Gospel in Real Life

1 Peter 2:4-12. Christians are persecuted across the globe on a regular basis. On average, 13 people are killed every day because of their allegiance to Jesus Christ. According to Open Doors, 5,898 Christians were murdered in 2022. The ministry has also tracked a vast increase in violent persecution in 2023. They anticipate an enormous rise in persecution in 2024. How shall believers respond? In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains a sound strategy for living in dangerous times. The apostle Peter encouraged first-century followers of Christ by reminding them that they are selected by God to be living stones and are securely placed next to the living cornerstone, Jesus Christ. Dr. Wright closes this episode with a song sung by Twila Paris. Give it listen and be encouraged. God is working through his church in perilous times. For more information: drmichaelwright.com/podcasts, michael@gospelinreallife.org Copyright 1990, Capitol Cmg Genesis o/b/o Ariose Music and Capitol Cmg Genesis o/b/o Mountain Spring Music How beautiful the hands that served The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth How beautiful the feet that walked The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful Is the body of Christ How beautiful the heart that bled That took all my sin and bore it instead How beautiful the tender eyes That choose to forgive and never despise How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful Is the body of Christ And as he lay down his life We offer this sacrifice That we will live just as he died Willing to pay the price Willing to pay the price How beautiful the radiant bride Who waits for her groom with his light in her eyes How beautiful when humble hearts give The fruit of pure lives so that others may live How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful Is the body of Christ How beautiful the feet that bring The sound of good news and the love of the King How beautiful the hands that serve The wine and the bread and the sons of the Earth How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful Is the body of Christ

 1 Peter 1:13-25. The first-century Church in Asia Minor lived in perilous times. The twenty-first century church around the world exists in dangerous times as well. It is a quagmire. How are Christians to respond when faced with hard trails?   In this episode Dr. Michael Wright, President of Gospel in Real Life, will explain how believers in every age are instructed to live even in difficult circumstances. While the lost seek evil pleasures, Christians are to live in ways which give Christ Jesus honor, glory, and praise today and forever.   Comments or questions? Reach out.   Dr. Michael Wright Gospel in Real Life michael@gospelinreallife.org gospelinreallife.org

1 Peter 1:1-12. Faith is precious to God, more precious than silver or gold. Our faith is important to God because he created faith. (Hebrews 12:1-3) Faith saves us but, like silver and gold, faith must be purified so that we may live transformed lives and give the author of faith, Jesus Christ, all the praise, glory, and honor.   In this episode Dr. Michael Wright, President of Gospel in Real Life, will explain the first twelve verses of 1 Peter. We will learn how God saves the elect and also secures believers for eternity. We will also learn how God secures salvation via the Trinity and uses trials to grow believers into great men and women of God.   Comments or questions? Reach out.   Dr. Michael Wright Gospel in Real Life michael@gospelinreallife.org gospelinreallife.org

1 Peter 1:1-2. As believers, we are sure to encounter trials of all colors. Some will be soft yellow and will be not too hard to manage. Other trials will be white hot and cause us to think we will not survive. The apostle Peter wrote to people who lived in very difficult circumstances, to those who may be killed at any moment simply because they claim allegiance to Jesus Christ. In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright, President of GRL, explains that trials will always be the natural part of being a Christian, but that we have hope in Jesus. Also in this episode, Dr. Wright sat down with Jim Cox, a 30-year friend who was recently diagnosed with ALS. Jim speaks candidly of his “death sentence” but also his hope in the Lord. Jim explains how his church Life Group rushed to his side and have given he and his wife, Melonie, much love and support. You will not want to miss listening to this episode. Comments or questions? Reach out. Dr. Michael Wright Gospel in Real Life michael@gospelinreallife.org gospelinreallife.org

