Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1 • Charlie Kirk memorial created a “cultural moment” and Christian revival. • Revival sparks emotion, but true reformation requires Scripture and discipleship. • Gospel must remain central—don’t swap truth for politics or feelings. Segment 2 • True reformation is built on ordinary means: Word, prayer, sacraments, discipleship. • Local churches—not viral events—grow Christians for the long haul. • Fearless discipleship starts at the kitchen table and in the pew, not in stadiums. Segment 3 • Bishop sells $13M condo funded by the poor vs. Canada’s euthanasia surge. • 1 in 20 deaths in Canada now comes from “assisted dying.” • Both stories reveal comfort over sacrifice—but Christ calls us to self-denial. Segment 4 • Catholic sex abuse scandal: $230M settlement, 500+ victims in one diocese. • Quebec bans public prayer—secularism legislated into daily life. • Taliban’s rules leave Afghan women to die—contrasted with Jesus’ radical dignity toward women at the cross. ___ 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 • Charlie Kirk’s memorial pleasantly shocked man who heard hours of Christ-exalting preaching. • Sin, repentance, and the gospel were actually spoken from the stage. • Rob McCoy set the tone: the guest of honor was the King of kings. Segment 2 • Frank Turek gave a bold, gospel-centered proclamation—Charlie is in heaven only because of Christ’s sacrifice. • Even political figures like Marco Rubio clearly pointed people to Jesus. • Memorial wasn’t just about Charlie—it was about the Savior he served. Segment 3 • Tucker Carlson showed genuine hunger for Christianity but mixed in politics that need clarity. • He highlighted that repentance, not politics, is the starting point for answers. • Other high-profile voices (RFK Jr., Donald Trump Jr.) also mentioned Jesus, surprising many. Segment 4 • The widow Erika Kirk delivered the most Christ-saturated message of all. • Her words cut deep: “Charlie wanted to do God’s will” and “Choose Christ above all.” • She even extended forgiveness to the man who killed her husband—radical love on display. ___ 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 • Why has the Charlie Kirk assassination affected so many, so deeply? Segment 2 • Thoughts on CS Lewis? • Do deacons have to be married? Segment 3 • Is it ever correct to claim that God told you something? Segment 4 • How should we think about the importance of various doctrines? ___ 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 • Outrage over pastors not mentioning Charlie Kirk mirrors COVID-era tensions. • Many left churches not over safety policies—but over refusal to address political topics. • The question: Does ignoring key cultural moments mean pastoral failure? Segment 2 • Five filters to think through before leaving: church view, preaching style, theology, shepherding, and courage. • Faithful pastors may not pause expository preaching for politics—and that may be OK. • Slow down: don’t make a lifelong church decision based on one Sunday. Segment 3 • Resisting the urge to rage-scroll—this issue needs wisdom, not hot takes. • Phil Johnson reminds us: Don’t tear apart the body over one moment. • Instead of bolting, go talk to your pastor face-to-face. Segment 4 • Pastors can address events while keeping Christ central. • Options: comment before/after sermons or hold a separate gathering. • Don’t make fast exits—make slow, prayerful decisions rooted in love. ___ 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! In today’s episode, Todd Friel visits Kennesaw State University to engage with students on matters of faith and beliefs. First, Todd talks with Mateo, where they discuss Easter, its significance in Christianity, and personal accountability before God. Todd also has the chance to speak with a student on the meaning of life and the importance of faith. Segment 1: • Mateo is Catholic, but unsure about the true meaning of Easter. • Believes he’s a “pretty good person” and that God will be impressed with his life. • Todd patiently walks him through the Law, showing why sorrow alone can’t erase guilt—and why Jesus’ resurrection is everything. Segment 2: • Mateo leans on good works and God’s mercy rather than justice satisfied. • Todd uses Old Testament imagery (Passover lamb, animal sacrifice) to help Mateo connect the dots: Jesus was the final blood sacrifice. • Mateo starts to grasp the real meaning of Easter—and admits he’s unsure if he’s truly been born again. Segment 3: • Our next student lives by a “do what makes you happy” philosophy—says personal fulfillment is the goal. • Todd challenges his worldview: What happens when happiness runs dry? Is there anything more stable? • Ex-Christian by association, he admits