It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Is skipping Santa robbing your kids of Christmas magic—or giving them something better? • Can attending a funeral with a female pastor mean compromising your beliefs? • How do I know if I’m truly loving my wife as Christ loves the church? Segment 2 • Church discipline: Public call-outs or quiet corrections—what’s biblical? • Do dramatizations like The Chosen distort Scripture or enhance our understanding? Segment 3 • How do you trust God when He takes away everything you care about? • If Jesus is God, how did humanity survive His death? A theological mystery. Segment 4 • My teen daughter says she hates me—how do I respond as a parent and a Christian? • Is writing Christian fiction a God-honoring talent—or just escapism? ___ 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: • Designer Baby Dilemmas: Parents of designer kids often place too much emphasis on genetics, with unintended consequences. • Slippery Slope of Euthanasia: Trends in the Netherlands highlight the dangers of trying to control life and death. • The Takeaway: When we play God, the outcomes are always worse than imagined. Segment 2: • Christmas Gets PC: The story of Christmas is now being shaped by political correctness, making satire nearly impossible. • Cultural Shifts: Movies like the new Mary film reflect how much traditions have changed. • The Question: How do we hold onto biblical truth in a world where satire becomes reality? Segment 3: • Angry Dialogue: Christian social media conversations are often harsh, turning off younger generations. • Kids on TikTok: Young people are searching for life answers on TikTok instead of in the church. • Cultural Critique: A female pastor exegeting The Grinch highlights the state of modern Christianity. Segment 4: • Slow Down: Be intentional about your goals and hopes this Christmas to find true joy. • Practice Contentment: Shift your focus from materialism to appreciating Jesus and redemption. • Practical Joy: Advice from John Crotts and Adam Tyson reminds us that simplicity can make the season brighter. ___ 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 at Gainesville State University in Gainesville, Georgia and discusses physical blindness vs spiritual blindness, wavering faith, and how to share your faith most effectively. Segment 1: • Sight vs. Insight: A blind student reflects on how losing his vision helped him see the world differently. • Honest Self-Examination: Despite claiming to be “good,” admits to breaking God’s laws, including lying and dishonoring parents. • Gospel Reminder: Salvation is not about being “not bad”; it’s about trusting Jesus, who died for sinners. Segment 2: • Facing the Judge: A candid student fears what God might say about his life but admits he hasn’t followed Him fully. • The Disconnect: “I do everything for me,” he confesses, highlighting the gap between claiming faith and living it. • A Clear Choice: Understand who Jesus is, and either reject or embrace His offer of mercy. Segment 3: • The Honesty Test: A robe-wearing student grapples with lies, theft, and lust, admitting, “I’m not living like a Christian.” • A Savior for the Bad Restaurant: Illustrates how Jesus saves not the “clean” but the broken and sinful. • Why It Matters: Until we see how bad we are, we can’t fully appreciate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice. Segment 4: • Laser-Focused Gospel: Avoid distractions and present the gospel as forgiveness for sin, not a fix for life’s problems. • Grace Over Effort: True salvation comes from trust in Jesus, not personal performance or “earning” God’s favor. • Daily Freedom: The gospel isn’t just for salvation—it’s for daily living in the assurance of God’s unchanging grace. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Segment 1: • Biblical Unity at Stake: Jesus calls for unity, but the sufficiency of Scripture in counseling is being challenged. • Common Grace vs. Biblical Authority: Should secular techniques, like “clinically informed” methods, influence Christian counseling? • Why This Matters: The Bible is sufficient—do we need anything else to address emotional struggles? Segment 2: • The Divide: Some biblical counselors disagree on whether secular techniques can coexist with Scripture. • Heretics or Differences of Opinion?: How should we view those who reject the sufficiency statement? • Practical Help: Is snapping a rubber band or practicing yoga biblically valid for someone struggling with depression? Segment 3: • Biblical Counseling’s Core: Secular psychology sees people through a lens opposed to biblical truth—can it really help? • Common Grace Explained: Secular techniques may offer symptom relief, but true healing comes from God’s Word. • The Takeaway: The Bible provides authoritative, life-changing answers that surpass human wisdom. Segment 4: • Family Dynamics: Forgiving your parents and being a great child can change the atmosphere in your home. • A Merry Christmas Reset: Skip “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and embrace the majesty of Handel’s Messiah. • What’s in it for You: Worship music like Messiah elevates your spirit, bringing joy and peace to the season. ___ 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: • Discernment Over Gossip: If you only know one side of a story, ask, “Do I need to know this?” • Hold Everything to Scripture: Even trusted voices must be filtered through God’s Word. • Persecution Alert: Eight Indian villages demand Christians renounce their faith or leave—pray for the persecuted. Segment 2: • Charleston’s Irony: Nancy Mace fights to keep men out of women’s spaces while supporting IVF and abortion. • Believers in Medicine: Corruption in the pharmaceutical industry can only be fixed by Christians bringing godly ethics. • Life Ethics in Britain: With 70% of Brits supporting doctor-assisted suicide, believers must step up to change the narrative. Segment 3: • Todd Bentley’s Fall: The self-proclaimed healer who kicks cancer patients couldn’t heal himself after a coma. • Gospel Over Gimmicks: Churches that attract people with entertainment lose them just as easily—stick to the gospel. • Cultural Changes: Muhammad is now the most common name in Britain, highlighting the need for gospel-focused outreach. Segment 4: • Anxiety and Scripture: A 22% surge in Bible sales in 2024 points to people seeking peace in troubled times. • Buddhism’s Truth: Not all forms of Buddhism are peaceful—some stories challenge the stereotype. • New Insights: Jordan Peterson explores the Gospels, sparking fresh conversations about Scripture’s relevance. ___ 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 