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Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Latest episodes

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Mar 20, 2025 • 55min

RAISING MEN WHO KNOW HOW TO FAIL WELL AND HONOR GOD

Segment 1: • 54% of Lutheran pastors support abortion; 50% support homosexuality. • A disconnect is forming between conservative leadership and cultural trends. • Cultural issues must not overshadow the gospel message. Segment 2: • Gen Z is rejecting shallow faith; Bible sales are increasing in the UK. • Young people are seeking authentic Christianity, not empty rituals. • The church must focus on genuine, biblical truth to reach this generation. Segment 3: • Young men are misled by video games instead of godly masculinity. • Masculinity is about sacrifice, hard work, and being a godly leader. • Encouragement is needed to help young men embrace their true roles. Segment 4: • Butch Wilmore’s space mission exemplifies godly sacrifice and hard work. • Many young men lack purpose and are drawn to unhealthy influences. • True masculinity involves risk, failure, and growth in faith. ___ 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!
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Mar 19, 2025 • 55min

RELIGION VS. THE SAVIOR: ONLY ONE CAN SAVE YOU

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is back at it with students at Kennesaw State University talking about the existence of God, sin, and repentance. Todd will emphasizes the need for understanding and accepting Jesus Christ for eternal life and salvation. Segment 1: • No Creator, No Moral Standard? – If a painting requires a painter, doesn’t a universe require a Creator? Connor acknowledges this but struggles with defining God. • Shifting Morality vs. Absolute Truth – If culture shapes morality, what happens when it changes? Without a divine lawgiver, everything is just opinion. Segment 2: • Every Sin Counts – From lying to lust, Connor realizes that even internal sins are violations against a holy God. • Guilty Without Appeal – Standing before the ultimate judge, what defense does Connor have? Without Jesus, the sentence is eternal. Segment 3: • Religion Without the Gospel? – Tim understands the framework of Christianity—purpose, morality, and structure—but leaves out the cross. Why? • The Core of Christianity – Good works and meaning won’t save you. Only the blood of Jesus can pay the fine for your sins. Segment 4: • Faith Must Be Personal – Tim gives intellectual answers but is challenged: Has he truly been born again? Or has he just followed religious tradition? • The Assurance of Salvation – Unlike Connor, Tim confidently recalls the moment he was saved. Do you have that certainty? ___ 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!
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Mar 18, 2025 • 55min

WANT A GROWING CHURCH? STOP CHASING TRENDS AND STICK TO TRUTH

Segment 1 • Church news: PCUSA and UMC are cutting staff, while SBC is also in decline. • Growing churches focus on biblical truth, not entertainment or worldly influences. • The Bible permits us to draw distinctions—don’t settle for a worldly religion. Segment 2 • Bethel Church’s influence is part of a broader intellectual regression. • Martin Luther’s The Bondage of the Will offers timeless wisdom on salvation. • Franklin Graham’s work in Ethiopia shows that real ministry still matters. Segment 3 • Bethel Church promotes the prosperity gospel, but true wealth is in Christ alone. • Money isn’t the best thing God offers; Jesus offers something far better. • Sin may look enticing, but choosing it is settling for the lessor thing. Segment 4 • Dr. Jason Lisle in studio—don’t miss this opportunity to learn from him. • We need a serious reevaluation of the death penalty in America. • The crime rate is worse than we realize—look to Ireland for the latest concern. ___ 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!
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Mar 17, 2025 • 55min

THE PHARISEE TRAP: ARE YOU MORE LIKE THEM THAN YOU REALIZE?

Segment 1: • Todd discusses modern Pharisees and how easy it is to become like them. • The ugliness of the Pharisees’ hearts—should we be wary of modern-day Pharisees? • We become what we look at—examining how focusing on the wrong things can lead us astray. Segment 2: • Close reflection on the dangers of being a modern-day Pharisee. • Money-back guarantee on tithing leads to a lawsuit. • A list of traits that define self-righteous Christians. Segment 3: • A look at current events and the world’s struggles. • Minnesota and Wisconsin face controversial legislation. • British attitudes toward AI robots and the growing trend of kids falling in love with robots. Segment 4: • The rise of AI relationships and family challenges due to social media. • Why the church has a better solution for the family, yet it’s underutilized. • An odd trend in Oregon reflecting society’s odd relationship with counseling and healing. ___ 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!
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Mar 14, 2025 • 55min

DOES MY LIFE MATTER? FINDING PURPOSE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • How should a Christian deal with suicidal thoughts and find motivation to live? Segment 2 • Why do aspiring pastors go to seminary instead of apprenticing under a pastor? • What’s an affordable and solid homeschool curriculum for a 10th grader? Segment 3 • Is all of creation ultimately designed to deepen the elect’s relationship with God? • After a traumatic breakup, is my anxiety about dating just healing—or something deeper? • Is anointing with oil during prayer a biblical practice? Segment 4 • Do abortion abolitionists believe babies lost to abortion are automatically in heaven? • Should I serve in children’s ministry even if I have no teaching experience? • Is it sinful for women to evangelize to men? ___ 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!
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Mar 13, 2025 • 55min

IS GOSSIP DESTROYING US? HOW TO FAST FROM INTERNET JUDGMENT!

