Wretched Radio with Todd Friel cover image

Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Latest episodes

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Nov 29, 2024 • 55min

SIMPLIFY OR SACRIFICE? TEACHING KIDS THE GOSPEL WITHOUT WATERING IT DOWN

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Should the gospel be simplified for kids? Is it ever too early to mention hell? • Should you serve in a church before becoming a member? Is it a red flag if they allow it? Segment 2 • Church governance: Elder-led, congregationally-directed, or hybrid—which is biblical? • Can Christians say “Namaste” or use greetings from other faiths without dishonoring God? • Should Christians support the building of the Third Temple? What’s the biblical stance? Segment 3 • Spousal disagreement: Can a marriage thrive if you don’t agree on women pastors? • If denying Christ could save a life, what should you do? A moral dilemma under pressure. • Is witnessing to atheists online worth it—or just a waste of time? Segment 4 • Do married couples need to study Scripture together—or is solo study still essential? • If marriage seems impossible, how do you let go of the desire to be married? • Should conservatives try to reform liberal churches—or is it better to walk away? • Is free speech on the brink of extinction? Are open-air conversations the last refuge? ___ 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!
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Nov 28, 2024 • 55min

ARE YOU TRAPPED IN LEGALISM? SPOT THE SIGNS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

Segment 1: • Test Yourself: 14 subtle signs of legalism that may be lurking in your life. • Key Traits: Praising outward deeds, seeking man’s approval, and turning the Bible into a checklist. • Parenting Danger: How legalism creeps into how you raise your kids. Segment 2: • Blame Schleiermacher: The father of liberal theology reshaped religion into “feelings over truth.” • Doctrines from Emotions: “Sin is external” and truth becomes relative. • Why It Matters: Carl Trueman’s insights reveal how this philosophy fuels today’s cultural confusion. Segment 3: • A Harsh Lesson: A father’s shocking cruelty hides a deeper love. • Waiting and Grieving: How the story of Lazarus reframes waiting as an act of divine love. • Faith Check: Do you question God as a friend or accuse Him as an enemy? Segment 4: • God’s Timing: Jesus delayed Lazarus’ healing to showcase His ultimate power over death. • Hard Love: Love can look harsh, but it’s often a shield from unseen dangers. • The Takeaway: Trust that your losses aren’t permanent. His love and timing are always perfect. ___ 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!
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Nov 27, 2024 • 55min

ARCHITECT OF THE UNIVERSE: CHANCE OR DESIGN?

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel takes listeners to Georgia Tech and talks with students about faith, creation, and morality. Segment 1: • Design vs. Chance: Exploring whether the intricate design of the universe points to a Creator or random chance. • Big Bang or Big Design?: Challenging the belief that the universe “just happened” by comparing it to a building needing an architect. • What’s in it for Me?: A reason to see life as intentional and purposeful, not accidental. Segment 2: • Faith in Science or Creator?: A biomedical engineering student claims belief in science, yet can’t explain the origin of matter or order in the universe. • Moral Law and Conscience: Confronting guilt through the lens of the Ten Commandments, exposing human imperfection. • What’s in it for Me?: A deeper understanding of our flawed nature and the need for redemption. Segment 3: • Cultural Christianity: A young man raised in a Christian home admits he’s “still searching,” unsure about committing to faith. • Gospel Clarity: The Bible’s message isn’t about being good—it’s about Jesus’ work to save sinners. • What’s in it for Me?: Assurance of forgiveness and peace through faith, not striving. Segment 4: • Eternal Stakes: A Catholic student discusses salvation and the ultimate hope of heaven but struggles to articulate the core message. • Goodness Redefined: Breaking down human misconceptions of goodness, highlighting the need for God’s grace. • What’s in it for Me?: Eternal security and clarity on what truly saves—faith in Jesus, not works. ___ 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!
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Nov 26, 2024 • 55min

