Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1 • Is there spiritual danger in letting my child be entertained by Star Wars? - Anonymous • What should I say to a man who is struggling to be a godly husband and father? - Ethan Segment 2 • Is Christian rap a net positive? - Anonymous • Should I leave my job because it celebrates transgender ideology? - Anonymous • Am I too old to start seminary at 58? - Ric Segment 3 • My pastor tore up a copy of the Bible as a sermon illustration. Is this helpful or disrespectful? - Anonymous • Should a woman attend a watered-down church in the interest of submitting to her husband? - Gary Segment 4 • What exactly is “fellowship” in the Bible? - Anonymous • Is it possible for us to overthink and therefore misunderstand a Bible passage? - Tristan ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Gallup reports a growing exodus from church with a surprising population. • Churches pour energy into kids and young families but neglect the elderly. • Scripture calls the older generation essential — for wisdom, discipleship, and stability. Segment 2 • Topical preaching isn’t always wrong, but it’s risky when it replaces text-driven sermons. • The culture is catechizing your kids faster than the pulpit can. • Polls reveal Gen Z’s distorted view of marriage, kids, and purpose. Segment 3 • 690+ LGBT books in a single school district - this is cultural catechism in action. • Drag queens, “gender play,” and normalization of sin are targeting children. • The battle for your child’s worldview is being waged at story time. Segment 4 • Churches split over silliness: beards and whether the worship leader’s eyes were open. • Healthy churches handle conflict biblically—talk, forgive, reconcile. • How your church argues says more about its health than its attendance numbers. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Matthew bases salvation on “being good” and repentance through Roman Catholic sacraments. • Todd uses courtroom logic to show that God’s standard is perfect love of God and neighbor. • The tension becomes clear: Can a just God overlook sin, or do we need a savior who satisfies justice? Segment 2 • Todd presses Matthew on Ephesians 2:8–9, challenging his belief that works and sacraments contribute to salvation. • Matthew struggles to reconcile Catholic teaching with Scripture’s claim that salvation “is a gift… not of works.” • Todd introduces imputed righteousness, Christ’s perfect record credited to the sinner. Segment 3 • Matthew insists new birth happens after death, contradicting Jesus’ words that one must be born again now to enter God’s kingdom. • Todd urges him to “get downwind” of himself and see his true guilt before a holy God. • The call becomes personal: abandon self‑reliance, repent, and trust entirely in Christ for salvation. Segment 4 • Todd meets another student who is a professing Christian. This student struggles to articulate why someone should believe in God, relying mostly on logic and science. • Todd role‑plays an evangelistic conversation, demonstrating how to move past intellectual debate. • Ultimately, the student affirms repentance and belief in Christ as the way to be saved but reveals areas needing deeper gospel clarity. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Modern culture has made “safety” its idol; every discomfort is treated like trauma. • Scripture flips the script: danger isn’t just outside - it’s inside you. • If your biggest threat is the outside world, you’ll live in fear. If it’s your own heart, you’ll run to Christ. Segment 2 • “Safety-based” psychology is invading schools; students are learning to pathologize conviction. • Polyvagal Theory (born 1994) ignores man’s spiritual nature—an anthropological train wreck. • The Bible says transformation comes by renewing the mind, not regulating vagus nerves. Segment 3 • The real concern is kids weaponizing therapy language against parents. • Britain officially affirms cousin marriage—a symbol of moral decay in the West. • Even theologians like N.T. Wright drift from biblical authority, showing the slope is real. Segment 4 • Cousin marriage bans once built Western civilization—now they’re being reversed. • Germany’s “polyandrous priestess” and IVF jewelry reveal what happens when sacredness dies. • The decline isn’t just weird—it’s spiritual rot disguised as progress. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Polyvagal Theory is quietly infiltrating schools just like mindfulness and meditation did. • It seeks to explains the “fight or flight” response, but only addresses our physical body. • The deeper issue? Our slavery to sin and death. Segment 2 • Polyvagal Theory blames issues on perceived “lack of safety”, but the Bible says it’s sin. • It’s this type of thinking that has brought about the “safe space” trend. • Real, transformative healing begins at the heart, not the nervous system. Segment 3 • A bold woman asks Megyn Kelly: “Would you go to heaven tonight?” • Megyn’s unsure, yet searching and says she has been attending (a Roman Catholic) Church. • God wants you to be 100% sure — not just “hopeful.” Segment 4 • Mormon theology misunderstands baptism, family, and the afterlife. • Mormons tie heaven to family lineage — but God wants YOUR heart. • You can’t afford to miss the true gospel, and the Mormons get it wrong. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should believers cope with the deaths of unsaved family and friends? — Isaac • Visiting our nephew’s church that permits women pastors (though the current pastor is male)—should we go? — Theresa • My church never preaches on sin—how do I raise this with my pastor? — Anonymous Segment 2 • Church discipline boundaries: hospital visits, counseling, and officiating weddings—what should a pastor do? — Anonymous Segment 3 • My parents feel unseen at a solid church—how do they build real connection? — Anonymous • Should I step back from opposite-sex friendships to prevent jealousy and avoid temptation? — AJ Segment 4 • Is forgiveness only granted when the offender repents? Responding to “squishy Christianity” claims. — Josh • If God isn’t the author of confusion, why is eschatology so hotly debated? — Anna ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s a special Mailbag Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Am I truly forgiven after divorce, abuse, and years of regret? — Anonymous • Our pastor gave a different reason from the pulpit for another pastor’s removal—was that a lie or discretion? — Anonymous • Does God still “speak” today? Should I sit in silence to hear His voice? — Anonymous Segment 2 • 1 John exposes me—how can I rest if I don’t “pass the tests”? — Alex • Our church paused women-teaching-women—does that have any biblical basis? — Cala Segment 3 • What makes Eastern Orthodoxy heretical? — Joe Segment 4 • How can I defend against the Catholic belief that we do some good and Christ does the rest—and to those who say that’s not a big difference? — Anonymous • How important is it for a local church to serve the needy in its community? — Paul ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! A sharp history student, Cole, wrestles with the resurrection, truth, and his own conscience—then a Hebrew Roots believer named Carlos questions Easter, church tradition, and the name “Jesus.” Segment 1 • A thoughtful agnostic history major explores the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection. • Todd walks him through manuscript evidence and eyewitness testimony. • Can Christianity stand the test of history? Segment 2 • The conversation turns from intellect to conscience—lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God. • Justice and mercy collide at the cross as Todd explains how forgiveness is possible. • Will Cole see his need for grace? Segment 3 • The tension rises: evidence vs. surrender. • Todd reminds Cole that the Christian faith is intellectual, but it’s not JUST intellectual. • Todd urges Cole to respond before it’s too late. Segment 4 • A self-described believer rejects “Easter,” insists on “Yeshua,” and blends Hebrew roots with Christian faith. • Todd probes what’s behind the name debate and where saving faith truly rests. • Can focusing on details make us miss the gospel itself? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • How do I avoid distracting others in worship? — Andrea • Cowboy hats and coffee during singing—disrespectful? — Ray Segment 2 • I’m 13 and scared I’m not truly saved—how can I find assurance? — Naomi Segment 3 • Can pastors/elders share confidential matters with their wives? — Jim Segment 4 • Is it biblical to “claim” or “declare” things in prayer? — Anonymous • Which current Bible translations should we avoid? — Mary ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s a special Mailbag Monday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. T oday we discuss wise involvement in teens’ sports, whether quick sermon prep is solid or shallow, Christ-first fatherhood, and guiding cohabiting new believers with grace + truth. Segment 1 • How involved should dads be in their teen kids’ sports lives? - David Segment 2 • How long should I spend preparing a sermon? If sermon prep feels too fast, is that a red flag? - Zachary Segment 3 • How can I avoid idolizing my kids as a new dad? - Ryan Segment 4 • How should Christians respond when an unmarried couple gets saved and joins a small group? - Heather ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What should we make of modern-day “exorcists” and claims of casting out demons? - Joy • How do I respond when people say the Bible, especially the New Testament, was written just to control people? - Joe Segment 2 • What happened to the new book you were writing? - Shawn Segment 3 • Our youth leader isn’t friendly with parents—should