Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Segment 1: • Christians struggle to disagree well—social media makes it worse. • Todd & Scott Klusendorf have debated for years but remain friends. • Theological debates often aren’t about core doctrine but secondary issues. Segment 2: • You can reason someone into being pro-life, but only the Gospel saves. • Pro-life work must be gospel-driven, not just about changing culture. • Objective morality requires an objective moral lawgiver—atheists borrow from Christianity. Segment 3: • Scott partners with Catholics on pro-life issues—Todd is hesitant. • Does working together send a false unity message? • If the Gospel isn’t clearly proclaimed, is it worth the partnership? Segment 4: • Both sides want abortion abolished—disagreement is on strategy. • Incrementalism saves lives now, abolitionists demand immediate justice. • Are abolitionists hurting their cause by rejecting practical steps? Watch the full interview, Breaking Bread with Scott Klusendorf, on Fortis+ https://fortisplus.org/tabs/search/video-series/31197 ___ 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 someone shouts during sermons, is it passionate worship—or a distraction? • How can pastor conferences help prevent moral failure and avoid leader worship? Segment 2 • Will heaven or hell have more people? What does the Bible say? Segment 3 • If there are no sound churches nearby, how far should I be willing to travel? • I feel joyless in my walk with Jesus—how can I reignite my passion for Him? Segment 4 • How should a church handle disruptive, intoxicated homeless attendees? • Is it wrong to read pre-written prayers in public worship? ___ 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!

Todd shares insights from his experience at the G3 conference, highlighting the importance of church membership and baptism within a local church. He questions the biblical validity of congregational voting on new members and emphasizes the need for careful vetting to protect the Gospel. Reflecting on a NY Times article, he discusses the risks of changing biblical doctrine due to personal emotions, urging listeners to stand firm in their faith despite relational tensions. Todd stresses God’s call to uphold scripture over affirming sin.

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is at Kennesaw State University to share the hope of Christ with students. The topics in this episode range from evolution, morality, and the existence of a creator to being born again, justification, and sanctification. Todd will plead with two students to consider the life-changing message of the Gospel. Segment 1: • The Ultimate Search – Everyone has a worldview, but does yours answer life’s biggest questions? • Reality Check – Your beliefs don’t make something true—truth stands alone. Are you building on solid ground? Segment 2: • Who’s Writing the Rules? – If morality is just personal opinion, then nothing is truly wrong—but we all know that’s not true. • The Lawgiver Problem – If moral laws exist, who wrote them? Without a higher authority, “right” and “wrong” are just preferences. Segment 3: • The Cosmic Courtroom – If God is just, He must punish lawbreakers. That means we all have a serious problem. • The Mercy Solution – What if someone paid your fine? Enter Jesus Christ—the only way to true justice and forgiveness. Segment 4: • No Neutral Ground – Either Jesus is the truth, or He’s not. There’s no in-between. • The Urgent Call – The offer isn’t just escape from punishment—it’s reconciliation with your Creator. What will you do with it? ___ 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: • “Politics aren’t everything, but they’re also not nothing.” • Dr. Andrew Walker suggests that restraining evil requires power—do we agree? • Not all Christians will land on the same page politically—how do we balance this? Segment 2: • America is more secularly liberal than ever—what does this mean for believers? • Gospel opportunities are increasing as cultural confusion grows. • Greg Gifford and Fortis want to engage in university ministry—how can we reach students? Segment 3: • Illinois church sparks outrage with a controversial immigration billboard. • “Heaven has strict immigration laws, Hell has open borders”—was this a good strategy? • Does boldness in messaging sometimes work against the Gospel? Segment 4: • Churches housing illegal immigrants—is this biblical or overstepping authority? • God isn’t against immigration, but He does have conditions. • How should the Church advocate for immigrants while staying faithful to Scripture? ___ 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: • Satan doesn’t need heresy to destroy churches—just a little bit of ‘dumb.’ • Traditional worship is becoming an embarrassment for some—why? • Pastors feel pressure to make church more appealing—but Jesus is better. Segment 2: • She claims Jesus isn’t the only begotten Son of God—red flag! • Teaches that Christians are ‘gods’ and pushes manipulative seed offerings. • Why do so many still follow her? A lesson in discernment. Segment 3: • Some claim we’re seeing a resurgence of faith in culture—but is it real? • HHS now recognizes two genders—why are Christians celebrating what’s basic truth? • Cultural shifts don’t equal Kingdom growth—let’s not confuse the two. Segment 4: • Tonya Prewett claims God told her this is ‘The Greater Awakening’—but is it biblical? • Lots of Jesus talk, but little Gospel proclamation—what’s missing? • The SBC pushes to defund Planned Parenthood & RFK Jr. questions abortion pill safety. ___ 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 • How do you make sous vide chicken salad? I need specifics! • “Sin is never satisfied”—was that an original thought or a quote? Segment 2 • My pastor asked someone their enneagram number—should I run? • When should we fast, and how do we know when it’s long enough? Segment 3 • Is buying an expensive Bible an act of reverence or a Christian status symbol? • Is “textualism” a faithful devotion to Scripture or a narrow interpretation? • Is admiring religious art idolatry—especially in Catholic churches? Segment 4 • What’s the best book to help me battle pride and arrogance? • Should I focus on giving generously or leaving an inheritance? • How do I avoid becoming stagnant in the fight against sexual 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!