is the difference between being “nitpicky” and being a Berean? Is pointing out things like out-of-context passages or the misuse of scripture to support a questionable point considered discernment, or is it just nitpicking? • Should Christians desire that no man may perish? Shouldn’t we consistently be praying for people? • Are there any resources regarding a biblical perspective to holistic/natural medicine? Where is the line drawn between being a good steward of your body and dabbling in new age practices? Segment 2 • Has there been a rise in in people converting to Catholicism? Segment 3 • MATCHING GIFT: every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar. • How should you respond when feeling bitter towards another Christian? How can you check your own heart? Segment 4 • Should Christians read or watch Harry Potter? How should you respond when your pastors or elders do? Is it a difference of theological position or is there indwelling sin? • Do humans carry “energy” or “vibes”? Is it biblical to believe in ‘good energy’ or ‘bad energy’? ___ 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 • Holiday Blues: Depression spikes this time of year, but there’s a path to joy. • Paul Tautges’ 7 Disciplines: Respect, Repent, Replace—simple steps to navigate emotional struggles. • What’s in it for You: Take control of your mindset and experience peace during a tough season. Segment 2 • FORTIS MATCHING GIFT: Every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar. • True Christmas Joy: Serving others brings deeper satisfaction than chasing fleeting holiday fun. • 7 Disciplines (Continued): Remain, Remember, Review, Rest—practical ways to work through depression. • Prayer Stumbling Blocks: Unanswered prayers? Examine your heart—are you asking with wrong motives or giving up too soon? Segment 3 • Unusual Relics: The Museum of the Bible highlights Catholic relics, including the skull of Thomas Aquinas. • Faith Alone: Let’s remember the gospel message—grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone. • Surprising Voices: Russell Brand is leaning into spiritual conversations. Could this spark deeper reflection for us? Segment 4 • Cultural Christmas: Richard Dawkins and Jerry Lewis both highlight the need to reframe our view of the holidays. • Who Is Jesus? Explore how Scripture describes Jesus—as the Logos and ruler over all creation. ___ 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 at Georgia Tech to talk with students about beliefs, morality, and the essence of Christianity. Segment 1: • Programs vs. People: A computational media student agrees programs need a designer but struggles to apply the same logic to humanity. • Creation Speaks: Evidence of intelligent design is everywhere, yet disbelief often stems from a desire to escape accountability. • Why It Matters: Discover purpose and meaning in a world that’s not random but intentionally designed. Segment 2: • Self-Examination: Eduardo believes he’s “good enough” for heaven, but admits to lying, lusting, and anger—breaking God’s laws. • The Gospel Presented: Jesus paid the penalty for sin, offering forgiveness to those who repent and trust in Him. • A Life-Changing Choice: Embrace certainty and peace in knowing your eternal destination. Segment 3: • Moral Gray Areas?: Joey rejects absolute justice, believing morality is subjective, but wrestles with guilt over lying, stealing, and lust. • Confronting the Conscience: Despite his resistance, Joey’s demeanor shows unease, illustrating that the conscience aligns with God’s standards. • Find Freedom: Escape the weight of guilt through the transformative power of the gospel. Segment 4: • Why Did God Create?: God’s relational attributes like mercy and grace require expression, which He demonstrated by saving sinners through Jesus. • No One Is Good: The student admits to breaking God’s laws, realizing no one is righteous apart from Christ. • A New Perspective: Experience a relationship with God based on grace, not 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: • Three Words to Remember: Ask yourself, “What’s your goal?” for Christmas—and it changes everything. • Look Outward: The holidays aren’t just about fun for you; they’re about representing Jesus. • Impact Others: Helping your church community or unsaved relatives find joy in Christ makes Christmas meaningful. Segment 2: • Intentional Parenting: When dealing with your child’s sin, focus on their heart, not just their behavior. • Long-Term Vision: Aiming for godly character shifts how you parent and discipline. • Church Discipline: It only makes sense in the context of a healthy, local church. Segment 3: • Avoid Unnecessary Drama: Proverbs repeatedly warns against needless conflict—especially in church. • Holiday Judgments: Don’t measure spirituality by how people celebrate Christmas. Focus on unity. • What’s Your Neighbor Goal? Aim to show Christ to those around you instead of winning petty arguments. Segment 4: • The Plus One Method: Attend Sunday service, then get involved in one more ministry to grow deeper in faith. • Church as a Priority: A healthy local church impacts you—and the nation. Serve and watch your life transform. • Partnership Opportunity: Supporting ministries like Fortis helps spread the gospel and strengthen churches everywhere. ___ 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 Gospel Debate: Gospel-centered language risks becoming self-centered when Jesus isn’t the focus. • Faith in Jesus, Not in Faith: Everyone has faith—the problem is where it’s directed. • Beware of Naval Gazing: Looking inward at your faith distracts from the transformative power of Jesus. Segment 2: • From Mourning to Celebration: Cultural shifts in funerals reflect a discomfort with grieving deeply. • Burials Speak Louder: Cremation and “celebrations of life” miss the rich theology of Christian mourning. • Teen Church Concerns: It falls short in teaching the whole counsel of God and administering sacraments. Segment 3: • Judging Rightly: Discernment is under-taught but essential for Christians navigating truth in a deceptive world. • Speaking to Power: The Church’s role includes calling the government to repentance and justice. • Justice and Deterrence: Biblical principles uphold the death penalty as both righteous and preventative. Segment 4: • Choose Wisely: Friendships should inspire growth and holiness, not pull us down. • Psychotropic Medications: Increasing cases of numbness and violent behavior point to troubling patterns. • A Tragic Story: The tragic consequences of medication misuse call for greater transparency and accountability. ___ 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!