Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • How can I pursue good works without falling into Pharisaical tendencies? • What’s the right way to interpret and apply the Song of Solomon as Christians? • Should we join a church we’re leaving soon just to serve and take communion? • How should Christians, especially women, approach weight loss biblically? Segment 2 • How can I strike up Gospel conversations without feeling awkward or forced? Segment 3 • Is it sinful to decline a baby shower gift if I feel it celebrates past sin? • How do I lead as a husband without making my wife feel forced to follow? • Is it better for a baby to be raised by a same-sex couple or stay in foster care? Segment 4 • Who should select church elders—members, pastors, or Scripture? • Did Muhammad and Joseph Smith encounter demons—or is it all fabricated? • Am I beyond salvation if I’m stuck in habitual sin? ___ 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: • Evangelicals in Crisis: From voting dilemmas to Trump hesitancy, Christians face political challenges. • Cultural Decline: The Democratic and Republican platforms reflect a troubling departure from life values. • Global Headlines: Israel/Hamas conflict, assisted suicide expansion, and a controversial Olympics shook 2024. Segment 2: • Raising Kids in 2024: Digital parenting struggles and Satan Clubs bring new challenges for Christian families. • Church Shifts: The UMC crumbles while conservative churches thrive—Justin Welby’s resignation highlights denominational divides. • Hope Rising: Bible sales surge, conservative opportunities increase, and Jesus remains King. Segment 3: • Timely Truth: 2 Timothy 2:2 reminds us to stay grounded in biblical teaching and discipleship, no matter the chaos. • Enduring Hope: Despite cultural shifts and moral failures, God’s Word endures, and His Kingdom reigns. ___ 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 heads to University to talk with students about baptism, the purpose of life, and false conversion. Segment 1: • Baptism and yoga compared as sacred rites—emphasizing baptism’s central role in Christian faith. • Todd encourages stress relief through Scripture, highlighting its enduring power over fleeting trends. Segment 2: • A university student shares his mixed beliefs—Christian by upbringing, uncertain about salvation. • Todd underscores the distinction between relying on good works versus trusting in Christ alone for forgiveness. Segment 3: • Student debates the balance between altruism and personal enjoyment in life’s purpose. • Todd transitions the conversation to morality, questioning the role of accountability without belief in an afterlife. Segment 4: • Denise, a self-proclaimed Christian, is challenged on the exclusivity of salvation through Christ. • Ray underscores the importance of repentance and trust in Jesus as the only path to heaven, countering cultural relativism. ___ 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 Insight: Self-harm reflects deeper spiritual issues rooted in striving for unattainable perfection. • The Sacrifice Parallel: Self-injurers mimic priests offering sacrifices, but Hebrews 10:4 reminds us Christ is the ultimate sacrifice. • The Goal: Biblical counseling focuses on leading individuals to love Jesus and find hope in the gospel. Segment 2: • Redefining the Problem: The world clinicalizes self-harm, but the Bible identifies it as a worship disorder. • Heart of the Issue: Self-injury stems from misplaced worship—elevating personal desires into idols. • The Daily Question: Will you worship self or the Lord? This principle applies to all areas of life, not just self-harm. Segment 3: • Lament vs. Sin: Emotions like sadness are normal, but self-harm is a sinful response to those emotions. • True Suffering: Many self-injurers are seeking meaning and need biblical clarity, not a diagnosis of mental illness. • Honest Truth: Jesus doesn’t shy away from calling sin what it is, and neither should we. Segment 4: • Truth Matters: Labeling self-injury as sin rather than mental illness aligns with God’s Word and leads to healing. • Attention-Seeking Behavior: Self-harm is often a cry for help—don’t give up on reaching out. • Final Takeaway: Scripture directs us to loathe sin, not ourselves, and to love our Savior, who offers hope and freedom. ___ 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: • Rejecting Hate: The media’s narrative of perpetual division fosters anger and sin—don’t buy into it. • Christ’s Example: Jesus died for hateful people, reminding us of the gospel’s power to unite. • Atheism Challenged: Ask atheists tough questions about morality, truth, and purpose to expose worldview inconsistencies. Segment 2: • Jerusalem in Danger: Prophetic events remind us to stay vigilant in understanding Scripture. • 14 Bible Study Questions: Practical tools for recognizing sound theology and identifying false teachers. • Context Matters: Analyze the author, audience, structure, and historical background to deepen your understanding of the Bible. Segment 3: • Love Your Neighbors: It’s not optional—God placed you where you are to minister to those around you. • God’s Design Works: Marriage, work, and education thrive when aligned with biblical principles. • Repent First: To improve relationships, start by seeing yourself as the biggest sinner in the room. Segment 4: • God Commands Unity: True Christian unity is built on doctrine, not fellowship, as Martin Lloyd-Jones emphasizes. • 6 Causes of Disunity: Weak teaching, low views of God, inclusion of false converts, and neglect of church discipline erode unity. • Cultivating Unity: Strong teaching, evangelism, and humility create the foundation for a united, God-honoring 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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • When is it time to stop spanking your children—and what