Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Why do people really reject Jesus? In this Witness Wednesday, Todd has two honest conversations with college students that reveal the difference between intellectual objections and the deeper issues of the heart. Learn practical evangelism lessons that will help you confidently keep the gospel at the center of your conversations. Segment 1 • Can all religions really lead to the same destination? • One student says Christianity and Islam are basically the same. Todd explains the difference that changes everything. • Is evolution enough to explain the world around us, or does creation point to something more? • What happens when someone openly admits they'd rather pursue happiness than follow Christ? Segment 2 • Why do so many gospel conversations begin more naturally than we expect? • Todd explains why Christians shouldn't fear awkward transitions into spiritual discussions. • How can God's Law and the conscience open the door to meaningful gospel conversations? • What can you learn from an encounter that ends with a heartbreaking response? Segment 3 • "The Bible was written by men." How should you respond to one of Christianity's most common objections? • Are intellectual arguments really the biggest barrier to faith? • Todd demonstrates how to move beyond apologetics and lovingly address the heart. • Can someone be "good enough" to stand before a holy God? Segment 4 • Should Christians spend more time defending the faith—or proclaiming the gospel? • How do you avoid getting sidetracked by endless objections? • What does successful evangelism actually look like from God's perspective? • Why can Christians remain encouraged even when conversations don't end with conversion? ___ 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!

Should Christians celebrate the Bible being taught in public schools? Todd explains why what seems like a win for Christianity may not be what it appears while exploring declining birth rates, cultural Christianity, and what it really takes to change a nation. Segment 1 • Why do Pride parades so often revolve around public displays of sexuality? • Can you judge a religion by the kind of culture it produces? Todd compares Christianity and Hinduism. • An Irish teacher spent nearly two years in prison over preferred pronouns. What does his case reveal about religious freedom? • Should Christian schools accept government funding if it means compromising biblical convictions? Segment 2 • Why are fewer young people getting married and having children? • Are social media, celebrity culture, and pornography reshaping an entire generation's view of family? • Does God's design for marriage and parenthood actually lead to greater joy and fulfillment? • What are young adults giving up when they delay marriage and parenthood? Segment 3 • Why doesn't Todd want the Bible taught in public schools? • Is teaching Scripture as literature actually diminishing its true purpose? • Can Christian values change a nation without changing hearts? • Why is cultural Christianity becoming increasingly attractive to conservatives? Segment 4 • Can a nation become "Christian" without people becoming Christians? • Should the church focus on changing culture—or making disciples? • What can we learn from the early church's response to a pagan culture? • Could our expectations for transforming society be aimed at the wrong target? ___ 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 • Jimmy Hicks returns after major back surgery and shares the unexpected lessons God taught him through recovery. • Why can learning to depend on others be one of the hardest—and healthiest—lessons for Christians? • What makes faithful, mission-minded believers so valuable in the local church? • Are dad jokes actually good for your family? Science (and Todd) weighs in. Segment 2 • A viral Roman Catholic apologist claims Catholics and evangelicals believe the same gospel. Is she right? • Why are so many evangelicals being drawn toward Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism? • What's missing from the argument that makes it sound so convincing? • How can you recognize the difference between the true gospel and a subtle counterfeit? Segment 3 • Why are churches like the PCUSA continuing to lose members year after year? • What happens when denominations compromise on biblical truth to follow the culture? • Should churches seek a "middle ground" on controversial issues, or does that strategy always drift left? • What lessons can faithful pastors and churches learn from today's denominational decline? Segment 4 • Can dogs ever evolve into something other than dogs? • What's the difference between biblical "kinds," species, and Darwinian evolution? ___ 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 • Eric asks: Can even the most notorious false teachers truly repent and be forgiven? • Anonymous asks: What should a husband do when his wife suddenly wants to leave their longtime church? Segment 2 • Should you stay and work through concerns with your church, or is it time to leave? (Continued from Segment 1) Segment 3 • David asks: Whatever happened to Too Wretched for Radio? • Marion asks: Which Puritan authors are worth reading, and where should you start? • Merry asks: Which promises in the Bible actually belong to Christians today? Segment 4 • More on the Puritans. • Anonymous asks: How should Christians help someone struggling with psychosis? ___ 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 Friel sits down with Dr. Lou Priolo to reveal why so many marriages struggle before they even begin. • Are you ignoring dating red flags that could become lifelong regrets? • Why do persistent doubts, constant conflict, and avoiding hard conversations deserve a second look? Segment 2 • Can physical boundaries before marriage reveal much deeper spiritual problems? • Dr. Priolo explains why unresolved selfishness has a way of following couples down the aisle. • Should strong concerns from family and friends ever make you hit the pause button on a relationship? Segment 3 • Is helping your spouse grow spiritually actually one of your biblical responsibilities? • Why can trying to "fix" your spouse expose a much bigger problem in your own heart? • Todd and Dr. Priolo tackle how to confront sin lovingly without turning your home into a battlefield. Segment 4 • How should you respond when your spouse points out your biggest flaws? • Tiny habits, family traditions, and personal preferences can become surprisingly explosive marriage issues. • What's the difference between confronting real sin and simply expecting your spouse to do things your way? ___ 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 is at Georgia Tech and engages with students to share the hope of Christ. Segment 1 • Todd asks Arvin to rank smoking, pornography, abortion, and hooking up—which answer reveals just how dramatically moral values have shifted? • Why would someone say smoking is worse than abortion? Todd presses beneath the surface to uncover the worldview behind the answer. • Todd then meets a Hindu student whose moral instincts surprise him before challenging the idea that all religions are basically the same. Segment 2 • Can "my truth" and Jesus' exclusive claims both be true? Todd walks a Hindu student through the collision between relativism and Christianity. • What happens when the Ten Commandments become the standard instead of personal opinion? • Todd explains why the gospel is radically different from every other religion—and why that difference matters eternally. Segment 3 • Todd questions three Georgia Tech students who defend pornography, reject objective morality, and insist they're still "good people." • If pornography is harmless, why would you be embarrassed to watch it with your parents? Todd exposes what conscience may already know. • Can someone honestly call themselves good after admitting to lying, lust, stealing, and blasphemy? The conversation takes an unexpectedly personal turn. Segment 4 • Todd challenges the three students with the question everyone must answer: What should a perfectly just God do with guilty people? • A Jehovah's Witness listening nearby joins the discussion, leading to a respectful but direct conversation about hell, the deity of Christ, and salvation. • What happens if you've believed in the wrong Jesus? Todd ends with a sobering question about eternity that neither side can ignore. ___ 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!

Todd sits down with Dr. John Crotts to discuss why Christians should expect to upset the world with the gospel, why loving the local church is essential for spiritual health, and how pastors can faithfully shepherd God's people through today's cultural chaos. Segment 1 • Are Christians playing it too safe when sharing the Gospel? • What surprising places can become your next evangelism mission field—including one you'd probably never expect? • Why are so many religious people spiritually hungry despite sitting in church every Sunday? Segment 2 • Could your biggest spiritual weakness actually be trying to follow Christ without a local church? • Church hurt is real—but is isolation making the problem even worse? • Why does Scripture present the local church as protection instead of just another weekly event? Segment 3 • Should pastors stay at one church for decades—or is bigger ministry always better? • Can good church movements become harmful when personal convictions turn into church-wide expectations? • Where's the line between biblical conviction and making your preferences everyone's standard? Segment 4 • Should your pastor address every political controversy from the pulpit? • What if preaching deeper theology is actually the best response to today's cultural chaos? • When is it wise for a pastor to pause an expositional series and speak directly to a national crisis? ___ 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!

Todd sits down with Dr. John Crotts to discuss why so many Christian men struggle to grow up spiritually, what biblical manhood really looks like, and how the gospel gives lasting hope to weary believers. Segment 1 • Why do so many Christian men drift through life instead of pursuing godliness? • What does biblical manhood actually look like—and where does it begin? • How can living with eternity in view completely change the way you live today? • Why is wisdom more than just knowing the right answers? Segment 2 • What does it really mean for a husband to lead his family biblically? • How can Christian men take responsibility without becoming controlling or domineering? • What habits separate spiritually mature men from those who stay stuck? • Why is receiving correction one of the clearest marks of biblical maturity? Segment 3 • Why do faithful Christians often lose hope—even when they know the truth? • What is biblical hope, and why is it far more than positive thinking? • How can God's promises steady your heart during seasons of suffering and discouragement? • Why is meditating on God's character essential for lasting joy? Segment 4 • What does biblical meditation look like, and how can it transform your daily walk with Christ? • What should you do when you feel like you've failed God one too many times? • Can God's grace become an excuse for sin, or does it actually fuel holiness? • How do you fight feelings that God has abandoned you? ___ 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 • Anonymous: Should a Christian parent stay overnight in the home of a son living in a same-sex relationship? • Jonathan: How can socialism become a bridge to sharing the gospel? • Darcy: Why doesn't Wretched lead people in the sinner's prayer? Segment 2 • Carrie: Would God answer the prayers of someone living in an unrepentant same-sex relationship? • Michelle: Are the stopped clocks on the Wretched TV set hidden Bible references? • Ashley: How can Road Trip to Truth best be used as a homeschool curriculum? Segment 3 • Jonathan: How do we know when the Lord is really "putting something on our heart"? • Jonathan: Why did John MacArthur warn against saying, "The Lord told me"? • Evan: Should Christians use nicotine pouches? Segment 4 • Todd: Can AI become dangerously personal—and even deadly? • Alexander: What does the Bible teach about cremation versus burial? • Alexander: Does it matter if my family ignores my burial wishes after I die? ___ 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 • Adam Tyson shares what it was like spending time with Kanye West during his profession of faith. • Why does Adam have such a burden for reaching Gen Z men? • What stereotypes about young men are true, and how should Christians respond? Segment 2 • Why are so many young men struggling with fear, passivity, and a lack of purpose? • Has modern youth ministry unintentionally contributed to the problem? • What role should theology and expository preaching play in discipling the next generation? Segment 3 • Has expository preaching become too academic, or are churches missing biblical application? • What does faithful sermon preparation actually look like behind the scenes? • Why do illustrations matter, and how can pastors use them without overshadowing Scripture? Segment 4 • How should believers navigate disagreements over Christian liberty without dividing the church? • Is the Bible really sufficient to help people struggling with anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health challenges? • When should Christians seek medical care, and when should they seek biblical counseling? ___ 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 takes the gospel to Georgia Tech and answers some of life's biggest questions. Segment 1 • A Mormon student insists Christians and Mormons worship the same God. Is that really true? • If your understanding of Jesus is wrong, can you still be saved? • Todd explains the crucial differences between the biblical gospel and Mormon theology. Segment 2 • A psychology student believes people are basically good. What does the Bible say? • Do the Ten Commandments still reveal our need for a Savior? • Why is understanding our sin essential before we can understand God's grace? Segment 3 • Can a good person ever be good enough for heaven? • Todd explains why every religion says "do," but Christianity says "done." • What does it really mean to repent and trust Christ alone for salvation? Segment 4 • A self-described Christian says, "I don't think you have to be a Christian to get to heaven." Is that biblical? • Why did Jesus have to die for sinners instead of simply forgiving them? • What is your true purpose in life, and how does the gospel answer the question, "Why are we 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!

Segment 1 • Why the PCA's report on Christian nationalism deserves attention. • Should the government enforce Christian morality or protect religious liberty? • What changed between the Westminster Confession of 1646 and 1788, and why it still matters. Segment 2 • The PCA issues affirmations and denials on church, state, and political involvement. • Why the church's mission can never be replaced by politics. • The biblical response to kinism, racism, and divisive rhetoric. Segment 3 • Why the gospel must always take priority over political victories. • Practical advice for pastors navigating Christian nationalism in their churches. • What the PCA says about keeping difficult conversations centered on Christ. Segment 4 • The PCUSA stumbles over a vote on clergy monogamy. • James Talarico's controversial comments at the Texas Democratic Convention. • Why the PCA is warning Christians about anger, slander, and political tribalism. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Dr. Jason Lisle explains on his In the Beginning podcast how dinosaurs actually fit the Bible's timeline. • What surprising discoveries inside dinosaur fossils are challenging millions of years of evolutionary assumptions? • Could creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan actually describe dinosaurs? Segment 2 • Is America really experiencing a spiritual revival, or are the headlines overstating what's happening? • Why are more young people saying religion matters while fewer are actually attending church? • If people are becoming more open to faith, how should Christians respond? Segment 3 • Phil Johnson announces his retirement after more than four decades at Grace to You. What does his legacy teach about faithful ministry? • Is the church experiencing a changing of the guard as influential Christian leaders pass the baton? • Why should every Christian care more about their local church than celebrity ministries? Segment 4 • A pastor beat up a young man, then defended his actions from the pulpit using Scripture. Can the Bible really justify violence? • What does this incident reveal about the dangers of taking justice into our own hands? • What qualifications should every pastor meet before stepping into the pulpit? ___ 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 • Cademan: How can I help a friend trust that the Bible we have today is truly God's Word? Segment 2 • Anonymous: How can I grow in spiritual maturity? • Jonathan: Are unbelievers judged according to the amount of truth they rejected—and will people like Hitler and Mother Teresa receive the same punishment? • Alan: Should Christians belong to organizations like the Elks Lodge? Segment 3 • Anonymous: How can I encourage my husband to stop being late for church? • Anonymous: How can I biblically help my 10-year-old son who struggles with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and possible OCD? Segment 4 • Rachel: Is baptism by sprinkling ever appropriate, and should someone baptized that way be accepted into church membership? • James: If a professing Christian commits suicide, does that mean they were never truly saved? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • James Talarico calls himself "a Christian who hates Christianity." • Can you redefine Christianity and still call it biblical? • Why progressive theology is far more dangerous than progressive politics. Segment 2 • Can politics actually save America? • The surprising reason America is losing its shared identity. • Why the answer isn't legislation—it's something far deeper. Segment 3 • What declining support for Israel reveals about America's spiritual condition. • If you could rebuild a nation from scratch, where would you start? • Why Christians may be fighting the wrong battle. Segment 4 • What falling birth rates, marijuana, and homeschooling all have in common. • Why changing laws will never change hearts. • The one mission Jesus gave the Church that still changes cultures 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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Segment 1 • Rex confidently says Jesus is Lord—but can he explain why someone should believe that? • What happens when personal testimony isn't enough to persuade a skeptic? • Todd helps Rex move from "Jesus changed my life" to the gospel message that actually saves. Segment 2 • Sean believes heaven and hell are real—but how can anyone know they're truly forgiven? • Can last rites, confession, or religious rituals clear a guilty conscience before God? • Todd and Sean compare Roman Catholicism and biblical Christianity on the question that matters most: How are sinners made right with God? Segment 3 • This Buddhist student has lived in America for two years—and has never heard the gospel. • If Buddhism brings peace and happiness, why would someone need Christianity? • Todd contrasts managing desires with solving humanity's deepest problem: guilt before a holy God. Segment 4 • Casey believes morality is doing what feels right—but who gets the final say on right and wrong? • Raised Southern Baptist, Casey knows church culture but doesn't understand the gospel. • Karma, evolution, religion, and the law of God collide in a conversation about truth, judgment, and forgiveness. ___ 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 • An update on Jimmy Hicks’ surgery recovery reveals an unexpected lesson about marriage, suffering, and seeing your spouse with fresh eyes. • Could one difficult season expose blessings in your family that you've been overlooking for years? • What happens when hardship becomes the very thing that deepens intimacy instead of destroying it? Segment 2 • Charlemagne’s attempt to spread Christianity through political power raises questions that Christians are still debating today. • What happens when the lines between church and state become blurry? • A look at history’s most famous examples of “Christian government” reveals consequences many believers never consider. Segment 3 • Are the scientific arguments for an ancient earth really as airtight as we've been told? • Dr. Jason Lisle challenges popular dating methods, dinosaur timelines, and assumptions about Earth's history. • What evidence causes some scientists to question long-held claims about millions and billions of years? Segment 4 • Why are teenagers risking their lives for TikTok fame—and is the real problem deeper than social media? • Todd contrasts modern youth ministry trends with the forgotten practice of catechizing children. • Could a stronger understanding of identity, sin, and the gospel help address the crisis facing today's generation? ___ 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 shocking report claims authorities ignored the mass exploitation of over 250,000 young girls—why would officials look the other way? • Is fear of being labeled racist preventing governments from confronting serious cultural and criminal problems? • What happens when immigration, assimilation, and public safety collide in ways nobody wants to discuss? Segment 2 • Why are some people calling the Islamic call to prayer beautiful while ignoring the theology behind it? • A European government refuses to ban first-cousin marriage despite alarming birth defect statistics—what's driving the decision? • Are secular governments or religious movements responsible for more violence throughout history than you've been led to believe? Segment 3 • Two newly discovered Augustine sermons spark a surprising reminder about your identity in Christ. • What happens to a marriage when forgiveness is offered—but never truly given? • Another pastor falls in a prostitution sting, raising uncomfortable questions about accountability, temptation, and hidden sin. Segment 4 • Archaeologists uncover one of the oldest known images of Jesus—but does it actually resemble Him? • Why do so many pastors feel exhausted, discouraged, and unsatisfied in ministry today? • How should church members care for their shepherds before burnout becomes a crisis? ___ 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 • A concerned mom asks: “How could heaven be joyful if my children never repent and come to Christ?” Segment 2 • Justin asks whether Jesus’ physical death alone paid for sin—or whether His suffering under God’s wrath was also necessary. • What happens when children and teens hear a “Jesus loves you” message without sin, wrath, repentance, or the full gospel? Segment 3 • Kristen asks whether tithing can be given wherever the Holy Spirit leads—or whether the local church should come first. • Lucinda asks how to persuade a determinedly uneducated family member that learning matters biblically. Segment 4 • Claire shares how godly male friendships are strengthening husbands, fathers, homes, and the church. • Caleb asks whether emphasizing “Sunday best” can unintentionally make poorly dressed visitors feel unwelcome at 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 • Are you missing a key reason your Christian life feels stuck or incomplete? • Todd argues that spiritual gifts are woven into God’s design for human flourishing—just like marriage, family, work, and education. • What if the fastest way to discover your spiritual gift isn’t a test, but simply getting involved? Segment 2 • Why do so many Christians leave their God-given gifts sitting on the shelf? • Todd breaks down a wide range of spiritual gifts and shows how they can be used in surprisingly practical ways. • Could your church—and your own joy—be suffering because you're neglecting a "priestly duty"? Segment 3 • What does Ken Ham’s family legacy reveal about passing faith to future generations? • Todd challenges modern children’s ministry models that prioritize entertainment over theology. • Are we giving kids a “Jesus is your friend” message when they desperately need a bigger view of God? Segment 4 • Why are so many Christian parents losing ground in the battle for their children’s hearts and minds? • Todd shares ten practical ways to pass biblical wisdom to children and grandchildren. • Could simple habits like family meals, handwritten letters, and visible repentance leave a gospel legacy that lasts for generations? ___ 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! At the University of Georgia, Todd Friel meets Damarié, a Baptist student who believes in Jesus but struggles to explain why Christianity is uniquely true, leading to a conversation about truth, conscience, sin, and what it really means to trust Christ. Later, Todd engages with LDS missionaries about the identity of Jesus, the Great Apostasy, grace versus works, and whether salvation is a gift to be received or a reward to be earned. Segment 1 • Damarié says he’s Baptist—but can he explain why Christianity is actually true? • Are all religions just personal preferences, or do they make competing truth claims? • What happens when the conversation shifts from philosophy to your own guilt before God? Segment 2 • Why would Jesus go to the cross if every religion leads to God? • Can a just Judge forgive sinners without ignoring justice? • Damarié wrestles with a question many churchgoers avoid: Have I truly trusted Christ? Segment 3 • If two groups use the name “Jesus,” can they still be talking about different saviors? • LDS missionaries explain who they believe Jesus is—and how someone is saved. • Does salvation come by grace alone, or is there more required to reach eternity? Segment 4 • Why would young people leave family behind for two years to spread their faith? • Did Christianity disappear for centuries until Joseph Smith restored it? • Do your works affect your eternal destiny more than you realize? ___ 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 revisits a memorable conversation with John MacArthur and reveals the hymn he struggled to choose as his favorite. • Are pastors neglecting a surprisingly important communication skill that can make biblical preaching more effective? • What encouraging signs are emerging at Grace Community Church following MacArthur's passing? Segment 2 • One church's "What to Expect" page raises bigger questions about what churches are really trying to attract people with. • What happens when churches promise great coffee, entertained kids, and a better family life? • Todd contrasts seeker-sensitive strategies with a long-term vision of generational discipleship and spiritual legacy. Segment 3 • Why are some rapidly growing churches still embracing methods and messages that critics say are spiritually dangerous? • Todd examines recent controversies surrounding Bethel Church and asks whether reform efforts go far enough. • Has the prosperity gospel become far more mainstream than many Christians realize? Segment 4 • A surprising statistic suggests most professing Christians believe God wants them to be financially prosperous. • Would you rather have a larger bank account—or peace, joy, and a clear conscience? • Todd challenges popular assumptions about blessing, wealth, and what true prosperity actually looks like. ___ 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 introduces a sobering challenge: when outrageous stories make us angry, should our response be outrage, grief, or evangelism? • Does remembering God's coming judgment change how Christians view their cultural enemies? • A university professor blames a grieving father for his murdered son's death—how did we get here? Segment 2 • A shocking opinion piece turns a murder victim into the villain and the killer into the misunderstood party. • What happens when victimhood completely replaces personal responsibility? • Todd wrestles with how Christians should respond when public commentary seems to invert right and wrong. Segment 3 • An elected official comments on a murder case while admitting she doesn't know key facts. • Can claims of racism stand when they're built on assumptions rather than evidence? • Todd argues that the deepest problem isn't political confusion—it's spiritual blindness. Segment 4 • If miracles are "impossible," what happens to the resurrection? • Why do some professing Christians reinterpret supernatural events in Scripture? • A rapid-fire challenge to modern skepticism and selective Bible belief. ___ 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 • Jonathan asks: “What should I find out before dating a Messianic Jew who believes in Jesus but still practices Jewish traditions?” • Ryan wrestles with a difficult church decision: When does weak preaching become a reason to leave? • Anonymous asks how a wife can biblically submit when her husband’s financial decisions are leading the family deeper into debt. Segment 2 • Todd continues to address the question from the previous segment regarding biblical submission when a husband’s spending habits seem reckless? Segment 3 • Tom asks a heartbreaking question: Does chronic illness make me a sluggard in God’s eyes? Segment 4 • Joe wonders if a Christian can truly be saved while feeling little or no joy because of a medical condition and medication side effects. • Anonymous asks whether Bible quizzing helps children treasure Scripture or risks turning God’s Word into a competition. • Steve discovers his church is pre-tribulational, pre-millennial, and dispensational—and wonders what that really means. • Anonymous asks a sensitive church question: How should congregations care for worshipers with disruptive Tourette’s syndrome without excluding them? ___ 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 SBC is debating more than titles—what happens when women perform pastoral functions without the title? • Why do battles over words like pastor, elder, and overseer matter so much? • Liberalism rarely arrives all at once; it starts with a small crack in the door. Segment 2 • Can a pastor who is secretly living a double life truly finish well? • The SBC tackles immigration, political violence, technology, and religious liberty with surprising clarity. • Is national renewal possible through politics alone, or is something deeper required? Segment 3 • Why do so many people reject Christianity before they ever hear the gospel? