Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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!

Segment 1 • Ray Comfort preaches with TPUSA on campus, later appears on Fox News. • Ray skillfully pivots every question back to the gospel. • Refuses to get pulled into distractions—stays laser-focused on Christ. Segment 2 • Ray’s tone is winsome yet bold. • Pushback comes when preaching hell, but he still lands the gospel. • Challenge: if you live near a campus, why not go witness too? Segment 3 • Too many pastors treat their people like they’re unintelligent. • Ben Shapiro praises John MacArthur’s depth. • Sin leaves believers unsettled—don’t numb yourself to conviction. Segment 4 • A faithful preacher makes truth reachable but stretching. • Al Mohler warns of America’s cultural dumbing down. • Even in healing debates, the question is clear: do we trust a logical 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 Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What do you mean when you say that God desires tear-filled converts instead of fear-filled converts? • Why don’t you use illustrations or personal stories in your preaching? Segment 2 • Should Christians leave bad business reviews if a company wronged them? • Are women as deacons biblically supported? Segment 3 • What should a church member do if they discover their pastor is using AI to write or heavily edit sermons? • Is anointing your home with oil a biblical practice or superstition? Segment 4 • What counts as “secondary issues” in theology? • Why would you attend a Catholic funeral but not a Catholic wedding—what’s the difference? ___ 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 • Sermons used to be long and weighty—now they’re shallow. • Why do we tolerate hours of football but squirm after 20 minutes of preaching? • Lloyd-Jones and Packer: urgent, doctrinal preaching isn’t optional—it’s essential. Segment 2 • Why do you go to church—and what do you expect? • Many show up with little thought, fueling shorter and shallower sermons. • Preparation matters: pray, take notes, engage your Bible, fight distractions. Segment 3 • Doctrinal truth without application leaves us wanting. • Head and heart can’t be separated—truth must move affections. • Don’t fall into ditches: emotionalism on one side, cold intellectualism on the other. Segment 4 • Taliban shuts down internet, silencing women and education. • Christianity uniquely dignifies women—seen even in witnesses to the resurrection. • True flourishing for women and children is found only 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! Join Todd at Kennesaw State University as he discusses truth, the afterlife, postmodernism, and the exclusivity of Christ with two college students. Segment 1 • Student Brittany says she makes her own rules and believes in evolution, reincarnation, and positive energy. • Todd walks her through the need for an objective standard of right and wrong. • He introduces God as a loving, just Creator whose laws reveal everyone’s guilt. Segment 2 • Todd shifts to a “cosmic courtroom” illustration, showing Brittany God’s perfect justice. • She admits she’d be guilty under God’s laws but hopes He’d “understand” human mistakes. • Todd explains why Jesus’ death satisfies God’s justice and saves sinners. Segment 3 • Erin studies sociology and blends Christianity with reincarnation-type thinking. • Todd challenges her postmodern thinking—truth isn’t personal, it’s either true or false. • Todd reasons that creation points to a Creator and presses her on who Jesus really is. Segment 4 • Erin shares she was baptized in 2020 but struggles with drifting from God in college. • Todd clarifies the difference between justification and sanctification. • He encourages her to rest in God’s love and let that motivate obedience instead of guilt. ___ 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 • 1 in 5 U.S. adults now get their news from TikTok. • Kentucky church backs members in checking out LGBT books and not returning them. • A little girl is adopted into an all-male, three-parent household. Segment 2 • Hilary Clinton is still making anti-Christian and anti-white male remarks at 77. • Over 30% of university students believe violence is justified. • The U.K. names its first lesbian archbishop. Segment 3 • Muslim mayor in Michigan tells a Christian he’s not welcome. • Lawmakers propose a total porn ban in Michigan. • Burkina Faso passes a law banning sodomy — sharp cultural contrast. Segment 4 • AI “relationships” are growing but reshape morality and ethics. • Marriage is God’s school of character, shaping us through sacrifice. • Studies show AI use leads to more unethical behavior. ___ 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 • Voddie Baucham’s legacy: a gospel preacher who made much of Christ, not himself. • His words at Shepherd’s Conference remind us that preaching must center on Jesus. • The loss of giants like Voddie raises a question: are we valuing our local pastors as we should? Segment 2 • Voddie left strong opinions that challenged us, from Lord’s Supper to worship practices. • His challenges forced believers to weigh Scripture over cultural norms. • Regulative vs. normative worship — his teaching pressed Christians toward biblical clarity. Segment 3 • Above all, Voddie loved proclaiming the gospel. • His appearances on The Biggest Question alongside Ray Comfort and E.Z. captured his heart for evangelism. • His passion was pointing people to Christ, not himself. Segment 4 • Voddie’s teaching on righteousness: Christ’s robe covers us completely. • He emphasized both Christ’s active and passive obedience securing our salvation. • Repentance and faith remain central — essentials we too easily overlook today. ___ 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 • Why aren’t all your YouTube videos on Fortis+? • How can I stay informed on global Christian news and pray for the church more specifically? • Should Protestants evangelize Roman Catholics, or partner with them? • What’s the right approach if my pastor preaches something unbiblical? Segment 2 • My parents want to bury me in their family plot, but my husband wants us buried with his. How do I navigate this? Segment 3 • My sons and I are learning how to resolve conflict biblically through “Drive By Marriage”—but what does it actually look like to “take an argument to the cross” ? • I’ve tried everything to make Christian friends, but haven’t had much luck. What do I do? Segment 4 • Someone I know rejects penal substitution - is that heretical? • What’s your take on Pastor Mike Todd’s ministry and theology? ___ 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 and Dr. Greg Gifford discussing mental health and transformation at KSU. • Free speech vs. foolish speech—where’s the line? • Jimmy Kimmel suspended—raises questions about consistency in “hate speech” rules. Segment 2 • Campus reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination. • Free speech protects almost everything short of inciting violence—but misuse of it is rampant. • Where should Christians stand when free speech clashes with biblical wisdom? Segment 3 • Don Lemon labels the Charlie Kirk memorial “Christian Nationalism.” • What actually is Christian Nationalism, and was the memorial an example? • Agreeing on essentials unites us—but should secondary differences divide us? Segment 4 • Todd jokes about being a “fool”—but what kind? • Quick guide: explaining free speech and Christian Nationalism simply. • Ilhan Omar spreads false claims about Charlie Kirk. • Erika Kirk: she doesn’t want the sole decision on the murderer’s death penalty. ___ 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 engages in meaningful conversations with several university students. First up is Cole, a pro-lifer who isn’t a believer. Later, Todd speaks with agnostic Moira, discussing God’s existence and Moira's personal experiences with Christianity. Todd continually points the students back to the ultimate hope that we are called to share - the gospel of grace through God’s Son. Segment 1 • Cole intrigued by Christianity but skeptical of its claims. • Todd shifts focus from crusades to Cole’s personal sin problem. • God’s holiness vs. human sinfulness is the real crisis. Segment 2 – Cole (part 2) • Cole wrestles with the Trinity and Jesus’ dual nature. • Todd explains how only God-in-flesh could be a worthy substitute. • Salvation is central—Father sends, Son saves, Spirit convicts. Segment 3 • Agnostic Moira shares what she knows about Easter. • She only believes what she can see, and doesn’t personally see the importance of faith. • Moira has been put off from Christianity by bad personal experiences. Segment 4 • Todd holds Moira to account against God’s commandments. • She admits guilt when confronted with God’s commands. • Todd explains Easter: Jesus’ death and resurrection solves our sin and shame problem. ___ 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 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!