Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Mind vs. Brain—Are They the Same? Segment 2 • Evangelism Anxiety: How Do I Overcome Fear When Sharing the Gospel? Segment 3 • Is there meaning behind synchronicity, or is it just coincidence? • How often should I keep pleading with my unsaved family to believe? Segment 4 • Is "burnout" a biblical concept? How should Christians handle exhaustion? • Should I push through weariness and work longer, or is it okay to retire? ___ 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: • Common Sense or Controversy? J.D. Vance argues that loving everyone equally is unrealistic—biblical love has an order. • Postmodernism’s Rejection of Hierarchy: Today’s culture rejects prioritizing certain relationships, but the Bible affirms it. • National Leadership Matters: An American president who prioritizes Americans first is a radical (yet biblical) shift. Segment 2: • Greek Over Latin: The Ordo Amoris (Order of Love) isn’t just philosophy—it’s biblical wisdom. • Who Is My Neighbor? The Good Samaritan didn’t go searching for people in need—he helped the one in his path. • Mercy Has Borders: Love is not limited, but practical care starts with those closest to us—family, community, nation. Segment 3: • Restoration to God? Absolutely. A fallen pastor can be restored in his faith and walk with the Lord. • Restoration to Ministry? Not Always. Some sins permanently disqualify a man from pastoral leadership. • Church Leadership Matters: Should a pastor who fell be allowed to teach or serve in any capacity? Biblical wisdom needed. Segment 4: • Wisdom vs. Punishment: We don’t punish fallen leaders for their sins, but we must apply biblical standards. • Sin Makes Us Stupid: Are you ignoring small compromises that could lead to disaster? • Spiritual Red Flags: Lack of transparency, secret friendships with the opposite sex, and weak prayer life—time for a heart check. ___ 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 at Kennesaw State University to speak with students and share the message of the Gospel and the importance of salvation through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Todd meets Mateo, a student and real estate agent from Ecuador, who shockingly doesn’t know much about Easter. • Though Catholic, Mateo admits he never paid much attention to what Easter is really about. • Todd clarifies: Easter isn’t about eggs or tradition—it’s about Jesus rising from the dead to offer salvation. Segment 2: • Mateo assumes God will judge him based on overall “goodness,” but Todd walks him through God’s perfect law. • When asked if he has lied, disrespected his parents, or looked with lust—Mateo realizes he’s guilty. • Todd explains: If a human judge can’t let criminals go free, how can a just God? Only through Jesus’ sacrifice. Segment 3: • Todd meets a student studying entrepreneurship who believes life’s purpose is doing what makes him happy. • The student is confident in his worldview—until Todd challenges him: What happens when happiness fades? • A deeper question emerges: Is life just about chasing personal satisfaction, or is there something greater? Segment 4: • The student acknowledges a “higher power” but isn’t sure who God is or if it really matters. • Todd uses logic and creation to point out that God must be just, personal, and communicative. • The conversation turns: If God has spoken through the Bible, isn’t it worth investigating before it’s too late? ___ 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: • Playing God? Scientists are creating human eggs and sperm in a lab—what are the moral boundaries? • IVF vs. IVG: IVF can be done morally, but IVG (lab-created reproductive cells) is pushing dangerous limits. • Solo Parenting? The idea of procreating with yourself raises massive ethical and biblical concerns. Segment 2: • Scriptural Proof: Matthew 19, Mark 7, and Revelation 2:14 & 2:20 all affirm God's design for marriage and sexuality. • Bearing Fruit: God calls His people to bear spiritual and physical fruit—how does this apply to today's cultural debates? • Living in Righteousness: If we are clothed in Christ, we should joyfully align our lives with His commands. Segment 3: • Self-Focused Worship: Growth happens when churches appeal to personal experience and emotion—should we be cautious? • Are We Missing Something? Pentecostals emphasize spiritual gifts, prayer, and supernatural intervention—what’s biblical and what’s excess? • Key Factors: Young people seek more than doctrine, they desire experience. Intense corporate prayer and belief in miracles drive engagement. Segment 4: • Are We Presenting Christianity Correctly? In reaction to charismatic abuses, have we gone too far in the other direction? • Felt Needs Matter: Ignoring people’s struggles in the name of sound doctrine can push them away. • Finding Balance: Jesus met people where they were but never compromised truth—how should we follow His example? ___ 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 