Luke 22:14-20. The Passion Week of Jesus Christ was divinely planned. Nothing happened by chance. When Jesus reclined at the table with his disciples, on the night of Passover, he took the cup and announced a new covenant in his blood. He provided a deeper meaning to the Seder Supper. When he died, the work of salvation was finished. When Jesus rose from the grave, God made possible for sinners to experience a saving and sanctifying relationship with the resurrected Son of God. It was God's perfect plan that could not be thwarted.In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright goes into depth about cup Jesus shared with his disciples and why it is very important for believers today to not only understand Passover, but to partake of it with a new commitment to die to self and serve the world of people all around the globe.Dr. Michael Wright President of Gospel in Real Life michael@gospelinreallife.org

Ezra 1-2. We live in spiritual exile. Because of our sin, we are experiencing times of trouble and tribulation. However, when God decrees it, that will all change in an instant. We will be sent home to a place prepared by Christ where there will be no more crying and dying. We see pictures of this in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. The people of God live in Babylonian exile and have been for 70 years because of personal and corporate sin. However, God promised he would return his people to return.   Jeremiah wrote, “Then after seventy years are completed, I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation.” (Jeremiah 25:12) Cyrus, King of Persia, defeated Babylon in 536 BC and allowed the Jews to return to Jerusalem. God stirred Cyrus and the Jews headed home. Cyrus decreed that the Jews were to restore the temple, the people, the walls, and the city.   In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright describes the events leading up to the return. Then he shows how our great sovereign God does his will via any vessel he chooses. Knowing that God is in control can bring us great comfort, no matter the circumstances we live in today. We will also learn that God's word is alive and powerful to stir hearts, even our enemies, to perform his will regardless of who is the king.   What a comfort to know that God is at work always in us and around us and, sometimes, despite us. His plans for the ages cannot be thwarted. We can trust the Lord.     Gospel in Real Life can be found on every major platform such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For more information or to give online to Gospel in Real Life, go to gospelinreallife.org. Dr. Wright takes zero salary but uses all gifts to professionally publish the blog and podcast. You may prefer to send a check made to Gospel in Real Life. Use 813 Gean Trail, Keller, Texas 76248. All gifts are tax deductible. Thank you!   To reach out to Dr. Michael Wright via email: michael@gospelinreallife.org

We live in perilous times. Is God in control? We see chaos in cities around the world. Does God care? Can he do something about it? The answer for each question is yes. God is indeed in control, and he cares deeply about nations and individual people who live in them. And yes. God can and will do something about the evil which exists in the world.   God's people were warned to turn from their wicked ways, but they did not. Thus, the Jews spent 70 years in Babylonian exile. It was also foretold that King Cyrus of Persia would decree to send the exiles back to Jerusalem. The order launched a series of three returns. The first was led by Zerubbabel who organized the people to rebuild the Temple. The second return was headed by Ezra who ministered to the people. The third was led by Nehemiah who stirred the people to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. It is an incredible story which deserves to be told.   The overarching theme of Ezra-Nehemiah is Restoration. God's people were restored to their city. Once there they rebuilt a place of worship and a worshipping people. It is God's story. In it we see that God is serious about sin and yet has the power to forgive sin and restore people to a place promised.   In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright provides an overview of Ezra and Nehemiah which will reveal great personal and corporate truths about how God works to restore people today. The episode highlights God's sovereignty over a nation and his personal one-on-one care for each person involved in his story.   Contact Dr. Michael Wright: michael@gospelinreallife.org Website: gospelinreallife.org