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues the battle over Genesis is really a battle over authority. • If evolution removes the Creator, what happens to morality, purpose, and human accountability? Segment 4 • Young men are searching for answers—why is the manosphere filling a role the church could occupy? • Friendship, discipline, work ethic, and masculinity reveal massive discipleship opportunities. • What if teaching a boy how to be a man is actually a deeply theological task? ___ 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! At Kennesaw State University, Todd Friel sits down with Matthew, a future lawyer and Roman Catholic student, for a conversation about justice, grace, good works, and whether anyone can actually become worthy of heaven. Later, Todd talks with Fresnel about agnosticism, evangelism, and why the conscience may be a more powerful starting point than arguments about science, evidence, or religion. Segment 1 • Matthew says good works matter—but can they erase guilt? • Can God be loving and still punish sinners? • What happens when a future lawyer is put in God's courtroom? Segment 2 • Is confession enough to make you right with God? • The difference between forgiveness and righteousness. • The "rap sheet for a résumé" illustration every Christian should hear. Segment 3 • Are you trying to earn what Christ already purchased? • Can someone be born again after death? • Why do so many religious people never find rest? Segment 4 • How would you persuade an agnostic to consider Christianity? • Should evangelism start with evidence—or the conscience? • What must a sinner do to be saved? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Will the SBC hold the line on biblical leadership, or repeat the path that hollowed out other denominations? • Todd argues one convention vote could reveal far more than a procedural disagreement. • Dr. Jason Lisle explains why evidence alone never settles the creation debate—and what really does. Segment 2 • Jimmy faces major surgery, but his biggest concern might not be what you expect. • Protesters at a major conservative event crossed a line that even Todd thought sounded too outrageous to be true. • Why are millions of young men being drawn to counterfeit masculinity, and is the church responding fast enough? Segment 3 • Has "trauma" become the explanation for virtually every strained family relationship? • A popular wedding philosophy may be pushing parents further out of their children's lives than Scripture ever intended. • From Sesame Street to political rhetoric, Todd examines how cultural messaging keeps moving the goalposts. Segment 4 • Could a few simple questions expose serious problems in a church before you ever join? • If your pastor explains the gospel vaguely, what might your children never hear clearly? • Which answers about sin, salvation, creation, hell, and church discipline should be immediate deal breakers? ___ 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 are depression, anxiety, and loneliness exploding despite endless promises of happiness? • A controversial article asks: what happens when motherhood is treated as the enemy of fulfillment? • The world calls sacrifice a burden—could God’s design reveal a completely different path to joy? Segment 2 • Christians often hear God’s commands as restrictions, but what if they are actually the key to flourishing? • Feminism promised freedom and happiness—so why are many women reporting the opposite? • Marriage, children, work, and family are under attack. What priorities are quietly replacing them? Segment 3 • A viral abortion decision sparked outrage across the internet—but what deeper worldview was exposed? • What happens when personal comfort becomes more valuable than human life? • The Down syndrome debate reveals a painful question: how much sacrifice are we willing to make for others? Segment 4 • Is modern self-help culture healing people—or keeping them trapped in victimhood? • Oprah’s influence reaches far beyond television, reshaping how millions think about suffering and responsibility. • What if the pursuit of feelings, therapy, and self-discovery is actually undermining contentment and purpose? ___ 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 • Trevor asks: “What are practical ways I can serve my pastor?” Segment 2 • Bob asks a foundational question: What must be present for a baptism to be biblically valid? • Anonymous wrestles with a painful issue: When, if ever, is "going no contact" with abusive parents a biblical option? Segment 3 • Gordon asks whether our death date is predetermined — and how Christians should think about illness without fear or fatalism. • Jon wonders if patriotic displays and songs belong in a worship service, or if they can distract from Christ. • Anonymous asks how to lovingly evangelize a devoted cultural Christian who talks like a believer but may not understand the gospel at all. Segment 4 • Anonymous asks whether getting a vasectomy is a wise stewardship decision or a sinful attempt to limit God's blessing. ___ 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 AI actually helping you find the truth—or quietly deciding what truth you're allowed to see? • Todd connects the architecture of the Obama Presidential Center to a much bigger worldview battle. • Why do buildings, algorithms, and modern culture seem to be telling the same story about America? Segment 2 • Has the church become so concerned about saving America that it's losing sight of its primary mission? • What's more dangerous: a compromised nation or a compromised church? • Todd examines whether Christians are confusing political influence with biblical priorities. Segment 3 • Dr. Albert Mohler shares a surprisingly transparent update about ongoing health struggles. • What does it look like to suffer publicly while trusting God's sovereignty? • Why is a theology of suffering essential before life gets really hard? Segment 4 • Todd and Jimmy discuss sanctification, humility, and why God's priorities are often different from ours—before ending with a few classic dad jokes. • Jimmy opens up about living with MS, chronic weakness, and upcoming surgery. • Can suffering actually make you more dependent on God and more compassionate toward 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! At Kennesaw State University, Todd Friel meets an agnostic history student who finds Christianity surprisingly credible, but still isn't ready to commit. The conversation moves from postmodernism and historical evidence to guilt, judgment, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Todd also talks with Carlos, who explains why he prefers the name "Yeshua" and wrestles with questions about faith, tradition, and salvation. Segment 1 • Can history actually prove Christianity? • Is agnosticism a safe middle ground? • What kind of evidence would convince you God exists? Segment 2 • Is the Bible just a 2,000-year-old game of telephone? • Why would men die for a resurrection they knew was false? • What if the evidence for Christianity is stronger than you think? Segment 3 • Will God judge you by your good deeds—or your crimes? • Why don't time, regret, or sincerity remove guilt? • What if your biggest problem isn't a lack of evidence? Segment 4 • Why does Carlos refuse to call Jesus "Jesus"? • Does calling Him "Yeshua" make you more biblical? • Is there really a back door into heaven? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Dr. Jason Lisle argues that the strongest case for creation isn't fossils or geology—it's something far more fundamental. • If information always comes from a mind, where did the instructions inside DNA originate? • Carbon-14 findings in diamonds and dinosaur remains continue raising uncomfortable questions for deep-time assumptions. Segment 2 • A secular psychotherapist asks a startling question: What if therapy is actually tearing people apart? • Why does every difficult relationship now seem to involve someone who is "toxic," "narcissistic," or "traumatized"? • Todd examines whether modern therapy culture is helping people heal—or teaching them how to stay offended. Segment 3 • Young evangelicals aren't abandoning religion—they're searching for something they believe is missing. • Incense, liturgy, church history, and ancient traditions are attracting a generation raised on seeker-sensitive Christianity. • Were churches so focused on relevance that they accidentally stripped away transcendence? Segment 4 • The answer isn't copying Rome or importing Eastern Orthodoxy into Protestant churches. • What did the Reformers understand about worship, discipleship, and church life that many churches have forgotten? • From catechesis to church history to reverent worship, Todd outlines what may be needed to rebuild depth before more young people leave. ___ 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’s cancer diagnosis sent her searching for answers in survival statistics—but what finally brought her peace? • What if the key to enduring suffering isn't finding better odds, but embracing a forgotten doctrine? • Todd unpacks a centuries-old hymn that confronts fear, uncertainty, and life's biggest disruptions. Segment 2 • A car accident, financial loss, cancer diagnosis—could all of it somehow fit into God's good purposes? • Todd explores the difference between evil acts and painful providences that believers often struggle to understand. • What does it actually mean to say, "What God ordains is always good" when life feels anything but good? Segment 3 • Before joining a church, how much should you really know about the elders, finances, leadership, and doctrine? • Todd shares a prospective member's surprisingly thorough list of questions—and why every pastor should welcome them. • Is your church's statement of faith something they actually believe, or just something sitting in a file cabinet? Segment 4 • Are you more excited to talk about Washington than you are to talk about Jesus? • Todd examines three warning signs that politics may be competing for your heart's highest allegiance. • What if your strongest enemies aren't political opponents at all? ___ 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 • James asks for advice on repairing his relationships with his children. • Anonymous wonders if casual swearing reveals a deeper heart issue — or even a lack of desire to honor Christ. Segment 2 • Jeff asks: “When is it finally appropriate to draw hard boundaries with unbelievers?” • Anonymous wrestles with a difficult medical question: Is refusing chemotherapy an act of faith… or presumption? • Glen asks how Christians can tell whether a Bible verse applies directly to believers today without ripping it out of context. Segment 3 • Laramie admits that the thought of living forever sometimes feels overwhelming — is that fear normal for Christians? • Jonathan asks how pastors should faithfully preach through massive Old Testament books without losing their congregation. • Would spending an entire year preaching through Psalms or Isaiah actually be wise? Segment 4 • Megan asks whether Christians really have guardian angels — or if that idea comes more from tradition than Scripture. • Jess wonders if dreams that seem prophetic are truly from God or something else entirely. • Jeff questions whether believers calling each other “queen,” “king,” and “prince” reflects Christian identity… or worldly thinking. • Anonymous asks why marriage is often emphasized more than full-time ministry when both are high callings. • Alan wrestles with a sobering question during Pride Month: Is pride the root beneath every other sin? ___ 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 do churches split over doctrine when everyone claims to follow the same Bible? • Todd traces modern church confusion back to a little-known Jewish revolt that changed Christian history forever. • Could the loss of a “plain sense” reading of Scripture be why Christians can’t agree on basic truths anymore? Segment 2 • The Bar Kokhba revolt didn’t just crush Jerusalem — Todd argues it reshaped the entire trajectory of biblical interpretation. • Jewish Christians were squeezed out from both sides, leaving Gentile leadership to redefine how Scripture was read. • What happens when “hidden meanings” become more important than what the Bible actually says? Segment 3 • Todd explains how allegorical interpretation opened the door to wildly different doctrines and endless theological confusion. • Did replacement theology grow out of bad hermeneutics instead of sound biblical interpretation? • Early church leaders began treating the “literal” meaning of Scripture as inferior — and the consequences still linger today. Segment 4 • The Reformers fought to recover a grammatical-historical reading of Scripture after centuries of allegorical dominance. • Todd compares ancient allegorical methods to modern deconstruction: “It’s not what the text says — it’s what it doesn’t say.” • If your church doesn’t share the same hermeneutic, are division and doctrinal chaos inevitable? ___ 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 Georgia Tech student from Marietta says he drifted into being “kind of atheist” simply because of friends, culture, and not thinking much about religion. • Todd challenges the student’s “I’m a good person” defense with the courtroom analogy and a sobering question: does everyone being guilty somehow make you innocent? • The biggest shock of the segment: the student grew up around Christianity, heard about hell and morality, but still cannot explain the gospel or what Easter actually means. Segment 2 • A Baptist student says he hopes he’d go to heaven—but admits he’s basically “slowly getting there.” Is Christianity really a gradual process of becoming religious enough? • Todd exposes the danger of Bible Belt Christianity: church language, family tradition, and moral effort without repentance or the new birth. • The conversation turns serious when the student realizes forgiveness is not earned through repeated prayers, but through Christ’s perfect righteousness credited to guilty sinners. Segment 3 • A student rejects organized religion and says nature helps him connect with “a greater being”—but can vague spirituality actually deal with guilt and justice? • Todd’s “thought chip” illustration gets painfully personal: what if your private thoughts were publicly displayed for one week? • The student wants a loving God without judgment, but Todd presses the unavoidable question: can a judge still be good if he never punishes evil? Segment 4 • Kevin says Catholicism gives him purpose—but admits Buddhism or other religions could probably do the same thing. So does truth even matter anymore? • Another student claims Christianity is “blind faith” and thinks all religions contain versions of the same story until Todd confronts him with Jesus’ exclusive claims. • Todd dismantles postmodern spirituality by showing the difference between obeying Christ out of gratitude… and trying to earn salvation through religious effort. ___ 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 Friel and astrophysicist Dr. Jason Lisle tackle UFOs, aliens, and why our culture seems obsessed with finding life in space. • Are UFO sightings really evidence of extraterrestrials… or are we being fooled by balloons, drones, and atmospheric phenomena? • Why do secularists desperately want intelligent life somewhere else in the universe? Segment 2 • Could “alien sightings” actually be caused by satellites, meteors, rocket launches, and bizarre optical illusions? • Dr. Jason Lisle explains why the Bible points to Earth being uniquely designed for life — and what that means for extraterrestrials. • If aliens existed, would they need salvation too… and could Jesus die for Klingons? Segment 3 • Is “climate change” settled science, or are people confusing weather patterns with long-term climate trends? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues warmer temperatures may actually increase crops, food production, and human flourishing. • What does the worldwide flood, the Ice Age, and ancient vineyards have to do with today’s climate debates? Segment 4 • Are politicians and media using fear to push climate narratives and social control? • Todd and Dr. Jason Lisle dive into transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of merging humans with technology. • When does medical technology honor God by restoring the body… and when does it cross the line into trying to become superhuman? ___ 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 Friel and Dr. John Street discuss why biblical reconciliation goes far deeper than simply “keeping the peace.” • “What if the first person you need to confront in conflict… is yourself?” • Dr. Street dismantles the instinct to blame your spouse, kids, or circumstances while ignoring the pride lurking in your own heart. Segment 2 • Todd and Dr. Street expose how everyday frustrations can reveal hidden idols ruling your heart. • “Could your expectations for your spouse, kids, or home life actually be fueling your anger?” • From messy houses to unmet desires, the conversation shows how even good desires can quietly become sinful demands. Segment 3 • Todd presses Dr. Street on what real repentance actually looks like — and why most apologies fall painfully short. • “Are you truly broken over your sin… or just upset about the consequences?” • The discussion unpacks the difference between worldly sorrow and genuine biblical repentance that produces lasting change. Segment 4 • Todd and Dr. Street tackle one of the most misunderstood subjects in Christianity: forgiveness. • “Is unconditional forgiveness biblical… or have Christians confused forgiveness with pretending nothing happened?” • Why replaying old wounds, rehearsing offenses, and clinging to bitterness may reveal a heart that hasn’t actually forgiven. ___ 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 should a husband do when he’s pursuing intimacy and reconciliation, but his wife remains cold, bitter, and emotionally distant? • Joseph wrestles with dating boundaries: How sacrificial should you become for someone you’re not even married to yet? Segment 2 • Tristan asks: What’s the best way to actually memorize Scripture when fighting pornography and lust? • Samuel asks: Can serving faithfully in the local church help renew your mind when fighting porn addiction? Segment 3 • Kyla asks: Does a pastor have the authority to shut down private small groups in members’ homes? • Emily asks: Is there anything biblically wrong with a massive age-gap relationship—or is it just unwise? Segment 4 • Michael asks: What’s the real difference between preaching God’s Word and simply teaching biblical information? • Anonymous asks: How do Christians know which biblical commands were cultural and which are still binding 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 do so many Christians sit through sermons without ever expecting God to personally confront or comfort them? • Todd explains why “good preaching” has less to do with charisma and more to do with whether God’s Word was faithfully prepared for the church. • Can expository preaching become so obsessed with Greek details that it completely misses the point of the passage? Segment 2 • Todd breaks down why verse-by-verse preaching protects churches from hobby-horse theology and culture-driven sermons. • A shocking Mother’s Day church illustration raises the question: has entertainment hijacked the pulpit? • Andy Stanley’s critique of expository preaching sparks a bigger discussion about creativity, burnout, and whether pastors are feeding people God’s ideas or their own. Segment 3 • Freemason rituals exposed: secret ceremonies, violent oaths, and why Todd says Christianity and Masonry cannot coexist. • Vienna is stunned by what Muslim youth now openly believe about Sharia law, faith, and Western culture. • Minnesota politicians and racial identity politics collide in a segment that asks: has the cultural script completely flipped upside down? Segment 4 • Todd announces a brand-new podcast from Dr. Jason Lisle connecting Genesis, evolution, morality, and the collapse of Western culture. • What happens to marriage, truth, morality, and human dignity if Genesis is rejected as real history? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues that the battle over origins isn’t ultimately scientific — it’s about whether people will trust God’s Word or man’s opinions. ___ 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! At Georgia Tech, Todd Friel asks students simple questions that expose how unclear many people are about God, salvation, sin, and truth. Todd walks each conversation back to the same biblical foundation: God is holy, sinners are guilty, Jesus is the only Savior, and the biblical response is repentance and faith. Segment 1 • A Southern Baptist student says Christianity is about “accepting Jesus into your heart”—but Todd challenges whether that language is even biblical. • Is Christianity just about avoiding hell… or surrendering your entire life to Christ? • Physics student Chris says all religions are incomplete—so Todd asks the unavoidable question: what if Christianity is actually true? Segment 2 — Chris: All Religions Can’t Be Right • Chris struggles with the idea that people from other religions could go to hell—but Todd redirects the conversation to guilt before a holy God. • The “good person” test exposes lying, lust, dishonoring parents, and blasphemy—so what happens if God judges your thoughts too? • Todd explains substitution, imputed righteousness, and why Jesus doesn’t merely help sinners… He completely saves them. Segment 3 — Rebel Since Birth… But Saved From What? • A group of young men wear Christian imagery and talk about leadership, strength, and “being different”—but can any of them explain the gospel? • A Catholic student says heaven is earned through kindness and good deeds… until Todd puts everyone in God’s courtroom. • “Everyone lies” becomes the defense—but Todd presses the terrifying reality that universal guilt still means personal guilt. Segment 4 — Spiritual, Postmodern, and Still Guilty • A mechanical engineering student says he’s “spiritual” and believes Jesus is God—but also thinks different religions can all work for different people. • Todd dismantles postmodern thinking with one simple analogy: calling a dumpster “turkey jerky” doesn’t change what it actually is. • The episode ends with a direct gospel appeal: Jesus alone satisfies justice, forgives sinners, and gives the righteousness nobody can earn. ___ 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  • Ben Sasse faces terminal cancer with a theology that left a 60 Minutes host visibly shaken. • Why did family suddenly matter more than career success and achievement? • What priorities would you change if your time was running out? Segment 2 • What does it actually mean to “die well” as a Christian instead of panicking at the end? • AI could destroy people who “outsource their attention and affections” to technology. • Is your phone quietly reshaping your soul? Segment 3 • Vanderbilt Divinity School graduates unveil ministries involving horses, LGBT activism, and “finding your value.” • A woman throws a “gender reveal” abortion celebration online. • A “pastrix” claims Christians misunderstood Jesus saying He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Segment 4 • Todd tests AI by having it instantly generate an entire sermon introduction from 1 Peter. • Could future pastors become actors reading AI-generated sermons instead of shepherds shaped by Scripture? • If AI can write better sermons faster than many pastors, what happens to real sanctification and soul care? ___ 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’re going to be mad at me.” Todd responds to the massive Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. • Can America actually be “rededicated to God”… or are Christians asking the wrong question? • Todd asks the uncomfortable question nobody at the event seemed willing to answer. Segment 2 • Texas shuts down a pediatric gender clinic, but Todd says the real issue runs much deeper. • Why do cultural victories never seem to fix America’s moral collapse? • Got a frustrating neighbor or a broken community? Todd says the solution is simpler and harder than you think. Segment 3 • One in three men in America have stopped working altogether. What happens to a nation when men lose purpose? • A shocking story out of Britain raises disturbing questions about modern