Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1:

• The Gospel Debate: Gospel-centered language risks becoming self-centered when Jesus isn’t the focus.

• Faith in Jesus, Not in Faith: Everyone has faith—the problem is where it’s directed.

• Beware of Naval Gazing: Looking inward at your faith distracts from the transformative power of Jesus.

Segment 2:

• From Mourning to Celebration: Cultural shifts in funerals reflect a discomfort with grieving deeply.

• Burials Speak Louder: Cremation and “celebrations of life” miss the rich theology of Christian mourning.

• Teen Church Concerns: It falls short in teaching the whole counsel of God and administering sacraments.

Segment 3:

• Judging Rightly: Discernment is under-taught but essential for Christians navigating truth in a deceptive world.

• Speaking to Power: The Church’s role includes calling the government to repentance and justice.

• Justice and Deterrence: Biblical principles uphold the death penalty as both righteous and preventative.

Segment 4:

• Choose Wisely: Friendships should inspire growth and holiness, not pull us down.

• Psychotropic Medications: Increasing cases of numbness and violent behavior point to troubling patterns.

• A Tragic Story: The tragic consequences of medication misuse call for greater transparency and accountability.

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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

• Should the gospel be simplified for kids? Is it ever too early to mention hell?

• Should you serve in a church before becoming a member? Is it a red flag if they allow it?

Segment 2

• Church governance: Elder-led, congregationally-directed, or hybrid—which is biblical?

• Can Christians say “Namaste” or use greetings from other faiths without dishonoring God?

• Should Christians support the building of the Third Temple? What’s the biblical stance?

Segment 3

• Spousal disagreement: Can a marriage thrive if you don’t agree on women pastors?

• If denying Christ could save a life, what should you do? A moral dilemma under pressure.

• Is witnessing to atheists online worth it—or just a waste of time?

Segment 4

• Do married couples need to study Scripture together—or is solo study still essential?

• If marriage seems impossible, how do you let go of the desire to be married?

• Should conservatives try to reform liberal churches—or is it better to walk away?

• Is free speech on the brink of extinction? Are open-air conversations the last refuge?

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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:

• Test Yourself: 14 subtle signs of legalism that may be lurking in your life.

• Key Traits: Praising outward deeds, seeking man’s approval, and turning the Bible into a checklist.

• Parenting Danger: How legalism creeps into how you raise your kids.

Segment 2:

• Blame Schleiermacher: The father of liberal theology reshaped religion into “feelings over truth.”

• Doctrines from Emotions: “Sin is external” and truth becomes relative.

• Why It Matters: Carl Trueman’s insights reveal how this philosophy fuels today’s cultural confusion.

Segment 3:

• A Harsh Lesson: A father’s shocking cruelty hides a deeper love.

• Waiting and Grieving: How the story of Lazarus reframes waiting as an act of divine love.

• Faith Check: Do you question God as a friend or accuse Him as an enemy?

Segment 4:

• God’s Timing: Jesus delayed Lazarus’ healing to showcase His ultimate power over death.

• Hard Love: Love can look harsh, but it’s often a shield from unseen dangers.

• The Takeaway: Trust that your losses aren’t permanent. His love and timing are always perfect.

___

Thanks for listening!

Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.

If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/

If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday!

Todd Friel takes listeners to Georgia Tech and talks with students about faith, creation, and morality.

Segment 1:

• Design vs. Chance: Exploring whether the intricate design of the universe points to a Creator or random chance.

• Big Bang or Big Design?: Challenging the belief that the universe “just happened” by comparing it to a building needing an architect.

• What’s in it for Me?: A reason to see life as intentional and purposeful, not accidental.

Segment 2:

• Faith in Science or Creator?: A biomedical engineering student claims belief in science, yet can’t explain the origin of matter or order in the universe.

• Moral Law and Conscience: Confronting guilt through the lens of the Ten Commandments, exposing human imperfection.

• What’s in it for Me?: A deeper understanding of our flawed nature and the need for redemption.

Segment 3:

• Cultural Christianity: A young man raised in a Christian home admits he’s “still searching,” unsure about committing to faith.

• Gospel Clarity: The Bible’s message isn’t about being good—it’s about Jesus’ work to save sinners.

• What’s in it for Me?: Assurance of forgiveness and peace through faith, not striving.

Segment 4:

• Eternal Stakes: A Catholic student discusses salvation and the ultimate hope of heaven but struggles to articulate the core message.

• Goodness Redefined: Breaking down human misconceptions of goodness, highlighting the need for God’s grace.

• What’s in it for Me?: Eternal security and clarity on what truly saves—faith in Jesus, not works.

___

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:

• Cultural Sloth: Society makes it easy to avoid hard work—how are we contributing?

• Parenting Alert: Could your child’s laziness stem from never having to work for what they need?

• Faith and Work: “If anyone doesn’t provide for their family, they’ve denied the faith.”

Segment 2:

• Before the ‘I Do’: Premarital intimacy and unresolved baggage wreck marriages before they begin.

• Happiness Isn’t the Goal: Brad Bigney asks, “What if marriage is meant to make us holy, not happy?”

• Challenge for GenZ: Avoid the “it must make me happy” mindset—study wisdom from older generations.

Segment 3:

• Love the Lord First: Dating isn’t about finding “the one”; it’s about deepening your love for God.

• Jesus’ Example: From Philippians 2 to Matthew 18, Jesus shows how to live humbly and forgive others.

• Forgiving Your Spouse: How Jesus’ teachings guide the hardest conversations in marriage.

Segment 4:

• Third Wave Warnings: A new danger looms for biblical counseling—are we equipping all believers for ministry?