THE UNKNOWN SECRET TO A STRONGER MARRIAGE: IT’S NOT ABOUT YOUR HAPPINESS

Segment 1: • Cultural Sloth: Society makes it easy to avoid hard work—how are we contributing? • Parenting Alert: Could your child’s laziness stem from never having to work for what they need? • Faith and Work: “If anyone doesn’t provide for their family, they’ve denied the faith.” Segment 2: • Before the ‘I Do’: Premarital intimacy and unresolved baggage wreck marriages before they begin. • Happiness Isn’t the Goal: Brad Bigney asks, “What if marriage is meant to make us holy, not happy?” • Challenge for GenZ: Avoid the “it must make me happy” mindset—study wisdom from older generations. Segment 3: • Love the Lord First: Dating isn’t about finding “the one”; it’s about deepening your love for God. • Jesus’ Example: From Philippians 2 to Matthew 18, Jesus shows how to live humbly and forgive others. • Forgiving Your Spouse: How Jesus’ teachings guide the hardest conversations in marriage. Segment 4: • Third Wave Warnings: A new danger looms for biblical counseling—are we equipping all believers for ministry? • Consumerism Alert: Christmas shouldn’t be about deals or distractions—how much time are we soaking in the Savior? • Priesthood of Believers: Biblical counseling is for everyone, not just professionals. Let’s reclaim this calling. ___ 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!
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Nov 25, 2024 • 55min

TEACHING THE BIBLE AS HISTORY: WHY IT MATTERS MORE THAN YOU THINK

Segment 1: • Rewriting History: Can you imagine Western civilization without men—or Christianity? That’s the agenda. • Texas Takes a Stand: New curriculum introduces the Bible as history, not theology. • Cultural Shift: Some fear this inclusion while others push to erase Jesus from the narrative. Segment 2: • No Theology, Just Facts: Texas’ curriculum focuses on Christianity’s historical role, not faith-building. • Outrage Without Cause: Why teaching biblical history shouldn’t bother anyone—it’s part of the world’s story. • Perspective Check: There are 4,000 mosques in America but almost no outcry over their historical impact. Segment 3: • Religious Discrimination: Bernie Sanders targets Russell Vought for his Christian beliefs during a hearing. • A Double Standard: In America, discrimination is taboo—unless you’re Christian. • Grace Under Fire: Vought’s composure shows the strength of holding firm in faith. Segment 4: • Unity with Limits: Perfect unity is impossible, but separation from false teachers is essential. • Judgment Is Necessary: Believers are called to discern truth from falsehood for the sake of the gospel. • SBC Debate: Texas Baptists decline to affirm BFM 2000, reflecting deeper divides within 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!
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Nov 22, 2024 • 55min

DOES PRAYER EVEN WORK?

Dive into the intriguing world of theological dilemmas! Discover whether the term 'adiaphora' is genuinely biblical or just a convenient label. Navigate the complexities of family dynamics over Thanksgiving as tensions rise. Unravel the paradox of demons seemingly pushing people towards Scripture. Contemplate the moral implications of boxing and what it reveals about humanity. Finally, grapple with the profound question: if prayer doesn’t change God’s will, what does it truly change?
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Nov 21, 2024 • 55min

JESUS LOVES HIS BRIDE—DO YOU?

Segment 1: • Jesus’ Favorite Subject: What did Jesus like to talk about? • Your Priorities Matter: Where does the church rank on your priority list? • Beware of Wicked Arguments: Misusing theology to justify sin is spiritual poison. Segment 2: • Jesus Loves His Bride: The Church is central to God’s heart and plan. • Fellowship Over Comfort: Better to be tired in worship than rested in isolation. • Perspective Check: Worship isn’t boring—our hearts might be distracted. Segment 3: • Leave Well: Pray, avoid gossip, and recognize God’s plan may differ from yours. • Build, Don’t Break: Focus on meeting the church’s needs, not your preferences. • Unity Matters: A strong church resists gossip and thrives on discretion. Segment 4: • Gossip Destroys: Tale-bearing weakens the body of Christ and sows division. • Shift to Prayer: Replace judgment with intercession to protect church unity. • Guard the Bride: Discretion preserves trust and strengthens the body of Christ. ___ 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!
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Nov 20, 2024 • 55min

JESUS OR SELF: WHO ARE YOU TRUSTING FOR ETERNITY?