he doesn’t know what Christianity is really about. Segment 4: • Todd continues his talk with the ex-Christian student and dismantles his moral relativism using the 10 Commandments. • Realizes he’d be guilty before a holy God and deserves judgment—but sees the beauty of grace through Jesus. • Learns salvation is not about “trying harder,” but about receiving Christ’s perfect record by faith alone. ___ 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: • Kirk’s assassination sparked memes and laughter—proof of hollowed-out consciences. • “Demons among us” isn’t metaphorical—darkness rules when life is mocked. • Redemption through Christ, not politics, is the only cure for such depravity. Segment 2: • Culture sets standards low—and behavior sinks even lower. • Mandates, laws, and culture shifts can’t fix broken hearts. • Only heart transformation raises behavior and restores dignity. Segment 3: • Attacks on penal substitution are assaults on forgiveness itself. • PSA: Christ bore our punishment as our substitute—without it, no salvation. • Critics dismiss it as “cosmic child abuse,” but Scripture repeatedly affirms it. Segment 4: • Denying PSA guts the meaning of the cross. • Alternative atonement models may explain effects, but not the cause. • With PSA, the cross is God’s greatest act of love AND justice—without it, just sentiment. ___ 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: • Assassination of Charlie Kirk leaves us with hard questions: why and what now? • Exposes national fracture: free speech attacked, norms collapsing. • Beyond politics: a brother in Christ murdered, a soul lost reminds us of eternal stakes. Segment 2: • Response must be more than outrage—it must drive evangelism. • Politics shift when hearts are changed by Christ. • Five ways to engage: pray, organize, support, hold the rope, or go yourself. Segment 3: • Kids on campuses are detached from reality—spiritual soil is ready. • Pastors should address tragedies like this from the pulpit. • Reminder: persecution shouldn’t surprise us—Jesus warned it would come. Segment 4: • Hope in grief: Charlie is with Christ—happier than we can imagine. • Darkness is real, but the Gospel is the only cure. • Students: courageously hold to truth in classrooms and on campuses. ___ 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: • Did Todd really say “Daytona Beach, California”? • How can I actually overcome lust—not just feel guilty about it? • Is there a real benefit to skipping kids' Bible stories and baby talk? Segment 2: • If I’m volunteering but not tithing, is that a problem? • Can giving time to church substitute for giving money? Segment 3: • When should I stop liking cute Teddy bears and unicorns? I’m 11 and confused. • Is drinking too much coffee actually a sin? Segment 4: • Is “narcissist” a biblical term—or just a secular label? • Can a woman officiate a wedding even if she can’t be a pastor? ___ 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 tragedy: Charlie Kirk’s murder forces us to wrestle with God’s sovereignty. • Why does a good God ordain evil acts? Four rules help us think rightly. • God is working out good, but we must guard against demanding to see it. Segment 2: • What God ordains is always good—even when we do not understand how it could be. • Wrestling with suffering? The problem is never God’s character, but our perspective. • Develop a robust theodicy—God ordains all, yet isn’t the sinner. Segment 3: • The assassination exposes the real crisis: the human heart, not politics. • Political divides weren’t always deadly—what changed? • The only way forward isn’t civility campaigns but the Gospel itself. Segment 4: • Should the murder reignite debate on the death penalty? • Taking a life is dehumanizing—Romans 1 on display. • If this tragedy grieves us, how much more does it grieve 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! Todd Friel is back on campus to engage students in conversations about life’s purpose, evolution versus creation, and the central message of Christianity. Segment 1: • Luke was raised Christian, but unsure if he’s good enough to go to heaven. • Believes Jesus died for his sins, but thinks he still has to “clean up” to be accepted. • Todd walks Luke through the Law and Gospel to clarify salvation is about forgiveness, not performance. Segment 2: • A mechanical engineering student is approached by Todd to discuss ultimate questions. • Rejects rigid religious structures, unsure whether Jesus is God or just a great prophet. • Believes morality is relative, but admits he’d be guilty before God on Judgment Day. Segment 3: • Our mechanical engineering student continues his conversation with Todd. • Realizes salvation isn’t about being “pretty good”—it's about