Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1: • Am I sinning if I skip serving at church because I disagree with a guest preacher? • Should women teach deep theology to other women—or is that reserved for elders? • Will I spiritually starve after graduating youth group—and how can I stay fed? • How can you tell a true believer from someone who just looks and acts like one? • Why can’t I stop watching sinful entertainment even when I feel dead to it? Segment 2: • How should I confront false teaching if I feel called to discernment ministry? Segment 3: • What are the biblical “rules of engagement” for discernment ministry? Segment 4: • Who best models godly discernment in your opinion? • Am I not a Christian if I don’t feel sorrow over my sin—even though I repent? • How do you know who to marry if marriage reflects Christ’s love for the church? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1: • John MacArthur: There is no such thing as “Christian Nationalism.” • Jesus never tied political power to advancing His kingdom. • Christ came for hearts, not government control—He calls us to live transformed lives, not to seize nations. Segment 2: • Christians should care about politics, but can’t force governments to obey Scripture. • Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world—He didn’t overthrow Rome. • Christian Nationalism often lacks clear biblical support despite quotes from theologians. Segment 3: • Jesus promised His spiritual kingdom would prevail against darkness, not political kingdoms. • We must align with what Scripture says, not postmillennial dreams of a theocracy. • Christians should engage politics wisely, but expect the world to get darker, not Christianized. Segment 4: • Seeking a “muscular Christianity”? Be careful it doesn’t become vigilante Christianity. • When, if ever, should Christians resist or overthrow corrupt governments? • We must obey God over man—but Scripture limits when and how resistance is biblical. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely 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 meets Phillip and Scott at Georgia Tech and explores topics around purgatory, capitalism, sin, and God’s laws. Todd challenges Philip, who maintains dual French-American citizenship, on his beliefs about capitalism versus socialism and his reluctant acceptance of God, while addressing Scott’s skepticism on God’s justice and the nature of sin. These candid discussions reveal important insights into morality, belief, and human nature. Segment 1: • Philip admits he believes the Christian God makes the most sense but rejects Him to keep living how he wants. • Todd shows Philip that rejecting Jesus for “fun now” is choosing sin over eternal life, urging him to see Jesus as better than temporary pleasures. • Philip acknowledges he’s choosing sin knowingly and is willing to face the consequences, even hell, to keep his current lifestyle. Segment 2: • Todd clarifies that Jesus’ offer isn’t just about avoiding hell but receiving kindness and mercy despite rebellion. • Philip admits he knows Jesus offers life but still rejects Him, saying he’s fine with his choices for now. • Todd warns Philip he will face greater judgment for rejecting truth he fully knows, urging him to consider Jesus’ kindness before it’s too late. Segment 3: • Scott claims God is unjust for punishing humans He created, arguing people are like programmed robots with no choice. • Todd explains the standard of justice is based on the One sinned against (God), making every sin infinitely serious. • Scott insists the God of the Bible is evil, while Todd shows God’s justice and kindness in sending Jesus to satisfy wrath and offer mercy. Segment 4: • Todd shares the “tribal king” analogy to explain how God satisfies justice while showing mercy by taking punishment Himself. • Scott insists God should simply forgive without punishment, rejecting the concept of divine justice requiring payment for sin. • Conversation ends with Todd urging Scott to see humanity’s sinfulness and God’s kindness, parting respectfully but with Scott unconvinced. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely 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: • Free evangelism tool alert: “Play the Man” challenges young men to grow up spiritually. • Video games and porn will keep you weak, distracted, and stuck in immaturity. • Want to fulfill your God-given purpose? Put away childish distractions and step up. Segment 2: • Genuine preaching fuels your mind with God’s truth and beauty, not just feelings. • Does your pastor preach so that you leave knowing “God reigns”? • If the supremacy of God isn’t clear in sermons, something vital is missing. Segment 3: • Jonathan Edwards refused to manipulate emotions; he aimed for real heart change. • His “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” still challenges us today. • Are your sermons about pleasing crowds or proclaiming God’s serious truths? Segment 4: • You’re the host: would your sermon pass Jonathan Edwards’ 10-point test? • Great preaching stirs holy affections, saturates with Scripture, and calls for a response. • Real preaching probes the heart, pleads for action, and exalts God above 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!

