Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Is “adiaphora” a helpful biblical category or a theological shortcut? - Steve Segment 2: • How do you respond to a family member who uninvites family over political differences? - Connor • Is studying theology “adding to Scripture”? - Tyler Segment 3: • Are demons helping people read the Bible… on purpose? - Mike • Does boxing degrade human dignity—or is it just a sport? - Anonymous Segment 4: • Do our prayers really change anything? - Ben • Praying with, for, or over others: what's the difference? - John • What do you say when someone asks for your pronouns? - Sarah ___ 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 • Sanctification isn’t “just stop it” — it’s put off and put on (Eph 4:22-24). • True change means replacing sin with Spirit-driven habits. • If you’re dry, bitter, or hurting — don’t wait to feel it; start doing what grows desire. Segment 2 – The Math of Holiness • Dr. Greg Gifford explains the biblical equation: Put off + Put on = Growth. • Sanctification isn’t just subtraction alone; holiness must also be put on. • Lasting change happens when obedience fills the space sin used to occupy. Segment 3 – The Trojan Horse in Your Church • “Contextualization” can smuggle worldliness into worship. • The church loses it’s unique purpose as salt and light when it trades truth for relatability. • Baby-talk preaching creates baby-faith Christians. Segment 4 • Paul’s “all things” meant removing cultural barriers, not rewriting the gospel. • Contextualization becomes compromise when it reshapes truth to fit culture. • Faithful preaching feeds sheep, not the world. ___ 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 • Nick says evolution explains the appearance of design, but Todd pushes back. • Though raised Catholic and Hindu, Nick says he believes in “something above us” but isn’t sure one religion has the full truth. • Todd walks Nick through why Jesus’ payment for sin is necessary. Segment 2 • Todd presses Nick on objective truth: if Jesus rose, it’s true for everyone. • Todd argues truth doesn’t depend on culture or birthplace, but Nick says otherwise. • Todd says that if Jesus beat death, then His claims demand a verdict. Segment 3 • Jordan and Todd discuss rising suicide and mental illness rates. • Todd connects it to worldview: if life is meaningless and subjective, despair makes sense. • Jordan agrees that postmodernism leaves people empty. Segment 4 • Jordan calls herself a Christian but admits she can’t articulate why Jesus’ death matters. • Todd explains the purpose of life through the gospel. • By the end, Jordan quietly confesses: “I might not actually be saved.” ___ 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 • Dr. Jason Lisle distinguishes astrology’s superstition from astronomy’s worship-worthy science. • The James Webb Telescope’s discoveries confirm creationist predictions. • The universe shouts intelligent design and divine order—not cosmic accident. Segment 2 • “Intelligent Design” without Christ stops short of truth; science points to the Savior. • Every Big Bang “fix” (inflation, antimatter, etc.) exposes faith in speculation over observation. • Scripture alone makes sense of the cosmos—science confirms it; sin corrupts it. Segment 3 • Denying a literal Adam dismantles the gospel: no actual fall means no need for a Redeemer. • Genesis reads as history, not myth; Jesus and the apostles affirmed it as fact. • The cross makes no sense if sin didn’t enter through one real man. Segment 4 • Old-earth models (Day-Age, Gap Theory) break Hebrew grammar and biblical chronology. • Death before sin contradicts God’s “very good” creation and the atonement itself. • The timeline debate isn’t about science—it’s about trusting God’s Word over man’s ideas. ___ 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 • Dr. Andrew Walker calls the breakdown of the family the defining moral crisis of our time. • Marriage decline fuels social chaos—poverty, instability, and moral confusion. • God’s design for marriage and family is not arbitrary—it’s the foundation of ordered liberty and human flourishing. Segment 2 • Natural law exposes that everyone already knows right from wrong—it’s written on our hearts. • Even secular thinkers are waking up: moral order only works if it’s built on God’s image of man. • From gender ideology to justice systems, every moral crisis goes back to rejecting Genesis 1. Segment 3 • A “Christian nation” without conversion is just moral window dressing. • True change comes through evangelism, not state-enforced religion. • Romans 13 defines government’s limits—protect order, not dictate theology. Segment 4 • The Bible gives the state a sword, not a soul: maintain justice, don’t play savior. • Big government creates dependency; strong churches create stability. • Christians should champion a small-state, big-church vision—pray for rulers, evangelize freely, live humbly. ___ 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 • Can my weight discredit my witness? Should I stop evangelizing until I look “credible”? - Anonymous • How do I share the gospel with Mormon missionaries at my door? - Anonymous Segment 2 • Is my pastor plagiarizing sermons—or just being practical? - Pam • Does sin break my covenant with God until I repent? - Evan Segment 3 • Are generational curses real—or just spiritual anxiety? - Anonymous • Can I trust God with love again after betrayal? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Is a courthouse wedding dishonoring to God? - Gabrielle • Where should I start memorizing Scripture—and how do I keep it up? - Anonymous ___ 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 • Trump’s uncertainty about heaven reveals confusion over grace vs. works. • Roman Catholic Matt Walsh misrepresents Protestant assurance. • Assurance isn’t arrogance: true believers persevere because Christ keeps them. Segment 2 • Matt Walsh calls eternal security a modern invention—but church history disagrees. • Early church fathers affirmed God preserves His elect. • Works prove salvation; they don’t earn it—conditional security destroys peace and produces fear. Segment 3 • Scripture is overwhelmingly clear: God keeps those He saves. • Salvation rooted in Christ, not in your consistency or performance. • Assurance fuels holiness—fear-based religion produces exhaustion, not transformation. Segment 4 • God’s children never lose their adoption—salvation is irrevocable. • Adoption turns fear into confidence; believers can rest in the Father’s love. • Once declared His child, you can’t be “unadopted”—your security is sealed in Christ. ___ 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 this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel, Todd interviews a student named William at Kennesaw State University. William, a political science major and Marine, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about his faith, value system, and the significance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The discussion explores theological beliefs, the nature of God, human sinfulness, and salvation. Segment 1 • William describes his background, military service, and vague belief in "God and country." • Todd challenges William’s notion of subjective truth. • William identifies as a Christian but admits to being unsure of the gospel and distant from church. Segment 2 • Todd presses William to articulate the gospel; William fumbles, focusing on general morality and Jesus' teachings. • Todd walks him through God’s justice, sin, and the necessity of a Savior—not just moral improvement. • William acknowledges the significance but admits he rarely thinks about spiritual matters. Segment 3 • Todd walks through God’s standard of holiness, exposing sin through thought life and the Ten Commandments. • William admits guilt and agrees he’d deserve punishment if judged by God’s standards. • Todd explains penal substitution: Jesus took the wrath William deserves so he could be declared righteous. Segment 4 – What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? • Todd clarifies being born again: not baptism, but spiritual rebirth through repentance and faith. • William expresses openness but says he needs time; Todd warns delay is dangerous and urges urgent repentance. • Todd challenges William to respond to the gospel—not just ponder 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!

Segment 1 • Theology isn’t just intellectual — it should change everything about how you live. • Our eschatology teaches us to live with expectancy and purpose. • Even ordinary encounters (like dinner with Cody Rhodes) can remind us that what you believe shapes how you behave. Segment 2 • The postmodern church trades conviction for comfort—Jesus’ exclusivity gets downplayed. • “Nice” replaces holy: loose morality, shallow sermons, and emotional experiences over truth. • True churches teach on sin, repentance, and Christ alone—not self-help or motivational speaking. Segment 3 • Modern psychology can’t cure what’s spiritual—it ignores the biblical view of the soul. • Only the Word of God can transform the mind and bring real healing. • Life Without the Numb (now on Fortis Plus) exposes how our culture has redefined the mind. Segment 4 • What if we’ve accepted inferior solutions for our minds? • Real renewal happens when God’s truth—not therapy trends—shapes our thinking. • Life Without the Numb helps believers rediscover how God heals from the inside out. ___ 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 • Conflict is universal—but Scripture calls us to reconciliation, not mere peacekeeping. • The real issue isn’t the other person’s behavior; it’s the heart. • True biblical reconciliation begins with self-examination—owning your part before God. Segment 2 • Conflict isn’t caused by personalities—it’s fueled by idolatrous desires that demand control, comfort, or respect. • Even good desires become sinful when they replace God as the highest priority. • Real peace comes from surrendering our sinful desires and letting Christ rule the heart. Segment 3 • Repentance isn’t a one-time event—it’s the daily rhythm of the Christian life. • True repentance means more than “I’m sorry”; it’s a Spirit-led change of direction. • Without repentance, conflict festers; with it, relationships are restored stronger than before. Segment 4 • Forgiveness is the final step to true reconciliation—it mirrors God’s grace toward us. • To forgive repeatedly takes faith, but remembering how much God has forgiven you makes it possible. • Forgiveness frees you from the prison of resentment and rebuilds trust in God’s justice. ___ 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 can you pray meaningfully for people you don’t know well at church? - Adrian • Can true Christians still experience worldly sorrow—or is that a red flag? - Kyle Segment 2 • Did God ordain a tragedy like Charlie Kirk’s death—or merely allow it? - Daniel • How can you be a godly example for young relatives? - Joseph Segment 3 • A friend is rejecting Paul as Scripture—how do you respond? - Anonymous • Should every church be either sending or going in missions? - Josiah Segment 4 • How can my brother and I start making evangelistic videos to share online? - Alaina • A wife with spiritual trauma is unsure if her Bible study insights are trustworthy—how can she build confidence? - Andrew • How should I respond to a local anti-Trinitarian billboard? - Anonymous ___ 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! .

