Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1: • Smartphones at age 5–6 linked to 48% suicidal thoughts in girls. • Early phone use disrupts emotional stability, empathy, and reality perception. • Christians called to be counter-cultural—even if kids push back. Segment 2: • Ozempic use in teens raising long-term brain and appetite concerns. • Stopping GLP-1 drugs leaves lasting appetite and mood issues. • Mental health crisis linked to dopamine interference and body image lies. Segment 3: • Smartphones + body image pressure driving teen Ozempic use. • Over 700 signed up for Play the Man—momentum is building. • Campus culture toward Christianity is shifting—opportunities emerging. Segment 4: • Beachaven Church aiming for 10,000 gospel conversations. • Evangelism culture must be intentional—does your church have one? • Only 36% of Americans confident in the church; evangelism can change that. ___ 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! Does being raised in a “religious” home guarantee that a child will continue in the faith once they go to college? The conversations you hear in this episode might shock you. Todd is back at Georgia Tech where he will encounter the unfortunate toll post-modernism has had on the minds of young adults. Todd also shares a strategy that proves helpful in evangelistic conversations. Segment 1: • The first student Todd talks with was raised around church but has drifted from Christianity due to friends, science, and disinterest. • He claims to be a “good person”; Todd uses the 10 Commandments to show the student’s guilt before God. • He hears the full gospel—Jesus paying his fine so he can be forgiven— and is challenged to decide if it’s true. Segment 2: • The next student Todd talks to identifies as Baptist but admits he doesn’t know if he’s going to heaven. • Todd explains that being religious isn’t the same as being born again. • The student is urged to repent, trust in Christ fully, and make his salvation certain by being pointed to Romans to see the truth. Segment 3: • Todd talks with a student that believes in a vague “parent-like” God who disciplines but doesn’t condemn. • Todd uses the 10 Commandments to show guilt before a just Judge who must punish sin. • The student hears the gospel—Jesus taking his punishment—and is challenged to determine if it’s true. Segment 4: • Kevin embraces postmodern thinking: Catholicism works for him, but “all truths” are valid. • Another student calls himself Christian but doubts Jesus is the only way; breaks all 10 Commandments. • Both students are urged to see Jesus as the only truth, repent, and trust Him alone for 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: • Debate in Texas and Oklahoma over posting the Ten Commandments in schools. • Glenn Beck supports it—but reframes them in a way that misses their true biblical intent. • The Ten Commandments point to the one true God, not just generic morality. Segment 2: • Glenn Beck’s defense of the Ten Commandments feels shallow and unclear. • His reasoning veers off into emotional and cultural appeals, not theological accuracy. • Todd challenges: What’s the point if the Gospel isn’t connected to the Law? Segment 3: • Posting the Law without the Gospel misses its purpose—law convicts, Gospel saves. • Global updates: Divorce gift registries, marijuana health risks, etiquette coaches for Gen Z. • Which states best (and worst) protect religious liberty? Segment 4: • Children’s National Hospital halts puberty blockers for minors. • UK: Bereavement pay for miscarriage and abortion legalized up to birth. • Uber launches female-only pickup feature; Wretched store sale announced. ___ 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: • Peter’s denial wasn’t casual—he disowned “The Man” with whom he walked. • After denying Christ, Peter locked eyes with Jesus and wept bitterly. • Jesus’ post-resurrection message singled Peter out—restoration was coming. Segment 2: • Peter’s failure was massive, but so was Christ’s mercy. • Jesus didn’t just forgive—He re-commissioned Peter. • Christians need a real plan for recurring sin—don’t wait to fall again. Segment 3: • When harm touches the innocent, righteous anger isn’t wrong—it’s biblical. • The Idaho killer’s sentence feels like justice denied. • Christians should care deeply about justice because God does. Segment 4: • AI is being used to groom and exploit—one woman exposed its darkness firsthand. • Kids can bypass filters, and the internet keeps getting darker. • The Church must shine light, not just shout “how awful.” ___ 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: Why is porn addiction among women on the rise? Can you ever erase explicit images once they’re in your mind? Segment 2: Is GotQuestions.org a trustworthy source for biblical answers? Is it wrong to only want to marry someone of your own race? Segment 3: How can you date with clear boundaries and avoid falling into temptation? What do your dating choices reveal about your heart? Segment 4: When is a Christian marriage truly dissolved in God’s eyes? Should churches play a bigger role in ending marriages? ___ 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!