Quaker Controversy: Quakers consider housing illegal immigrants a core religious duty. • Biblical Perspective: Does Scripture support churches acting as sanctuaries for those breaking immigration laws? • Scripture Interprets Scripture: What’s the right way to approach justice, compassion, and the law? Segment 2: • Fortis Podcast & Webinar Updates: Big things coming—don’t miss Libby Glosson’s new series! • Suing the Government: Quakers take legal action against the Trump administration over their right to shelter illegal immigrants. • Three Parables: A recap of an impactful sermon covering biblical truth. Segment 3: • Todd’s Prediction: JD Vance won’t stay Roman Catholic—his views are already clashing with the Church. • Corrupting Conversation: Why is coarse language so prevalent in politics and media? • Movie Review: Conclave presents a distorted view of Christian doctrine—how does it hold up to biblical truth? Segment 4: • Chris Cuomo & Trey Gowdy: What’s behind Cuomo’s personality shift, and why is Gowdy making waves? • Tim Challies’ Insight: True comfort isn’t found in circumstances—it’s found in trusting that God is always working for our good. • The Laken Riley Bill: A mother speaks before it’s signed into law, but where does our ultimate comfort come from? 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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Is the rise of expository preaching putting the church in danger? Segment 2 • Does a devotional filled with Scripture automatically make it solid? • Does Satan really know us better than we know ourselves? • How do I keep my patience when everything in life seems frustrating? Segment 3 • If God is sovereign and good, does He ever “react” to situations? Segment 4 • After my death, does my husband have a biblical duty to care for my parents? ___ 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: • Education at Risk: It’s not just jingles—are cell phones making kids less engaged and more distracted? • New Policies, Surprising Results: Schools banning phones are seeing fewer fights and less cyberbullying. • More Focus, Less Chaos: Teachers report students are actually paying attention again—coincidence? Segment 2: • Strong Foundations Matter: Studies show faith and family contribute to better academic performance. • Then vs. Now: A math test from 100 years ago would stump most modern students—what changed? • Single Parents and the Struggle: Dedicated parents do their best, but the traditional family structure matters. Segment 3: • Cultural Suicide: Literal suicide rates are rising, birth rates are falling, and the traditional family is being rejected. • Anti-Child Society: Even after the overturn of Roe v. Wade, abortion rates are still climbing. • Legislation Can’t Fix the Heart: The real solution isn’t politics—it’s the regenerating power of the gospel. Segment 4: • Moral Decay: Sexual immorality, church closures, rampant divorce, and truth being subjective—signs of a dying society. • The Task of the Church: Evangelism and discipleship are the only real solutions. • A Glimmer of Hope: Nearly 800,000 downloads of the Bible App in a single day show people are searching for truth. • Band-Aid Solutions: As the world gets heavier, is an emotional support robot really the answer? ___ 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 at Kennesaw State University to engage students in conversations about faith, salvation, and their beliefs. Segment 1: • Michael, a self-professed Christian, struggles to clearly articulate what it means to be saved. • He expresses a belief in God’s forgiveness but also assumes good works play a role in earning salvation. • Todd challenges this view by emphasizing that salvation cannot be earned through works but is a gift of grace. Segment 2: • Todd explains the Gospel, highlighting Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection as the only way to reconcile sinners with a holy God. • He uses analogies, like a courtroom trial, to show that human works cannot pay the penalty of sin. • Michael admits he hasn’t fully submitted his life to Christ, saying he is still waiting for the right moment to commit. Segment 3: • Thomas, another professing believer, shares his view that being a Christian involves doing good works to earn God’s favor. • Todd gently points out that relying on good works is contrary to the Gospel and shares how Jesus’ finished work on the cross is sufficient for salvation. • Thomas struggles with reconciling his actions with God’s grace, believing he must “earn” his place in heaven through obedience. Segment 4: • Todd explains the difference between works as a response to salvation versus works as a means of salvation. • He emphasizes that Christians obey God because they have already been saved, not to earn salvation. • Thomas begins to see that assurance and joy come from trusting in Christ’s finished work, not from striving to prove oneself to 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!