Segment 1: • Want to lose weight biblically? Todd jokes about “The Fortis Cup Bearer Diet” while warning against diet fads. • Supreme Court rules parents in Maryland can pull kids from objectionable lessons—why should parents need permission to parent? • Todd connects parental rights to the bigger fight against the mental health industrial complex controlling family decisions. Segment 2: • Supreme Court rulings trending positively. Why now? • Unpacks the White House Faith Office’s role and warns about NAR dominionism creeping into political movements. • Highlights the PCA’s study on Christian Nationalism, emphasizing the need for clear confessional grounding in confusing times. Segment 3: • Throwback: Francis Schaeffer vs. B.F. Skinner on human dignity vs. behavioral control. • Connects these classic debates to modern challenges like IVF’s low success rates and ethical confusion in culture. • Stresses that Truth Unhindered remains the need of the hour in cultural engagement. Segment 4: • Switzerland news segues to U.S. stats: 2/3 of young adults leave church, prompting calls for “old school” church. • Todd warns against trendy “hipster church” models that fail to disciple deeply. • Reminds listeners: The early church grew because it was countercultural, not because it adapted to culture. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely 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 a young single woman biblically handle older men flirting with her in public? • What does it really mean for a man to be “above reproach” and “the husband of one wife”? Segment 2: • Do lustful thoughts disqualify someone from leadership—even if they’re fleeting? • Is it wrong for a church to require immersion baptism for membership if I was baptized by pouring? • Am I sinning daily by not doing more for widows, orphans, and the poor? Segment 3: • Is it sinful for a stay-at-home dad to provide minimal financial support if his wife gladly provides? • Does God still love people who are in hell? • Was the Son of God called “Jesus” before His incarnation? Segment 4: • Can you forgive your future spouse for sins they committed before you met? • Is abortion ever truly necessary to save the life of the mother today? • Would starting a podcast where women discuss theology violate biblical teaching if men listen? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely 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 Integrated host Dr. John Crotts steps in as guest host to help you move from simply knowing your Bible to actually using it in everyday life. Segment 1: • Knowing Scripture isn’t the goal—using it to shape your thinking is. • False teaching thrives when churches aren’t equipped; believers need to minister, not just pastors. • Ephesians 4: we mature by speaking truth in love, not by outsourcing ministry. Segment 2: • God’s Word revives, gives wisdom, and produces joy—but only if you’re reading it regularly. • Build daily Bible habits: set a plan, pick a place, and keep showing up. • Small consistent steps create massive long-term spiritual growth. Segment 3: • Bible knowledge isn’t trivia—it’s functional: learn the storyline, genres, and historical context. • Big picture understanding gives depth to daily reading and real-life application. • Knowing how the Bible fits together helps you obey it, not just admire it. Segment 4: • Use tools: concordance, chapter summaries, and group study to deepen understanding. • Apply Scripture to your personal struggles and current crises to grow spiritual muscle. • Church is for equipping each other—learning truth together sharpens everyone’s walk. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel takes listeners to Georgia Tech today on Wretched Radio. Todd engages in thought-provoking conversations with several students, including a young man looking to pursue a career in research and development, a Catholic student who discusses the meaning of Easter, and two friends, exploring their beliefs and understanding of Christianity. Todd challenges them with questions about morality, the 10 Commandments, and the Gospel, encouraging them to reflect on their faith and the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Grad student admits he’s broken God’s laws (lying, stealing, lust, disobedience). • Hopes his good works might offset guilt, but struggles to grasp grace alone. • Realizes salvation is not “Jesus makes up the difference” but “Jesus did it all.” Segment 2: • Catholic student says everyone is forgiven if they live a “good life.” • Admits to lying, lust, stealing music, and likely headed for hell by his own words. • Catholic student is presented with the full Gospel: not good works, but repentance and faith alone in Jesus. Segment 3: • Todd meets two friends who admit to breaking multiple commandments (lying, stealing, lust, anger). • They wrestle with the concept of justice: sin against an infinite God demands infinite punishment. • Todd clearly explains the Gospel as the only solution: Christ’s full payment credited by grace alone. Segment 4: • One of the friends recalls prior conversation with Todd but still hasn’t pursued the Bible or Gospel seriously. • The other friend admits failing God’s standard but struggles with recognizing guilt fully. • Todd once again presents the Gospel in full: God’s justice satisfied through Christ’s substitutionary death. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely 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: • Tim Challies shares hand-picked book reviews on Fortis+ to save you time. • Kevin DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine challenges men to step up as spiritual leaders. • Some books aren’t easy reads—but they’re theologically rich and worth the work. Segment 2: • Tim Challies reviews key books on deconstruction to equip you for tough conversations. • The Deconstruction of Christianity and Walking Through Deconstruction both offer biblical help for those wrestling with doubt. • Learn how to walk with friends or family who are questioning their faith. Segment 3: • Revelation 2 warns believers: knowledge without love leads to spiritual coldness. • Many Christians obsess over spotting false teachers but lose their first love for Christ. • Are you so focused on theology that you’ve lost the joy and awe of your salvation? Segment 4: • Even good learning can dull your zeal if it’s not rooted in love for Christ. • Faithful preaching should stir your affections, not just fill your notebook. • Use knowledge to deepen worship, not just sharpen 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: • Is America right to intervene? The Middle East crisis raises tough theological and political questions. • Distinguishing between national Israel and covenant Israel requires careful biblical thinking. • Todd introduces Just War Theory: legitimate government, last resort, just cause — but it’s not so simple. Segment 2: • The Just War debate gets even messier when we add goals, methods, and terms of peace. • Terror attacks complicate the moral landscape—how do Christians think clearly here? • Biblical principles demand wisdom, not just reactionary headlines. Segment 3: • A violent attack in Michigan stopped by brave church members — do you have a plan? • Churches must take serious security precautions in an increasingly hostile culture. • Evil doesn’t take Sundays off — wise leadership includes protecting the flock. Segment 4: • VBS has morphed — but should kids lead Sunday worship? • Entertainment-driven services may feel fun, but undermine biblical worship. • Worship isn’t a Whoopty Doo Fest; it’s about glorifying God, not entertaining people. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!