Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • If a Bible show is inaccurate but gets people reading Scripture, is it still worth it? • Why would God give me a deep desire for marriage but withhold the gift? Segment 2 • Who sings the Beep Talk theme song? (Because we all want to know.) • Can Christians use CBD for anxiety—or is that crossing a line? • Is the tithe a biblical command or just an Old Testament principle? Segment 3 • Does a pastor need to wear a suit—or does it even matter? • Can someone be saved through a distorted gospel message? • Is it biblical to say Jesus “took our shame”—or is that overreach? Segment 4 • Are bagpipes pagan because they were used to worship Nebuchadnezzar? • What should we think about Idaho using the death penalty by firing squad? • Why do churches do awkward “greeting times” during service? • Is it okay for a pastor’s wife to teach a marriage class with her husband—even if she’s not called “pastor”? ___ 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 • Animated movie produced by Joel Osteen raises concerns. • “King of Kings” draws from Charles Dickens’ theology, which emphasizes works righteousness. • Christianity shouldn’t be reduced to a to-do list, especially in media. Segment 2 • New film based on Charles Dickens’ theology, produced by Joel Osteen. • Dickens was influenced by Unitarianism, rejecting the Doctrine of the Trinity and Original Sin. • “The Life of Our Lord” highlights Dickens’ moralistic view, not the gospel of grace. Segment 3 • Which story is most agitating? ◦ A professor launches a course called “The Queer Bible.” ◦ Euthanasia in the Netherlands on the rise. ◦ Persecution of Christians in Nigeria. ◦ Flu vaccine paradox: higher risk of flu among vaccinated. ◦ Leftists justifying violence against Trump. Segment 4 • More shocking stories from today’s culture: ◦ Men competing in female sports tournaments. ◦ Liberal women disowning straight children. ◦ Australian Christians potentially jailed for praying for LGBT individuals. ◦ Scientific claims about animal communication showing signs of complex thought. ___ 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 at Georgia Tech and will engage Ryan and Dallas, in deep conversations about faith, morality, and the existence of God. During their conversations, the men will discuss logical and moral arguments for God’s existence, the implications of breaking divine laws, and the gospel’s offer of mercy through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Ryan, an agnostic computer engineering student, gets hit with the Chick-fil-A analogy: If a sandwich needs a maker, so does the universe. • He admits it’s thought-provoking but isn’t ready to accept a Creator just yet. • Todd plants the seed: “You are more intricately designed than your lunch.” Segment 2: • Todd puts Ryan’s conscience on trial—lying, stealing, lusting—and Ryan confesses to all. • Despite agreeing he’s guilty, Ryan clings to the belief that he’s a “good person.” • The warning is clear: “If God is just, He won’t overlook your crimes.” Segment 3: • Dallas, a sharp 18-year-old nuclear engineering student, believes in a higher power but not organized religion. • After walking through the Ten Commandments, he admits he’d be guilty before God. • When asked what should happen to him, Dallas responds bluntly: “Let Him cast me to Hell.” Segment 4: • Todd unpacks the gospel: Christ pays the debt guilty sinners owe. It’s not about earning—it’s surrendering. • Dallas hears it, understands it, but ultimately shrugs it off: “I may just have to accept the deepest circle of hell.” • Todd pleads one last time: “Don’t reject the kindness of God. It will echo in eternity.” ___ 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!

Explore the power of biblical submission in marriage, leading to harmony and unity through each partner fulfilling their roles. Discover the importance of guidance for children within a supportive family dynamic. The podcast also highlights the detrimental effects of gossip within the church and advocates for community unity. Dive into the alarming statistic that many Christians lack understanding of key theological concepts, emphasizing the need for deeper biblical education to strengthen faith.

Segment 1: • Todd addresses the ongoing debate about the “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24. • Church history is filled with different interpretations, but what if all views are correct? • Todd challenges conventional thinking, proposing a new perspective on this pivotal scripture. Segment 2: • Perry Noble, the cussing pastor from New Spring Church, justifies his vulgar language. • New Spring, funded by the SBC two decades ago, is leaving the denomination after embracing controversial practices. • The SBC failed to address issues with this church earlier, now facing the consequences of their neglect. Segment 3: • New Spring Church’s support of women in leadership—what happens when unqualified leaders are in authority? • Preaching is an authoritative act, and New Spring’s practice contradicts biblical teaching. • Prediction: New Spring Church will soon have female elders, deviating further from Scripture. Segment 4: • A prisoner’s testimony of salvation while facing two death penalties. • The gospel hit him hardest when he was in solitary confinement with only a blanket and Bible. • God’s work inside prisons shows the transformative power of salvation, even for the hopeless. ___ 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 Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • What is Molinism, and is it a helpful or harmful theology? • What’s the difference between the heart and the soul in Scripture? • Is wearing ashes from a loved one creepy, demonic, or just sentimental? Segment 2 • Is a church carnival an effective evangelism tool—or just entertainment? • Should I serve on a church decision-making council if I’m a woman—and there are no elders? • When is kissing okay in a Christian relationship—dating, engagement, or marriage? Segment 3 • Can someone baptize themselves if no one else is available? • What’s the real difference between a pipe organ and a bagpipe—besides portability? Segment 4 • If God’s grace is irresistible, does it really matter if we’re snarky toward unbelievers? • Is it okay to pray that someone hits rock bottom if it leads to salvation? • Should I require my 12- and 16-year-old kids to read their Bibles? ___ 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!