Segment 1: • Spiritual Check-Up: Are you missing a vital part of your Christian faith? Examine your motivations for godliness. • More Than Just Sanctification: In the pursuit of holiness, don’t forget to enjoy the transcendent and finest things God offers. • Jesus’ Desire for Your Best: Christ is zealous for you to experience not just good or better—but the best He has for you. Segment 2: • What’s Filling You? Just like your body, your soul reflects what you consume daily—less world, more God. • Purity and Pornography: Virgil Walker highlights the predatory nature of pornography; true freedom comes from obeying God. • Zeal for Your Purity: Jesus’ zeal for your holiness is as intense as His righteous anger in the temple—choose His way, the best way. Segment 3: • Life Begins at Fertilization: IVF deals with actual human life, not just potential—how do we reconcile this with biblical teaching? • Ethical Concerns: What happens to unused fertilized eggs? Good desires don’t justify unethical methods. • Image Bearers: Every fertilized egg is seen by God as an image bearer—are we treating them as such? Segment 4: • Facing IVF Head-On: Ignoring the ethical concerns of IVF is not an option—how should Christians respond? • IVF and Marriage: The practice of IVF decouples the one-flesh union of marriage, altering God’s design. • Shaping Worldview: By engaging in IVF, Christians may unknowingly affirm a secular, fragmented view of life and marriage. ___ 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: • Compromised Faith: Christians who sympathize with the world’s systems reflect “Stockholm Syndrome Christianity,” per John G. West, former professor at Seattle Pacific University. • SPU’s Roots: Founded in the Free Methodist system, but compromises have eroded its foundation. • Recurring Patterns: How Christian institutions can drift away from truth when cultural pressures take hold. Segment 2: • Generational Decline: Institutions go from affirming truth, to assuming it, to abandoning it entirely. • Women’s Roles: Compromise often begins with shifts in beliefs about women in ministry. • Lessons from SPU: A failure to uphold biblical patterns leads to cultural capitulation—how can we learn from their mistakes? Segment 3: • Everything Matters: Tasks like mowing your lawn reflect anthropology and God’s design for creation. • Higher View of Humanity: Even caring for our environment reflects biblical truths about man’s stewardship and dominion. • Architecture’s Impact: Thoughtful design isn’t just aesthetic—it increases productivity and reflects God’s order. Segment 4: • A World Gone Mad: THC beer, medicinal marijuana, and the normalization of sin signal a moral decline. • Purity is Allegiance: Virgil Walker argues the fight for purity isn’t about repression, but about loyalty to God. • Resources for Growth: Fortis is offering free study guides to equip Christians in their walk of 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 • Will we feel sorrow in heaven for loved ones who weren’t saved? • Is it biblical for a church member to run a business in the church basement? Segment 2 • Is the torment of hell inherent—or is God actively tormenting the lost? • Should I get rebaptized even if it causes strife with my parents? Segment 3 • What’s the difference between a false teacher and a false prophet? • How can I long for heaven without resenting life on earth? Segment 4 • Should AI play a role in sermon prep, or does it undermine biblical thinking? ___ 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: • Evil on Display: A female Episcopalian bishop with a pro-abortion stance gives a condescending “sermon” at the inauguration. • The Bigger Issue: No executive orders or modern self-focused ideals can fix what’s fundamentally broken—this is evil in action. • Satanic Semantics: The rhetoric and tone reveal the spiritual battle beneath the cultural facade. Segment 2: • The Gospel Missed? Todd critiques Joe Rogan’s conversation with Wesley Huff, noting a lack of a full gospel presentation. • Second Chance: Wesley Huff presents the gospel beautifully on the Julian Dorey podcast, reaching an unbelieving audience. • Forgiveness Costs: The gospel shows that forgiveness is costly and requires the ultimate sacrifice. Segment 3: • Judicial Truth: At its heart, the gospel is judicial—Jesus