works after that? • If I avoid someone who’s hurt me, does that mean I haven’t truly forgiven them? • How should a minister handle being disowned by their child for refusing to perform a same-sex wedding? Segment 2 • Is birth control okay for Christians—and what about permanent options? • Does the pastor’s wife deserve the title “First Lady” of the church? • How can I overcome fear and laziness to share the gospel boldly? Segment 3 • Is it biblical for a man to attend a Bible study led by a woman? • If apostles must see the resurrected Christ, why is Paul considered an apostle? • How can I lovingly guide family away from a church with false teaching? • Should Christians use the word “toxic,” or is it too worldly? • What’s the best way to share the gospel at work when your boss forbids it? Segment 4 • Are church signs like “Life without Jesus is cray cray” effective—or cringy? • Can clever signs like “God is our wireless provider” spark real conversations? • What’s the balance between humor and reverence in church messaging? ___ 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 Examples: Even Jacob, Samson, and David faced in-law drama—what can we learn? • Marriage First: The Bible teaches a deeper bond in marriage than between parent and child—don’t interfere. • Key Principles: “Leaving father and mother” means prioritizing your spouse while honoring parents. Segment 2: • What to Leave Behind: Overreliance on parents’ approval, exclusive confidence, and family traditions. • What to Put On: Treating your mate as the most significant human, honoring their parents equally, and protecting your spouse from criticism. • Unified Action: Couples must create a strategy for managing in-law dynamics together. Segment 3: • Healthy Parenting: Raise children to prepare them for independence—allow respectful disagreements and decision-making. • New Roles: Treat your child’s mate as your own and adopt a peer-like relationship with your adult children. • Protect Their Marriage: Respect privacy, avoid interfering, and influence through example and soft speech. Segment 4: • Wisdom from Parents: Writing a heartfelt letter to your child before marriage can set the tone for their new life. • Family Origins Study: Examine both families’ backgrounds—rules, views, customs, and secrets—to prevent future conflicts. • Final Takeaway: Get these issues worked out before walking down the aisle. It’s worth the 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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is on campus to talk with students about the sanctity of life, faith in action, and absolute Truth. Segment 1: • Exploring the intrinsic value of life: is a fetus a human with rights or not? • The analogy of uncertainty: Why take a shot if you don’t know what’s behind the target? Segment 2: • The drowning pool scenario: Saving a dog vs. saving a stranger—what drives your choice? • The debate on human value: Is worth tied to contribution, or is all life inherently valuable? Segment 3: • The knife-in-the-back analogy: Can you articulate the gospel to someone facing death? • Common struggles in sharing faith: Clarity in explaining repentance, grace, and salvation. Segment 4: • Graduate students’ takes on morality: Is it absolute or subjective? • Postmodern spirituality: Building gods and truths to suit personal preferences. ___ 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: • Parents Matter: Kids with involved, sacrificial parents turn out happier and healthier. • Social Media’s Damage: Liberal girls lead the depression epidemic, spending 56+ hours/week online. • Dads Step Up: Fathers who discipline and engage at home raise more content, grounded children. Segment 2: • “Get Off Your Phone”: Excessive screen time, especially for teens, correlates with higher depression rates. • Feelings vs. Reality: Gen Z is taught that feelings drive truth, creating a fragile worldview. • Parental Role: Replace damaging messages with biblical truth and model healthier habits. Segment 3: • Unintentional Leadership: Fathers influence their homes, even when unaware of it. • Modeling Matters: How dads treat their wives and interact with their kids teaches lasting lessons. • Encouragement Over Criticism: Make sure your children know you’re proud of them; they’re watching closely. Segment 4: • Jesus as a Child: The Bible provides only a glimpse into His early years in Luke 2. • Why So Little?: Speculations like “The Infancy Gospel of Thomas” show why the canon was carefully curated. • A Divine Perspective: Imagine living with full knowledge of your future suffering—how would it shape your life? ___ 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: • Holiness Isn’t Passive: Sanctification isn’t just about stopping sin—it’s about starting new habits. • Ephesians 4:22: Put off sin, but don’t stop there; put on holiness to become whole. • Practical Steps: If you’re not spiritually strong, consume more of Christ by reading Scripture, worshiping, and focusing on Jesus. Segment 2: • New Math for Holiness: Ephesians 4:22-24 teaches a process: put off sin, put on righteousness. • Greg Gifford’s Insight: True sanctification requires replacing sinful habits with godly actions. Segment 3: • The Scope of Anger: Anger affects 90% of counseling cases and damages relationships at home and work. • What Fuels Anger: Anger often stems from a “busted sense of judgment” and justifications for sinful reactions. • No Excuses: You can’t blame your circumstances—anger reveals what’s already in your heart. Segment 4: • Anger vs. Righteousness: Righteous anger focuses on God and His Kingdom, not personal preferences. • Root of Sinful Anger: Identify the idols fueling your anger by asking, “What do I want so much?” • God’s Answer: Replace anger’s idolatry with the peace of Jesus, who transforms hearts and homes. ___ 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!