Real Hope: The Power of the GospelShembull

## Words and Music When we talk about "the Gospel," we sometimes make the mistake of limiting it to telling people about who Jesus was and what He did. We urge them to trust in Jesus and so be assured of everlasting life. And all that is wonderfully true. But the Gospel is not just good news for those who do exercise such trust. It is good news for the wider world too. The Gospel is not simply about "getting saved," not merely a verbal statement of scriptural truth. The good news of Jesus includes good works in imitation of Jesus. We are to be light to a world in darkness—not relying on the power of our personalities and not relying on getting into positions of political authority. We engage our world with love and care because the words about Jesus lead to works done for Jesus. When people in the early church heard and responded to the Gospel preaching, their lives were changed. Their love for one another was contagious: many more had changed lives as a result. The power of the Gospel did not result in converts sitting back basking in God’s grace. It resulted in lives that were manifestly different and attractive. The Gospel is a sort of song: the wonderful words of preaching and teaching are accompanied by the wonderful music of powerfully changed lives. #### Written by DAVID REAY