Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1 • When it comes to Bible-based films like King of Kings, how strict should we be about accuracy—and where’s the line? Segment 2 • Is asking a bride’s father for permission a biblical concept—or just tradition? Segment 3 • Should I confront a church that’s using giveaways like trucks to draw crowds? • Is it wise or worldly for churches to sell branded merch? • I’m dating someone who may not actually be a Christian—should I stay or walk away? • Do church “type” groups divide us more than they help us unite in Christ? Segment 4 • Can a Bible study group without a pastor or elders be considered a true local church? • I shared my negative opinion about someone—was that gossip, and how do I make it right? – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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 death of the Pope signals the likely election of a liberal leader. • The papacy’s doctrinal errors, based on tradition and magisterium, mislead millions about salvation. • Softened evangelical perspectives, like Russell Moore’s, fail to address the papacy’s eternal consequences. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis’ 2nd-century sermon contrasts with today’s shallow Easter preaching. • Modern sermons are moralistic, neglecting the true gospel of Christ’s sacrifice. • A return to gospel-centered, Christ-focused preaching is essential to understand Easter’s real significance. Segment 3 • 90% of pastors affirm climate change, but many Christians are unsure about the issue. • Dr. Jason Lisle tackles climate change from a biblical and scientific perspective in a Fortis webinar. • The narrative of human-caused climate change is shaky, with natural cycles and past periods of warming showing no human influence. Segment 4 • Al Gore’s climate predictions failed, and the sun’s cycles are a bigger factor in climate changes. • Water vapor and clouds, not CO2, account for 75% of the greenhouse effect. • The human contribution to CO2 is small, and the panic surrounding it is built on weak claims. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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 on campus to talk with students about their views on human value, morality, and faith. Segment 1: • Student starts with utilitarian ethics—humans are more valuable than dogs due to societal contribution. • Conversation shifts dramatically: “Your job on earth is to glorify God.” • Gives a clear, gospel-rich answer: “Believe on Jesus’ name—He gave me life.” Segment 2: • Julie’s theology: good people go to heaven—even if they don’t believe in hell. • Walks through the Ten Commandments but still claims to be “a good person.” • Learns the gospel: Jesus paid the fine, repentance and trust are the way to be saved. Segment 3: • Would you save a dog or a human—answers rooted in moral relativism, not absolute value. • “Are you a good person?” sparks confusion: some say yes, others define good as “when I need to be.” • Beliefs about the afterlife range from agnostic to cabalistic “spirit-unity-God.” Segment 4: • Final student values “potential” over intrinsic worth—would save schoolkids over a best friend. • In a dying man scenario, offers vague comfort: “Ask for forgiveness… from whoever that is for you.” • Todd closes with urgent exhortation: Know the gospel. Articulate the gospel. Teach the gospel. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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 discusses the common practice of eulogizing those who have passed. • Can we eulogize the Pope? The Roman Catholic system is unbiblical, but we can still examine it critically. • The Catholic system still promotes works-based salvation, despite some abandoning it. The issue remains: how do we get to heaven? Segment 2 • Research shows majority agree with climate change, but the real issue lies in theology. • Catholics believe Mary was born sinless, a doctrine that emerged in the 1800s, but this contradicts the Bible. • Jesus is the one mediator between God and man; Mary doesn’t share in that role, regardless of her suffering. Segment 3 • Good news: John MacArthur is feeling better and ready to return to the pulpit. • Dr. Greg Gifford tackles the issue of religious scrupulosity—feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re guilty. • Understanding true guilt versus feeling guilty can be liberating. Segment 4 • A father in Colorado and others are challenging the power of school boards and educators. • Fathers are standing up, saying, “We’re heading down an irreversible path”—why aren’t more men speaking up? • Celeste Diest, a student in California, challenges the lack of action from men in defending their children’s future. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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 Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, but Andy Stanley downplays its biblical foundation. • Many missed hearing the Gospel this Easter, with Stanley offering no biblical foundation for the Resurrection. • King Charles’ Easter message referenced Muslims, and the Pope’s final Easter address called for world peace—but both sidestepped the central message of Easter: God’s love through Christ. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis, a second-century saint, preached a powerful gospel-centered sermon that would be rejected by many modern preachers. • His Easter sermon focuses on the suffering of Jesus, contrasting with today’s often trivialized, moralistic messages. • Melito’s preaching is drenched in the gospel, not stories or jokes, calling us to rejoice in the true meaning of Easter. Segment 3 • Sermons like Melito’s from 170 A.D. are rare today, yet they are a rich example of Christ-centered, theologically sound preaching. • This sermon is lofty and reverent, elevating the listener’s understanding of God, and demonstrates the power of high view theology. Segment 4 • A few exceptions to weak Easter preaching: Franklin Graham and Billy Graham both stayed true to the Gospel. • Billy Graham’s Easter message was fully focused on Jesus—no distractions, no moralism, just the glorious gospel. • Preaching centered on Christ and the Word lasts, and is desperately needed in today’s pulpits. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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!