Is there any hope for a lost soul? A depraved sinner? The answer? There is no hope for the one who rejects Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus said, the one who is not born again is condemn. However, the one who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. The one who is redeemed by God via a saving relationship with Jesus Christ will not only be saved, but that person, male or female, is instantly adopted like a son into the family of God and has become an heir of Christ. Not only does a chosen person become a family member, but he or she is promised to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Thus, the lost soul, when he or she is transformed by Christ – because of private plan made by God before the foundation of the world – has an eternity of hope. Living in Christ changes everything.   In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains what it means to be chosen and predestined by God, how Bible truth concerning these doctrines should stir great personal comfort in the heart of the believer. To know that God made a deeply personal choice to save sinners by grace through faith brings not only comfort, but immense joy.   For more information about or to donate to Gospel in Real Life gospelinreallife.org    To write Dr. Michael Wright directly mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Election is not a denominational doctrine. It is not owned by Baptists. It was not crafted by Presbyterians. It was not discovered by the reformers. Election is a Bible doctrine and should be taught in a manner worthy of the One who chooses to save human souls. In Episode 36 of Gospel in Real Life, we uncover some sound truths about Ephesians 1:4, that God's authority to choose who will be saved is personal, relational, and purposeful. Since the fall of 2020, Gospel in Real Life has been downloaded multiplied thousands of times in over 71 countries around the globe. We are very exciting to see just how God is spreading the word in so many places. Gospel in Real Life is Good News for Humans. For more information about or to donate to Gospel in Real Life, go to gospelinreallife.org. Have a question or comment? Please write Dr. Michael Wright, President of Gospel in Real Life by using the address, mwright@gospelinreallife.com.

Ephesians 1:3-4. It might be a strange thought. God is blessed. Without understanding the fact that God is blessed and without knowing what it is that blesses him, you may miss why God is blessed. When you see why God is blessed and what blesses him, you will immediately become increasingly joyful. We are redeemed to be holy and have been adopted into a wonderful family by a very happy God. Enjoy a sweet intro brought to you by my grandson, Sawyer Brown. Need more information? www.gospelinreallife.org. We would love to hear from you! 

Ephesians 1:1-2. In this study, we will look closely at the first two verses of Ephesians chapter one. Paul self-ascribed himself as the author of the epistle. The apostle was a fascinating man. He was a leader among the Pharisees. He was well-educated. He was likely wealthy and played a prominent role in the community. He was well known among Jews and Gentiles alike. Paul was also feared by Christians. He arrested and murdered Christ followers for the faith in Jesus. His relationship with believers changed after his conversion. He once considered Christians his enemy. After meeting Christ, they became his friends and began to recognize them as saints, those set apart and belong to God.For more information: gospelinreallife.org Contact Dr. Wright: mwright@gospelinreallife.org 

Ephesians 2:1. “The gospel (good news) was presented to me when I was very young. It was clear. It was simple. Yet, I was unable to respond. Why? I was unable because I was spiritually dead. I tried being religious, but there was a problem. I was dead in trespasses and sins. Thus, religion was a useless pursuit. I needed more. I needed life. I needed resurrection! Thanks to God. He provided grace and mercy via Jesus. Christ was life and resurrection. He said, come forth. The grave clothes fell as Christ raised me to walk in a new life.” The Letter to the Ephesians is a powerful message chalked full of both theological and practical truth. In Season 3, Episode 1, Dr. Michael Wright explains his own salvation and provides a brief introduction to the next set lessons from Ephesians. He will unfold powerful truth about the church, marriage, parenting, family life, and spiritual warfare. More information. https://gospelinreallife.org/ Contact Dr. Wright. mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 8:28-39. The Five Gold Links of Salvation include these key doctrines: Foreknowledge, Predestination, Calling, Justification, and Glorification. This will not be my last time to study and preach through this grand book, God willing. I will be referring to Romans for many years to come. I have learned much and have come to appreciate on a greater level just how wholly marvelous is our God and how wonderful is his gift of salvation; and how amazing is the atoning work of Jesus Christ. It is all there, to be discovered in the unconquerable Letter to the Romans. In this final study of Season 2, we see how Paul reveals the mystery of salvation. It is no wonder that he closes Chapter 8 with these words: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.”For more info: https://gospelinreallife.org/ Please write: mwright@gospelinreallife.org (edited) 