policing and cultural priorities. • Vaccines, autism, assisted suicide for babies—Todd connects the dots on where Western culture is heading. Segment 4 • “Maybe Dungeons and Dragons isn’t such a bad idea…” Todd reacts to today’s therapy culture. • MAHA testimonies reveal heartbreaking stories from people prescribed psych drugs as children. • What if the medications meant to help people are quietly destroying entire decades of their lives? ___ 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 • Theresa shares how resentment toward a cliquey church turned into meaningful friendships—and asks: Should Christians fight for connection before deciding to leave a church? • Anonymous asks: Would it be inappropriate for a woman to give her pastor a personal gift to express gratitude? • Anonymous wrestles with a difficult theological tension: If heaven is perfect and sinless, how did Satan rebel there in the first place? • Thomas asks: Why do so few churches have true evangelists who actively equip believers to share the gospel? Segment 2 • David asks: Should Christians only learn from pastors who personally know them—or can sermons from trusted teachers online still be spiritually beneficial? • Alex asks: Are nicotine pouches just a harmless habit—or could they fall into the same category as drunkenness and addiction? • Anonymous asks: If a church allows a woman to preach on Mother’s Day, should Christians still attend? • Alexandra asks: What do you do when reading the Bible feels more boring than life-giving? Segment 3 • Ryan asks: When is it biblically appropriate for a pastor to leave a church without abandoning his calling or creating division? • Anonymous asks: Can someone who believes “baptism saves” still truly be a Christian—or are they trusting a false gospel? • A listener wrestles with a painful family dilemma: Should you pray for loved ones to be saved… or simply corrected? Segment 4 • Lorie asks: Can female bodybuilding honor God—or do the competition standards cross the line into immodesty? ___ 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 “eating biblical foods” actually spiritual… or just another Christianized trend? • Todd exposes how influencers are turning Scripture into diet plans, “superfoods,” and coaching businesses. • Why do Christians keep treating the Bible like a cookbook instead of a revelation of Christ? Segment 2 • The guys jokingly create an AI-generated “Upper Room Diet”… and it gets uncomfortably believable. • Southern Baptists are seeing declining membership numbers—but rising baptisms and attendance. What’s really happening? • Should churches prioritize biblical faithfulness even if attendance drops? Segment 3 • What do you do when you’re trying to love your spouse faithfully… and they won’t reciprocate? • Todd digs into the painful reality of cold, distant marriages and why perseverance matters. • “Don’t dominate. Elevate.” A challenging call for husbands living with difficult relational tension. Segment 4 • Why do some Christians constantly doubt their salvation even when they know the gospel? • Todd unpacks hidden heart issues behind “wobbly knees,” from perfectionism to shame to performance-based Christianity. • Are you trusting Christ… or secretly trusting your feelings, failures, and spiritual performance? ___ 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 Georgia Tech where he challenges students on intelligent design, morality, self-righteousness, and what it actually means to be a Christian. Conversations with skeptical engineering students, a Jamaican student named Junior, and a Catholic student named Dan repeatedly expose the same issue: people believe they’re “good enough” for God, but struggle to explain sin, justice, repentance, or why Jesus alone can save. Segment 1 • An architecture student admits buildings require designers… but refuses to apply the same logic to the universe. • A biomedical engineering student claims the universe “just fell into place”—so Todd presses him on morality, guilt, and judgment. • The shocking moment: after admitting guilt under God’s law, the student says he still doesn’t care if God exists or judges him. Segment 2 • Junior grew up in a Christian home in Jamaica—but realizes he may not actually understand Christianity at all. • Todd walks Junior through lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God… and Junior pushes back hard on blind faith. • “I’m not a sinful person.” Todd challenges the difference between growing up around Christianity and truly knowing Christ. Segment 3 • Dan believes “good people” from many religions can make it to heaven—but Todd asks a devastating courtroom question. • If God simply forgives guilty people without punishment… is He actually a just judge? • Todd dismantles salvation-by-good-works and explains why trying harder can never erase guilt before a holy God. Segment 4 • Todd explains the difference between earning heaven and receiving forgiveness through Christ alone. • Why your “good works” might actually be offensive to God if they come from a sinful heart. • One of the clearest gospel appeals of the episode: stop striving, die to self, and trust the righteousness of Jesus instead. ___ 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 do so many genuine Christians secretly fear they’re not actually saved? • Todd tackles the crushing cycle of “I repented… but was it enough?” • Can one misunderstood Bible passage steal your assurance for years? Segment 2 • Are you running from God after sin instead of running to Him? • Todd exposes the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and self-inflicted condemnation. • What if your “worst sin” isn’t stronger than God’s grace after all? Segment 3 • Why are comparison, emotions, and secret sin wrecking so many believers’ assurance? • “I just don’t feel saved” — but should feelings decide your eternal standing? • Todd confronts one hidden struggle that keeps surfacing in assurance conversations with young men. Segment 4 • Should you leave a church that teaches truth but feels emotionally cold? • Todd challenges entertainment-driven church culture and “whoop-dee-doo” Christianity. • What matters more: warm community or faithful expository preaching? ___ 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 Friel turns a “Mother’s Day sermon” into a direct challenge to husbands: do you actually know your wife beneath surface-level habits? • “I’ve been married 20 years… but do I really understand her heart?” — the uncomfortable marriage question most men avoid. • Why are so many Christian marriages stuck in behavior management instead of real spiritual intimacy? Segment 2 • What secretly drives your wife’s fear, frustration, or anger — and have you ever bothered to ask? • Todd and Jimmy unpack the “deeper conversations” that could completely change the emotional temperature of your home. • “How am I doing as a husband?” sounds brave… until you hear the answer. Segment 3 • Egalitarianism vs. complementarianism: does the Bible really teach “mutual submission” in marriage? • Todd tackles the controversial debate around authority, leadership, and whether modern Christians are redefining biblical roles. • If husbands are called to lead, what does Christlike leadership actually look like without becoming domineering? Segment 4 • First-century Rome treated women like second-class citizens — so why were Peter’s commands to husbands considered shocking? • Todd argues Christians are fighting the culture war the wrong way — and offers a far more radical alternative. • What if honoring bad leaders, difficult spouses, and harsh authorities is actually the church’s greatest countercultural weapon? ___ 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 • Derek asks: If God's promise to Israel remains an active hope today, is there a need to share the gospel with Jews? • Kyla wonders: Have Christian podcasts become a breeding ground for gossip, immaturity, and “heresy hunter” celebrities disconnected from the local church? • Nate asks: What should churches do when faithful preaching feels more like a seminary lecture than shepherding hurting people? Segment 2 • Anonymous asks: Are Christians actually called to one specific local church—or is church membership mostly personal preference? • Eddie asks: Do babies who die in the womb go to heaven—and can Christians be certain about it biblically? Segment 3 • Joe asks: How do you deeply desire marriage without turning a future spouse into an idol? Segment 4 • Anonymous asks: Can praying too much for someone you’re dating become emotionally unhealthy—or even idolatrous? • Ralph asks: Why do Christians criticize Catholicism but rarely talk about the Orthodox Church? • Anonymous asks: Why does it feel like idols keep growing back in my heart no matter how hard I fight them? ___ 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 • Perry Stone has Christians panicking over UFOs again… but where’s the evidence? • Secret government meetings, reptilian creatures, and “pastors being warned” — is this prophecy teaching or fundraising theater? • Why do so many believers keep falling for sensational end-times claims that never come true? Segment 2 • The Supreme Court temporarily restores abortion pill access while states try to stop mail-order abortions. • A horrifying murder case raises an uncomfortable question: has America become too soft on violent criminals? • Germany investigates Christian YouTubers for criticizing Islam, a Canadian drag queen is convicted of sex trafficking, and Sam Allberry’s “third way” theology faces a brutal reality check. Segment 3 • Michael Knowles admits he hopes for heaven… but can’t know for sure he’s going there. • Why was assurance of salvation considered one of the “greatest heresies” during the Protestant Reformation? • If you constantly doubt your salvation, are you examining your sin correctly — or missing what Christ already accomplished? Segment 4 • Can one hymn do more to strengthen assurance than years of religious rituals? • Martin Luther reportedly confessed sins for up to six hours a day before discovering what finally gave him peace. • Why does a works-based system leave consciences exhausted, fearful, and constantly searching for relief outside 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 talks with four students on campus, each with some kind of religious background or moral framework. Across the episode, Todd keeps pressing the same essential issue: God is just, man is guilty, and Jesus Christ is the only Savior. The gospel is not moral improvement, religious heritage, spiritual preference, or doing the best you can. It is Christ taking the punishment sinners deserve and crediting His righteousness to those who repent and trust Him. Segment 1 • Casey believes “karma” settles the score—but who’s actually keeping track of right and wrong? • If morality is just personal preference, why does guilt feel so real—and so unavoidable? • Casey admits he doesn’t know the gospel… so what happens when God judges by His standard, not yours? Segment 2 • Nathan says he believes in God—but when asked why, he can’t give a clear answer. Would you? • If you think you’re a “good person,” do you actually pass God’s test—or fail it completely? • The pieces finally connect: if Jesus died for sinners… what does that require from you right now? Segment 3 • Kevin has a Methodist background—but can’t explain what he actually believes. Does that sound familiar? • If nobody’s perfect, shouldn’t effort count? Or does God demand something far higher? • The courtroom analogy hits hard: if you’re guilty, how can justice and mercy both be satisfied? Segment 4 • A graduate student thinks grace + good works might balance out—but is that how salvation works? • What if your best deeds are still corrupted at the root—would that change everything? • Justification vs. sanctification: are you trusting Christ alone… or subtly trusting yourself? ___ 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 • What did it actually cost to join the early church—and would you qualify today? • Membership wasn’t casual: years of catechesis, believer’s baptism, and rigorous accountability defined entry. • Is your church’s view of membership and discipline a shadow of what it once was? Segment 2 • When was the last time a sermon truly gripped your soul with the beauty of Christ? • Preaching has shifted—less weighty, less piercing, less “soul-melting” than what marked earlier eras. • Do modern pulpits aim for transformation…or just information? Segment 3 • Are government institutions quietly targeting faithful churches for what they preach? • Reports surface of federal scrutiny—raising questions about religious freedom in practice, not just theory. • From Puritan practices to modern pressure: are we prepared for what may be coming? Segment 4 • Why does cultural confusion keep escalating—even in something as simple as school authority? • From bizarre identity claims to inverted values, the culture isn’t neutral—it’s discipling. • If everything feels like it’s unraveling, are Christians ignoring the obvious solution? ___ 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 federal court just disrupted abortion pill access—does this finally close the “mail-order” loophole? • Lawmakers press the uncomfortable question: if you advocate abortion, will you actually defend the methods used? • Graphic realities surface—what does it say about a nation that funds and normalizes this? Segment 2 • Are cultural elites trying to turn your kids against you—and calling it “justice”? • A new push claims older generations are the problem… but is this just recycled Marxism? • What happens when society blames grandma instead of bad policy, debt, and inflation? Segment 3 • Why are pastors apologizing for Scripture—and what does that reveal about modern preaching? • If God commands something the culture hates, who do you trust: your instincts or His authority? • One word—“likewise”—could reshape how you understand roles, submission, and obedience Segment 4 • Are churches discipling kids—or just entertaining them to keep families coming back? • What if youth ministry isn’t broken—but fundamentally misaligned with Scripture? • Could older believers—not programs—be the missing key to lasting faith in the next generation? ___ 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 • Anonymous asks: Can cutting off your parents ever be biblical—or are Christians expected to endure toxic family relationships forever? • A listener wonders: Would kneeling before King Charles during a knighthood ceremony compromise Christian convictions? • Anonymous asks: Do Christians really have authority to cast out demons today—or is modern spiritual warfare culture misleading people? • Can you be a Christian and not fear God? -Joe Segment 2 • Matt asks: Should a man become an elder or deacon if his wife may not actually be saved? • Mr. John wrestles with a massive salvation question: If repentance is required, does that secretly make salvation a work? • Anonymous asks: How do you biblically deal with someone who turns every conversation into an argument? Segment 3 • Bekah asks a heartbreaking question: After an abortion years ago, is it wrong to stop feeling guilty—and how do you heal without forgetting your child? • Eric asks: Are altar calls biblical… or have they created confusion and false conversions? • Todd tackles a difficult pastoral reality: How should churches minister to Christians carrying deep shame from past abortions? Segment 4 • Kenneth asks: Is low-stakes poker with church leaders harmless fellowship—or spiritually dangerous gambling? • A listener struggles with conscience and liberty: Can something technically permissible still become sinful for you personally? • Todd explores a bigger issue behind “harmless fun”: How close should Christians get to the line before wisdom says walk away? ___ 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 reviews King Charles’ recent speech. • King Charles refers to himself as the “defender of faiths”, plural - here’s why that makes a big difference. • If tolerance is the goal, why does criticism seem aimed primarily at Christians? Segment 2 • Why are Christians told to be more accepting while persecution elsewhere goes ignored? • There’s a big double standard for different religions. For example, see what happens when someone critiques Islam in the UK. • Is “interfaith unity” masking deeper inconsistencies in how religions are treated? Segment 3 • A blunt question: If you died today… would you know where you’re going? • If someone says they’re a Christian, why would they answer that question with “I don’t know”? • One thing people add to the requirements for salvation may be what’s causing this lack of assurance. Segment 4 • What do you do when your workplace is toxic, humiliating, and draining your joy? • You’re not stuck, or there on accident - there’s a purpose there that you may not see. • How could enduring mistreatment increase your peace instead of destroying 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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd on campus at Georgia Tech to discuss faith, the gospel, and Christ with real people on the street. From neuroscience majors to student athletes, the ultimate question is asked and answered: what’s going to happen to your soul? Segment 1 • Sammy Kai admits he’s living like there’s no ultimate purpose—so what actually makes life matter if nothing is guiding it? • Can evolution and “infinite time” really explain complex design? • If everything around you looks engineered, the reasonable belief would be that there is an engineer behind it. Segment 2 • Sammy Kai thinks he’s a “good person”—and Todd applies God’s standard. • If everyone fails God’s moral test, does that mean everyone is in serious trouble? • The moment it clicks: Jesus’ death isn’t just a story—but the only way justice and mercy can both be fulfilled. Segment 3 • Kylie confidently calls herself a Christian—but can she answer the question: “Why should I become one?” • From Kylie’s POV, are all religions basically the same? • If your belief system is built on “do your best”… what happens when that’s not enough? Segment 4 • Kylie says God should weigh her “good vs bad”—but would that defense hold up in a real courtroom? • When pressed, even professing Christians struggle: do you actually understand what “being born again” means? • Student athlete Kimani is confident about faith. Can you explain it clearly? ___ 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 • Celebrity testimonies seem to be missing one element in particular. • Can you talk about Jesus, Bible study, and prayer… and still miss the actual gospel? • Certain popular phrases seem spiritual, but miss the mark. Segment 2 • What makes up a real conversion testimony? • The culture is always trying to replace concepts like “sin” and “repentance”. • Incomplete testimonies can create confusion about what salvation actually is. Clarity is always needed. Segment 3 • Why would an a-religious astronaut break down in tears at the sight of a cross? • Can creation itself convict someone of sin without a single sermon being preached? • Three unexpected ways people come under conviction—and why one is rarely used Segment 4 • Are major religious voices, like the Pope, blurring truth with other religions? • America, Israel, and misused Bible verses: are Christians applying promises that were never meant for them? • Israel, global religion, and cultural trends—how can we see the truth through all the distraction and lies? ___ 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 • Political violence is ramping up… and the cause is more than strictly political. • The problem isn’t necessarily ideology - it’s exactly what scripture tells us it is. • Could evangelism—not political outrage—actually reduce crime, chaos, and cultural decay? Segment 2 • Are Christians focusing on the wrong battlefield when culture spirals out of control? • We like to think that if we changed the highest levels of government, our society would change, but it starts smaller. • How did Christianity historically dismantle evil systems without rebellion or violence? Segment 3 • Can someone claim Christ and justify violence at the same time? • What happens when individuals decide for themselves what justice looks like? • Theo Von took a call from a audience member who is desperately seeking something. Segment 4 • So many people feel stuck, empty, and disconnected, despite all their efforts and self-esteem and self-help. • There are some people who are genuinely seeking, and we’ve got to be ready to point them towards the only solution. • People that are lost need to be connected to the ultimate reality. ___ 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 • When preaching expositionally, Is it normal for a pastor to spend 5 years in a book (John) and only get to chapter 11? - Luke Segment 2 • What are your thoughts on American flags in a church sanctuary? - Peter • Our church has two deaconesses. One is over the children's ministry, which includes the nursery, and the other is over the women's ministry. Is this biblical? - Karen • When I'm staying in a hotel, and I find a Book of Mormon in the bedside drawer, would it be wrong for me to take it with me to throw away? - Josh • Are dead people able to interact with the living? - Cary Segment 3 • Recently, I went through the Christian music I listen to and, in digging deeper, found a shocking number of them were actually from a Mormon background! The songs sound like normal Christian lyrics to me… Is there anything I should be looking out for? Or should I not be listening to them at all? - Joyce • I was baptized in a solid Baptist church at 19 after growing up in a Christian home and making a conscious choice of obedience. A year later, I made the emotional decision to get back with my non-Christian boyfriend (who is now my husband). I later "rededicated" my life to Jesus at 30 and haven't looked back! I've been wondering if I need to get rebaptized or if my current surrendered life is just evidence of how God has been faithful to me. - Anonymous • You always say to stare at Jesus with unveiled face. How do we do this? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Is it ok for a young adult to ask for advice from a non-believing parent? If their advice doesn't clearly contradict scripture, is it wise to follow their advice even if they don't necessarily have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them? - Anonymous • I just saw a video of youth pastors having a dance off! And they were cutting all kinds of rugs. Wondering what your reaction would be? - Brad ___ 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 • Religious scrupulosity: common, crushing, misunderstood… • A centuries-old problem resurfaces: why believers have always battled relentless, intrusive, condemning thoughts. • When your conscience won’t shut off, how does it quietly rob your joy, assurance, and spiritual stability? Segment 2 • Do you know God as mostly condemning—even while knowing the truth of his abounding mercy? • Some personalities are wired toward scrupulosity. Where does your temperament lead you? • The problems starts with confusing temptation, intrusive thoughts, and actual sin. Segment 3 • David French sits down with Allie Beth Stuckey to discuss, among other things, politics. • David French hesitates to question James Talarico’s Christianity—so where should the line be drawn? • How do we honor our rulers when our rulers are scoundrels? Segment 4 • Our political beliefs flow out from our worldview. • Can someone hold radically unbiblical views about God and still be considered in the faith? • What do you value more: niceness, or doctrinal truth and boundaries? ___ 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! Come along with Todd Friel to Georgia Tech where we meet students Kevin, Wyatt, and Peter. These are real people with real hopes, fears, and opinions on topics ranging from Eastern Orthodoxy to the AI revolution. If you’re waiting to see real evangelism and the Christian worldview applied to real-world topics, you’ve come to the right place. Segment 1 • Kevin, an Eastern Orthodox Christian, seems to mistake earning something for grace. • He explains faith + works… but does he accidentally argue like a Protestant? • If other religions might get to heaven, what happens to Jesus’ exclusive claims? Segment 2 • Todd discussed AI and resulting fears with engineering major Wyatt. • Wyatt believes in Easter… but does he actually trust what it means? • Is being a “good person” enough—or does that completely miss the point? Segment 3 • If God judged your life today, would your “good intentions” actually hold up? • Wyatt admits guilt—but assumes self-improvement can fix it… can it? • Wyatt learns the true nature of forgiveness in Christ. Segment 4 • Peter, casual Christian, says: “I’m a Christian… I just don’t think about it much”. Is that possible? • Are “small sins” really small when they’re committed against a holy God? • If God is both just and merciful, how can He forgive without compromising 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 sits down to talk false teachers, the importance of church, and more with Justin Peters and Emeal Zwayne. • Why do so many people follow false teachers who clearly exploit them? • Most of those who follow false teachers aren’t just confused—they may be trusting a completely different gospel. SEGMENT 2 • Todd remarks that Justin represents a rare combination when calling out false teachings. • Gentleness isn’t weakness—it’s power under control, and Scripture commands it. • There are two dangerous ditches: ignoring error and obsessing over it. Are you falling into one of those? SEGMENT 3 • Why do some truth-driven Christians still come across as harsh or combative? • Real gentleness flows from remembering who you were before Christ saved you. • Can people tell if you genuinely care—or if they’re just another “project” or argument to win? SEGMENT 4 • There seems to be one common denominator between those Christians who struggle to grow and mature. • Lone-ranger Christians often become the harshest, most unteachable voices. • Beautiful things happen when you actually combine Scripture, community, and obedience. ___ 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 SBC can’t seem to find their way past one particular issue. • Dr. Albert Mohler pushes for clarity. • What actually determines the outcome of the SBC vote—and what’s happening behind the scenes? Segment 2 • Three cheers for Tennessee and what they’re deciding to reject. • If we want to change the course of our country, Scripture says the strategy is completely different than politics-first. • What if the real “formula” for cultural change is slower—but far more effective? Segment 3 • How did Christianity go from fringe sect to dominating an empire without protests or political power? • Critics mocked believers for our secret weapon - and it’s been the same thing all along. • What uncomfortable calling did early Christians embrace that modern believers often avoid? Segment 4 • What happens when half the population no longer thinks sin exists? • So many of our fellow countrymen think that the right laws and the right politicians could fix or save our country. • If you want real moral change, it comes down to one thing. ___ 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 • An elder at my church wants to start a group that prays for the Sunday service during the Sunday service. We are a small church that only holds one service, so this prayer group would miss the preaching of God's Word. What are your thoughts? - Anonymous • My teenage daughter wants to know if we can actually rebuke stuff in the name of Jesus. Is this just a trendy thing to be doing amongst young Christians right now? - Ash • Other than the fruit of the Spirit, are there any other signs that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit? - Anonymous • Is there a historical or biblical precedent for women serving as deacons? - Ean Segment 2 • I heard you critique a new book recently about somebody taking a trip to heaven. What motivates a person to say these things? Could they actually believe they're being truthful? - Anonymous • Would you happen to know any good biblical resources that could point me to how I can help my sons prepare for a career path in their lives? I want my sons to succeed and to help them as the Lord leads, but I'm not sure how to do this. - Ricky • I have a teenage daughter who fell into the woke world. Things have gotten better after two years, but I would like a few biblical pointers to help me not only endure this trial but also continue to encourage my daughter in a positive, biblical way. - Anonymous Segment 3 • How do you respond to all the brothers and sisters who are moon landing deniers? My biggest issue with them is that they are denying the testimony of brothers in Christ who walked on the moon (Charlie Duke & Jim Irwin), not to mention the countless others who have worked on the space program. I know it is not a primary issue, but to call brothers and sisters in Christ liars is a big deal. - Michael Segment 4 • If there is no temptation to sin in Heaven, how did Satan get the idea for an uprising? - Joe • I am 21 years old and have been married for just over a year now, and my parents have been very adamant about us visiting their church sometimes. They attend a church of Christ, and we do not. We also love worshipping at our own church. What should we do? - Anonymous • What are some good parenting resources that combat gentle parenting and encourage healthy, biblical parenting? - Anna ___ 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 viral image sparks outrage—was it harmless, or something far more serious? • What should Christians actually do when a public figure appears to mock God? • Media figures responded to the president’s meme in various ways… some got it right, some not so much. Segment 2 • Shows like The View shape how people think about truth—even though it is not attached to reality. • Joy Behar claims Jesus never said He was the Messiah. She must not be familiar with her Bible. • Why do cultural voices speak confidently on theology while being completely uninformed? Segment 3 • A major Christian creator affirms Mormons—they may be sincere, but they’re wrong. • AI “Jesus” offers comfort for $1.99/minute. Is this more entertainment than theology? • Is there ever a just, God-blessed reason to declare war? Segment 4 • Todd’s not turning charismatic, but wants to talk about a church practice that might make you uncomfortable. • Hand-raising in worship has historical precedent. • It’s okay for our emotions and feelings to be expressed in worship. How do we do this in an orderly fashion? ___ 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 goes to the University of Georgia to engage students in candid, thought-provoking conversations about morality, truth, and Christianity. Through a series of real-world encounters, Todd challenges students to define wisdom, justify their moral beliefs, and explain why they hold their worldview. As conversations unfold, many students struggle to ground their beliefs in objective truth, ultimately leading to discussions about whether morality requires a higher authority—namely, God. Segment 1 • Todd asks Jared “What is wisdom”—and can you prove your definition is actually right? • If morality is just how you were raised… who are you to say anyone is wrong? • Christian student Jared hits a wall trying to justify “right and wrong” without appealing to a higher authority. Segment 2 • You say you’re a Christian—but do you actually know why you believe it? • Presbyterian Yuhan admits his faith is inherited, not examined—does that describe you too? • If you’ve never tested your beliefs, how confident should you really be? Segment 3 • Can you call something evil (like Hitler or eugenics) without an objective standard? • Darian gives sharp answers—until extreme scenarios expose the limits of relativism. • The conversation forces a turning point: do morals require a higher authority like God? Segment 4 • Can you call yourself a Christian… but still not explain why someone should believe? • John struggles to give a compelling reason for Christianity—until justice, judgment, and eternity come into focus. • The gospel becomes unavoidable: if sin isn’t punished, how can God be just—and what did Jesus actually accomplish? ___ 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’s review of the new “The Great Awakening” movie. • What actually brings about true revival? • Why did straightforward, doctrine-rich preaching—not emotional hype—ignite lasting transformation? Segment 2 • How to build real friendship with nonbelievers, without compromising your convictions. • Whitefield and Franklin’s unlikely partnership exposes how evangelism and real relationships intersect. • Are you avoiding meaningful relationships outside your “Christian bubble”—and missing opportunities to grow God’s kingdom? Segment 3 • What’s missing in many of today’s gospel presentations? • Whitefield’s preaching model confronts modern evangelism with a focus on law, urgency, and authority. • What in the world is a “Christian Buddhist”? Segment 4 • When culture defines the “meaning of life,” who actually has the authority to answer—and why does that matter? • Open-air preaching, public spaces, and cultural reactions—how do you boldly proclaim the gospel while still being wise, lawful, and neighborly? • Trump posts, and deletes, an alarming picture. ___ 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 • There have been many contentious conversations lately about things evangelicals have largely taken for granted. • Todd introduces a major cultural debate: should Christians support modern Israel—or rethink everything? • A deep-dive article promises clarity on one of the most confusing and divisive theological issues today. Segment 2 • What is Israel biblically—a state, a religion, or something far more concrete and ongoing? • Israel is defined as ethnic, national, and territorial—raising uncomfortable implications for modern debates • If Israel spans generations regardless of belief, what does that mean for today’s largely secular Jewish population? Segment 3 • Does the modern state of Israel actually matter in God’s overarching redemptive plan? • Even without a political state, Israel would still be central to God’s purposes. • Cultural Jews, secular Jews, religious Jews—these are outward markers that don’t change the Bible’s view of who they really are. Segment 4 • Are Christians required to support Israel politically—or is that a dangerous oversimplification? • Israel’s existence doesn’t equal spiritual restoration—so what should believers actually affirm? • Romans 9–11 raises a divine mystery: Israel is in unbelief, and yet part of God’s plan. ___ 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 • If I could convince an atheist to read the Bible, which book of the Bible should I recommend that they read first? - Anonymous • I am a young man who desires to enter vocational ministry. However, I struggle with same sex attraction. Is same sex attraction in itself disqualifying from ministry? Is same sex attraction inherently sinful? - Anonymous Segment 2 • This morning, my 7-year-old asked me when he could be baptized. My concern is that he is too young and may not fully understand what it fully means. What should I do? - Dan • I hear people use God's name in vain fairly often. What should I say to someone misusing His name? Should I say anything at all? - Jonathan • What are your thoughts on emergency response and law enforcement jobs, which don't always allow you to be in church on Sunday morning? - Pete Segment 3 • Jesus said that in Matthew 22 that in Heaven we won't be married nor be given in marriage. I've always heard that the first instance of marriage we see is Adam and Eve in Genesis 2, prior to the fall. Why do you think it is that we are introduced to marriage in the garden, where everything is perfect, but denied it in Heaven? - Dylan • Is the doctrine of eternal security essential to understanding the gospel? - Josiah • What would you suggest a rural, non-seminarian to do as a next step in learning biblical Greek after watching “It's Not Greek To Me”? - Wade Segment 4 • My friend does not believe in penal substitutionary atonement and the wrath of God on Jesus at the cross, but rather thinks that Jesus willingly gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins. She believes it would be cosmic child abuse from God otherwise. Can one go to heaven if they reject these biblical truths? - Theresa • Recently, I've been seeing wild conspiracy theories pop up very frequently. How should Christians respond to these ideas? Should we sincerely look into them for the truth, or ignore them completely? - Wyatt ___ 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 • So-called “experts” confidently predict global catastrophe—and keep getting it wrong. • A generation was told not to have kids… now some are realizing the cost decades later. • Bad worldview → bad policy → real-life consequences… rinse and repeat. Segment 2 • A shocking crime raises the question: what happens when everyone does “what’s right in their own eyes”? • The way that God could be using our societal chaos might surprise you. • The book of Judges isn’t ancient history, but a warning. Segment 3 – “Compassion” Policies That Backfire • Can promoting harmful behavior actually be framed as “public health”? • Our society often prioritizes “acceptance” over actual well-being. • There are consequences when a society decides to reward identity over truth. Segment 4 • What if the “mental health solution” being promoted is making things significantly worse? • Why are rising mental health issues being ignored when policies claim to fix them? • The data again and again disproves the narrative, and yet the narrative continues. ___ 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 on campus at Georgia Tech in Atlanta for several real-life, on-the-street witnessing encounters. What does our conscience tell us about God? Do we reject God because that’s where the science leads, or because of something deeper? When we realize we are sinners, is there any hope? All of these questions and more are explored - and Christ is exalted on today’s Witness Wednesday. Segment 1 • Eduardo says he’s a “good person”… but does he actually measure up when tested against God’s standard? • What happens when “I’m not that bad” collides with lust, lies, and a guilty conscience? • If someone paid your debt before God… would you accept it—or reject it? Segment 2 • Eduardo admits he’d rather “be himself” and face hell. • The turning point: can justice and mercy both be satisfied without compromising either? • Todd presses the urgency—what if everything you’re chasing is worthless if your soul is lost? Segment 3 • Joey admits design requires a designer, but rejects the logic when applied to God and creation. • People say they reject God for scientific reasons, but the real reasons might be much closer to home. • When your conscience gets exposed—liar, thief, lustful—do you face it or deflect it? Segment 4 • Joey resists “innocent or guilty”—but can you really escape that question before a just Judge? • Another student admits he’s not a good person… so what hope does that leave him? • Why did God create the world—and how does that answer change everything about your future? ___ 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 tasks Jimmy with a very important choice. • From Franklin Graham to Raphael Warnock—two pastors with two completely different messages. • Faith Night on American Idol sounds spiritual… but are the songs actually saying anything meaningful? Segment 2 • What does it really mean to “pray for the president”? • When vague spirituality replaces Christian clarity, the lines between politician and pastor are blurred. • Todd presses the issue: if you can’t explain your prayer, are you actually praying? Segment 3 • Easter is about hope… but a general appeal to a vague, spiritual hope misses the point. • Big churches might have a glossy, polished Easter message and still fail to preach the gospel. • Could watered-down gospel presentations be creating confident—but false—converts? Segment 4 • Churches that simply want to attract the attention of unbelievers have drifted far off course. • From parody videos to real-life Easter gimmicks—how far can things drift before truth disappears? • What you win people with, you win them 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 • The hidden danger of replacing real church congregations with online echo-chambers. • A low view of Sunday worship is creeping in—and it’s reshaping how you think about God. • When sermons become casual stories, worship becomes something it’s not. Segment 2 • Why do so many pastors feel the need to “relate” instead of proclaim? • Self-focused storytelling would feel wrong during worship music. Why does it pass in preaching? • When the sermon becomes about the pastor’s life, the word of God is left aside. Segment 3 • Even compelling-sounding Easter messages leave something important out. • Saying “Jesus died for your sins” sounds right… but does it actually explain anything? • Could this missing “why” be the reason people respond emotionally—but never truly understand the gospel? Segment 4 • When you remove sin, wrath, and judgment, you may not have any good news left. • Even strong, polished Easter messages can fall short—what essential truth is being left out? • If churches win people with comfort, spectacle, or entertainment… what are they actually converting them 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 • If the cross is everything… why does your faith still feel disconnected? • Stop looking for God’s love in blessings—look at Calvary instead. • What actually happened 2,000 years ago—and why does it change everything for you? Segment 2 • Why would it please God to crush His own Son? • You don’t understand how much God hates sin—and that should terrify you. • What if your “small sins” are enough to condemn you forever? Segment 3 • Think you understand the cross? Make sure you haven’t softened it. • What did Jesus physically endure—and why should that shake you? • If this is what your sin costs… have you taken it seriously? Segment 4 • The cross isn’t about improving your life—it’s about killing your old one. • Why “asking Jesus into your heart” might not mean you’re saved. • Have you actually died to yourself—or are you still trying to save your life? ___ 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 woman preaches politics, identity activism, and “rights” - but something’s conspicuously missing. • What happens when churches replace Christ’s mission with cultural causes? • Abandoning biblical authority forces churches to invent new “missions” that feel meaningful—but aren’t. Segment 2 • Paula White compares Donald Trump to Jesus—oh boy. • A lot of culturally Christian language sounds really good… and means nothing. • Why even prominent social and political leaders still get salvation wrong. Segment 3 • Why do so many Christians think they know the gospel—but can’t explain it? • Todd’s encounter at Georgia Tech reveals a bigger problem: what are churches missing? • If key elements like sin, judgment, and repentance are absent… is it still the gospel? Segment 4 • Smash Jesus, but never Muhammad—why the selective outrage? • A politician fined for quoting Scripture—are biblical convictions becoming criminal? • If culture punishes truth and rewards compromise, what happens to Christians who won’t bend? ___ 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! Are you prepared to see the insanity of radical subjectivity put to the test? What about our own consciences? Join Todd for real, on-the-street conversations about faith, truth, and Christ’s gospel. SEGMENT 1 • Taj claims truth is subjective—until Todd exposes the contradiction. • Being raised in a Christian environment does not make one a Christian. • If you’re clearly guilty before a just God… how can we have real hope? SEGMENT 2 • Peyton rejects design in the universe—Todd highlights the error with a simple analogy. • Think you’re a “good person”? A quick test exposes lying, lust, theft—and a verdict you probably won’t like. • If God already knew you’d sin, are you still accountable when judgment comes? SEGMENT 3 • Tiernan was told by a Catholic teacher to leave Christianity and explore other beliefs. • If God can erase your guilt, remove your shame, and give you purpose—what’s the reason that you’re rejecting Him? • Is your conscience just psychology… or evidence that you’re accountable to a Creator you can’t ignore? SEGMENT 4 • Tiernan rebuts Todd with the classic objection: the problem of evil. Can Christianity survive this? • Todd reframes the gospel: not just escape from hell, but a complete rewiring of how you think, feel, and see reality. • If Christianity answers guilt, suffering, purpose, and truth—what’s actually stopping you from surrendering 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 • Todd sits down with Dr. Ted Tripp, author of “Shepherding a Child’s Heart”. • Are parents confusing a child’s ability to use tech with actual readiness to handle it? • Porn, smartphones, and distraction—there is a veritable minefield out there for the next generation. Segment 2 • Why are Christian kids walking away—and is disengaged parenting the real root issue? • Influence and intentionality in our children’s lives doesn’t just happen—it takes real effort. • Identity crises, online affirmation, and peer pressure—are your kids being discipled more by screens than you? Segment 3 • That our kids should own and use a cellphone shouldn’t be taken as a given. • Influence vs. authority: which one actually keeps your teenager from rebelling? • It may not be the case that every child has to go through a rebellious phase. Segment 4 • It’s never too late for parents to reach their children—even those parents who feel like they’ve failed. • Are you giving your kids behavior control… or actually shepherding their hearts? • When everything feels lost, your hope must be not in your own parenting power—but in the power of 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 • Guest hosts: Justin Peters, Jim Osman & Gabe Hughes • The church must not copy business models or government structures. • Churches chasing worldliness to attract the world lose their distinctiveness. Segment 2 • Baptism and communion aren’t rituals—they’re visible reminders of the gospel • Worship that entertains people often stops honoring God • Some churches draw crowds—but they’re feeding goats, not sheep Segment 3 • Most churches avoid church discipline—even though Jesus commands it • Matthew 18 isn’t optional—it’s how the church deals with sin • When discipline is ignored, sin spreads—but when it’s practiced, the church is purified Segment 4 • Church discipline: loving restoration or something most churches are too afraid to practice? • What happens when someone refuses to repent—and why that changes everything • If your church never confronts sin, is it protecting people… or failing them? ___ 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 • Can Christians participate in sports like boxing, football, and paintball, or does this mean they are thinking evil thoughts about punching, tackling, and shooting? - Andrew • Is it wrong for someone to be uncouth? For example, if someone says hello to me and I don't say anything back, is that a sin? My hyper-conscience condemns me for acts like this, but I don't want to disregard the guilt if it is from the Lord. - Phillip • I've been saved for almost 4 years now. I struggle with cussing... but in my mind only. How can I stop this? - Pearl Segment 2 • What is the difference between a Christian having a strong conscience vs a seared conscience? - Ryder Segment 3 • What is your favorite book of the Bible? - Marie Segment 4 • My wife and I go to a small church of about 30 people. Over the last few years, there have been several weddings in the church, and now almost all the church is family, including my wife and I. Is this a problem? - Anonymous • How does a Christian let shame and guilt go? When I fall into sin, I get very angry with myself because I failed. I know I'm looking at myself and my efforts, not at what Jesus has done for me, and that's the wrong way to look at it. How can I let my pride and anger go, stop focusing on my own efforts, and focus on what Jesus has done? - Ray • Since my brother got married to his pagan wife, I have no desire to speak to him. I feel as if he has spat in our faces and, more importantly, that he's spat in God's face. I am angry and hurt, but don't want to be. What do I do about my relationship with my brother? - 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 • 100 students, professing to be Christians, asked one simple question. Can they answer it? • Some share the benefits of a relationship with Christ, but miss the thrust of the gospel. • If an unbeliever heard your testimony, would it actually lead them to Christ? Segment 2 • “Jesus changed my life,” “I have purpose,” “I feel fulfilled”—are these reasons or results? • Why emotional experiences and life improvement fall short of explaining true salvation. • The uncomfortable question: have we replaced the gospel with clichés? Segment 3 • We can see what vague answers vs. crystal-clear gospel articulation actually looks like. • What must be included in a real gospel explanation—God, sin, wrath, Christ, response • Truth - not subjective results—is the true foundation of our faith. Segment 4 • There are far too many “church kids” who are unable to explain the gospel. • Are we entertaining and assimilating students instead of calling for conversion? • The deeper concern: is weak articulation connected to why so many walk away? ___ 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 at The University of Georgia where he meets two students who are willing to talk about their religious beliefs. What will happen when their own conscience says “you’re guilty”? The tension builds to a sobering question you can’t dodge: if God judged you today, would you really be ready? Segment 1 • Todd meets Reese, a religion student, and asks: what’s really the difference between atheism and agnosticism? • Can all religions be true at once - or are they mutually exclusive? • The conversation pivots from intellect to conscience as Reese admits moral guilt—what happens when your own standards condemn you? Segment 2 • Todd walks Reese through the Ten Commandments, forcing a personal verdict: guilty. • Jesus is the Lamb who takes your punishment… but does Reese actually want Him? • Reese’s verdict is honest but devastating. Segment 3 • Todd meets Tyler, who admits he doesn’t know the meaning of Easter, which leads Todd to ask: How? • The gospel is explained from creation to resurrection—but Tyler resists one key issue. • Eyewitness evidence for the resurrection is introduced—would 500 witnesses willing to die change your standard for truth? Segment 4 • Tyler challenges biblical reliability with the “telephone game” critique. • What carries more weight: intellectual arguments or moral critiques of our conscience? • Todd presses the law—liar, thief, adulterer at heart—if God judges you today, would you really be ready? ___ 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 • James Talarico preaches his version of Easter. • Confusion over gender, truth, and identity - it’s not compassion, it’s rebellion. • A “Christian” argument for progressive ideology—what happens when Scripture gets reinterpreted? Segment 2 • “Jesus lost?”—a shocking claim that reframes the cross entirely • Competing atonement theories, and why it matters what we believe here • When politics hijacks the pulpit—can you spot theological drift before it spreads? Segment 3 • Love, unity, and power—is this biblical Christianity or political messaging? • Selective Scripture and cultural talking points—how subtle error reshapes truth • When Jesus becomes a “model” instead of a Savior, everything changes. Segment 4 • “Love wins” - it sounds nice, but it sneakily misses the truth of the gospel. • If our salvation is based on our good works, we’re lost. • The real issue exposed: what happens when penal substitution disappears? ___ 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 viral near-death story claims 18 days in heaven… • If someone “comes back” with a message, is it new revelation—or a subtle attack on biblical authority? • The real question is why so many are drawn to these stories of heavenly tourism. Segment 2 • The key difference between biblical visions (Isaiah, Paul, John) and modern “heaven tourism” claims • If it’s already in the Bible, why do we need the story? If it’s new… what does that imply? • A closer look at emotional, poetic testimonies that sound spiritual—but raise serious theological red flags Segment 3 • The shocking true story of a bestselling “trip to heaven” that was later admitted to be fabricated • Why these books keep selling—even after being exposed—and what that says about the audience • The deeper issue: is this curiosity… or dissatisfaction with what God has already revealed? Segment 4 • How the same appetite for “more than Scripture” leads to serious spiritual foolishness • A pastor uses Scripture to justify buying a private jet—does that argument actually hold up? • Why people keep buying in—and the sobering claim: this may not just be error… but a serious lack of spiritual fruit ___ 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 • Received an email from James, who asked the question last week concerning the difference in the Quran and the Old Testament, where God directs His people to kill those of other nations. He says he accepts your answer as a Christian, but how would you respond to an unbeliever asking the same question—someone who doesn’t believe the God of the Bible is real? — James • I’m 42 and own a pretty successful business. My wife is in real estate, and we’ve been married for over 20 years with two kids. Her income is significantly higher than mine. Am I living in sin, as the head of the household, for not being the main financial supporter? — Anonymous • My name is Mike, and I’m 10 years old. I want to do magic tricks—would that be considered sorcery or lying? — Mike • As Christians, we should be angry at sin. Should we ever be angry at sinners? — Jonathan Segment 2 • My mom is grieving my siblings’ resentment toward her. They were raised in a Bible-teaching home but now show little fruit. How can I best encourage her in her hurt? — Anonymous • I know God should be my source of rest, but how do I actually live that out day to day? What does it look like to rest in Him? — Hope Segment 3 • I feel constantly busy—ministry, work, relationships, planning ahead. How do I slow down, rest, and not just default to distractions like my phone? — Hope Segment 4 • I am from India. Can a Christian have health or term insurance, or does that show a lack of trust in God’s sovereignty? — Athul • My boss keeps calling a work report “our bible,” and it bothers me. What’s the best way to respond? — 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!