This episode of Wretched Radio looks at the true meaning of the cross and its pivotal role in Christianity. Todd Friel examines the agony and purpose of Jesus’ sacrifice, exploring why it pleased God to have His Son endure such brutal suffering. It’s not about feeling good or finding happiness—it’s about recognizing the immense cost of salvation and the incredible love God has for sinners. Tune in to reflect on the cross, examine your relationship with Christ, and discover why understanding His death is key to transforming your life 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 • Chris Tomlin’s The Last Supper movie raises major concerns. • Key issue: The portrayal of Satan and dramatic inaccuracies. • Would a lost person truly understand the biblical Jesus from the film? Absolutely not. Segment 2 • Chris Tomlin’s presentation of an ancient hymn falls short this Easter. • Highlights: Nature, awe, and reverence—qualities many Easter services miss. • President’s Easter Proclamation offers theological depth we should aim to emulate. Segment 3 • Paula White’s influence on the President raises important questions. • Biden’s Easter Proclamation is rich but lacks biblical focus. • A Missouri Senator’s push to make Easter a federal holiday misses the mark, focusing on economics rather than faith. Segment 4 • Saturday Night Live misuses Jesus as a prop to mock Easter. • They avoid mocking Islam—why the double standard? • A Canton, GA pastor’s response to critics reveals much about how Christ is perceived today. – Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme – 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 visits the University of Georgia to engage those he meets with the gospel. In a compelling conversation, Damarie wrestles with the exclusive claims of Jesus and admits he’s yet to fully trust Him. Todd also speaks with Mormon missionaries, exposing key theological differences and pointing listeners to the true Jesus who saves by grace alone. Segment 1: • Damarie, a Baptist by background, hesitates to say others are wrong—revealing how cultural tolerance clashes with exclusive truth claims of Christianity. • Todd challenges the elephant analogy—showing why not all religious views can be equally valid if Jesus is the only way. • The conversation shifts from relativism to truth claims, putting pressure on Damarie to consider the exclusivity of Christ. Segment 2: • Todd walks Damarie through the law—revealing sin, guilt, and the just wrath of God using the conscience as a witness. • The Gospel is clearly laid out—Jesus pays the penalty, satisfies justice, and credits righteousness to sinners. • Damarie admits he hasn’t fully trusted Christ, though he’s aware of his sin and conviction is stirring. Segment 3: • Mormon missionaries affirm faith in Jesus, but describe Him as a created being—not the eternal, uncreated Son of God. • They define salvation as “a chance” contingent on works, not the secured gift offered by grace through faith. • Todd presses Ephesians 2:8–9, contrasting salvation as a free gift with the Mormon framework of merit-based exaltation. Segment 4: • The missionaries confirm belief in exaltation—becoming gods with their own universes—but God is still “their” God. • They discuss the church’s past racial restrictions, admitting confusion over God’s “change of mind.” • Despite doctrinal concerns, the young men are earnest, devoted, and open to friendly dialogue—even swapping gospel DVDs. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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: • YouTube gurus are misusing the term “narcissist” to manipulate relationships, especially targeting men. • Their advice? “Torture” narcissists by reducing their significance—an approach not backed by scripture. • Does the Bible support this trend, or is it just trendy manipulation disguised as wisdom? Segment 2: • Are parents being ghosted by their kids due to the narcissism trend? • Terms like “cutting out toxic people” and “chosen family” are replacing biblical commands. • The Bible warns against abandoning your family—this culture of detachment is dangerous and unbiblical. Segment 3: • We’ve coddled people’s feelings for too long, but this narcissism trend takes it too far. • The idea that you should “torture” or “hold onto your truth” against a narcissist is against biblical teaching. • True Christian love and engagement with others doesn’t involve playing games—it involves walking alongside them in truth and grace. Segment 4: • Influencers encourage you to ignore or punish those who don’t align with your truth. • This “narcissism” culture isn’t biblical; we don’t torture people or cast them aside. • Personal preferences aren’t narcissism; kindness and understanding are key in relationships. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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 of Kings with Dalton Teal. • Based on Charles Dickens’ theology, the movie is ecumenical, trying to please everyone, but lacks clear Gospel proclamation. • Big Eva supports it, but the film’s moralistic approach distorts the core message of Christianity. Segment 2 • Review of King of Kings continues: The film oversimplifies Jesus’ story with a moralistic lens. • New York Times: “Christianity is about doing good,” but this misses the true Gospel. • Todd critiques the low view of God, reducing Jesus to a character for children’s accessibility. Segment 3 • Ray Comfort’s evangelism is as powerful as his preaching. • A look into his militant style of preaching and how it can impact the Church. • Ray Comfort doesn’t just preach the gospel, he calls for action. Segment 4 • Ray Comfort’s Hell’s Best Kept Secret is a must-read before Easter for pastors. • The tragedy: most will not hear the real, robust gospel this Easter. • Romans 8: The importance of delivering the Gospel message with power. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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!