paid the penalty for sin. • A Bold Witness: Wesley Huff’s message emphasizes the countercultural truth that the first shall be last. • A Listening Audience: Julian Dorey admits he’s never heard the gospel before—highlighting the importance of clear evangelism. Segment 4: • Plenary Indulgences Return: The RCC declares 2025 the “Year of Jubilee,” with indulgences offered for the punishment of sin. • Biblical Misuse: Not every verse applies directly to us—be cautious of misinterpretations like this. • Theological Problems: Indulgences undermine the sufficiency of Christ’s work on 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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is at Kennesaw State University for some meaningful conversations with students about faith, God, and the Gospel. Segment 1: ◦ Creation reveals attributes of God: power, creativity, and omniscience. ◦ The Bible corresponds with reality, reinforcing its claims about God. ◦ Logical reasoning supports the existence of a Creator. Segment 2: ◦ God’s law sets a standard of perfection: love for God and others. ◦ Breaking the law makes all humans guilty before a holy and just God. ◦ The consequences of sin highlight the need for divine justice. Segment 3: ◦ Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. ◦ His resurrection confirms His divinity and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. ◦ Faith in Jesus, not works, offers forgiveness and eternal life. Segment 4: ◦ Salvation requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. ◦ Rejecting works-based salvation brings peace and assurance in Christ’s finished work. ◦ True purpose and eternal hope are found in living for 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!

Segment 1: • Discernment Is Constant: We’re always judging; the key is to discern biblically and wisely. • Benefit of the Doubt: Our default posture should be grace, not criticism, when assessing pastors and members. • The Problem of Discipline: Few churches practice church discipline, leaving sin unchecked and unresolved. Segment 2: • Discernment Saves: Knowing how to judge properly protects you from false teaching and personal hurt. • Celebrity Culture Warning: One day, the leaders we idolize won’t be at the front of the line—stay grounded in Christ. • Thou Shalt Judge: Discernment isn’t optional—it’s commanded for spiritual health. Segment 3: • Pastoral Failures: Falls are gradual, starting with a careless slide in daily spiritual disciplines. • Check Your Heart: Struggling to judge yourself rightly? Look for signs of weakness and run to Christ. • Liberty vs. License: Are you using Christian liberty to justify slipping further from God? Segment 4: • Gospel Clarity Matters: Talking about the gospel isn’t enough—present it clearly and concisely. • Encourage While You Can: Reflect on loved ones’ impact while they’re still alive; don’t wait for eulogies. • Breaking News: Leaders in the faith face battles too—pray and support them in their struggles. ___ 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: • Inauguration Day Questions: Will nearly 200 executive orders bring meaningful moral change? • Pro-Life Hopes: Will the new administration prioritize the sanctity of life? • MLK’s Theology: Beyond civil rights, King questioned core doctrines like the virgin birth, raising theological concerns. Segment 2: • MLK’s Christology: King’s views on the deity of Christ were heretical, placing him outside orthodox Christianity. • Biblical Reminder: Matthew 21 shows that understanding Christ correctly is essential to true faith. • Cultural Misconceptions: Why Christians must examine influential figures through a biblical lens. Segment 3: • Political Flip-Flops: Preemptive pardons condemned in 2020 are now signed—so much for consistency. • Screen Addiction: Could our obsession with phones be influenced by deeper, spiritual forces? • Social Media Chaos: Twitter thrives on dissension and debate, often at the cost of truth and peace. Segment 4: • The Death of Art: Art once elevated society, but today it often shocks or tears down. • Lessons from Rome: The fall of civilizations offers warnings for modern nations. • The Nation’s Future: Pro-life policies and addressing low birth rates are vital to a thriving society. ___ 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!