Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd Friel on campus at Georgia State University as he engages four different students on topics like truth, meaning, and the afterlife. Focusing on self-examination and the call of the gospel, these students are pointed towards the true transformation that Christ brings us. Segment 1 • Eduardo believes in God, but admits he’s drifted from church and isn’t sure about heaven or hell. • He thinks he’s “a good person”—until he’s gently walked through the Ten Commandments. • He hears the full gospel, including God's justice and Jesus paying the penalty. Segment 2 • Joey believes in evolution despite recognizing complex design in software, his field of study. • His conscience gets confronted through a rapid-fire morality check. • He hears the gospel clearly: Jesus died for sinners like him. Segment 3 • Our next student is Catholic in name only, and admits he’s not really committed to his faith. • Listens attentively as the purpose of creation and the gospel are explained as a demonstration of God’s mercy and grace. • Concedes he’s broken several of the Ten Commandments and agrees he’s not a good person—then hears how Jesus saves sinners. Segment 4 • Final student of the day grew up in church but walked away. • He isn’t hostile towards the Christian faith, but simply apathetic about it. • Left with a challenge to reconsider the true 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 • Kirk Cameron’s new video has reignited talk on annihilationism in Christian theology. • A 2022 email from Dr. John MacArthur warned this was coming — was he right? • Todd unpacks the semantic range behind the word for “hell.” Segment 2 • Bart Ehrman’s controversial article on hell is still fueling debate. • Key scriptures (Matthew 10:28, Revelation 14:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:9) are used to counter annihilationist claims. • Scriptures overriding message on the topic is clear: Hell is not negotiable. Segment 3 • Al Mohler joins the discussion in response to Kirk Cameron’s take. • Conditional immortality might “feel” right — but does it hold up biblically? • Matthew 25:46 is clear: eternal life and eternal punishment are a package deal. Segment 4 • Degrees of punishment in hell hint at deeper theological implications. • How we talk about hell shapes how we share the gospel. • Jesus didn’t soften the doctrine of hell — so why are we tempted to? ___ 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 “Mary Did You Know?” vocal showdown turns into deep reflection on the incarnation. • Singers compared on emotion and power, but the real awe lies in the miracle of God becoming man. • Todd reminds us: Mary gave birth to God in flesh — fully divine, fully human — and that truth should floor us. Segment 2: • Christmas risks becoming routine—unless we intentionally reflect on its meaning: God's love in the incarnation. • Loving God is the highest command; Christmas should rekindle that love, not just holiday tradition. • J.C. Ryle reminds us: real Christianity isn’t formality—it’s loving Christ with all your heart. Segment 3: • Children must be taught more than morals—they must be shown reasons to love Christ. • J.C. Ryle: The #1 goal in parenting isn’t obedience—it’s nurturing love for Jesus. • Convicting checklist: If you love Christ, you think of Him, talk of Him, and love His people. Segment 4: • Seven powerful reasons you're secure in Christ from John 10: You’re claimed, called, known, led, gifted, secured, and glorified. • You didn’t choose Jesus—He chose you, and no one can snatch you from His hand. • Even doctrines like eternal hell become clear when glorified—you’ll rejoice in God’s perfect 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 • Todd addresses Kirk Cameron’s recent comments on hell and annihilationism. Segment 2 • Is there such a thing as idolizing knowledge about God? Can I spend too much time trying to learn about God? - Anonymous • Who do you think died first: Jesus, or the thief on the cross next to him? - Steve • I disagree with your take on AI worship music. I think praise is always good, no matter who sings it. Thoughts? - Anonymous • Bonus: Phil Johnson just dropped a note… Segment 3 • How can Christians turn the other cheek in the workplace without being a doormat? - Anonymous • Should pastors know how much money each congregant individually gives to the church? - Pat • When unbelievers pray, is anyone actually listening? - Anonymous Segment 4 • How should Christians rightly think about feeling proud about accomplishments? - Anonymous • What do you think about certain denominations that don’t require church membership? - Anonymous • Are all sins equal in the eyes of God? - 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 • Christian Nationalism is rising... but no one agrees on what it means. • It’s not the same old “separation of church and state”—it’s something