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is on campus in Gainesville, GA to talk with students about creation, repentance, and genuine belief over tradition. Segment 1: • Complexity Points to a Creator: A future doctor acknowledges the design of the human body as evidence of God’s creation. • Faith vs. Commandments: The student believes following commandments earns salvation but admits personal failure in keeping them perfectly. • Grace Explained: Salvation is through Jesus’ completed work, not human effort—a transformative message of hope. Segment 2: • Reincarnation vs. Judgment: A Sikh student describes rebirth based on karma, contrasted with Christianity’s “one life, one judgment” principle. • Jesus as the Payment for Sin: Introducing the concept of grace—Jesus’ sacrifice pays the ultimate penalty for sin. • Turning from Self to Jesus: Highlighting the need for repentance and trust in Christ rather than striving for a better rebirth. Segment 3: • Cultural Faith, Personal Uncertainty: A polite young Methodist inherits faith but struggles to articulate its message or offer peace to others. • Self-Examination: Encouraging the student to reflect on their relationship with Christ to ensure genuine belief, not mere tradition. • Eternal Assurance: The gospel promises peace and reconciliation with God through repentance and faith in Jesus. Segment 4: • Relativity Challenged: College students wrestle with the conflict between subjective truths and the absoluteness of Christ’s claims. • Fear and Love: Using fear of judgment to lead to the realization of God’s love through Jesus’ sacrifice. • Urgency of Decision: Encouraging the students to see faith as a response to God’s kindness and an opportunity to embrace eternal truth 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!
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Nov 19, 2024 • 55min

DIVIDED WE FALL: DEPORTATION, DISAGREEMENTS, AND BIBLICAL WISDOM

Segment 1: • Biblical Perspective: The Bible doesn’t address 21st-century deportation directly—apply OT principles thoughtfully. • Unity Over Division: Don’t let this non-essential issue divide us. Respond gracefully to disagreement. • What’s in It for You: Gain clarity on balancing biblical truth with modern complexities. Segment 2: • Degrees of Issues: The Bible gives varying levels of importance—think critically before fighting over differences. • Wisdom First: Address disagreements with grace, understanding what truly matters. • Relevance: Equip yourself with discernment to navigate modern challenges like AI and doctrinal debates. Segment 3: • Staggering Stats: 85% of pastors quit within 5 years—betrayal, personal attacks, and burnout are top reasons. • Church Dynamics: Are seminaries equipping pastors for real-world challenges and diverse communities? • Takeaway: Cherish, support, and encourage your pastor—don’t contribute to their burdens. Segment 4: • Serious Sin: Proverbs 6 warns against sowing discord—church splits often stem from unchecked strife. • Types of Discord: Doom-and-gloom members, edge-of-leaving members, and amateur theologians sow division. • Actionable Insight: Be a peacemaker. Affirm your pastor and build unity in the church community. ___ 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!
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Nov 18, 2024 • 55min

IDOLS IN THE STADIUM: WHO’S REALLY WORTHY OF GLORY?

Segment 1: • Shift Focus: Are we too consumed by politics, forgetting what truly matters in light of eternity? • Christ’s Example: Jesus submitted to laws He didn’t need to, to avoid stumbling others—eternity was His mission. • Takeaway: God’s interest is eternal and glorious—what are you preoccupied with? Segment 2: • Be the Touch: Jesus touched outcasts; we can do the same for isolated, hurting people today. • Modern “Lepers”: Social media highlights millions feeling unseen—your compassion can transform lives. • Urgency: People are “dying” for connection. Your touch, interest, and kindness matter more than ever. Segment 3: • Spectacles of Worship: Are sports games replacing true worship? 90,000 people glorifying Georgia feels religious. • Reflection: Glory belongs to God, not football—are we more excited about church or a game? • Call to Action: Examine what truly holds your heart’s devotion. Segment 4: • Eternal Joy: Non-sinful fun should deepen our delight in God—live now as citizens of the New Earth. • Sports Betting Reality: A $35B industry disguised as fun but rooted in short-term risk and misconceptions. • Perspective Shift: What does your entertainment say about your priorities? Is it harmless or soul-costly? ___ 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!

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