Romans 8:29-30. In elementary school we learn the very basics. In higher education, we learn advanced ideas. What would life be like if we were still learning the basics in high school, college, or beyond? A childhood perspective makes it seem we are in control of our salvation. As Christians study the word and advance in the truths of Scripture, it becomes apparent that salvation is solely in the hands of God.  Did you know that God chose who will be saved long before he created the world? How could it be any other way? God is omniscient (all knowing). He knows all things in eternity, past, present, and future. While we cannot fully comprehend the doctrine of foreknowledge, we can in Christ acknowledge God's sovereignty over everything, including how he saves the human soul. God's Foreknowledge is the first of five links in the Gold Chain of Salvation. The other four links are Predestination, Calling, Justification, and Glorification. Dr. Michael Wright explains the truth of Foreknowledge in this episode of Gospel in Real Life. Enjoy!For more info: https://gospelinreallife.org/ Please write: mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 8:28. Paul says, “We know.” Christians possess knowledge that pain has a divine purpose. Suffering is used to conform Christians into the image of Jesus Christ. Three well-known examples of suffering in Scripture are Joseph, Job, and Peter. Joseph was mistreated by his brothers. Job was misunderstood by his friends. Peter was mystified by his own behavior. All three suffered. Yet, all three were used by powerfully by God. For the believer in Christ, pain has a purpose and is used wonderfully by God to conform Christians into the image of Jesus Christ.   For more information: https://gospelinreallife.org/ mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 8:18-28. Suffering is defined as a state of pain – mental, emotional, and physical. Pain can and does affect our relationships with God, others, and even self. When our relationships are fractured, suffering becomes circular and multiplied. Since humans will not escape suffering and pain cannot be avoided, what is a right response? In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains that pain, from a biblical perspective, is necessary and works for good for those who love God and are called to his purpose.   For more information: gospelinreallife.com Contact Dr. Michael Wright: mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 8:12-17. Prior to conversion, humans are slaves to sin and death. People are not able to not sin. They must pay homage to the flesh which controls thoughts and actions. Thanks to God, when Christ redeems the lost, they are indwelled by the Spirit of God and are empowered to choose not to sin. Because they are in Christ, believers now owe nothing to the flesh, even though lust calls again and again. Even more, believers are sons (and daughters) of God and are heirs of Christ. The witness of the Spirit in the heart of the Christian says that “we are children of God.” While new life in Christ conflicts with the lost culture, subsequent suffering with Christ brings glory to the Lord and a promise of a glorious future with him.   For more information, to contact, or to donate: gospelinreallife.org gospelinreallife.org/contact gospelinreallife.org/donate

Romans 8:1-11. Humanity in the first century was in a mess. We see this in the Letter to the Romans. Being totally transparent, Paul journaled, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” That is a great question for humanity in the twenty-first century. Who will save us? As Paul wrote, we can confidently testify, “Thanks be to God…Jesus Christ our Lord!” That is why the apostle declared, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” As a believer, we are new in Christ, but we still struggle in the physical body to do what is right. However, Jesus does not condemn us. He does not punish our struggle, but encourages us to keep on going. He provides his power and presence while we fight the good fight. Since believers are “in Christ” all things are possible. All things are new. There is no condemnation. Information: gospelinrealife.org Donate: gospelinreallife.org/donate Contact: mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Human rebellion stirs God's wrath which had led to God's judgment. God's judgement is not fire from heaven (like we see in the OT). Rather, it is seen in the fact that man cannot keep from sinning. He is addicted to sin. Those humans who deny God with their sin are turned over to their depravity which is sure to destroy their lives and the people around them. Paul shares his testimony about sin before and after salvation. He delivers hope to followers of Christ. Who will rescue us from this “body of sin?” Paul declares that Jesus is the answer. Information: gospelinrealife.org Donate: gospelinreallife.org/donate Contact: mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 7:1-6 (Part 2). Gospel in Real Life exists to transform the culture of the human heart one Bible lesson at a time. The Law is a bad marriage partner. The Groom, (Jesus) offers a new second marriage to sinners to become his bride (the church, the redeemed). In this lesson, we will take a joyful look at what a marriage relationship with Christ is like and what is in store for Christ's bride in the future. For more information: https://gospelinreallife.org/ or write to mwright@gospelinreallife.org To give: https://gospelinreallife.org/donate