Today on Wretched Radio, we listen in to a recent breakout session from the Shepherds Conference, where Phil Johnson addresses the growing push to redefine hell. Annihilationism may sound more reasonable—even more compassionate—but does it actually align with Scripture? As Phil works through the issue, it becomes clear this isn’t just about hell—it touches sin, justice, and the gospel itself. Segment 1 • Phil Johnson explains why the fight over hell is really a fight over biblical authority. • A “nicer” version of hell is gaining traction—and it sounds appealing for a reason. • The question starts to surface: if this changes, what else starts to unravel? Segment 2 • Phil warns how social media is shaping what Christians—even you—believe about God. • “Crowdsourcing your doctrine” sounds harmless… until it leads somewhere dangerous. • A real example of how one influential voice triggered widespread theological confusion. Segment 3 • The emotional objection rises: “this doesn’t feel just”. • The discussion turns to justice—who defines it, and by what standard? • A familiar pattern emerges when hard doctrines start getting softened Segment 4 • The focus shifts to what’s at stake when hell is minimized. • One doctrinal change starts affecting everything—Scripture, justice, even the cross. • The question lingers: if punishment isn’t eternal… what exactly are you being saved from? ___ 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 hits the streets of downtown Atlanta and talks with a Hare Krishna who believes all religions lead to God—and a college student who isn’t sure what to believe. Different views, same issue. What sounds reasonable at first starts to fall apart when the questions get harder. Segment 1 • Meet Tim, a Hare Krishna devotee who says every religion works—including Christianity • Todd presses the obvious problem: if they contradict each other, how can they all be true? • The conversation turns to God—who He is… or if that idea even holds together. Segment 2 • Tim speaks highly of Jesus—but only as one option among many. • Todd brings up Jesus’ own words, and the tension gets unavoidable. • The discussion centers on whether you can accept Jesus without actually believing what He said. Segment 3 • Meet Hannah, a college student who’s “on the fence” but has plenty of objections. • Science, bad Christians, and church history all come up—but none of them settle the issue. • The conversation shifts from ideas to something more personal. Segment 4 • Hannah says she’s a good person—until that claim gets tested. • A few simple questions bring up lying, stealing, and guilt. • If we’re truly guilty before God, what’s the solution? ___ 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 you challenge someone’s salvation at the end of life? • Paul Washer presses John MacArthur with a soul-check instead of comfort—was it bold faithfulness or unnecessary tension? • You’ll be in that room someday—make sure you’re ready to minister when eternity is hours away. Segment 2 • Emotional viral clips expose what actually matters—legacy, family, and relationships—not the life you’re chasing. • Culture sells nonstop self-focus, but the real “big wins” are quiet, relational, and deeply eternal. • A direct challenge: are you investing in moments that will matter on your deathbed—or just staying busy? Segment 3 • A listener wrestles with guilt: are hobbies like chess or cooking a spiritual distraction—or can they glorify God? • The dangerous lie: “If I’m not thinking about God constantly, I’m failing spiritually.” • The freeing framework: how to connect your faith to everything without turning life into forced religious activity. Segment 4 • Canada’s euthanasia surge exposes how language (“medical assistance”) masks moral collapse. • A seminary invites a radical speaker supporting violence. • From politics to podcasts (including Joe Rogan), one question emerges: can simple behavior change the world… without true conversion? ___ 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 are evangelicals so divided over modern-day Israel? Todd Friel and Albert Mohler break down the debate. • Tucker Carlson presses hard: Does Ted Cruz actually know what the Bible says about Israel—or are Christians misusing Genesis? • Is the promise in the Book of Genesis about the Jewish people… or today’s political nation of Israel? Segment 2 • Are Christians biblically required to support modern Israel—or is that an oversimplification many believers repeat without thinking? • A crucial distinction most Christians miss: biblical Israel vs. the modern nation-state founded in 1948. • The deeper issue: if God made covenant promises to Israel, can those promises ever be cancelled—or transferred to the church? Segment 3 • Carlson’s challenge: How do we even know who today’s Jewish people are after centuries of dispersion? • Mohler responds with a surprising argument about anti-Semitism. • A prophetic twist emerges—Scripture points toward a massive future turning of Jewish people to Christ. Segment 4 • Does God’s land promise stretch from the Nile to the Euphrates—and should Israel control it today? • Mohler explains the theological tension Christians already understand: the “already vs. not yet” of God’s promises. • A warning for believers: casual hostility toward Israel may reveal a dangerous misunderstanding of God’s covenant faithfulness. ___ 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 • Does scripture give parents any guidance on what they should use as an instrument of discipline for their children? - Anonymous • Last year, a woman came to our church and got saved. The pastor told her that, before she could be baptized or take communion, she needed to become a member of the church. Is this order of events correct, biblically speaking? - Joanie Segment 2 • I am a mom to 4 kids, and my parents and one of my sisters are people who constantly enjoy stirring the pot. So much so, that they will lie and manipulate anything and anyone. How do I protect my kids as they are getting older? - Sara • The hospital I work for has a female Chaplain that comes and talks to us once or twice a month. I don't feel comfortable with her "teaching" or leading. Am I being overly judgmental, or are my concerns biblical? - Ruth • My family and I will soon have some new neighbors: two homosexual men with a toddler. Do you have any advice on how we can best witness to them? - Charlie Segment 3 • The everyday discipline of opening my Bible and reading it has always been a struggle for me. I have tried everything: different translations, different Bibles, devotionals, reading plans, everything. Can you help? -Bill • How is God telling His people in the OT to kill people of other nations, who aren't His people and haven't repented, different than “Allah” commanding similar things in the Quran? - James Segment 4 • I am in my 20’s and desire to follow Christ. My parents have told me that if I leave them without their approval, I'm dishonoring them, dishonoring God, outside of God's will, sinning, and condemned. Is it a sin to leave? - Anonymous • I know a brother in Christ who has completely abandoned the local church because he says that he’s frustrated with “pew-sitters” who come to church for an hour, don’t follow the Lord at any other time, and never grow in grace. How can I talk to him about his frustrations and encourage him to return to the church? -Anonymous • I struggle to understand why unbelievers can be kind and generous in ways I would expect only believers to be. Could you explain this? - 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 • The push to abandon church buildings for “first-century house churches”: admirable or misguided? • Did the early church reject formal worship spaces, like church buildings? • Old Testament and synagogue patterns challenge the modern church narratives. Segment 2 • The popular image of early Christian churches: casual gatherings with no leaders or structure. • Historical evidence shows early worship was organized and liturgical. • The “pure house church” idea may be a modern projection. Segment 3 • Two major historical events forced believers out of synagogues and public worship. • As time went on, Christians increasingly faced expulsion and persecution from their governments. • Change of pace: how much has parenting really changed since the 80’s and 90’s? Segment 4 • What does modern-day church gathering and discipleship look like? • Though parenting is never easy, parents today face difficulties that they didn’t 20 or 30 years ago. • How can churches and communities come together, gather around families, and love and support children together? ___ 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 stops by the University of Georgia to talk with - and evangelize to - a number of students. From talking with a psychology student about the reality of the soul, to investigating the claims of a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, Todd clearly presents the hope of the gospel to everyone he meets. Be encouraged and edified as you see biblical evangelism in action. Segment 1 • Todd prods psych student Alex about the mind, the soul, and whether humans are merely biological machines. • Alex argues that morality is a result of evolution, but struggles to explain why things like murder are recognized cross-culturally as wrong. • Todd presents the Christian worldview as the only framework that explains conscience, justice, guilt, and humanity’s need for forgiveness through Christ. Segment 2 • Todd uses a student’s necklace and T-shirt to discuss Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and what the cross actually means. • The student claims to be on the “right path” but admits he has lied and struggles to define what salvation really requires. • Todd walks him through the Ten Commandments, exposing the seriousness of sin and explaining the gospel: Christ paying the penalty so guilty sinners can be forgiven. Segment 3 • Todd meets Julia, who blends Roman Catholic background with nihilism, insisting that morality is ultimately subjective and that no absolute truth exists. • When pressed, Julia cannot say that horrific acts—like killing a child—are objectively wrong. • Todd bypasses philosophical debate and appeals to her conscience, showing how our sense of guilt and justice points to a moral Lawgiver. Segment 4 • Todd asks Julia to imagine standing before God’s courtroom: if we’re guilty of breaking God’s laws, how could anyone escape judgment? • Attempts at good deeds, apologies, or religious rituals collapse under scrutiny, exposing humanity’s need for a true substitute. • Todd explains the gospel—Jesus satisfying God’s justice on the cross—and challenges Julia to consider where she stands. ___ 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 progressive politicians quote the Bible while promoting theology that contradicts it. • There is a growing divide between “nice” public Christianity and actual biblical faithfulness. • When we evaluate leaders by personality instead of doctrine, we get into trouble. Segment 2 • Why a parental rights bill failed in South Dakota—and what it reveals about cultural authority over children. • The increasing push for schools and state systems to guide children’s moral and sexual formation. • The unsettling question: who really decides what your kids are taught? Segment 3 • A Michigan lawmaker leaves her political party, claiming she cannot reconcile it with Scripture. • The abortion pill is quietly expanding abortion access—even in pro-life states. • Why the abortion debate may be shifting in ways many Christians haven’t noticed. Segment 4 • Radical Islamic rhetoric is openly celebrated in an American mosque. • How just war theory helps Christians evaluate modern military conflicts. • Why spiritual warfare, ideology, and global conflict may be more connected than you think. ___ 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 Methodist “minister” quotes Matthew 25 completely out of context in a government hearing, and is called on it. • Scripture is often used as a political slogan instead of being read consistently. Context matters more than ever. • If someone throws Bible verses into political debates, learn the simple way to test whether the verse actually means what they claim. Segment 2 • Congressman Michael Cloud presses her on charity vs. taxation, asking whether government redistribution is really the same thing as biblical generosity. • The discussion exposes a deeper issue: what does true, Christian charity actually look like? • Todd shows why misunderstanding biblical charity can reshape entire political and social arguments. Segment 3 • Barack Obama warns of “science denial” and division in America - but who is actually denying the science? • A striking statistic reveals the true percentage of Americans that hold to a biblical worldview. • Are Christians expending energy for the wrong kingdom altogether? Segment 4 • Todd explains that an ordinary Christian life—raising kids, loving family, serving quietly—is a powerful witness. • A deep dive into 1 Peter 3:15 reveals why people should ask about the hope inside believers. • What does true, Christlike love require believers to do? ___ 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 • Does scripture give us any specific details about the timeline of Christ’s return? - Dylan • We rightly hear a lot about the demonic influence upon the world - but what about the angelic influence upon the world? - Kyle Segment 2 • Fasting is a topic that isn’t taught on very frequently in many churches. What decides the duration of one’s fasting? -Steven • Is it sinful if we are sad if we lose a lot of money? Why should we be sad if we know that God is in control of all things, even things like losing one’s 401(k)? -Vinnie Segment 3 • I struggle with overthinking. How should I go about overcoming this? - Anonymous • If a couple divorces due to adultery, is the offending spouse able to remarry according to Scripture? - Anonymous • A friend of mine has become attached to deliverance ministries, which are oriented towards “delivering” Christians from demonic possession/influence. I don’t think Christians can be possessed by demonic spirits. How can I help her see through this? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Does the Bible predict current events? Can you give me an example? - Douglas • I run a small ministry that clothes homeless individuals. Are ministries that help homeless people in this manner simply enabling them, or are they answering Christ’s call to feed and clothe the needy? - Devon ___ 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 Friel steps into the heated divide between pro-lifers and abolitionists, asking why two groups who both want abortion abolished are so adversarial. • The controversy in Tennessee legislation raises a provocative question: if abortion is murder, should women who obtain abortions be prosecuted? • A deeper biblical discussion emerges about justice, culpability, and knowledge. Segment 2 • A challenging syllogism from abolitionists forces the debate: if abortion intentionally takes innocent life, must every participant face murder charges? • Todd explores difficult factors often ignored in the abolitionist vs. incrementalist debate. • The conversation pushes listeners to wrestle with difficult questions of moral clarity and justice. Segment 3 • Todd proposes a unqiue “peace plan” to unite pro-lifers and abolitionists without convictions. • Make abortion illegal first—then launch a nationwide education campaign so no one can claim ignorance. • Once everyone clearly understands abortion is taking a human life, should criminal accountability extend to every participant? Segment 4 • A rising Texas political candidate claims the Bible says nothing about abortion, while quoting Scripture to justify progressive policies. • Todd exposes the irony: the media condemns “Christian nationalism”—except when progressive politicians use the Bible. • The candidate made startling theological claims - leaving many wondering if he’s using biblical language in a contextually appropriate way. ___ 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 Friel on campus at Kennesaw State University to discuss Jesus Christ, His gospel and THE truth - not my truth, or your truth, but the truth - Jesus Christ himself. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged as real, every day beliefs are put to the test of biblical truth. Segment 1 • Luke says truth is “whatever works for you.” Todd presses the logic: if truth is personal, could someone justify harming children if it benefits them? • The conversation exposes the collapse of moral relativism—without an objective authority, right and wrong become mere preferences. • Todd asks the ultimate courtroom question: If Luke stood before God today, why should he be forgiven? Segment 2 • Luke wrestles with a common college dilemma: If people grow up in different religions, how can anyone claim Christianity is the truth? • Todd argues that truth ends the search—if Jesus truly rose from the dead, competing worldviews are eliminated. • Luke admits he’s still searching, prompting Todd to explain why the gospel uniquely answers life’s biggest questions. Segment 3 • Malcolm confidently says he believes in God and purpose—but struggles to explain why someone else should believe the gospel. • Todd walks him through a simple apologetic: complex design points to a Creator and a moral lawgiver. • The conversation pivots to the core issue: if we are guilty before a holy God, how can justice be satisfied? Segment 4 • Kenya believes good people go to God by doing right and asking forgiveness—but Todd presses the problem: would a just judge simply overlook crimes? • Through careful questions, Todd helps Kenya see why Jesus’ death is necessary for God to forgive sinners without ignoring justice. • The conversation ends with the most urgent question: If someone were about to die, what must they do right now to be saved? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • A coalition of liberal theologians claims democracy is collapsing and urges Christians to “resist”. • Todd unpacks the irony of condemning “Christian nationalism” while using faith to pressure government policy. • The emotional language sounds righteous on the surface—but once you slow it down, does it actually hold up? Segment 2 • “Every person bears God’s image”—but does that automatically determine public policy? • Todd challenges the logic of using biblical truths to justify specific political outcomes without defining terms. • A powerful persuasion tactic is exposed: overwhelm your opponent so disagreement makes you look cruel. Segment 3 • A prominent conservative Baptist leader converts to Roman Catholicism—how does someone go from “grace alone” to a works-based system? • The deep psychological pull of tradition, history, and apostolic lineage. • Why parents must ground their children in the doctrine of the true, invisible Church before someone else defines their heritage for them. Segment 4 • A growing number of Christians now trust AI for spiritual advice more than their pastors. • Todd explains why AI doesn’t give you truth—it often gives you what you want to hear. • Massive layoffs, sermon prep shortcuts, and the quiet erosion of pastoral authority—are we outsourcing discernment? ___ 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 Bible is sufficient to build a “theology of eating” even without modern labels like anorexia. • Eating disorders are less “body problems” and more heart + identity problems. • A young woman’s, Katie’s, diary is introduced to expose what’s really driving the struggle. Segment 2 • She admits she “hated God” because she believed a false version of Him. • Todd spotlights how biblical counseling targets wrong theology before behavior change can last. • “Radical amputation” shows up as practical wisdom: removing triggers, not worshiping mirrors. Segment 3 • A “sanctification plan” includes a failure plan so setbacks don’t become spiritual collapse. • Katie’s progress includes accountability, routines, and letting others into what used to be secret. • The danger of denial: “I don’t have a problem” → no safeguards → isolation → despair. Segment 4 • A tiny booklet on “the quest for thinness” reframes eating disorders as God-excluding self-rule. • Todd challenges the secret-keeping and “control language” behind starving, binging, or purging • Practical next steps: confess honestly, learn who God is, ask for help, speak truth, prepare for failure—because you have an Advocate. ___ 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 • I’ve been to several weddings where the groom and bride alone partake in communion. Is this appropriate? - Anonymous • Does the Bible speak to Christians taking non-Christians to court? - Ryan • How was EPiC, the Elvis Presley in Concert movie? - Tristan Segment 2 • Does the Bible teach that if someone does not desire to join a church, they do not belong to Christ? - Gloria • It seems that most Christians do not see the potential dangers in viewing shows like House of David or The Chosen. How can we communicate our concerns? - Cathy • Should churches advertise online? - Anonymous Segment 3 • Just how tall is Todd “Freakishly Tall” Friel really? - Jonathan • Are there any resources for spouses who want to help their husbands or wives who are struggling with addiction to porn? - Anonymous • What does it look like to counsel someone biblically who deals with anorexia? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Even though I am filled with the Spirit, I have a hard time living by the Spirit and demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit when something evil happens in front of me. How should I think about this? - 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 • A new TV series promises a “fresh take” on biblical women—what happens when imagination fills in what God didn’t reveal? • Why dramatizing Sarah and Hagar’s “inner journeys” may subtly rewrite sin, surrogacy, and obedience. • The hidden danger: once fiction enters your memory, can you separate it from Scripture? Segment 2 • A coming documentary frames simple Christians as radicals. • The cultural clash over liberty, persecution, and who really gets labeled “extreme.” • Why the relationship between Christianity and government is harder to define than most admit. Segment 3 • A high-profile conversion story highlights joy and transformation—but where was sin and repentance? • How a vague gospel presentation may leave churches filled with doubting—or false converts. • The costly confusion between the gospel itself and the benefits it produces. Segment 4 • A sermon illustration goes painfully wrong—do we trust the Word, or do we need props? • When (if ever) is distancing from toxic parents biblically justified? • A chilling warning about an online exploitation network targeting children—what parents must know now. ___ 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! Students at Georgia Tech have their worldviews tested as Todd Friel brings the biblical Christian faith to bear on issues like the afterlife, morality, our conscience, and our ultimate hope. Have you ever wondered how you’d approach someone on the street with the truth of the gospel? Wonder no longer - join Todd to learn how you can evangelize lovingly, truthfully, and effectively. Segment 1 • Orrin says he’s a Christian—but struggles to define his purpose in life beyond career success. • He claims he’s a “good person,” then wrestles with Scripture’s claim that no one is good. • Orrin is forced to examine whether he’s truly born again—or just culturally Christian. Segment 2 • French student rejects organized religion—but concedes design may imply a Designer. • Confronted with the moral law: Are you good by God’s standard—or just by your own? • Hears the gospel clearly contrasted with every other religion: “Do” vs. “Done.” Segment 3 • Professing Christian claims Jesus is the “tipping point”—but hesitates when truth becomes exclusive. • Todd presses to explain why Christianity alone is true—and why other faiths are wrong. • The gospel is made painstakingly clear: We go to heaven by faith—not because we’re “good.” Segment 4 • Georgia Tech student accepts design logic—but questions who designed the Designer. • Claims to be “generally good”—until conscience is examined under God’s law. • Hears a direct appeal: justice demands payment—but mercy offers substitution. ___ 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 • Are we re-labeling Genesis because we’re embarrassed in front of “the smart people”? • If miracles after Genesis 11 are literal, then creation and the flood can be too. • Is “mytho-history” careful scholarship—or circular reasoning dressed up as philosophy? Segment 2 • Some professing Christians think they can be solid believers while still supporting abortion. • Disagreement isn’t a sign of hatred or even dislike - but simple, biblical conviction. • Some progressive “faith-leaders” are utilizing radical subjectivity to approve of things that God hates. Segment 3 • If you’ve truly seen the cross, how can you flirt with sin? • Evangelism can either be fueled by gospel-shaped gratitude… or a begrudging sense of duty. • Gospel knowledge must be moved from head to heart. Segment 4 • What transformed Joseph of Arimathea from fearful to fearless? • Have you actually considered what it meant to remove Christ’s body from the cross? • If the crucifixion doesn’t move you to gratitude and obedience, nothing will. ___ 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 Peter’s command to “be holy” feels crushing—and why that reaction might expose a deeper misunderstanding. • Holiness reframed: not a killjoy command, but the pathway to joy, assurance, and deep fellowship with God. • The real choice behind every temptation: fleeting pleasure… or lasting peace? Segment 2 • Sin’s marketing strategy: it whispers fulfillment but delivers regret, secrecy, and spiritual paralysis. • Practical holiness: the direct connection between obedience and clear conscience, bold prayer, and usefulness. • Want discernment, victory over temptation, and spiritual confidence? There’s only one route. Segment 3 • Troubled by sermons on “signs you’re not saved”? Why that anxiety may actually be evidence of life. • The better diagnostic question: not “Am I perfect?” but “Do I desire to obey?” • Identity in Christ: why remembering who you are matters more than grading your performance. Segment 4 • $750,000 fines for saying there are two genders—what’s really happening beneath the headlines? • When depraved thinking becomes law: why the real crisis isn’t political but spiritual. • The only lasting solution to moral chaos isn’t outrage—it’s regeneration. ___ 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 • Todd receives a small correction on the population of Chattanooga. • What advice would you give me, a teenager, who is trying to help a friend through depression? - Moses Segment 2 • What resources would you recommend for someone looking to gain a biblical understanding of fasting? - David • I’m disturbed by my church’s silence on the issue of abortion. How should I go about addressing this? - Jenee • I want to avoid the apathy and numbness that can develop as believers continue on in their faith. How can I keep awe and wonder towards God alive in my walk? -Anonymous Segment 3 • Since our culture is so intent on reaching our children with secular values, should we actually have our best, most qualified pastors teaching children instead of adults? - Derrick • As a new pastor in your church, how did you determine the vision for the church? - Adrian • Is it a Christian's job to report someone to the law or a supervisor in a corporate setting? - Anonymous Segment 4 • If I was saved and baptized years ago, but have started having doubts, is it ok to ask God to save me over and over again? -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 • A popular teaching claims Christians become “little gods”—but what does Scripture actually say? • Todd exposes how modern theology elevates man while diminishing God’s exclusive glory. • Why confusing your created nature with God’s uncreated, divine nature leads to catastrophic spiritual consequences. Segment 2 • A shocking confrontation reveals how moral outrage is now directed at the wrong targets. • Todd explains how Romans 1 warns us of the collapse of moral reasoning—and why we’re seeing it so frequently today. • The real question: How do you reach people whose thinking is fundamentally broken by sin? Segment 3 • Why modern political outrage often ignores genuine evil while obsessing over symbolism and seemingly insignificant details. • Todd exposes the inconsistency between public virtue signaling and true moral contradictions on a deeper level. • What happens when cultural compassion and morality lose their grounding in God’s truth? Segment 4 • Most gospel presentations today may be missing a critical—and biblical—element. • Paul Washer’s prison sermon reveals what people must understand before grace makes sense. • Todd confronts a sobering possibility: Have Christians softened the gospel too much? ___ 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 as he goes back to his home-state of Minnesota to conduct real-life, on-the-street interviews and have gospel conversations with a number of people coming from different backgrounds and worldviews. From important theological realities like sin, judgment, and the gospel to the real-world implications of our beliefs, like human rights, abortion, and evangelism, God’s truth is brought to bear. Segment 1 • A chemistry grad student claims he lives to glorify God, but Todd’s clarifying question reveals confusion. • Todd’s parachute analogy exposes a massive divide: are you following Jesus to improve your life—or to escape judgment? • The student affirms grace is essential but struggles to articulate how someone is actually saved. Segment 2 • Julie, a self-identified Catholic, confidently says she’s good enough to go to heaven, but an examination by way of the ten commandments says otherwise. • When Todd compares God to a courtroom judge, Julie faces a devastating dilemma: if God is just, how can guilty people escape punishment? • Julie knows Jesus died for sins—but can’t explain how to receive forgiveness. Segment 3 • A group of graduate students overwhelmingly choose to save a stranger over their own dog—but struggle to explain why human life has greater value. • Several students admit they “hope” they’re good people, while others openly say morality is relative or self-defined, exposing the instability of subjective ethics. • One student invents his own religion, another rejects absolutes, and others admit uncertainty about the afterlife. Segment 4 • A thoughtful student chooses to save school children over 500 strangers—raising uncomfortable implications for abortion, aging, and human worth. • When confronted with death, she can only suggest making peace with “whoever or whatever you believe in”. • Todd challenges listeners directly: if someone had seconds to live, could you clearly explain how to be saved—or would you struggle like most? ___ 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 • What would your approach be if you were invited into a secular philosophy class? • A real-world evangelism encounter reveals the unexpected “prerequisite” for understanding truth. • Focusing on cultural debates might feel productive—but actually misses the only message that transforms minds. Segment 2 • Why modern cultural confusion isn’t just social decline—but rooted in something deeper than behavior. • The hidden philosophical shift that convinced millions to “create their own truth.” • One 18th-century thinker’s ideas now shape everything from identity to morality. Segment 3 • Christianity has more academic depth than critics realize—and most skeptics haven’t even scratched the surface. • The shocking scale of scholarly research behind just a single biblical word—and what that reveals about your faith. • Why intellectual arguments alone never convert anyone—and what actually breaks through spiritual blindness. Segment 4 • A massive study reveals a surprising alternative to antidepressants—and almost nobody talks about it. • Modern mental health solutions may overlook a simpler, more effective path. • The overlooked biblical pattern that improves mental, emotional, and spiritual strength simultaneously. ___ 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 Oprah has contributed to the disintegration of the family. • A bestselling self-help movement is convincing millions to cut off their parents in the name of “freedom”—and it’s reshaping families everywhere. • The explosive rise of “ghosting your parents” isn’t random, but a consequence of a predominant worldview. Segment 2 • A shocking study reveals 67 million Americans are estranged from family, with many saying it’s for the sake of their mental health. • Social media and therapeutic language are redefining normal disagreements as “toxic abuse”. • The Bible offers a radically different framework: the people who frustrate you the most may be God’s primary tool to sanctify you. Segment 3 • The painful question every ghosted parent asks: should you fight for the relationship—or let them walk away? • The hidden parenting mistake that unintentionally pushes adult children further away. • Gen Z’s disturbing reinterpretation of Jesus reveals how cultural programming is reshaping how the next generation sees Christ. Segment 4 • A governor’s executive order banning “conversion therapy” could criminalize basic biblical counseling and gospel conversations. • Legal definitions are expanding so broadly that simply calling sin “sin” could be labeled harmful or illegal. • The American Medical Association quietly reverses course on gender procedures for minors—raising urgent questions about truth, authority, and agenda. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. SEGMENT 1 • How can I grow in my affections and feelings toward God, and not just head-knowledge? - Lauren SEGMENT 2 • Can true forgiveness only occur when the at-fault person apologizes? - Josh SEGMENT 3 • If you don’t support the sinner’s prayer, how should we advise non-believers who are seeking like the rich man was in Matthew 19:16? - Anonymous • What’re your thoughts on the prevalence in some areas of the church of men drinking whiskey and smoking cigars? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Are we at risk of taking scripture out of context when we see parallels between two different texts? - Anonymous • What are the biblical grounds for remarriage after divorce? - Anonymous • Are Christians obligated to undergo medical procedures that, while injurious, could prolong one’s life? - Ryan ___ 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’ve been told the Crusades were greedy Christian land-grabs—but what if the real history completely flips that narrative? • Discover the uncomfortable facts most textbooks skip—including who actually controlled the Middle East before Islam’s expansion. • Your ability to defend Christianity today may hinge on the truth about the Crusades. Segment 2 • Were Crusaders motivated by money—or were they bankrupting themselves for a cause they believed in? • The shocking financial and casualty realities that dismantle the “get rich quick crusader” stereotype. • What this historical myth reveals about how modern culture reshapes Christianity’s reputation—and why it matters for your faith. Segment 3 • Assurance, anxiety, loneliness, and pornography—are these the silent struggles undermining believers today? • Why even faithful Christians secretly wrestle with doubt—and what makes doubt dangerous if left unaddressed. • Some pastors and churches may unintentionally deepen isolation—and what that means for your spiritual stability. Segment 4 • When someone confesses doubt, your response can either strengthen their faith, or push them further away. • Misunderstanding the difference between doubt and disbelief can seriously mislead believers. • Practical, biblical strategies you can use immediately to help hurting believers regain confidence and spiritual clarity. ___ 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 heads back to campus at Georgia Tech to discuss faith, morality, and Jesus himself with several real-life students. Whatever the topic, whoever the student, the question stays the same: is Jesus who He says He is - and if so, what does that mean for you? Segment 1 • Orrin says he’s a Christian—but when pressed on truth, postmodernism, and being “born again,” does his faith rest on feelings or repentance and faith? • Todd forces the question most avoid: If Hinduism says one thing and Christianity another—can both be right? • Todd brings Orrin to consider whether or not he has truly been born again. Segment 2 • An aerospace engineer rejects institutional religion—but admits belief in rules, order, and possibly a “rule-maker.” • Todd walks him through conscience, justice, and the courtroom of God—are you really “good” by your own standard? • Christianity’s radical claim: You don’t go to hell for lack of faith—you go because of sin. Segment 3 • A self-professed Christian says Jesus is the “tipping point”—but can he clearly articulate the gospel when challenged? • Todd pushes him: Is Islam wrong? Is Hinduism wrong? • The reason for anyone going to heaven is made clear: not our good deeds, not what we’ve done - but what Christ has done for us. Segment 4 • Our final student of the day is pressed on whether the order around us necessitates a designer. • Todd drills into conscience: lying, lust, blasphemy—how would a just God and judge treat lawbreaking? • The offer laid bare: Your fine has been paid. Will you repent—or trust your own goodness instead? ___ 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 evangelicalism actually at a historic low—or on the brink of revival? • Past “golden ages” of evangelical influence actually collapsed faster than expected. • The real reason that faithful churches often do better without celebrity leaders. Segment 2 • Why social media influence may be incapable of sustaining biblical faithfulness. • The hidden dangers of untethered Christian platforms without institutional accountability. • History shows us a repeating pattern of influence, drift, and collapse. Segment 3 • Is “cultural contextualization” helping the church—or hollowing it out from within? • Replacing biblical language subtly reshapes the gospel itself. • Why trying to sound less Christian may cost the church its power entirely. Segment 4 • Does every church need a “lead pastor”—or is that unbiblical? • How leadership authority actually functions inside a healthy plurality of elders. • Rushing to replace a prominent pastor can damage a church for decades. ___ 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 • Massive cultural moments, like last night’s Superbowl, promise fulfillment but fade almost instantly. • The halftime show controversy shows us how our entertainment is driving moral numbness for our nation and world. • A sharp challenge: if the biggest moments don’t last, why do we keep living for them? Segment 2 • Here’s what suffering for Christ’s sake in our life tells us about the character and attributes of God. • God values something more than your comfort - and this changes everything in your life. • First Peter’s uncomfortable but hope-filled call to lift your eyes above temporary victories. Segment 3 • How sentimental slogans weaponize empathy and shut down moral clarity. • Phrases like “love is love” feel compassionate but smuggle in serious worldview assumptions. • A smarter approach: asking the right questions instead of taking rhetorical bait. Segment 4 • Bible sales are up—but biblical literacy may not be. • What church closures, entertainment trends, and AI-driven depravity reveal about spiritual decay. • A sobering reminder: sin never satisfies, no matter how advanced the technology gets. ___ 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 • Last week, you answered a question I wrote about returning to a marriage where physical abuse occurred. I’m the husband, and I fear my abusive wife. Do these facts change the way you think about the question? - Anonymous • Are there any particular AI bots that Todd and Jimmy prefer to use? - Dennis SEGMENT 2 • Our 15 year-old daughter has recently been saved, and desires to be baptized. She’s stated that she wants me to be the one to baptize her. Are there any reasons that we shouldn’t go through with this? - Anonymous • Last week you referred to delivering a sermon written by AI as “acting”. Is this the same as delivering a pre-written manuscript? Is this a legitimate skill to develop? - Jay SEGMENT 3 • I was required to go through some HR training at work that focused on things like “transphobia” and “homophobia” as different kinds of discrimination. This didn’t feel right for me to partake in as a Christian. Do I have any recourse? What are your thoughts? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Knowing that we need to be wary of applying guilt-by-association, at what point should a church stop promoting a teacher due to their association with someone that’s theologically problematic? - Jennifer ___ 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 • Pope Leo’s use of Matthew 25 misapplies God’s Word by turning an individual mandate into a government policy. • Learn from Speaker Mike Johnson’s calm, biblical approach to hostile media questions—and why his tone matters for every Christian. • Get a crash course on what the Bible actually says about borders, nations, assimilation, and the role of civil authority. Segment 2 • Watch progressives contradict their past positions on immigration through a shocking AI-generated political montage. • Laugh (and cringe) at a satirical skit where a liberal time-travels to kill Hitler—only to discover eerie ideological overlaps. • Understand how worldview—not just politics—drives modern shifts in culture and moral reasoning. Segment 3 • John Macarthur’s heartfelt worship should be a lesson for us all. • Reconsider everything you assumed about the Puritans—especially their deep focus on the love of God. • Hear how a forgotten Puritan voice might be the encouragement you need today if your faith feels more fearful than joyful. Segment 4 • Explore why love, not just justice or wrath, is the central attribute behind God’s redemption plan. • Let Octavius Winslow’s rich theology flood your soul with hope, assurance, and a fresh view of God's heart. • Fear of God and love from God must coexist—together, they fuel worship, holiness, and evangelism. ___ 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 once again on campus at Oklahoma State University as he makes a powerful presentation about faith, philosophy, worldviews, and apologetics. He wraps up with a question-and-answer session, pointing students towards Christ and His gospel of grace. Segment 1 • Discover how postmodern thought has shaped your worldview—even if you’ve never read a philosophy book. • Feelings have replaced facts in our culture, and it’s wrecking spiritual foundations. • Disney movies and TikTok might be doing more “deconstructing” than your college professor. Segment 2 • Todd dismantles the top 10 reasons students reject Christianity—with humor and logic. • You’ll hear the wild syllogisms (like “Trump is bad = Jesus isn’t real”) that people believe without realizing it. • Learn how rejecting or deconstructing a false version of Christianity doesn’t mean the real one is false. Segment 3 • Jesus isn’t a life coach—He’s the King who came to serve, save, and reign in love. • You’ll finally understand what makes Christianity not just true, but beautiful and soul-satisfying. • Be blown away by the picture of King Jesus—who knows your name, prepares your seat, and serves you at His table. Segment 4 • Hear a student wrestle with: “How can I have a real relationship with God if I can’t see or hear Him?” • Todd’s answer shows how knowing God isn’t distant or vague—it’s deep, personal, and more intimate than anything else. • Discover the one thing you might be missing if your faith feels cold or uncertain. ___ 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 a century-old song about narcissism is more relevant than ever—and what it says about our cultural moment. • Here’s how postmodernism, pop culture, and deconstructionism have normalized self-worship. • We need a specific toolset to engage with a generation raised in a "me-first" world. Segment 2 • Learn the 5 powerful traits formed by 1980s upbringing—and how they’re vanishing in modern culture. • Gen X and Boomers feel “alien” in today’s world—and their strengths differ from Gen Z’s vulnerabilities. • Gen X’s latchkey autonomy and delayed gratification shaped stronger mental frameworks, which impacts how they parent. Segment 3 • The truth behind gentle parenting: does avoiding “no” really help children grow? • A therapist and mother reflects on how saying “yes” too much undermines authority and trust. • These observations are brought back to the Proverbs—and how loving discipline builds resilient adults. Segment 4 • Creationism vs. Traducianism vs. Pre-existence: Which view on the soul lines up with Scripture? • Origen’s false teachings were condemned, but can still show up today. • Your view on the soul’s origin shape your view of sin, salvation, and Jesus Himself. ___ 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 • Hillary Clinton misuses the Good Samaritan parable to justify political activism, and the media is silent. • Politicians commonly miss that biblical commands for individuals are not mandates for governments. • Get equipped to spot progressive reinterpretations of Scripture—and respond with truth. Segment 2 • Meet James Talarico, a rising political figure who uses slick “Christian” language to push liberal policies. • Understand the difference between personal commands (Matthew 25) and government responsibility (Romans 13). • Inside and outside of the pulpit, emotional storytelling is replacing sound hermeneutics - learn how to spot it. Segment 3 • See how a clever analogy comparing religions to languages breaks down under biblical scrutiny. • Learn why Jesus is not one of many truths—He is the Truth. • The gospel must be used lovingly to refute the popular ideas of religious pluralism and universalism. Segment 4 • Hear how absurd claims like “God is non-binary” are rooted in modern ideology, not Scripture. • We are always at risk of redefining God using today’s cultural categories. • Explore why denying Christ’s exclusivity is not just wrong—it’s straight up heresy. ___ 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 • Our church is currently without any qualified men to lead worship. Is it sinful for a woman to step into the role of worship leader? - Austin SEGMENT 2 • When Jesus taught in parables, was he teaching allegorically? - Chuck • Would you recommend Tim Challies’ book “Season of Sorrow” to a family who is grieving a loss but are not believers? - Matt • Paul makes clear in Romans that everyone, deep down, has knowledge that God exists. When there are, for example, unreached Amazonian tribes that worship a sun-god, will they be punished for worshiping the wrong god, although they acknowledge that a god exists? - Steven SEGMENT 3 • Are Christians obligated to stay in, or return to, a marriage where physical abuse has occurred? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • The pastor of a church we are interested in joining doesn’t seem very interested in evangelism or growing the church body. What should we do? - Michael ___ 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 • Global elites at Davos warn that “by-the-book” religions could be eliminated by AI. • Let’s get real: AI can process data, but it can’t be human. • We can KNOW that AI, machines, and robots can never possess the mind of Christ that believers do. Segment 2 • AI will replace some roles—but not every vocation or calling will be effected. • The real question young people must answer: where am I replaceable? • If we don’t define categories and terms, technology will define them for us. Segment 3 • Todd reads an intro and entire segment written by AI. • If pastors use AI to write sermons, biblical shepherding turns into play-acting. • The real cost isn’t just efficiency—it’s warmth, care, and actual, human, pastoral presence. Segment 4 • AI has real limits—and real potential for human harm, especially in work and ministry. • A chatbot can’t read a room, feel tension, respond in love, or function along lines of emotion. • Final gut check: do you really want a relationship with a computer? ___ 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! Questions of deep theology and practical application are addressed in a must-hear question and answer segment during Todd’s recent trip to Oklahoma State University. If you want to see the Christian worldview brought to bear in real-time on real-world questions, you’ve come to the right place. Segment 1 • Bishop Tom Brown questions the trend of evangelical deconstruction, and asks if there can be a positive element to it. • Todd explains that most who deconstruct are not interested in putting the pieces back together again. • A young man in the audience asks how we can feel RIGHTLY - how we can balance our emotions without denying them totally. Segment 2 • Laney asks Todd how we can reach the portion of society that isn’t interested in actually finding the truth - and may not think it exists at all. • A young man asks how husbands should rightly lead their families in the era of post-modernity and radical subjectivity that we live in. • Ben asks how to reach the agnostics in society who don’t care what Christianity has to say. Segment 3 • Student Brennan asks about the weighty question of God’s sovereignty and goodness when considered against the pain and suffering that is allowed in this world. • Todd goes in depth showing how the existence of evil in this world, far from disproving God, actually necessitates God’s existence. • Alec asks: how can we dispel the notion in the minds of unbelievers that Christianity is just a bunch of stuff we have to do to get on the “nice list”? Segment 4 • Todd continues his answer to the last question, showing how Christianity is not burdensome but, rather, the most liberating thing for God’s creatures. • Todd is asked a heavy philosophical question about the metaphysical presuppositions of the ancient world, and how Christ shows us truth in every area - even philosophy. • As helpful as apologetics can be in certain circumstances, Todd shows us the primacy of Christ and sharing the gospel in attempting to win souls - not arguments. ___ 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 • Lots of us in the south cancelled gathering last Sunday due to inclement weather - and there are spiritual consequences to skipping church. • Church isn’t something we do just to do - it’s a weekly realignment of our lives. • Even when gathering is hard, faithful churches find creative ways to feed their flocks. Segment 2 • Kevin DeYoung models how to preach a one-off sermon with clarity, structure, and gospel power. • Biblical preaching must consider the genre of the text. Historical narrative, poetry, wisdom, and gospels don’t all preach the exact same. • The aim in good preaching isn’t just increasing knowledge, but to draw sinners to Christ as we learn more about him and are conformed to His image. Segment 3 • Disturbing church protests raise questions for parents: what if your child is trapped in the chaos? • Churches must prepare now — when agitators disrupt worship, there won’t be time to get ready. • Comparing violent protests to Jesus cleansing the temple is biblical malpractice. Segment 4 • Churches are absorbing secular values — “Flamy Grant” drag shows prove it’s more than a trend. • Postmodern self-expression is replacing reverence for biblical truth in pulpits and pews. • As persecution rises globally, now’s the time to clarify our mission: be holy, not popular. ___ 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 • Don’t date to just find the right “vibes”… there are actual things that you should be looking for, as a believer, if you are dating. • The Bible doesn’t speak directly to our experience of dating, but does direct us how to find a mate. • Want a marriage that lasts? Start asking better questions of a prospective spouse now. Segment 2 • Date for more than meets the eye: looks fade and even personalities can change • If he won’t lead now, don’t assume he magically will later. • Beware of dating when you are vulnerable - you won’t be in the right frame of mind to make big decisions Segment 3 • Todd reviews a book on assurance: “Resting In Sovereign Grace” by pastor Joshua Banks. • You’re not saved because of your performance, but because of Christ’s performance on your behalf. • No Christian has ever been saved by the strength of their faith, but by the object that they place their faith in: Christ. Segment 4 • Todd reviews Nate Pickowicz’s book, “Overcoming the Darkness” • Sometimes our emotional lows are more than just a bad day, and we need to be aware of prolonged seasons of emotional darkness. • There are real causes of spiritual depression that can be discovered and addressed. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Can false teachers be forgiven, or are they too far gone? - Eric • My wife and I disagree about our church. While I love it, she says she’s unable to learn under our pastor. What should we do? - Anonymous Segment 2 • Todd continues his comments on the last question about difficulties learning under a pastor, and what the right next steps are. Segment 3 • Is “Todd” your real name? - Anonymous • What happened to the “Too Wretched For Radio” segment with Phil Johnson? - David • Do you have suggestions for books written by, or written about, the Puritans? - Marion • There are so many promises from God in scripture. How can I know which ones apply to me as a believer today, and which ones are for different peoples or nations depending on the context? - Merry Segment 4 • Todd continues his discussion of the Puritans, especially a book by Jeremiah Burroughs, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment”. • How can I help someone who is in the midst of active psychosis? - 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 • Cities Church in Minnesota was invaded mid-service by protesters. Are you ready if it happens to your church? • Government is called to protect, but when it doesn’t, the church must be prepared to respond wisely. • Are public disruptions and protests legal in sanctuaries? Here’s what Christians need to know. Segment 2 • Inside info from Cities Church: they avoided escalating tension, showing restraint. • Yes, your church has legal protection under the FACE Act. • Should pastors confront protesters directly? Segment 3 • Document the disruption, but avoid emotional confrontation. • Have a plan: ushers, kids’ ministry, security—every team should know exactly what to do. • Parents must be in the loop so that no one is confused if the occasion comes. Segment 4: The Blessing and Cost of Persecution • 1 Peter reminds us that persecution isn’t a curse—it’s a blessing and calling. • Persecution, though painful, draws us closer to Christ as we see the suffering he underwent for us. • Being hated for Christ’s sake is a sign of God’s favor. Prepare your heart to suffer well. ___ 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 Friel on campus at Georgia Tech as he engages students in conversations about faith, where we come from, and the creation of the universe. Through several conversations, listen along as the truth of God’s word is brought to bear on the worldview of several real-life students. Segment 1 • Todd Friel stops an architecture student and uses a building’s design to argue for a Creator. • The student insists the universe isn’t really “organized,” pushing Todd to press the bigger question: How much evidence is enough? • The conversation turns into a blunt reality check about what people ignore every day, even when it’s right in front of their nose. Segment 2 • Todd talks with a biomedical engineering student who says that some “impossible” events are totally plausible. • The student claims morality is subjective and shrugs off guilt—until Todd uses the Ten Commandments to test the “good person” claim. • The exchange ends with the student frankly admitting he doesn’t care about judgment. Segment 3 • Todd meets Junior from Jamaica, who calls himself a Christian… but can’t explain the gospel clearly. • Todd walks Junior through God’s law, exposing how “good person” confidence collapses under honest self-examination. • Junior admits he’s still “searching,” and Todd urges him not to confuse religious familiarity with true saving faith. Segment 4 • Todd speaks with Dan, a Catholic civil engineering student, and presses the logic of salvation-by-good-works until it breaks. • The courtroom analogy lands hard: being “sorry” or doing “extra good” doesn’t erase real guilt, or satisfy justice. • Todd lays out the “great exchange” and calls listeners to stop striving, repent, and trust Christ alone 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 • Which clip is more cloying? • A progressive clergy stunt as woke pastors storm the lobby of Target HQ. • Tony Robbins gives worldly wisdom to a suicidal man and turns it into a joke about his shoes. Segment 2 • Jesse Duplantis and his prosperity preaching is almost totally unmatched in terms of blasphemy. • Prosperity preaches point you towards getting more stuff while scripture points you towards getting more of someone - Jesus. • The inheritance we have waiting for us after this life makes earthly wealth look like nothing. Segment 3 • The recent scandal from Phillip Yancey begs the question: why are so many older saints failing to finish well? • The church cannot afford to adopt the world’s definition of love, but must see it as God’s word does. • A good finish to the Christian life takes time and training… but it can leave an incredible impact. Segment 4 • That image of someone collapsing right before the finish line of a race? That could happen to anyone. • We need to be close to people in the church so that they can tap us on the shoulder when we’re faltering. • Don’t get tired, don’t give in to pain - run the race well. ___ 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 political shifts in Minnesota across recent decades have been cataclysmic. • Anti-ICE protesters storm a church mid-service, with cameras rolling. • Peter’s letters on sanctified suffering suddenly read like tomorrow’s news — are you prepared? Segment 2 • How would you handle political protestors storming the doors of your church? • Our suffering must be grounded in our salvation: what Christ has done for us. • Focusing on Jesus and His work - like the pastor of that church did - is the only way to weather the coming storm. Segment 3 • We must think about how scary-good AI is getting. • We are creatures that are made to work - and we should not offload all of our work to machines. • There are elements of the human experience that will never be able to be replicated by robots. Segment 4 • AI is the next in a line of extreme technological advancements that humanity has faced. • Where will things be with AI and automation a decade from now? • Do we need to prepare ourselves for pastors that aren’t strictly human? ___ 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 • Not a question, but wanted to share with you guys, as a long time listener, that I’ve finally joined a Bible-teaching church. Thanks for all you’ve done! - Gabe • How can I discern when it’s time for me to stop serving in a particular area of ministry? - Anonymous Segment 2 • My friend, who is also a believer, is going to join a church that has a “husband and wife pastor team”. How strongly should I warn him against this? - Vinnie • Is self-awareness in regard to humility a biblical teaching? -Anonymous Segment 3 • Is it wrong for me to limit my time with a family member because they mistreat me? - Murphy • How strictly should we follow speed-limits? - Anonymous Segment 4 • The degree I am pursuing has bought into the “gender-affirming”/preferred pronoun stuff. Should I push back against this? - Ben • How can I best share the gospel with Mormons that come knocking on my door? - Jonathan • Is “ask Jesus into your heart” a valid evangelistic approach? - Brent ___ 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 • Not all doctrinal errors are created equal: some are skin-deep, while some are truly fatal. • Denying core attributes of God (justice, omnipotence, Trinity) moves you firmly outside Christian orthodoxy. • Secondary issues can quietly morph into primary threats if they implicate larger, more central theological issues. Segment 2 • Hell may be a secondary issue… but it’s not just a “friendly disagreement.” • Rejecting eternal punishment often stems from seeking to redefine God’s character as only loving. • It may seem harmless, but it warps the gospel and threatens scriptural foundations. Segment 3 • Phil Johnson says that questions can be asked, but not every doctrine should be endlessly debated. • If one wants to deny hell, one usually has to get around some pretty clear words from Jesus. • Most historical rejections of hell came from cults or liberal fringe—not the faithful church. Segment 4 • Today’s “just asking questions” mindset is often doubt disguised as curiosity. • Hell isn’t up for revision—it’s central to Jesus’ message and the urgency of the gospel. • Tone matters, but clarity matters more: eternal conscious torment is the historic, biblical truth. ___ 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 we travel to Kennesaw State University where students are asked about issues like postmodernism, grace, and the biblical worldview. Students Matt and Joseph are challenged to truly consider Christ and His gospel. Segment 1 • Matt identifies as a Christian but embraces postmodernism and radical subjectivity. • Todd walks him through historical worldviews and exposes the flaw in relativism. • Matt begins reconsidering postmodernism after realizing it can’t account for objective moral truth. Segment 2 • Todd challenges Matt with five core questions: origin, purpose, morality, guilt, and destiny. • Christianity uniquely answers all five through the person and work of Jesus Christ. • Matt is struck by the clarity and coherence of the gospel message compared to other belief systems. Segment 3 • Todd urges Matt to consider truth as that which aligns with objective reality, not just feeling. • Christianity isn’t about blind faith—it’s about trusting God as He’s been revealed. • Todd explains that real love means courageously sharing truth, even when it's uncomfortable. Segment 4 • Joseph professes belief in God but thinks salvation results from our good works. • Todd gently corrects him, explaining Jesus paid our debt fully, and forgiveness cannot be earned. • Joseph listens, affirms belief in Jesus, and seems impacted by the clarity of 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 • John Stott’s cautious support for annihilationism sparked theological tension. • The church, historically, has rejected annihilationist views. • Reinterpreting hell marks a break from church history and doctrine. Segment 2 • Our view on hell should be guided by God’s word, not emotion. • Bible examples show instant judgment for “small” sins—divine justice is deadly serious. • Hell’s eternality, rather than compromising God’s justice, magnifies it. Segment 3 • Annihilationism’s survival is more cultural than biblical because it speaks to modern sensitivities. • Enlightenment and Victorian culture softened God's justice to adjust for human tastes. • Theological liberalism grew where a biblical fear of God faded. Segment 4 • Each generation reshapes God, in some way, to fit its comfort level. • Vatican II and modern psychology blurred the lines on judgment and accountability. • As God becomes more “sentimental,” hell disappears—and so does 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: • Let’s talk about hell. • The church has been debating and systematizing beliefs on hell as long as Christianity has been around. • Certain beliefs about hell, like annihilationism and universalism, have been outside the bounds of orthodoxy for thousands of years. Segment 2 • Many church fathers were crystal clear—hell is eternal punishment. • Annihilationism is in the grey: not heresy, and certainly not orthodoxy. • If hell isn’t eternal, we truly have no urgency to see people saved. Segment 3 • Some claim Luther doubted hell—he didn’t. He affirmed eternal, conscious torment. • Jonathan Edwards’ view? The terrible sinfulness of sin deserves equally momentous justice. • Minimizing hell minimizes sin, and ultimately minimizes God’s justice against sin. Segment 4 • William G.T. Shedd: early Christians didn’t even entertain annihilationism. • The clearest voice on hell? Jesus Himself - and he makes the eternality of hell clear. • If universalism is true, then the cross becomes unnecessary. ___ 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 • When we say that Christians cannot lose their salvation, what exactly do we mean? - Ralph • In regards to Deuteronomy 4:9, should grandparents be taking a big role in teaching the things of God to their grandchildren? - David • Are near-death experiences and visions of heaven or hell legitimate? - Anonymous Segment 2 • Is it wise to listen to sermons or teachings from a pastor that has since fallen into sin? - Seth • How can we guard ourselves from a performance-based mindset, such as thinking God is happier with us when we are doing good? - Alexandra Segment 3 • Should our beliefs about the rapture and the tribulation guide our choice of a church? - Anonymous • Is it wrong to ask God to send me a sign when I need help deciding on something? - Anonymous • At what point does a hobby become an idol? - Josiah Segment 4 • Should a church host secular plays from their stage? - Joann ___ 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 • When can we address an event without it being gossip? • As we get older, the temptations and challenges that we face change too. • We’re not gossiping about anyone - but these are warnings that apply to everyone. Segment 2 • A respected Christian author admits to an 8-year affair. How did this happen? • As we get older, we can get bogged down with fatigue and complacency. • If we grow soft and lethargic, our theology leans that way too. Segment 3 • Older Christians don’t automatically become wiser. • When leaders aren’t held accountable, they can drift in silence for years. • Isolation makes us vulnerable. If no one can speak truth and accountability into your life, you’re in danger. Segment 4 • We will not be free of temptation and sin until this life is over. • Don’t wait until it’s too late - be on the lookout for signs of “softening”. • 5 warning signs: Bible boredom, church indifference, gospel apathy, worldly comfort, and minimized sin. ___ 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!