Phil Johnson spent 45 years alongside John MacArthur—and now opens up about the man behind the pulpit. From private regrets to public faithfulness, this candid conversation explores what made MacArthur the shepherd, not the celebrity. Segment 1: A Diagnosis, a Death, and Dying Well • Phil shares his own cancer battle and how it shaped his view of mortality • Reflects on MacArthur’s final days and the surprising way he spoke of heaven • What it means for Christians to prepare to die well Segment 2: The Warmth Behind the Lion • What John MacArthur was really like off the stage • How he reacted to sudden fame—and why he rejected celebrity culture • Why pastors should never neglect the pulpit for programs Segment 3: The Mistakes He Admitted and Corrected • The two doctrinal errors MacArthur publicly retracted • Why his view on the eternal Sonship of Christ changed—and why it matters • What his response reveals about humility and theological integrity Segment 4: COVID, Romans 13, and the Critics • Did John MacArthur change his view on church and state during COVID? • Phil explains how the church stood firm—and what drove the decision • Why MacArthur never landed in scandal despite decades of controversy ___ 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! What happens when brilliant students cling to broken views of truth, religion, and identity? Todd heads to Georgia Tech to ask hard questions—and expose just how far people will go to avoid the real Jesus. Segment 1: The physics student who says truth is whatever you believe • Can logic shake his postmodern foundation? • What does he say when confronted with objective reality? Segment 2: The aerospace major who claims to be a Christian • His faith feels “right,” but is it real? • Can science and Scripture both be trusted? Segment 3: The agnostic who grew up in church • Admits he’s broken God’s law—but does he care? • Faces the uncomfortable truth about sin and judgment Segment 4: A final challenge to every false religion • Why Christianity can’t be just “one of many” • The one thing no other religion offers ___ 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 reflects on seeing The Screwtape Letters in Greenville, SC. • The smarter you get in theology, the easier it is to grow prideful. • Scott Aniol becomes G3 Ministries President; reminder to engage secondary disagreements with grace. Segment 2 • Porn remains the top sin struggle listeners report. • Examine your heart: Are you pursuing sin because it’s easy? Are you lazy? • Evict the enemy—better to lose comfort than lose your purity. Segment 3 • Phil Johnson joins Thursday to share insights on Dr. MacArthur. • Baptist News attacks MacArthur as a “false prophet”—Todd exposes the absurdity. • Chip and Joanna Gaines criticized for promoting unbiblical messages about love. Segment 4 • Growing trend: People using AI chatbots for relationships and even marriage. • AI companions are programmed to affirm your every thought. • AI will tell you what you want to hear—even if it destroys 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!

Wait a minute — that’s not Todd! Today on Wretched Radio, Fortis Institute Fellow and Way of Manhood host Dr. Adam Tyson explores how seeing God’s holiness exposes our sin, fuels worship, transforms our speech, and empowers us to forgive. Segment 1 • Seeing God’s holiness exposes your sin and demands a response—repent or reject. • Isaiah’s vision shows God’s majesty and your unworthiness: “Woe is me… I am a man of unclean lips.” • Real encounters with God lead to humility, repentance, and mission: “Here am I, send me.” Segment 2 • Psalm 84 reveals that pursuing God’s presence fuels passion and endurance, even through dry seasons. • Like sparrows finding rest at the altar, your soul finds peace near God. • “Better is one day in Your courts…”—God’s presence is better than anything this world offers. Segment 3 • James 3 warns: your tongue controls your life like a rudder on a ship or a spark that ignites a wildfire. • No one can tame the tongue—except Christ working through a changed heart. • If God has cleansed you, your words should now build up, not destroy. Segment 4 • Jesus’ parable reminds us: forgiven sinners forgive others—no exceptions. • You’ve been forgiven an $8 billion debt; refusing to forgive a $30,000 offense shows an unforgiving heart. • Release bitterness and extend mercy—not because it’s easy, but because you’ve been forgiven 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 Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • If sin separates us from God, why do you say it can’t? • I’ve found freedom from pornography—how can I help other men using “Play the Man”? Segment 2 • Thankful for early exposure to Dr. MacArthur’s preaching—what a difference it made. • Does following Word of Faith or NAR teachings make someone a pagan? Segment 3 • Why doesn’t God seem to help when I pray for patience with my toddler? AND, What does it mean that God is a “very present help” when I feel abandoned in my struggle? Segment 4 • How much should I “put myself out there” when waiting on God for a husband? Are dating apps a lack of trust? • Can a man serve as an elder if his kids are out of control 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!