Romans 7:1-6. “The Law.” Did you know that prior to salvation you were married to the Law? That marriage is completely an unhappy union. And you can't divorce the Law. What can you do? You must die to the Law and receive new life in Christ. Dr. Michael Wright explains this truth about the law of death in this lesson. Contact: mwright@gospelinreallife.org. Donate: https://gospelinreallife.org/donate

Romans 6:15-23. When a person is born again, they are given a new life in Christ. So why do Christians still struggle with sin? In this episode, Dr. Wright explains that while the old nature has died and has been “buried”, the body still has has passions that must be tamed. How to do that? Listen to this episode and find out. For more information: https://gospelinreallife.org/. Email Dr. Wright: mwright@gospelinreallife.org

Romans 6:1-14. GRL exists to transform the global culture via the powerful word of God. In this episode Dr. Michael Wright teaches why the apostle Paul explains that those who trust Christ for salvation are dead to sin in principle, practice, and power. Are you dead to sin? For more information or to donate: https://gospelinreallife.org. Have questions? mwright@gospelinreallife.org

GRL exists to transform the global community and culture via the truth of the Gospel. In this lesson, Dr. Wright explains how the truth of the Gospel reveals righteousness and how Justification provides peace, grace, joy, and hope to endure. For more information: https://gospelinreallife.org/. Donate: https://gospelinreallife.org/donate

The Righteousness revealed in the Gospel is the Righteousness required to be saved, and is the Righteousness that must be received by faith to be justified by God. In this lesson, Dr. Michael Wright explains how any other man-made approach to salvation is offensive to God. Learn salvation comes by faith and is a free gift from God. Info: https://gospelinreallife.org/ Donate: https://gospelinreallife.org/

Romans 3:21-31. Sin has marred everything. Depravity characterizes the condition of the human heart. But now the righteousness of God is revealed and is offered as a remedy to lost souls. Dr. Michael Wright shares how Christ has made a way for sinners to be redeemed and justified by God. There is hope yet. For more information or to support GRL: https://gospelinreallife.org/donate. Questions or comments: https://gospelinreallife.org/contact

Romans 3:1-20. In this chapter, the apostle Paul addresses (1) Man's Guilt (he is a sinner), (2) God's Judgement (all will be judged). This passage serves as a transition from the Doctrine of Sin to the Doctrine of Justification, which will be released in forthcoming episodes. Dr. Wright explains how first century lessons make for excellent twenty-first century application. For more information or to donate: gospelinreallife.org/donate

Romans 2:1-29. When we sin and God does not strike immediately, it does not mean God did not notice. In this lesson, Dr. Wright explains that God keeps records and will deliver judgment at the end of all things. For more information: GospelInRealLife.org. Questions? Write to mwright@gospelinreallife.org

When we make judgements, we do so from a position of fallibility and partiality. When God judges, he does so perfectly and without partiality. In this message, Dr. Wright explains the two great final judgments on all mankind that will be conducted by Jesus Christ. Which event will you attend? Your answer will make all the difference.

Romans 2:1-5 | We are living in angry times. Hot issues are boiling over. Race. Border. Police. People are turning to violence and are hurting one another. What does God have to say about this? In this episode, Dr. Wright explores the human temptation to judge and punish and provides a surprising path to cool things down. Forgiveness. For more information: GospelInRealLife.org

What does Christ's resurrection mean for humans? Why was he crushed for our iniquities? In this special Easter episode, starting from Exodus 12, Dr. Michael Wright explains why Jesus died and how his sacrifice makes all the difference in the world today. For more information: GospelinRealLife.org

Romans 1:18-32. God's wrath is often characterized by fuming nostrils and fiery hail falling on the wickedness of man. However, the apostle Paul explains that wrath can also be seen when God lets go and gives rebellious people over to their personal sin. It is a frightening idea. In this message, Dr. Michael Wright explains what the consequences are to be released to sin and how that act of God destroys the mind, heart, and future of those who suppress the truth about God. For more information, go to GospelinRealLife.org.