new. • Neil Shenvi suggests this movement is already on the decline. Segment 2 • Some Christian Nationalist rhetoric is undeniably racist and dehumanizing. • Not everyone in the movement is extreme, but the toxic voices are there. • Christians should be leading on justice, not just picking sides. Segment 3 • Outreach events often confuse food and fun with actual evangelism. • No gospel, no follow-up, no impact - that’s not evangelism. • Churches that highlight family and follow-through could change lives and save souls. Segment 4 • University of Colorado pays $10M over the COVID jab. • 1 in 5 Americans believe the Bible was written to control people. • Most evangelicals don't hold to a literal reading of the Bible. Where do we go from here? ___ 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! Today, Todd ventures on campus at Georgia Tech to have conversations about Christ, truth, and the afterlife. He meets students Ryan and Dallas and encourages them to trust in the reality and truth of the gospel of Christ. Segment 1 • Todd uses Ryan’s Chick-fil-A sandwich to argue for intelligent design. • Ryan, an agnostic-leaning student, wrestles with the idea of creation vs. the Big Bang. • Todd gently calls out Ryan's reluctance to accept a Creator, and the possible motive behind it. Segment 2 • Todd probes deeper into Ryan’s conscience. • Ryan admits he’d be found guilty if judged by God, but still doubts the justice or existence of such a being. • Ryan doubts Todd’s ability to know this truth, but affirms his logic. Segment 3 • Todd meets Dallas, a witty nuclear engineering student who might say he is spiritual but not religious. • Dallas admits to moral failings but assumes God will be “understanding.” • Todd points Dallas towards Christ taking his punishment for him. Segment 4 • Todd outlines the gospel — forgiveness through Jesus, not good works — but Dallas hesitates, hung up on religion and the name “Jesus.” • Dallas responds to the gospel with sarcasm and dismissal. • Todd encourages you: respond to the gospel in faith - don’t dismiss 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 • Jury trials scrapped in Britain for offenses under 3 years—what’s next? • Canadian pastor jailed for protesting drag story hour; euthanasia stats in Canada shock the world. • Nigeria: over 200 school kids kidnapped as Christian persecution runs rampant. Segment 2 • 61% of pastors now using AI weekly—how should congregants think about this? • Ridiculous complaints raised by cheater website Ashley Madison about AI chatbots. • 90% of college students think “words = violence.” Segment 3 • Christians face two dangerous extremes: being consumed by bad news vs. living in ignorance. • "Wise as serpents, infuriated at evil" — we’re called to be informed, not indifferent. • A United Methodist preacher announces he’s “transitioning” — and claims it's part of his ministry. Segment 4 • UMC pastor tells kids they don't need to obey their parents if feelings are hurt. • Claims he’s not “becoming a woman,” just stopping the charade of acting like a man. • This isn’t deep thinking — it’s moral sophistry being fed to children. ___ 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 Christians balance all aspects of truth about God? • We can’t reduce God to JUST wrath or love. • What does it mean to have an “eternal inheritance”? Segment 2 • Culture is crushing young men. Does the church have an answer? • Nick Freitas shares hard truths about the struggles of young men. • Does your church, counterculturally, point towards marriage and family? Segment 3 • 43% of evangelicals believe good deeds get you into heaven. • If Christians don’t even understand the gospel, how can they share it? • The law must be presented before the gospel can be received in faith. Segment 4 • Shocking percentages of both Catholics and Christians believe there are many ways to heaven. • There is a correct way, biblically, that we are to respond to the gospel. • There may be movement in the Trump family towards accepting the gospel by faith. ___ 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 it wrong for me to take back a gaming console I got my son as a gift? - David • How should we feel about non-Christians singing Christian songs? - Anonymous SEGMENT 2 • Is it sinful to pray for the chance to adopt instead of having children of my own? - Mercy SEGMENT 3 • Is wearing makeup a sin? - Anna • How do I submit to my church when I disagree on secondary issues? - Anonymous • How can I tell the difference between God’s discipline and ordinary hardship? - Gabe SEGMENT 4 • Can I truly trust someone who claims Christ but has a track record of lying? - Josiah • How can I rightly think about marriage when I didn’t see a healthy examples of it growing 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 • You can sit under “expository preaching” and still starve spiritually if it never aims for your heart. • Teaching