repentance and trusting Christ fully. • Todd encourages him to flee to Christ to escape the coming judgment. Segment 4: • Todd’s final interaction of the day is with a young lady who grew up with a casual connection to Christianity and the church. • She has some Bible knowledge and answers Todd’s questions about being a good person very honestly. • She is challenged to examine if she truly know Christ as Todd explains the future judgment that awaits. ___ 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 • Forgiveness isn’t optional—even when repentance isn’t perfect. • Broken trust with family means hard, intentional work to rebuild it. • TRANSFORMED SEASON 4 sets the stage with practical application. Segment 2 • OnlyFans is exploding across college campuses—a tragic cultural trend. • Lecrae releases Reconstruction while flirting with deconstruction themes. • AI “truth” is shaky; apostasy and self-made “truths” define deconstruction. Segment 3 • Jimmy preaching on deconstruction at camp—Gen Z’s battlefront. • Even Sproul and MacArthur disagreed—unity is bigger than uniformity. • Don’t treat church like a product—show up to participate, not consume. Segment 4 • Jen Hatmaker admits she left the church, maybe for good. • Simply showing up to church encourages others more than you think. • Marriage isn’t about convenience—it’s a God-designed school of character. ___ 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 reflects on God’s kindness in creation, quoting C.S. Lewis on earthly pleasures pointing to greater ones to come. • Ken Ham is a crook? Todd has thoughts. • Cornerstone Conference was a major success—filled with encouragement and fellowship. Segment 2 • Todd and Jimmy compare their conference weekends—Cornerstone and White Harvest. • Scott Klusendorf praised as the best pro-life apologist; Greg Koukl to guest soon. • Darrell Harrison warns against theology that never gets applied; Phil Johnson’s return was a blessing. Segment 3 • Parents who feel “ghosted” by their kids are not alone—this is a growing societal trend. • The local church is essential—only place to fully practice the “one anothers.” • Parents can’t play Holy Spirit for their kids—must trust God and His means. Segment 4 • The danger of cell phones in shaping kids’ views of life and marriage. • OnlyFans reflects a broken sexual culture; many young men still long for marriage. • Practical counsel: start acting like a husband/father now, and look for a biblically grounded wife. ___ 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: • Is a call for “authenticity” in church just a cover for pride? • How do I know if God’s calling me to preach—even if I don’t feel qualified to do so? Segment 2: • Are churches selling branded merchandise guilty of the “money changers” problem? • What are the best biblical homeschool curriculum options? • How can I actually experience more of the Holy Spirit’s work in my life? Segment 3: • How do I stay humble and let myself be taught by others, when I’ve so often been the one teaching others? Segment 4: • How can I replace video games with something that honors God—and actually enjoy it? ___ 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 Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Welcome to a special edition of “Mailbag”! Segment 1 : • How do I handle the guilt of not praying for everyone I know? Segment 2: • Should Christians really give away all their possessions? • How often should believers meet—are we doing church wrong today? Segment 3: • How do we biblically decide how many kids we should have before we are done? Segment 4: • Is playing the lottery sinful—or could God use it for good? ___ 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! Todd Friel takes to the streets for witness encounters. Through these candid discussions, Todd explores the complexities of faith, sin, and salvation, aiming to uncover what people truly believe about eternity. Segment 1: • Todd explains why purgatory isn’t biblical, teaching that believers are made perfect instantly after death. Segment 2: • Jordan denies God’s existence and dismisses the afterlife as a fairy tale. • Todd challenges him on sin, judgment, and eternity, exposing deep contradictions in Jordan’s thinking. • Despite resisting, Jordan hears the gospel message and leaves with something serious to ponder. Segment 3: • Lindsey believes she’ll reach heaven because she’s “a good person”, but Todd walks her through the 10 Commandments to show her need for forgiveness. • Erin, a recent Catholic school graduate, struggles with balancing religion, lifestyle, and true repentance. • Both confront the reality of sin and leave questioning what they truly believe about salvation. Segment 4: • Garrett, 19, shares how his search