Wait a minute — that’s not Todd! Today on Wretched Radio, Fortis Institute Fellow and The Better Way host Libby Glosson steps in as guest host to help us think about emotions and the role they play in the life of a Christian. Segment 1 • Culture pushes emotional extremes: either vent everything or suppress everything. • How should Christians think about emotions and emotional struggles? • Are we discipling our emotions biblically, or letting culture shape them? Segment 2 • Bible doesn’t say “suck it up” - instead, submit emotions to God’s Word. • Sin can be internal—fear, anger, despair can dishonor God before action. • Goal: sanctified emotions—Spirit-enabled responses that glorify God. Segment 3 • Danger of the opposite ditch: emotional indulgence and exhibitionism. • Culture says “follow your heart”—leads to gossip, ranting, victimhood. • True modesty: fade to the background, count others more significant. Segment 4 • Emotional exhibitionism = emotional immodesty; both dishonor God. • Public venting and oversharing dishonor family and relationships. • Sanctification includes emotions: Christ is reshaping minds, wills, and hearts. ___ 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, Jimmy fills in for host Todd Friel as we listen to several interactions that Ray Comfort of Living Waters had with college students at Cal State Fullerton. Segment 1 • Alex admits he’s agnostic, has used God’s name in vain, and is living in sexual sin. • Ray walks him through the Ten Commandments to show his guilt before God. • Ray also speaks with student Val who claims to be a bisexual and questions the Bible’s stance on homosexuality. Segment 2 • Saul challenges God’s justice, asking why an all-powerful God would allow suffering. • Ray exposes Saul’s own sin using the law, then warns of God’s wrath and points to Jesus as the only escape. • Saul remains defiant, claiming fear of death doesn’t prove God—but admits he is afraid to die. Segment 3 • A group of students challenge Ray on murder, immigration, LGBTQ issues, and abortion. • Ray stands firm: all sin must be judged, but forgiveness is freely offered through repentance and faith in Christ. • Ray consistently redirects to the gospel, urging students to consider their eternal state and the gift of salvation. Segment 4 • Ray talks with student Jake who says he “grew up Catholic”. • Another student, Sophia, challenges Ray on the propriety of the death penalty. • Ray turns Sophia’s challenges back to the law and the gospel. ___ 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 • Many Christians struggle with assurance, but God wants us to be certain. • Sin doesn’t erase salvation—our hope rests in Christ, not in the size of our faith. • True assurance comes from union with Christ, not feelings. Segment 2 • Lack of assurance often pairs with spiritual depression. • Depression doesn’t mean someone isn’t a believer; many Christians quietly carry this weight. • Common roots vary, but biblical clarity brings hope. Segment 3 • New Fortis series by Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the rise of psychiatric control over many believers. • Clifford Beers’ reforms medicalized the mind, blurring distinctions between brain, mind, and soul. • Meds can’t reach the soul; only the gospel addresses the heart’s deepest needs. Segment 4 • Pastors are called to shepherd their flock, but many turn to psychiatrists. • Symptoms may be treated, but deeper, root issues remain untouched by much secular psychiatry. • Dr. Greg Gifford addresses these issues and many others in new series, “Life Without The Numb”. ___ 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!