the text without any application turns sermons into lectures. • Some preachers have settled for mere information over true transformation. Segment 2 • Paul Washer calls out sermons that inform the mind but leave eternity untouched. • If your pastor doesn’t plead with you about heaven and hell, souls are in danger—including yours. • True preaching doesn’t just explain verses—it confronts sin and stirs obedience. Segment 3 • “Cleverneutics” makes Scripture say theological novelties. • If a teacher always sounds innovative, you should be on your guard. • Word games and cleverness oftentimes obscure straightforward, biblical truth. Segment 4 • Some pastors distort Scripture with “creative” theology instead of submitting to it. • Answers in Genesis reminds us: Christianity isn’t about novelty—it’s about time-worn truths that save. • The danger isn’t just bad sermons, but loss of confidence in the truth of Scripture. ___ 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 engages two Georgia Tech students on issues like sin, morality, and the afterlife. Listen along as real, street-level evangelism is done to God’s glory. Segment 1 • Philip admits the Christian God makes the most sense but refuses to submit because he doesn’t want his lifestyle to change. • He confesses he knows God’s rules, knows they’re real, and still chooses to live how he wants and “take his chances with death.” • Todd uses God’s law (lying, lust, blasphemy) to show Philip he’s not “basically good,” but a willful rebel against a God he knows exists. Segment 2 • Philip clearly says he understands hell, believes he’d go there, and is still content to keep enjoying sin “for a season.” • He admits he’s weighing Jesus versus his current pleasures and, for now, deliberately chooses sin, thinking he can always reconsider later. • Todd warns that greater knowledge brings greater judgment, prays that Philip’s conscience will torment him in his sin, and pleads with him to see Jesus as better than “fun” and temporary pleasure. Segment 3 • Scott, sporting royal blue hair and loving the attention, says he’ll only conform to laws he personally deems just—rejecting God’s laws as unfair. • He argues that if God created people with their flaws, God is responsible for their sins and has no right to punish them. • Scott calls the God of the Bible evil, citing genocides and hell as proof, and leans on Dawkins-style thinking while insisting humans aren’t basically bad. Segment 4 • Todd shares the tribal-king story where the ruler takes the lashes his guilty son deserves, using it as a picture of Jesus taking God’s wrath in our place. • He explains that sin against an infinitely holy God deserves infinite punishment, and that the cross is how God remains both just and merciful. • Scott still rejects eternal punishment and substitution as unjust, while Todd urges listeners to see the cross as the greatest act of kindness ever offered to a guilty sinner. ___ 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 • The #1 song on the charts is AI-generated. • Can something that a machine created truly be considered worship? • Worship isn’t simply content… it’s communion with a personal God. Segment 2 • AI music might seem slick— but it lacks true soul. • You wouldn’t watch robots play football… so why let them lead worship? • AI sermons may soon multiply, but authentic worship can’t be automated. Segment 3 • Praising God with stuff your computer wrote is laziness, not worship. • “AI worship” exposes how shallow modern Christianity and the western church is becoming. • Our secular culture is trying to tell us that “climate change denial” is a spiritual issue. Segment 4 • Government handouts are not the fruits of the Spirit. • If generosity is required by the government, it’s no longer truly generous or charitable. • True giving flows from a renewed heart, not from legislation. ___ 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 • America gives thanks… but to whom? • Christmas without Christ becomes consumer therapy, not worship. • When God is removed, holidays keep the name but lose the meaning. Segment 2 • Forcing companies to say “Merry Christmas” won’t save anyone. • Secular businesses aren’t the mission field — people are. • Shaming culture won’t convert souls; the gospel will. Segment 3 • Marijuana has become America’s coping mechanism for family holidays. • If you need to be high to survive Thanksgiving, something’s broken. • God offers peace that doesn’t fade, fog, or numb. Segment 4 • Anger, bitterness, fear—truth defeats what therapy slogans can’t. • Memorized Scripture is emergency ammunition for the soul. • Assurance doesn’t come from feeling strong — it comes from knowing Christ saves and keeps. ___ 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 • Do people have to hear the name “Jesus” to be saved—and how were Old Testament believers saved? - Anonymous • Does the Bible actually teach