On today’s Witness Wednesday, Dr. Greg Gifford joins Todd Friel at the University of North Georgia to field questions on faith, mental health, and therapy. Dr. Gifford brings his expertise in the field of Biblical Counseling to challenge students on their ideas about therapy and medication. Segment 1: • Todd and Greg confront the popular “Jesus and therapy” trend, urging students to consider the sufficiency of Christ alone. • Learn the critical difference between therapists who integrate worldly psychology and those who stand on Scripture. • Real hope comes when sin is called what it is: something Christ can actually set you free from. Segment 2: • Greg is asked why he didn’t address abuse and Trauma. Abuse and deep wounds deserve more than 20-minute treatments; Scripture speaks to them with care and power. • Biblical counseling doesn’t ignore pain—it applies truth to the heart and brings real healing. • Discover why people often say “I’ve read this verse 100 times, but now it hits different.” Segment 3: • A student asks, “Has Christ ever restored your hope personally?” • Todd shares his childhood anxiety and how Jesus completely redefined his fears. • Don’t underestimate the power of a local church and Scripture applied directly to your hardest questions. Segment 4: • One student wrestles with surrendering fear—and Todd & Greg dig deep. • Multiple students ask about anxiety, humility, and Bible reading. • Anxiety fades when truth replaces lies, which happens when we fill our mind with God’s word and are transformed. Don’t just check boxes; use Scripture to engage your heart and fight your sin. ___ 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 • AI toys are feeding kids dangerous ideas. • Abortion is celebrated in a book… for 5-year-olds. • COVID-era work restrictions ease. Did we learn anything? Segment 2 • Massachusetts puts limits on challenging explicit library books. • AI robot “Miko” is being pitched as a friend for your child. • Arrests and persecution arise in China. Segment 3 • NYC embraces collectivism — and forgets its history. • New mayor sworn in on the Quran; women’s rights under Islam questioned. • Odd pairings emerge as culture redefines truth vs. tradition. Segment 4 • A billboard in Times Square claims Jesus was a Palestinian. • Muslim American Heritage Month is being celebrated loudly. • You truly do learn something new every day... and not all of it’s true. ___ 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 • January 9 is the graveyard for most New Year's resolutions—will yours survive? • Don’t just read your Bible—savor it. Slow down and mine for treasure. • God’s word is an endless goldmine that you can never exhaust. Segment 2 • Even good, expository preaching can miss the point of the text. • Suffering, submission, and sanctification define the Christian life. • Show up to church expecting God to speak and change you. Segment 3 • 2025 contained so many painful losses. • Parenting - raising and training depraved sinners - is simply hard work. • Hard year or not, Christians still raise their eyes in hope. Segment 4 • 2025 headlines: SCOTUS ruled on abortion pills, the PCA named Kevin DeYoung as moderator. • The Anglican Communion appointed a lesbian archbishop, marking a significant shift. • Global persecution rose, antisemitism surged, and Christian nationalism hit new highs. ___ 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 • When faith feels thin and life feels pointless, how do you keep going? - Anonymous Segment 2 • Why do future pastors go to seminary instead of learning directly from a pastor? - Ashley • Is homeschooling my 10th‑grade daughter realistic—and affordable? - Michael Segment 3 • Is all of creation really about deepening the elect’s relationship with God? - Paul • After an abusive breakup, is my anxiety a warning—or just part of healing? - Anonymous • Is anointing with oil actually biblical… or just church tradition? - Gabe Segment 4 • Do some abolitionists justify inaction by assuming unsaved babies go to heaven? - Jason • Can I teach preteens well if I’m not a parent—or even experienced? - Anonymous • Is it sinful for women to evangelize men? - Joel ___ 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 Scott show that friendship can be retained through disagreements. • Sarcasm, speed, and shallow online takes destroy meaningful conversations. • The gospel must be at the front of pro-life work. Segment 2 • Atheists can follow the logic of pro-life arguments—but without God, they borrow Christian morality. • Scott sees pro-life work as a Great Commission issue, not just a cultural cause. • Gospel clarity matters: imputed righteousness vs. infused goodness makes all the difference. Segment 3 • Can Christians work with Catholics, rabbis, and others on pro-life issues without endorsing false unity? • Scott speaks at ecumenical events, but maintains theological distinctions. • Abolition vs. incrementalism isn’t a moral divide. We all want the same outcome. Segment 4 • Everyone’s an abolitionist in principle, but our political reality often forces incremental action. • True moral conviction works within constraints to save as many as possible. • Incremental efforts have saved lives, and abandoning them over idealism can cost more innocent lives. ___ 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! On today’s episode, Todd Friel engages everyday people on the street in downtown Minneapolis. Touching on issues like morality, sin, and the afterlife, Todd challenges each of the people he meets to examine their soul in light of the God that created them. Pointing them continually to the gospel, he leaves them with hope of a savior in Christ. Segment 1 • Jordan flat-out rejects God, heaven, and hell, calling it all a big fairy-tale. • Admits he'd have a "box seat with Hitler" in hell, showing zero concern for his soul. • Jordan listens as Todd presents design/creator logic, but shrugs it off. Segment 2 • Lindsey claims she's going to heaven because she's “good,” even after confessing to sin. • She believes God forgives “little things” but draws the line at serious crimes. • When reminded that Jesus died for sins, she pivots. Segment 3 • Erin knows Christian doctrine from Catholic school but admits to rarely reading the Bible. • Compares her spiritual walk to ignoring a boyfriend’s love letters. • Struggles with the idea of “begging” for mercy but concedes the logic when it's likened to pleading for forgiveness in a broken relationship. Segment 4 • Garrett proudly wears a tattoo of “Agape” (God’s love) and articulates core gospel truth clearly. • Shares how drugs and partying failed to satisfy. • When pressed, he affirms he didn’t believe just to make life better—but to be saved from “the wrath that is to come.” ___ 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!

Our guest host today is Fortis Institute Fellow Libby Glosson from The Better Way Podcast! Segment 1 • Culture says “follow your feelings,” while influencers say “crush them”, and neither is biblical. • The Stoic mindset promises control, but offers counterfeit freedom. • God feels holy emotions - we shouldn’t be afraid of ours. Segment 2 • The Bible doesn’t say “suck it up”, but submit emotions to truth. • Even “hidden” feelings like anger or fear can be sinful if they contradict God’s Word. • What do your emotions reveal about what you worship? Segment 3 • Emotional exhibitionism turns private feelings into public performances. • Oversharing isn’t always authenticity—it can be manipulation masked as vulnerability. • Biblical modesty isn’t just about clothing, but we carry our hearts, too. Segment 4 • What does it mean to show our emotions indecently? • True modesty humbles the heart—no gushing, no tantrums, no self-advertising. • Sanctification shapes not just your mind and behavior, but your emotions too. ___ 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!

Our guest host today is Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford from the Transformed podcast! Segment 1 • AI chatbots now offer therapy, dating advice, and moral commentary. • Christians need to sharpen discernment and develop a healthy skepticism of digital “truth.” • Zuckerberg envisions a future where most of your “friends” are bots. Segment 2 • Millions turn to AI bots due to loneliness, cost, or distrust in traditional therapy. • AI therapy feels emotionally validating, but it’s really subjective. • Some chat bots have already crossed lines with minors. Segment 3 • Dr. Gifford’s chatbot told him to quit based on a venting session. • Teens use amoral chatbots to guide them toward moral decisions. • ChatGPT answered hot-button worldview questions with pre-loaded narratives with no commitment to actual truth. Segment 4 • Seeking wisdom from chatbots replaces Christ’s body with code and undermines Christian community. • AI gives advice that affirms what someone already believes. • Christians must be radically discerning, especially for their kids. ___ 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’s your take on Molinism? - Lora • Is there a biblical difference between our heart and our soul? - Anonymous • Are there theological implications to wearing our loved one’s ashes, like in jewelry? - Renae Segment 2 • Do you think block parties are an appropriate method of evangelism? - Zachary • Is it suitable for women to assume church leadership roles if there are no men available? - Zoe • Is it okay for Christians to kiss before they’re married, like when they’re dating? - Jachin Segment 3 • Can you baptize yourself if no one else is around? - Joe • Bagpipes vs. pipe organs—does one glorify God more than the other? - Kayla Segment 4 • If God’s grace is irresistible, do my bad attitudes even matter? - Anonymous • Is it wrong to ask God to use suffering to save someone? - Grace • Should I force my teen to read the Bible—or let them choose willingly? - David ___ 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!

Our guest host today is Dr. Adam Tyson from Way of Manhood podcast! Segment 1 • What happens when you truly encounter God? • Seeing God’s holiness exposes our deepest sin and unworthiness. • A true encounter with God leads to repentance and radical obedience. Segment 2 • God's presence satisfies what nothing else can. • The path to intimacy with God includes hard valleys that bring refreshment. • Better to be a doorkeeper with God than a king without Him. Segment 3 • The tongue is small but powerful - it controls your life like a rudder or a spark. • Words can destroy more than we realize, and only Christ can transform our tongue. • True transformation starts with a cleansed heart and Spirit-filtered speech. Segment 4 • You’ve been forgiven an unpayable debt—how can you withhold mercy from others? • True forgiveness isn’t optional; it’s expected of the forgiven. • Forgiveness releases bitterness—even if the other person never apologizes. ___ 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, join Todd at Gainesville State University as he engages students about their experiences and spiritual beliefs. In a number of unique conversations, see how the law and the gospel can be presented in a way to make individuals see their sin and their need for a savior in Christ. Segment 1 • Efren lost his sight at age 8—he “sees” now through memory, sound, and mental mapping. • Openly admits being unsure about his Catholic faith and what Jesus' sacrifice really means. • Efren is confronted with the reality of sin and the justice of God. Segment 2 • Drew, dressed in a monk-style outfit for fun, admits he claimed Christianity mostly for “fire insurance.” • Fully confesses he doesn’t live like a Christian and is scared of death and judgment. • Realizes he's treated salvation as an escape plan, not a relationship with a holy God. Segment 3 • Walked through the Ten Commandments and confessed to being a liar, thief, and lustful. • Learns that true Christianity isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about receiving undeserved grace. • Begins to grasp the gospel: Jesus saves sinners not because they're good, but because He's good. Segment 4 • Anna wants to evangelize but wrestles with how to explain the gospel clearly. • Learns how to shift from “ask Jesus into your heart” to biblically using God’s law to reveal sin and lead to repentance. • Encouraged to root her Christian walk in grace, not guilt—her performance doesn’t keep her saved, Jesus does. ___ 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!

Todd has Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Jason Lisle back in the studio today for Wretched Radio. Segment 1 • UFOs are a perennially hot topic, but most have a reasonable explanation. • Belief in aliens often fills a void for people in the realm of ultimate questions. • We’re not alone, because God is already here—and He’s revealed the truth. Segment 2 • Most UFO sightings are predictable science, not extraterrestrial visitors. • Scripture makes Earth the center of God’s plan—no need for alien saviors. • The burden isn’t on Christians to disprove aliens, but on skeptics to prove them. Segment 3 • The world’s climate has always changed, and warming has historically been a positive thing. • Modern panic relies on conjectural models, not measurable facts. • Carbon isn’t the enemy; it fuels food, life, and growth. Segment 4 • Climate alarmism thrives on fear because fear drives power and control. • God promised stable seasons—global collapse isn’t coming. • Using technology to heal honors God; using it to replace Him repeats Babel. ___ 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!

Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Jason Lisle joins Todd for this episode of Wretched Radio. Segment 1 • Astronomy reveals God's design; astrology denies Him and is condemned in Scripture. • James Webb Telescope findings shock secularists—mature galaxies where none “should” exist. • Science confirms Scripture: the universe looks designed because it is. Segment 2 • Intelligent design without Christ still leaves you lost—salvation requires the gospel. • The universe’s perfect balance exposes the myth of cosmic randomness. • Creation confirms Scripture and calls us to bold, Christ-centered apologetics. Segment 3 • Denying Adam’s literal existence crumbles the foundation of sin, death, and redemption. • Genesis reads as real history—grammar, structure, and Jesus affirm it. • Evolutionary compromise leads to gospel confusion and theological collapse. Segment 4 • Old-earth views distort sin, death, and the atonement—Christ died physically because Adam’s sin was physical. • Popular theories (Day-Age, Gap Theory) conflict with Scripture and science. • Literal Genesis was the historic church view—until secular science shaped 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 • What are you rules for discussing a fallen pastor on air? - Todd Segment 2 • Is there any biblical reason to believe that saints who are in heaven can hear the prayers of us still on earth? - Jordan Segment 3 • Have you heard of the “soul care” movement? Do you have any thoughts on it? - Rachel Segment 4 • How can we draw the line between audibly hearing a revelation from God and being given a gut-feeling or hunch about something? - Tamara ___ 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 • “Thus Sayeth the Lord” is the Christian's true weapon in cultural and spiritual battles. • AI porn is on the rise, possibly replacing real people in 20 years, challenging Christian arguments based on human dignity. • Only God’s Word offers unchanging authority. Segment 2 • AI-fueled depravity is coming fast, with the power to generate any sinful fantasy imaginable. • Christians must return to quoting Scripture, not merely offering moral objections. • God’s Word is the power, not our persuasiveness. “Thus Sayeth the Lord” still turns worlds upside down. Segment 3 • Tim Challies reflects on losing his son Nick, facing the tension of tragedy and God’s control. • In suffering, we must separate what God does from how He uses it. • God is good, able, and faithful—and that truth holds us. Segment 4 • Tragedy often brings anger and doubt about God's love. • If you don’t know God's character, you’ll misinterpret His providence. • God isn’t distant—He desires deep relationship, even in our pain. ___ 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 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!