Segment 1: • Fast that lasts forever? Todd discusses the issue of modern-day gossip and judgment on social media. • Christian gossip and judgment: Steve Lawson’s fall, apology, and how social media handles issues. • Living without gossip: Should we fast from internet talebearing and refrain from passing judgment? Segment 2: • Personal experiences with chronic pain: Tim Challies’ insights on deep grief and long-term pain. • Greg Gifford’s book: The launch of “Lies My Therapist Told Me” is discussed and ready for pre-order. • Addiction’s roots: Todd emphasizes how your brain doesn’t make you call your drug dealer. Segment 3: • Illustrations and clarity: Todd reflects on John Mark Comer’s new book “Practicing the Way.” • Danger of overregulation: Avoid turning personal preferences into laws and make sure our core focus stays on the gospel. • Free will and sin: Discussing the tension between free will, sin, and God’s role in human suffering. Segment 4: • Women and sterilization: Discusses the alarming trend of young women choosing sterilization after political influences. • Politicians’ impact on young minds: How fear and confusion about future generations are affecting decisions on family planning. • Letter to an unborn child: A letter from a terrified woman who regrets the choices made regarding family. ___ 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!
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Mar 12, 2025 • 55min

CHANCE OR DESIGN? WHY YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE HANGS IN THE BALANCE

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is engaging with students at Kennesaw State University, exploring topics like the complexity of the human body pointing to a creator, why Christianity offers real hope that postmodernism cannot, and how the Bible satisfies life’s biggest questions. Segment 1: • Does Your Body Prove God Exists? – Is the complexity of your own body evidence of a creator, or just a product of evolution? • Why God’s Justice Affects You – If God is truly just, what does that mean for you and your eternal future? Segment 2: • Can Good Deeds Erase Bad Ones? – Why trying to “balance” good and bad actions doesn’t work in a legal or spiritual sense. • The Resurrection Proves It All – If Jesus truly rose from the dead, does that confirm everything He said? Segment 3: • Is Life Just Luck and Meaningless? – If we’re just lucky cosmic accidents, does anything we do actually matter? • Where Can You Find Purpose? – Without a clear answer to life’s biggest questions, you are destined to chase after empty things Segment 4: • What’s the Real Purpose of Life? – If you aren’t doing everything for God, is it all meaningless? • God’s reason for the universe – How God displays His mercy, grace, and lovingkindness by saving sinners like you and me. ___ 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!
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Mar 11, 2025 • 55min

ARE YOU SPRINTING TOWARD ETERNITY OR CRAWLING TOWARD COMFORT?

Segment 1: • Dr. John MacArthur may not have attended the Shepherd’s Conference, but his legacy and commitment to serving the Lord remain paramount. • Are you sprinting toward eternity with the same intensity as Dr. MacArthur? It’s about doing all things with purpose, regardless of whether they seem “religious.” • Time is running out—how will you finish the race? Living for Christ in everything we do matters for eternity. Segment 2: • Tim Challies’ webinar on comforting those who mourn is coming up this Thursday. Don’t miss this crucial opportunity to learn about biblical grief. • Exciting events ahead: Jason Lisle’s upcoming event and a 30% off coupon for G3! Plus, get your hands on Greg Gifford’s new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me. • ADHD in kids—what if it’s more about personality than a disorder? Dive into this crucial conversation. Segment 3: • The narrative blaming Christians for the high suicide rates in the transgender community is misguided. The truth: rates of depression and suicide are significantly higher among those who undergo gender surgeries. • The numbers speak for themselves—gender transition surgery doesn’t solve underlying issues; it exacerbates them. • UK’s “first man” pregnant naturally—how much longer will society deny reality? We’re blurring the lines on truth. Segment 4: • America is back—but at what cost? Melania Trump announces the return of the White House Easter Egg Roll; what does this mean for cultural values today? • Evangelical churches on Easter: Could there be a divine groan over how we’re celebrating and engaging with the world’s distractions? • College students are speaking out—are we truly listening to their struggles, or just focusing on the wrong things? ___ 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!
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Mar 10, 2025 • 55min

WHY MEDICATION WON’T HEAL YOUR SOUL: ADDRESSING THE HEART OF MENTAL HEALTH

Segment 1: • Joseph Prince promotes emotional-driven, shallow Christianity, often sidestepping the seriousness of false teaching. • Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 was rooted in love, not judgment—He hated the false teachings that led people astray. • Joseph Prince now wading into biblical counseling, but does he offer truth or a watered-down version? New book “Lies My Therapist Told Me” tackles this shift. Segment 2: • The rise in autism and psychotropic drug use raises questions about how mental health is being defined and treated in our society. • Greg Gifford’s book exposes the industry’s reliance on medication, questioning the root causes and the Bible’s perspective on addressing the mind. • A deep dive into how psychiatry was born from imperial research and its growing influence on everyday life. Segment 3: • Kids are being diagnosed with ADHD at increasing rates, but is this truly a disorder or just part of childhood development? • The obsession with medicating kids with psychotropics is a response to societal impatience, not a solution to genuine mental health needs. • Biblical counseling offers a counter-narrative, focusing on heart issues, repentance, and growth rather than instant fixes through drugs. Segment 4: • Medication is often used to mask symptoms, but it doesn’t address the deeper spiritual issues at play. • The root cause of many emotional struggles, like depression, can often be traced back to unrepentant sin. • “Lies My Therapist Told Me” challenges us to consider the difference between symptom management and real transformation through biblical counseling. ___ 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!
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Mar 7, 2025 • 55min

IS IT TOO LATE TO REPENT AND BELIEVE IN CHRIST WHEN MENTAL CAPACITIES FADE?

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Can someone who denied Christ all their life become a Christian if they lose their mental abilities due to Alzheimer’s? Segment 2 • What’s the best way to divide an inheritance, especially when some children aren’t following Jesus and may use the money in ways I wouldn’t want? • In heaven, will we need to reconcile with those we’ve wronged (or who have wronged us), or will full reconciliation happen automatically? Segment 3 • How can I lead my wife biblically after confessing a sin that has deeply hurt her? Segment 4 • Should I keep wearing my evangelistic button at work, even if it risks my job? • Why doesn’t God reveal himself publicly? • Is it right to throw away religious books from other faiths to prevent others from reading heretical material? ___ 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!

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