we let our kids join the group? - Elizabeth Segment 4 • Are there sins that permanently disqualify someone from leading worship or serving in church—like adultery—even after repentance? - Jeff ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Today’s question: which story makes your eyes roll hardest… and your heart ache most? • A university in the UK slaps a “sexual violence” warning on the Bible. • George Clooney’s new movie romanticizes assisted suicide — culture calling evil “good.” The painful stories continue… Segment 2 • King Charles dedicates a UK memorial to the LGBT movement. • Parents in Britain are taking self-defense classes to defend against their own children. • A Pennsylvania pastor points a gun at his congregation as a sermon illustration. Segment 3 • Sebastian Gorka calls Trump’s shooting a “Christ-like moment.” • Todd and Josh Williamson warn: when politics becomes religion, biblical theology withers. • Comparing any political leader to Christ cheapens the cross and confuses the gospel. Segment 4 • Jesus volunteered His life like no one else or could. • Politicians invoking the cross for clout rob Jesus of His glory. • The takeaway: when the world mocks truth, Christians must guard the gospel’s weight and clarity. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Suicide is rising. Purpose feels fragile. Three students—Fevin, Jacob, and Brennan—wrestle with identity, guilt, and what it means to be born again. These conversations press one urgent question: do you need better coping—or a Savior? Segment 1 — Fevin • A student who’s faced depression shares what helped her find stability. • She connects suicide to identity, guilt, and isolation on campus. • Todd presses deeper: is peace found in purpose…or in something greater? Segment 2 — Jacob (Part 1) • Jacob wears a cross and identifies as Christian, but struggles to articulate salvation and the gospel. • Todd asks questions that expose what “belief” really means. • Jacob admits he isn’t certain he’s born again. Segment 3 — Jacob (Part 2) • Jacob wrestles with the weight of repentance and trust in Christ. • Todd points to the heart of real faith — and what must change for it to be genuine. • Jacob is left with a question only he can answer. Segment 4 — Brennan • A Catholic student confident in his faith—until the questions go deeper. • Todd challenges his assumptions about guilt, grace, and the meaning of the cross. • Brennan’s conversation ends with an invitation he can’t ignore. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Todd recently eulogized Phil Johnson — but Phil’s alive and well. • Why wait to appreciate people until after they’re gone? • Todd takes a walk down memory lane with some notes from his very first Bible. Segment 2 • Todd rediscovers thoughts, questions, and even doubts about Scripture’s reliability. • Textual criticism confirms the New Testament is trustworthy and accurately preserved. • The gospel’s counterintuitive nature proves its divine origin — no human would invent a Savior who dies for His enemies. Segment 3 • Reflections on faith, freedom, and misplaced celebrations: July 4th fireworks and Christmas commercialism. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines questioned and dissected. • When faith drifts from Scripture, truth gets muddied and lost in tradition. Segment 4 • Mormons teach three strange “kingdoms of glory”. • Christ sets believers apart for one destiny, and one heavenly kingdom. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines don’t appear overnight; they grow when Scripture is rejected as the final authority. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Everyone sees it: the West is in the midst of social, moral, and spiritual collapse • But darkened hearts can’t be fixed by legislature or cultural movements. • Real change starts “at the bottom” - with hearts transformed by Christ’s gospel. Segment 2 • The Reformation rebuilt a crumbling civilization through faith, not force. • Oz Guinness calls this our “civilizational moment”—we’re losing the foundation that built the modern world. • We won’t be saved by “making America great again”— but by preaching Christ again. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the truth about SSRIs and the “chemical imbalance” myth. • Pills can mute pain but can’t renew your mind or restore your soul. • Real transformation comes from God’s work in us, not sedation. Segment 4 • New studies link antidepressants to alarming risks—violence, mania, even suicide. • SSRIs offer comfort without cure, masking spiritual problems with medical language. • True healing happens when the soul is renewed, not when the mind is medicated. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should I respond when my unsaved wife takes our daughter to a Halloween party against my wishes? - Tim • Is the “Serenity Prayer” actually good theology? - Anonymous Segment 2 • How can I lead my wife spiritually when she’s more mature, educated, and experienced than I am? - KJ • How do I keep fighting sin when I feel like a hypocrite who keeps failing? - Anonymous Segment 3 • How do I lovingly correct a Christian friend who’s being harsh or legalistic online? - Naomi • Is it wrong for pastors to read written prayers during church services? - Anonymous Segment 4 • How do I respond to someone angry at God for a strange reason? - Anonymous • How should a husband biblically handle difficult or disruptive in-laws? - Joe ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Astrophysicist Dr. Jason Lisle joins to unpack today’s biggest scientific obsessions—from UFOs and aliens to climate change and human “upgrades.” He explains why these pursuits reveal less about discovery and progress—and far more about our refusal to trust the Creator who already rules it all. Segment 1: The Truth Behind UFOs • What NASA and the military call “unidentified” is usually just misidentified. • The shocking connection between cruise ships, party balloons, and UFO sightings. • Why we love the idea of aliens—and what that craving reveals about our hearts. Segment 2: Why the World Wants Aliens • Secular culture’s obsession with ETs is really a longing to replace the Creator. • How evolution drives the search for life in space—and fuels disbelief in Genesis. • The deeper question: are we looking for life out there because we’ve rejected the Life-Giver here? Segment 3: The Climate Panic vs. God’s Providence • Global warming” became “climate change” when the data stopped cooperating. • Scripture and science both show the Earth’s climate has always fluctuated. • God promised the seasons will endure—so why the panic? Segment 4: When Science Tries to Replace God • The danger of trying to “improve” humanity instead of restore what sin broke. • Why curing disease honors the Creator—but trying to become Him doesn’t. • From Babel to biotech, every age repeats the same lie: “You can be like God.” ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Two students claim to know God — until one question reveals the truth about what it really means to be born again. Segment 1 • Connor agrees that design points to a Creator—but doubts anyone can truly know Him. • The Law exposes his heart as Todd walks him through the Ten Commandments. • Connor admits Jesus paid for sin—but isn’t sure he’s personally been saved. Segment 2 • Todd explains that salvation is more than forgiveness—it’s receiving Christ’s righteousness. • Connor wrestles with whether his belief is genuine or just learned behavior. Segment 3 • Tim believes Christianity gives direction and values—but leaves out the gospel. • Todd presses: what’s the true core of Christianity? Segment 4 • Todd helps Tim trace how all of Scripture points to Jesus. • Tim finally connects the truth of the gospel with real assurance of salvation. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Todd heads to Oklahoma campuses to confront the biggest lies about God. • Students think God kills joy — he shows why His commands are actually good news. • What happens when a generation is taught to cancel their parents instead of honor them. Segment 2 • What modern culture’s art reveals about our collapsing morals. • How the sexual revolution promised freedom but enslaved women instead. • Why God’s design for sex leads to protection, dignity, and lasting joy. Segment 3 • Can a robot really heal your mind? NPR thinks so—Dr. Gifford says you’re missing the real problem. • What if “mental health” is the world’s counterfeit for mind renewal? • The cure for misery isn’t found in medicine—it’s found in this. Segment 4 • Forget self-care—the Holy Spirit offers something far greater: mind resurrection. • How God rebuilds what therapy can only manage. • The goal isn’t feeling better—it’s becoming new. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • A major ecumenical event happened in the Sistine Chapel. • Meanwhile, thousands of churches are breaking from the UMC and the Anglican church. • This push toward unification looks spiritual but could blur gospel clarity. Segment 2 • The Great Commission isn’t about church branding — it’s about disciple-making. • Cultural trends like “ghosting your parents” reveal deep spiritual drift, especially in the home. • We must stay focused: carrying the gospel is the church’s primary job. Segment 3 • New surveys show many Americans prefer to watch church online. • Spiritual formation is happening more through screens than through shepherds. • Your children are watching and learning from how you treat church. Segment 4 • Rogan is increasingly open about religion, but still misses key biblical categories. • There must be serious care brought to discussions about oral tradition. • Baptism and the Lord’s Supper belong in the local church. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!