anything on an “age of accountability”? - Skylar Segment 2 • If baptism makes you a Christian, did Jesus become a Christian when He was baptized? - Anonymous • What does it really mean to be made in the image of God? - John Segment 3 • Can a disqualified pastor ever serve in the church again—and if so, how? - Jacob Segment 4 • Is the church embracing AI tools too quickly? - Paul • My adult son is exploring Catholicism. How should I respond? - Sandy ___ 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 • John Crotts is our guest host today! • Political insanity? Scripture anchors you when politics and chaos can’t. • Underfed Christians are easy targets for deception. Segment 2 • God’s Word informs — and it gives joy, strengthens resolve, and imparts wisdom you can’t buy. • The secret is consistency: one Bible, one place, one plan, every day. • Our spiritual growth compounds from daily Scripture exposure. Segment 3 • Knowing the Bible is about transformation, not just information. • Reading scripture in context is what gives us true understanding. • Your faith grows faster when you see the comprehensive story of the entire Bible. Segment 4 • Scripture comes alive when you learn historical and cultural context. • Study tools aren’t cheating; they’re strength training for your faith. • The more Bible you know, the more useful you become to Christ and others. ___ 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 talks with Michael and Thomas on campus at Kennesaw State University. Simple questions turn into deep conversations about Christianity and true, saving faith. This engaging episode is packed with reflective dialogues that challenge and inspire listeners to think about their spiritual journeys. SEGMENT 1 • Michael claims he’s a Christian but struggles to explain what salvation really is. • Todd exposes the gap between simply saying you believe and understanding sin, judgment, and grace. • The courtroom analogy surfaces a shocking question: Innocent… or guilty? SEGMENT 2 • Michael insists God would still call him innocent because He is forgiving. • Todd explains why mercy without justice would make God unjust. • The gospel is clearly presented: sin debt paid, record cleared, righteousness given. SEGMENT 3 • Michael defines salvation as things that we can do. • Todd corrects the confusion: new birth comes from grace, not effort. • Todd asks: What’s stopping you from surrendering today? SEGMENT 4 • Thomas trusts baptism and moral effort to secure heaven. • Todd dismantles “saved by works” with the law and courtroom example. • Thomas hears the gospel: Jesus pays, we receive by faith. ___ 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 • Megan Basham returns to unpack the conservative moment’s fracturing over Israel. • Why are online influencers discipling young men more than churches are? • How do we win back men who are being shaped by secular, aggressive pseudo-masculinity? Segment 2 • Is saying “Jesus is King” the same as “Christ is King”? • Breakdown of the Candace Owens situation and why her recent rhetoric is splitting Christians. • Todd and Megan explore the fractures internal to the Christian Nationalism movement. Segment 3 • A pastor’s silly sermon illustration involving pelting the congregation with corn. • Todd challenges listeners: How good does obedience feel when you choose holiness over porn? • You don’t get to choose the blessings you want—obedience produces joy whether you feel it immediately or not. Segment 4 • Year-end match update + Fortis Plus reminder: every resource is free. • Megan Basham conversation review: Fathers must lead—spiritually, emotionally, intentionally. • How can we confront unbelievers with gospel truth in a way that is NOT obnoxious? ___ 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 is joined by Megan Basham for a conversation about today’s theological and political hot topics. • Todd asks: what’s the draw behind Nick Fuentes for so many young men? • Beneath the controversy lies a deeper question: why does the church no longer satisfy these men? Segment 2 • By and large, the church isn’t effectively addressing the roles of men and women. • Young men are craving clarity on strength, purpose, and leadership. • The vacuum of biblical masculinity gets filled by loud, angry substitutes. Segment 3 • “Muscular Christianity” is rising — in part as a reaction to soft preaching. • Feminism, porn, and passivity have deformed both genders — and the pulpit rarely names it. • The church must reclaim a vision of holiness, courage, and self-sacrifice in male leadership. Segment 4 • Feminism blurred gender roles — and now both men and women are disoriented. • The fix isn’t anger; it’s discipleship — training men to lead, protect, and love like Christ. • Recovering biblical manhood begins not online, but 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!

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!