Segment 1 • Matthew bases salvation on “being good” and repentance through Roman Catholic sacraments. • Todd uses courtroom logic to show that God’s standard is perfect love of God and neighbor. • The tension becomes clear: Can a just God overlook sin, or do we need a savior who satisfies justice? Segment 2 • Todd presses Matthew on Ephesians 2:8–9, challenging his belief that works and sacraments contribute to salvation. • Matthew struggles to reconcile Catholic teaching with Scripture’s claim that salvation “is a gift… not of works.” • Todd introduces imputed righteousness, Christ’s perfect record credited to the sinner. Segment 3 • Matthew insists new birth happens after death, contradicting Jesus’ words that one must be born again now to enter God’s kingdom. • Todd urges him to “get downwind” of himself and see his true guilt before a holy God. • The call becomes personal: abandon self‑reliance, repent, and trust entirely in Christ for salvation. Segment 4 • Todd meets another student who is a professing Christian. This student struggles to articulate why someone should believe in God, relying mostly on logic and science. • Todd role‑plays an evangelistic conversation, demonstrating how to move past intellectual debate. • Ultimately, the student affirms repentance and belief in Christ as the way to be saved but reveals areas needing deeper gospel clarity. ___ 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 • Modern culture has made “safety” its idol; every discomfort is treated like trauma. • Scripture flips the script: danger isn’t just outside - it’s inside you. • If your biggest threat is the outside world, you’ll live in fear. If it’s your own heart, you’ll run to Christ. Segment 2 • “Safety-based” psychology is invading schools; students are learning to pathologize conviction. • Polyvagal Theory (born 1994) ignores man’s spiritual nature—an anthropological train wreck. • The Bible says transformation comes by renewing the mind, not regulating vagus nerves. Segment 3 • The real concern is kids weaponizing therapy language against parents. • Britain officially affirms cousin marriage—a symbol of moral decay in the West. • Even theologians like N.T. Wright drift from biblical authority, showing the slope is real. Segment 4 • Cousin marriage bans once built Western civilization—now they’re being reversed. • Germany’s “polyandrous priestess” and IVF jewelry reveal what happens when sacredness dies. • The decline isn’t just weird—it’s spiritual rot disguised as progress. ___ 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 • Polyvagal Theory is quietly infiltrating schools just like mindfulness and meditation did. • It seeks to explains the “fight or flight” response, but only addresses our physical body. • The deeper issue? Our slavery to sin and death. Segment 2 • Polyvagal Theory blames issues on perceived “lack of safety”, but the Bible says it’s sin. • It’s this type of thinking that has brought about the “safe space” trend. • Real, transformative healing begins at the heart, not the nervous system. Segment 3 • A bold woman asks Megyn Kelly: “Would you go to heaven tonight?” • Megyn’s unsure, yet searching and says she has been attending (a Roman Catholic) Church. • God wants you to be 100% sure — not just “hopeful.” Segment 4 • Mormon theology misunderstands baptism, family, and the afterlife. • Mormons tie heaven to family lineage — but God wants YOUR heart. • You can’t afford to miss the true gospel, and the Mormons get it wrong. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should believers cope with the deaths of unsaved family and friends? — Isaac • Visiting our nephew’s church that permits women pastors (though the current pastor is male)—should we go? — Theresa • My church never preaches on sin—how do I raise this with my pastor? — Anonymous Segment 2 • Church discipline boundaries: hospital visits, counseling, and officiating weddings—what should a pastor do? — Anonymous Segment 3 • My parents feel unseen at a solid church—how do they build real connection? — Anonymous • Should I step back from opposite-sex friendships to prevent jealousy and avoid temptation? — AJ Segment 4 • Is forgiveness only granted when the offender repents? Responding to “squishy Christianity” claims. — Josh • If God isn’t the author of confusion, why is eschatology so hotly debated? — Anna ___ 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 a special Mailbag Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Am I truly forgiven after divorce, abuse, and years of regret? — Anonymous • Our pastor gave a different reason from the pulpit for another pastor’s removal—was that a lie or discretion? — Anonymous • Does God still “speak” today? Should I sit in silence to hear His voice? — Anonymous Segment 2 • 1 John exposes me—how can I rest if I don’t “pass the tests”? — Alex • Our church paused women-teaching-women—does that have any biblical basis? — Cala Segment 3 • What makes Eastern Orthodoxy heretical? — Joe Segment 4 • How can I defend against the Catholic belief that we do some good and Christ does the rest—and to those who say that’s not a big difference? — Anonymous • How important is it for a local church to serve the needy in its community? — Paul ___ 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! A sharp history student, Cole, wrestles with the resurrection, truth, and his own conscience—then a Hebrew Roots believer named Carlos questions Easter, church tradition, and the name “Jesus.” Segment 1 • A thoughtful agnostic history major explores the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection. • Todd walks him through manuscript evidence and eyewitness testimony. • Can Christianity stand the test of history? Segment 2 • The conversation turns from intellect to conscience—lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God. • Justice and mercy collide at the cross as Todd explains how forgiveness is possible. • Will Cole see his need for grace? Segment 3 • The tension rises: evidence vs. surrender. • Todd reminds Cole that the Christian faith is intellectual, but it’s not JUST intellectual. • Todd urges Cole to respond before it’s too late. Segment 4 • A self-described believer rejects “Easter,” insists on “Yeshua,” and blends Hebrew roots with Christian faith. • Todd probes what’s behind the name debate and where saving faith truly rests. • Can focusing on details make us miss the gospel itself? ___ 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 do I avoid distracting others in worship? — Andrea • Cowboy hats and coffee during singing—disrespectful? — Ray Segment 2 • I’m 13 and scared I’m not truly saved—how can I find assurance? — Naomi Segment 3 • Can pastors/elders share confidential matters with their wives? — Jim Segment 4 • Is it biblical to “claim” or “declare” things in prayer? — Anonymous • Which current Bible translations should we avoid? — Mary ___ 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 a special Mailbag Monday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. T oday we discuss wise involvement in teens’ sports, whether quick sermon prep is solid or shallow, Christ-first fatherhood, and guiding cohabiting new believers with grace + truth. Segment 1 • How involved should dads be in their teen kids’ sports lives? - David Segment 2 • How long should I spend preparing a sermon? If sermon prep feels too fast, is that a red flag? - Zachary Segment 3 • How can I avoid idolizing my kids as a new dad? - Ryan Segment 4 • How should Christians respond when an unmarried couple gets saved and joins a small group? - Heather ___ 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 should we make of modern-day “exorcists” and claims of casting out demons? - Joy • How do I respond when people say the Bible, especially the New Testament, was written just to control people? - Joe Segment 2 • What happened to the new book you were writing? - Shawn Segment 3 • Our youth leader isn’t friendly with parents—should we let our kids join the group? - Elizabeth Segment 4 • Are there sins that permanently disqualify someone from leading worship or serving in church—like adultery—even after repentance? - Jeff ___ 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 • Today’s question: which story makes your eyes roll hardest… and your heart ache most? • A university in the UK slaps a “sexual violence” warning on the Bible. • George Clooney’s new movie romanticizes assisted suicide — culture calling evil “good.” The painful stories continue… Segment 2 • King Charles dedicates a UK memorial to the LGBT movement. • Parents in Britain are taking self-defense classes to defend against their own children. • A Pennsylvania pastor points a gun at his congregation as a sermon illustration. Segment 3 • Sebastian Gorka calls Trump’s shooting a “Christ-like moment.” • Todd and Josh Williamson warn: when politics becomes religion, biblical theology withers. • Comparing any political leader to Christ cheapens the cross and confuses the gospel. Segment 4 • Jesus volunteered His life like no one else or could. • Politicians invoking the cross for clout rob Jesus of His glory. • The takeaway: when the world mocks truth, Christians must guard the gospel’s weight and clarity. ___ 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! Suicide is rising. Purpose feels fragile. Three students—Fevin, Jacob, and Brennan—wrestle with identity, guilt, and what it means to be born again. These conversations press one urgent question: do you need better coping—or a Savior? Segment 1 — Fevin • A student who’s faced depression shares what helped her find stability. • She connects suicide to identity, guilt, and isolation on campus. • Todd presses deeper: is peace found in purpose…or in something greater? Segment 2 — Jacob (Part 1) • Jacob wears a cross and identifies as Christian, but struggles to articulate salvation and the gospel. • Todd asks questions that expose what “belief” really means. • Jacob admits he isn’t certain he’s born again. Segment 3 — Jacob (Part 2) • Jacob wrestles with the weight of repentance and trust in Christ. • Todd points to the heart of real faith — and what must change for it to be genuine. • Jacob is left with a question only he can answer. Segment 4 — Brennan • A Catholic student confident in his faith—until the questions go deeper. • Todd challenges his assumptions about guilt, grace, and the meaning of the cross. • Brennan’s conversation ends with an invitation he can’t ignore. ___ 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 recently eulogized Phil Johnson — but Phil’s alive and well. • Why wait to appreciate people until after they’re gone? • Todd takes a walk down memory lane with some notes from his very first Bible. Segment 2 • Todd rediscovers thoughts, questions, and even doubts about Scripture’s reliability. • Textual criticism confirms the New Testament is trustworthy and accurately preserved. • The gospel’s counterintuitive nature proves its divine origin — no human would invent a Savior who dies for His enemies. Segment 3 • Reflections on faith, freedom, and misplaced celebrations: July 4th fireworks and Christmas commercialism. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines questioned and dissected. • When faith drifts from Scripture, truth gets muddied and lost in tradition. Segment 4 • Mormons teach three strange “kingdoms of glory”. • Christ sets believers apart for one destiny, and one heavenly kingdom. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines don’t appear overnight; they grow when Scripture is rejected as the final authority. ___ 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 • Everyone sees it: the West is in the midst of social, moral, and spiritual collapse • But darkened hearts can’t be fixed by legislature or cultural movements. • Real change starts “at the bottom” - with hearts transformed by Christ’s gospel. Segment 2 • The Reformation rebuilt a crumbling civilization through faith, not force. • Oz Guinness calls this our “civilizational moment”—we’re losing the foundation that built the modern world. • We won’t be saved by “making America great again”— but by preaching Christ again. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the truth about SSRIs and the “chemical imbalance” myth. • Pills can mute pain but can’t renew your mind or restore your soul. • Real transformation comes from God’s work in us, not sedation. Segment 4 • New studies link antidepressants to alarming risks—violence, mania, even suicide. • SSRIs offer comfort without cure, masking spiritual problems with medical language. • True healing happens when the soul is renewed, not when the mind is medicated. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should I respond when my unsaved wife takes our daughter to a Halloween party against my wishes? - Tim • Is the “Serenity Prayer” actually good theology? - Anonymous Segment 2 • How can I lead my wife spiritually when she’s more mature, educated, and experienced than I am? - KJ • How do I keep fighting sin when I feel like a hypocrite who keeps failing? - Anonymous Segment 3 • How do I lovingly correct a Christian friend who’s being harsh or legalistic online? - Naomi • Is it wrong for pastors to read written prayers during church services? - Anonymous Segment 4 • How do I respond to someone angry at God for a strange reason? - Anonymous • How should a husband biblically handle difficult or disruptive in-laws? - Joe ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Astrophysicist Dr. Jason Lisle joins to unpack today’s biggest scientific obsessions—from UFOs and aliens to climate change and human “upgrades.” He explains why these pursuits reveal less about discovery and progress—and far more about our refusal to trust the Creator who already rules it all. Segment 1: The Truth Behind UFOs • What NASA and the military call “unidentified” is usually just misidentified. • The shocking connection between cruise ships, party balloons, and UFO sightings. • Why we love the idea of aliens—and what that craving reveals about our hearts. Segment 2: Why the World Wants Aliens • Secular culture’s obsession with ETs is really a longing to replace the Creator. • How evolution drives the search for life in space—and fuels disbelief in Genesis. • The deeper question: are we looking for life out there because we’ve rejected the Life-Giver here? Segment 3: The Climate Panic vs. God’s Providence • Global warming” became “climate change” when the data stopped cooperating. • Scripture and science both show the Earth’s climate has always fluctuated. • God promised the seasons will endure—so why the panic? Segment 4: When Science Tries to Replace God • The danger of trying to “improve” humanity instead of restore what sin broke. • Why curing disease honors the Creator—but trying to become Him doesn’t. • From Babel to biotech, every age repeats the same lie: “You can be like God.” ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Two students claim to know God — until one question reveals the truth about what it really means to be born again. Segment 1 • Connor agrees that design points to a Creator—but doubts anyone can truly know Him. • The Law exposes his heart as Todd walks him through the Ten Commandments. • Connor admits Jesus paid for sin—but isn’t sure he’s personally been saved. Segment 2 • Todd explains that salvation is more than forgiveness—it’s receiving Christ’s righteousness. • Connor wrestles with whether his belief is genuine or just learned behavior. Segment 3 • Tim believes Christianity gives direction and values—but leaves out the gospel. • Todd presses: what’s the true core of Christianity? Segment 4 • Todd helps Tim trace how all of Scripture points to Jesus. • Tim finally connects the truth of the gospel with real assurance of salvation. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Todd heads to Oklahoma campuses to confront the biggest lies about God. • Students think God kills joy — he shows why His commands are actually good news. • What happens when a generation is taught to cancel their parents instead of honor them. Segment 2 • What modern culture’s art reveals about our collapsing morals. • How the sexual revolution promised freedom but enslaved women instead. • Why God’s design for sex leads to protection, dignity, and lasting joy. Segment 3 • Can a robot really heal your mind? NPR thinks so—Dr. Gifford says you’re missing the real problem. • What if “mental health” is the world’s counterfeit for mind renewal? • The cure for misery isn’t found in medicine—it’s found in this. Segment 4 • Forget self-care—the Holy Spirit offers something far greater: mind resurrection. • How God rebuilds what therapy can only manage. • The goal isn’t feeling better—it’s becoming new. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • A major ecumenical event happened in the Sistine Chapel. • Meanwhile, thousands of churches are breaking from the UMC and the Anglican church. • This push toward unification looks spiritual but could blur gospel clarity. Segment 2 • The Great Commission isn’t about church branding — it’s about disciple-making. • Cultural trends like “ghosting your parents” reveal deep spiritual drift, especially in the home. • We must stay focused: carrying the gospel is the church’s primary job. Segment 3 • New surveys show many Americans prefer to watch church online. • Spiritual formation is happening more through screens than through shepherds. • Your children are watching and learning from how you treat church. Segment 4 • Rogan is increasingly open about religion, but still misses key biblical categories. • There must be serious care brought to discussions about oral tradition. • Baptism and the Lord’s Supper belong in the local church. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Is “adiaphora” a helpful biblical category or a theological shortcut? - Steve Segment 2: • How do you respond to a family member who uninvites family over political differences? - Connor • Is studying theology “adding to Scripture”? - Tyler Segment 3: • Are demons helping people read the Bible… on purpose? - Mike • Does boxing degrade human dignity—or is it just a sport? - Anonymous Segment 4: • Do our prayers really change anything? - Ben • Praying with, for, or over others: what's the difference? - John • What do you say when someone asks for your pronouns? - Sarah ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Sanctification isn’t “just stop it” — it’s put off and put on (Eph 4:22-24). • True change means replacing sin with Spirit-driven habits. • If you’re dry, bitter, or hurting — don’t wait to feel it; start doing what grows desire. Segment 2 – The Math of Holiness • Dr. Greg Gifford explains the biblical equation: Put off + Put on = Growth. • Sanctification isn’t just subtraction alone; holiness must also be put on. • Lasting change happens when obedience fills the space sin used to occupy. Segment 3 – The Trojan Horse in Your Church • “Contextualization” can smuggle worldliness into worship. • The church loses it’s unique purpose as salt and light when it trades truth for relatability. • Baby-talk preaching creates baby-faith Christians. Segment 4 • Paul’s “all things” meant removing cultural barriers, not rewriting the gospel. • Contextualization becomes compromise when it reshapes truth to fit culture. • Faithful preaching feeds sheep, not the world. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Nick says evolution explains the appearance of design, but Todd pushes back. • Though raised Catholic and Hindu, Nick says he believes in “something above us” but isn’t sure one religion has the full truth. • Todd walks Nick through why Jesus’ payment for sin is necessary. Segment 2 • Todd presses Nick on objective truth: if Jesus rose, it’s true for everyone. • Todd argues truth doesn’t depend on culture or birthplace, but Nick says otherwise. • Todd says that if Jesus beat death, then His claims demand a verdict. Segment 3 • Jordan and Todd discuss rising suicide and mental illness rates. • Todd connects it to worldview: if life is meaningless and subjective, despair makes sense. • Jordan agrees that postmodernism leaves people empty. Segment 4 • Jordan calls herself a Christian but admits she can’t articulate why Jesus’ death matters. • Todd explains the purpose of life through the gospel. • By the end, Jordan quietly confesses: “I might not actually be saved.” ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Dr. Jason Lisle distinguishes astrology’s superstition from astronomy’s worship-worthy science. • The James Webb Telescope’s discoveries confirm creationist predictions. • The universe shouts intelligent design and divine order—not cosmic accident. Segment 2 • “Intelligent Design” without Christ stops short of truth; science points to the Savior. • Every Big Bang “fix” (inflation, antimatter, etc.) exposes faith in speculation over observation. • Scripture alone makes sense of the cosmos—science confirms it; sin corrupts it. Segment 3 • Denying a literal Adam dismantles the gospel: no actual fall means no need for a Redeemer. • Genesis reads as history, not myth; Jesus and the apostles affirmed it as fact. • The cross makes no sense if sin didn’t enter through one real man. Segment 4 • Old-earth models (Day-Age, Gap Theory) break Hebrew grammar and biblical chronology. • Death before sin contradicts God’s “very good” creation and the atonement itself. • The timeline debate isn’t about science—it’s about trusting God’s Word over man’s ideas. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Dr. Andrew Walker calls the breakdown of the family the defining moral crisis of our time. • Marriage decline fuels social chaos—poverty, instability, and moral confusion. • God’s design for marriage and family is not arbitrary—it’s the foundation of ordered liberty and human flourishing. Segment 2 • Natural law exposes that everyone already knows right from wrong—it’s written on our hearts. • Even secular thinkers are waking up: moral order only works if it’s built on God’s image of man. • From gender ideology to justice systems, every moral crisis goes back to rejecting Genesis 1. Segment 3 • A “Christian nation” without conversion is just moral window dressing. • True change comes through evangelism, not state-enforced religion. • Romans 13 defines government’s limits—protect order, not dictate theology. Segment 4 • The Bible gives the state a sword, not a soul: maintain justice, don’t play savior. • Big government creates dependency; strong churches create stability. • Christians should champion a small-state, big-church vision—pray for rulers, evangelize freely, live humbly. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Can my weight discredit my witness? Should I stop evangelizing until I look “credible”? - Anonymous • How do I share the gospel with Mormon missionaries at my door? - Anonymous Segment 2 • Is my pastor plagiarizing sermons—or just being practical? - Pam • Does sin break my covenant with God until I repent? - Evan Segment 3 • Are generational curses real—or just spiritual anxiety? - Anonymous • Can I trust God with love again after betrayal? - Anonymous Segment 4 • Is a courthouse wedding dishonoring to God? - Gabrielle • Where should I start memorizing Scripture—and how do I keep it up? - Anonymous ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Trump’s uncertainty about heaven reveals confusion over grace vs. works. • Roman Catholic Matt Walsh misrepresents Protestant assurance. • Assurance isn’t arrogance: true believers persevere because Christ keeps them. Segment 2 • Matt Walsh calls eternal security a modern invention—but church history disagrees. • Early church fathers affirmed God preserves His elect. • Works prove salvation; they don’t earn it—conditional security destroys peace and produces fear. Segment 3 • Scripture is overwhelmingly clear: God keeps those He saves. • Salvation rooted in Christ, not in your consistency or performance. • Assurance fuels holiness—fear-based religion produces exhaustion, not transformation. Segment 4 • God’s children never lose their adoption—salvation is irrevocable. • Adoption turns fear into confidence; believers can rest in the Father’s love. • Once declared His child, you can’t be “unadopted”—your security is sealed in Christ. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel, Todd interviews a student named William at Kennesaw State University. William, a political science major and Marine, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about his faith, value system, and the significance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The discussion explores theological beliefs, the nature of God, human sinfulness, and salvation. Segment 1 • William describes his background, military service, and vague belief in "God and country." • Todd challenges William’s notion of subjective truth. • William identifies as a Christian but admits to being unsure of the gospel and distant from church. Segment 2 • Todd presses William to articulate the gospel; William fumbles, focusing on general morality and Jesus' teachings. • Todd walks him through God’s justice, sin, and the necessity of a Savior—not just moral improvement. • William acknowledges the significance but admits he rarely thinks about spiritual matters. Segment 3 • Todd walks through God’s standard of holiness, exposing sin through thought life and the Ten Commandments. • William admits guilt and agrees he’d deserve punishment if judged by God’s standards. • Todd explains penal substitution: Jesus took the wrath William deserves so he could be declared righteous. Segment 4 – What Does It Mean to Be Born Again? • Todd clarifies being born again: not baptism, but spiritual rebirth through repentance and faith. • William expresses openness but says he needs time; Todd warns delay is dangerous and urges urgent repentance. • Todd challenges William to respond to the gospel—not just ponder it. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Theology isn’t just intellectual — it should change everything about how you live. • Our eschatology teaches us to live with expectancy and purpose. • Even ordinary encounters (like dinner with Cody Rhodes) can remind us that what you believe shapes how you behave. Segment 2 • The postmodern church trades conviction for comfort—Jesus’ exclusivity gets downplayed. • “Nice” replaces holy: loose morality, shallow sermons, and emotional experiences over truth. • True churches teach on sin, repentance, and Christ alone—not self-help or motivational speaking. Segment 3 • Modern psychology can’t cure what’s spiritual—it ignores the biblical view of the soul. • Only the Word of God can transform the mind and bring real healing. • Life Without the Numb (now on Fortis Plus) exposes how our culture has redefined the mind. Segment 4 • What if we’ve accepted inferior solutions for our minds? • Real renewal happens when God’s truth—not therapy trends—shapes our thinking. • Life Without the Numb helps believers rediscover how God heals from the inside out. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • Conflict is universal—but Scripture calls us to reconciliation, not mere peacekeeping. • The real issue isn’t the other person’s behavior; it’s the heart. • True biblical reconciliation begins with self-examination—owning your part before God. Segment 2 • Conflict isn’t caused by personalities—it’s fueled by idolatrous desires that demand control, comfort, or respect. • Even good desires become sinful when they replace God as the highest priority. • Real peace comes from surrendering our sinful desires and letting Christ rule the heart. Segment 3 • Repentance isn’t a one-time event—it’s the daily rhythm of the Christian life. • True repentance means more than “I’m sorry”; it’s a Spirit-led change of direction. • Without repentance, conflict festers; with it, relationships are restored stronger than before. Segment 4 • Forgiveness is the final step to true reconciliation—it mirrors God’s grace toward us. • To forgive repeatedly takes faith, but remembering how much God has forgiven you makes it possible. • Forgiveness frees you from the prison of resentment and rebuilds trust in God’s justice. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1 • How can you pray meaningfully for people you don’t know well at church? - Adrian • Can true Christians still experience worldly sorrow—or is that a red flag? - Kyle Segment 2 • Did God ordain a tragedy like Charlie Kirk’s death—or merely allow it? - Daniel • How can you be a godly example for young relatives? - Joseph Segment 3 • A friend is rejecting Paul as Scripture—how do you respond? - Anonymous • Should every church be either sending or going in missions? - Josiah Segment 4 • How can my brother and I start making evangelistic videos to share online? - Alaina • A wife with spiritual trauma is unsure if her Bible study insights are trustworthy—how can she build confidence? - Andrew • How should I respond to a local anti-Trinitarian billboard? - Anonymous ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried! .

Wait a minute — that’s not Todd! Today on Wretched Radio, Fortis Institute Fellow and The Better Way host Libby Glosson steps in as guest host to help us think about emotions and the role they play in the life of a Christian. Segment 1 • Culture pushes emotional extremes: either vent everything or suppress everything. • How should Christians think about emotions and emotional struggles? • Are we discipling our emotions biblically, or letting culture shape them? Segment 2 • Bible doesn’t say “suck it up” - instead, submit emotions to God’s Word. • Sin can be internal—fear, anger, despair can dishonor God before action. • Goal: sanctified emotions—Spirit-enabled responses that glorify God. Segment 3 • Danger of the opposite ditch: emotional indulgence and exhibitionism. • Culture says “follow your heart”—leads to gossip, ranting, victimhood. • True modesty: fade to the background, count others more significant. Segment 4 • Emotional exhibitionism = emotional immodesty; both dishonor God. • Public venting and oversharing dishonor family and relationships. • Sanctification includes emotions: Christ is reshaping minds, wills, and hearts. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!