for meaning through drugs and partying left him empty. • Now a born-again Christian, he explains Christ’s sacrifice and why faith isn’t just about belief but transformation. • His story becomes the surprise twist of the day, revealing hope for anyone seeking redemption. ___ 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 Tuesday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Welcome to a special edition of “Mailbag”! Segment 1: • How do I point my divorcing parents toward Christ when one is a believer and the other isn’t? • Are independent or non-denominational churches biblically sound? • How do I overcome a paralyzing fear of God? Segment 2: • Does online dating show a lack of trust in God’s plan? • How do I warn my family about dangerous NAR teachings without pushing them away? Segment 3: • Should churches openly share details about pastoral candidates and the hiring process? Segment 4: • What’s the shortest, clearest way to explain the gospel to someone? ___ 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 honor my parents when constant conflict leads to yelling? Segment 2: • Is it okay for pastors to use AI as a “wordsmith” without crossing into sermon plagiarism? Segment 3: • If a sermon doesn’t include the gospel, does that make it unorthodox? Segment 4: • Should pastors confront chronic lateness even if it risks losing people? ___ 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: • Todd is corrected on what church pastor Tom Pennington serves at. • Did MacArthur’s memorial change your opinion on bagpipes? • How can I approach a Catholic funeral without compromising my faith? • Should Christians avoid alcohol completely—or just avoid drunkenness? Segment 2: • Do altar calls distort the gospel—or can they be helpful? Segment 3: • How should I counsel two young Amish men considering leaving their community? • I’m 13 and want to share the gospel—where do I start? Segment 4: • Has my fitness routine become an idol—or am I overthinking it? • Should I sing at my old church’s Christmas event—or would that hurt our new ministry? ___ 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: • Conservative Christianity saw a resurgence decades ago—but pride and inflated opinions fractured it. • The MacArthur Memorial revealed surprising unity with leaders like Piper, raising big questions. • Are we elevating secondary issues to essentials and repeating secular cancel culture? Segment 2: • Scott Aniol’s “Conviction and Charity” points toward a healthier future for conservative Christianity. • Tone and tenor matter—we’ve all felt and likely contributed to the online heat. • G3’s pivot could help the local pastor and church recalibrate. Segment 3: • Key question: when do you call out error, and when do you show charity? • Biblical conviction must never fade, but secondary issues shouldn’t destroy fellowship. • The church must grow in discernment without weaponizing it. Segment 4: • Theological sharpness is good—but not our identity. • Have we been distracted from our Father’s business by endless squabbles? • Unity in Christ must outweigh division over non-essentials. ___ 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! On today’s episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel is back on campus for a special 'Witness Wednesday.' As Todd engages students, he highlights the importance of understanding and embracing the gospel, repentance, and the grace of God. Segment 1: • Ein admits to believing in God but doesn’t fully understand why Jesus died. • Thinks he’s “a good person,” but Todd walks him through God’s standard and sin’s seriousness. • Hears the gospel clearly: Jesus took his punishment, offering forgiveness and eternal life. Segment 2: • Drew dresses whimsically but reveals deep spiritual confusion, calling himself “saved” for “fire insurance.” • Admits living for himself, distant from God, and fearing death and judgment. • Todd explains the true gospel — salvation isn’t about effort or labels but trusting Jesus fully. Segment 3: • Todd’s conversation with Drew continues: Drew confesses struggles with lying, stealing, and lust but thought Christianity was about “being good.” • Todd shares a powerful analogy about bad restaurants to explain why Jesus rescues sinners, not the “good.” • Learns salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, and forgiveness is complete. Segment 4: • Anna wants to grow in evangelism but struggles with clearly presenting the gospel. • Todd teaches her to focus on forgiveness of sins in Christ, using God’s law to reveal our need for a Savior. • Anna learns the difference between guilt-driven religion and grace-fueled obedience — a life transformed by Jesus. ___ 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!