Dalton Teal, a reporter for Wretched Radio, investigates a recent university revival in Kentucky, exploring the Unite Us Movement which attracted thousands yet raised questions about the clarity of the Gospel. He discusses the emotional allure of the event, with 1,500 attendees making decisions and a surge in baptisms, but with unclear discipleship plans. Teal highlights Gen Z's thirst for deeper conversations and critiques how Hollywood references faith without delivering the true Gospel. The dialogue reveals the church's critical role in addressing loneliness and engaging this generation authentically.

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is on campus at Kennesaw State University where he will engage with students to clarify the importance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the concept of grace. Todd will urge the students he speaks with to reflect deeply on their faith and the truth of the gospel. Segment 1: • Matt considers himself a Christian but doesn’t see church attendance as necessary. • He values biblical morals but leans postmodern, believing multiple truths can exist. • He’s challenged to reconsider truth as absolute—either Jesus is the only way, or He’s not. Segment 2: • Postmodernism says “truth is personal,” but it crumbles under logical scrutiny. • Matt is confronted with moral absolutes—without God, nothing is truly right or wrong. • He’s pushed to answer: Is Jesus actually the truth, or just a belief system among many? Segment 3: • Every worldview must answer: Where did we come from? Why are we here? How should we live? What happens after death? • Christianity provides the only coherent, holistic answers through Jesus Christ. • Matt admits he sees the logic but wrestles with fully committing to the exclusivity of Christ. Segment 4: • Joseph believes Jesus died for sins but also thinks people must earn their way to heaven. • He’s shown why good deeds can’t erase guilt—only Jesus’ sacrifice can satisfy God’s justice. • The urgency is laid out: Today is the day of salvation—will he surrender or keep trying to fix himself? ___ 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: • Music & Emotion: Is it okay for worship music to move us emotionally, or is that manipulation? • John Crotts Weighs In: Music can inform and enhance our emotions if used biblically. • Are We Missing Something? Have we downplayed the role of music in engaging our hearts in worship? Segment 2: • Powerful Worship Moments: Some songs stir deep emotions—does that make them more effective? • Behold Our God: Let’s take a moment to truly bask in worshipful lyrics. • Biblical vs. Emotional Worship: If done right, music can help deepen our connection with God—without replacing truth. Segment 3: • A Common Struggle: One of the top questions believers ask—how can I know I’m saved? • More Than Just Head Knowledge: Assurance isn’t about knowing more but trusting more. • Shift Your Focus: Thinking about God more than yourself strengthens assurance. Segment 4: • Feeling Distant from God? That may actually be a sign of connection, not disconnection. • God Reveals What He’s Already Forgiven: Conviction shouldn’t terrify you—it’s evidence of His grace. • Does God Seem Frustrated with You? If you believe that, hearing “God loves you” won’t mean much—let’s correct that mindset. ___ 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!