• Consumerism Alert: Christmas shouldn’t be about deals or distractions—how much time are we soaking in the Savior?

• Priesthood of Believers: Biblical counseling is for everyone, not just professionals. Let’s reclaim this calling.

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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:

• Rewriting History: Can you imagine Western civilization without men—or Christianity? That’s the agenda.

• Texas Takes a Stand: New curriculum introduces the Bible as history, not theology.

• Cultural Shift: Some fear this inclusion while others push to erase Jesus from the narrative.

Segment 2:

• No Theology, Just Facts: Texas’ curriculum focuses on Christianity’s historical role, not faith-building.

• Outrage Without Cause: Why teaching biblical history shouldn’t bother anyone—it’s part of the world’s story.

• Perspective Check: There are 4,000 mosques in America but almost no outcry over their historical impact.

Segment 3:

• Religious Discrimination: Bernie Sanders targets Russell Vought for his Christian beliefs during a hearing.

• A Double Standard: In America, discrimination is taboo—unless you’re Christian.

• Grace Under Fire: Vought’s composure shows the strength of holding firm in faith.

Segment 4:

• Unity with Limits: Perfect unity is impossible, but separation from false teachers is essential.

• Judgment Is Necessary: Believers are called to discern truth from falsehood for the sake of the gospel.

• SBC Debate: Texas Baptists decline to affirm BFM 2000, reflecting deeper divides within the 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” really biblical—or just a convenient term for neutral doctrines?

Segment 2:

• Thanksgiving turmoil: How do I navigate a mother-in-law’s divisive actions?

• Is studying theology just “fighting over vain words”? How do I respond?

Segment 3:

• Why would demons drive someone toward the Bible? A perplexing spiritual paradox.

• Does boxing reflect a low view of humanity—and is it a sin?

Segment 4:

• If prayer doesn’t change God’s will, does it change anything?

• Pray with, for, or over someone? Which one’s right?

• Does answering a pronoun question mean agreeing with the ideology?

___

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:

• Jesus’ Favorite Subject: What did Jesus like to talk about?

• Your Priorities Matter: Where does the church rank on your priority list?

• Beware of Wicked Arguments: Misusing theology to justify sin is spiritual poison.

Segment 2:

• Jesus Loves His Bride: The Church is central to God’s heart and plan.

• Fellowship Over Comfort: Better to be tired in worship than rested in isolation.

• Perspective Check: Worship isn’t boring—our hearts might be distracted.

Segment 3:

• Leave Well: Pray, avoid gossip, and recognize God’s plan may differ from yours.

• Build, Don’t Break: Focus on meeting the church’s needs, not your preferences.

• Unity Matters: A strong church resists gossip and thrives on discretion.

Segment 4:

• Gossip Destroys: Tale-bearing weakens the body of Christ and sows division.

• Shift to Prayer: Replace judgment with intercession to protect church unity.

• Guard the Bride: Discretion preserves trust and strengthens the body of 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!

Todd Friel is on campus in Gainesville, GA to talk with students about creation, repentance, and genuine belief over tradition.

Segment 1:

• Complexity Points to a Creator: A future doctor acknowledges the design of the human body as evidence of God’s creation.

• Faith vs. Commandments: The student believes following commandments earns salvation but admits personal failure in keeping them perfectly.

• Grace Explained: Salvation is through Jesus’ completed work, not human effort—a transformative message of hope.

Segment 2:

• Reincarnation vs. Judgment: A Sikh student describes rebirth based on karma, contrasted with Christianity’s “one life, one judgment” principle.

• Jesus as the Payment for Sin: Introducing the concept of grace—Jesus’ sacrifice pays the ultimate penalty for sin.

• Turning from Self to Jesus: Highlighting the need for repentance and trust in Christ rather than striving for a better rebirth.

Segment 3:

• Cultural Faith, Personal Uncertainty: A polite young Methodist inherits faith but struggles to articulate its message or offer peace to others.

• Self-Examination: Encouraging the student to reflect on their relationship with Christ to ensure genuine belief, not mere tradition.

• Eternal Assurance: The gospel promises peace and reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Jesus.

Segment 4:

• Relativity Challenged: College students wrestle with the conflict between subjective truths and the absoluteness of Christ’s claims.

• Fear and Love: Using fear of judgment to lead to the realization of God’s love through Jesus’ sacrifice.

• Urgency of Decision: Encouraging the students to see faith as a response to God’s kindness and an opportunity to embrace eternal truth 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:

• Biblical Perspective: The Bible doesn’t address 21st-century deportation directly—apply OT principles thoughtfully.

• Unity Over Division: Don’t let this non-essential issue divide us. Respond gracefully to disagreement.

• What’s in It for You: Gain clarity on balancing biblical truth with modern complexities.

Segment 2:

• Degrees of Issues: The Bible gives varying levels of importance—think critically before fighting over differences.

• Wisdom First: Address disagreements with grace, understanding what truly matters.

• Relevance: Equip yourself with discernment to navigate modern challenges like AI and doctrinal debates.

Segment 3:

• Staggering Stats: 85% of pastors quit within 5 years—betrayal, personal attacks, and burnout are top reasons.

• Church Dynamics: Are seminaries equipping pastors for real-world challenges and diverse communities?

• Takeaway: Cherish, support, and encourage your pastor—don’t contribute to their burdens.

Segment 4:

• Serious Sin: Proverbs 6 warns against sowing discord—church splits often stem from unchecked strife.

• Types of Discord: Doom-and-gloom members, edge-of-leaving members, and amateur theologians sow division.

• Actionable Insight: Be a peacemaker. Affirm your pastor and build unity in the church community.

___

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!