Romans 1:18-24. Have you been offended? God has. God's wrath is revealed from heaven. In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains wrath and what it is that stirs God's anger.

Romans 1:16-17. God reveals himself in many ways. The righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel. See why this is so very important for humans to hear and accept the good news. For more information, go to GospelInRealLife.org

Romans 1:8-15. It is possible to pray for something that glorifies God and yet is not the Lord's plan. In this lesson, Dr. Michael Wright explains how God hears our prayers, but has the right to answer our prayers in the way he deems is best. Take a look at the content of Paul's request and consider how great a prayer it was, and yet God did something that was even better.

Living as a Christian in Rome in the first century was not easy. Emperor worship was mandatory. That was a problem. God said, “There will be no other God's before me.” Thus, Christians faced death. In the lesson, Dr. Wright explains how believers in the twenty-first century can learn much from those who lived in the first.

Romans 1:1-7. Some people of power like to brag about accomplishments. Not the apostle Paul. He traded bragging for boasting about the Gospel. In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains how Paul was changed and sought to give blessings of grace and peace to people living in precarious circumstances.

Martin Luther was afraid to die, so he made a deal with God. The deal led to the priesthood, and that to reading Romans. Dr. Michael Wright explains how Romans changed the life of the Reformer and how it is still transforming lives today. Dr. Wright also

The Fall of Man has caused generational and personal harm. In this lesson Dr. Wright explains that while sin has created a world of problems, God offers personal salvation for humans from the power, penalty, and presence of sin. Merry Christmas.

What would you do if confronted with pure evil? That is precisely what Adam and Eve faced. Were they outmatched? In this podcast, Dr. Michael Wright will describe Satan from a biblical worldview. Learn why humans need the Gospel, the power of God for salvation. It is also the offensive weaponry required for waging a winning war against the unseen enemy of our day. For more information: gospelinreallife.org.

You are not going crazy. There really is something wrong with the world. In this episode, Dr. Wright explains why your uneasy feelings about the world are actually normal and how those feelings are meant to drive humans to seek God for real answers to problems of life. For more information go to: gospelinreallife.org.

God created humans in his image and likeness. How are humans like God? Since people were not created to be little “gods”, what then is the true nature of man? In this episode, Dr. Michael Wright explains from Genesis 1 how humans have been given a clear purpose and how people have been powerfully equipped to achieve the grand purposes of the Creator. This really is Good News for Humans! For more information about Gospel in Real Life: gospelinreallife.org.

God speaks through creation. Addressing creation, the apostle Paul wrote, “What can be known about God is plain…God has shown it.” (Romans 1:19) He went on to write, “His invisible attributes…have been clearly perceived…in the things that have been made.” (Romans 1:20) Paul's point is utterly clear. God has revealed himself via creation. Paul's explanation about creation brings elevated attention to the creation story in Genesis 1. When we read the narrative, what we discover is that God has placed a big exclamation point on his work. Repeated Hebrew patterns in the narrative highlight the enormous power and authority of God. In this episode of Gospel in Real Life, Dr. Wright discusses these patterns and explains how the creation story is connected to the Gospel and how that makes a punctuated difference in human life today. For more information: Gospel in Real Life

In this inaugural podcast, Dr. Michael Wright shares his personal journey of overcoming fear and launching Gospel in Real Life. GRL exists to transform culture via the Truth of the Gospel. Gospel in Real Life is Good News for Humans. For more information, go to Gospel in Real Life. Look for the Gospel in Real Life tab. If you like GRL, please hit Subscribe and also Join the GRL eMail list.