as Jesus, simply by believing with no spin from a brilliant preacher; no shiny lights, skinny jeans, or haze machine; no smiling welcome team or coffee shop in the foyer. He couldn’t even put his hands together to pray—just a naked dying man on a cross who had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who He said He was. Now that’s powerful! This is a compelling example of the power and simplicity of the Gospel—the same Good News that is still powerful, down-to-earth and, most importantly, available to be believed and accepted today. #### Written by ROBBIE PARKIN