Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • The Truth Unhindered – Help us share gospel-centered resources with the world. Completely Free! Your gift will be matched dollar for dollar. • My pastor’s wife only attends church half the time due to sick kids, doesn’t seem to participate in Bible studies or life groups, and the pastor keeps his home private—should I be concerned? • When people say “give yourself grace” after I’ve sinned against someone, does that mean it’s okay to give myself a pass for my sin? Segment 2 • How can I deal with impure thoughts or memories? • What’s behind the growing issue of young men being addicted to online gambling and sports betting? Segment 3 • I struggle with the fear of man. How can I practically grow in the fear of the Lord instead? • My church emphasizes “spending time in God’s presence,” but isn’t God already omnipresent? • How close should Christians be with unsaved friends? Segment 4 • What are your thoughts on C.S. Lewis? • Why do I feel so lonely as a millennial Christian male? – 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 • A viral marriage rant sparks discussion on modern narcissism in relationships. • A wife feels burned out from marriage and motherhood, claiming women carry the lion’s share of home responsibilities. • Despite a seemingly “amazing” husband, she struggles with feelings of being undervalued. Segment 2 • Three main issues emerge: feelings of being “undervalued,” misconceptions about marriage, and unrealistic expectations. • Misunderstanding “love” as a feeling instead of a commitment can cause friction in relationships. • Brad Bigney’s perspective: Marriage requires intentional work and understanding, not just passive affection. Segment 3 • The primary goal of marriage isn’t happiness, it’s holiness. • Christian marriage calls for humility, and sometimes “sorry” is enough. • Many people struggle with selfishness in marriage, and humility is the key to thriving relationships. Segment 4 • Her story reflects a modern obsession with personal happiness at the cost of marriage’s true purpose. • The idol of happiness demands more than any marriage can give. • The Christian marriage isn’t about being equitable; it’s about oneness. – 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 at Georgia Tech to talk with students about faith, morality, and the Gospel. Todd emphasizes Christian teachings, using questions to explore concepts of creation, evil, conscience, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Jose, a mechanical engineering student, wonders how the universe began—leans toward random chance. • Todd argues design demands a Designer, comparing creation to Jose’s sesame chicken. • Jose admits he’s agnostic but open—he wants “proof” before accepting a Creator. Segment 2: • Todd walks Jose walks through the Ten Commandments and Jose admits guilt, agreeing he’d be judged guilty. • Todd presents the gospel: Jesus took Jose’s punishment, offering forgiveness through repentance and faith. • Jose is intrigued but unsure, doubting whether humans can truly know what’s true. Segment 3: • Robert identifies as Machiavellian, believes people are mostly good despite moral failures. • Todd highlights Robert’s sin (e.g. 5,000 lustful thoughts), arguing goodness isn’t enough. • Robert believes Jesus died for sinners but hasn’t repented—he admits it’s worth pondering. Segment 4: • Student asks: “What’s the point of life?” Claims moral living is enough without religion. • Admits to sin but believes intentions and regret soften the guilt. • Todd explains the gospel and challenges him to investigate if it’s true—eternity is at stake. – 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!

The discussion emphasizes the foundational role of the Gospel, highlighting its judicial nature and the necessity of understanding Christ's sacrifice. There's a call for active participation in the local church, stressing service over consumption. Current events reveal rising hostility toward public expressions of faith, especially in local politics. The podcast also tackles the delicate balance between Evangelical and Catholic unity, along with pressing societal issues like school choice and autism debates.

Segment 1: • Dr. Greg Gifford, usually calm, is fired up about the mental health complex. • His new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, challenges common mental health diagnoses. • Secular therapy labels millions of kids, but the system is failing to understand real issues. Segment 2: • Dr. Gifford calls out the DSM5, comparing it to a deceptive, even satanic, guide. • Masking symptoms doesn’t solve the underlying problems. • Secular therapy pushes a flawed ideology that distorts true mental health issues. Segment 3: • The Pope’s death raises critical questions about his authority and the papal system. • Upcoming webinar with Tim Challies on the problem of the papacy. • The Vatican’s process of electing the new pope is deeply flawed and a sham. Segment 4: • Max Lucado gets a tattoo, sparking a conversation about culture, ministry, and personal choices. • Tattoos have become a generational trend, but why are people getting them? • A quiet revival may be happening in the UK, as church attendance rises despite cultural changes. – 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 • When it comes to Bible-based films like King of Kings, how strict should we be about accuracy—and where’s the line? Segment 2 • Is asking a bride’s father for permission a biblical concept—or just tradition? Segment 3 • Should I confront a church that’s using giveaways like trucks to draw crowds? • Is it wise or worldly for churches to sell branded merch? • I’m dating someone who may not actually be a Christian—should I stay or walk away? • Do church “type” groups divide us more than they help us unite in Christ? Segment 4 • Can a Bible study group without a pastor or elders be considered a true local church? • I shared my negative opinion about someone—was that gossip, and how do I make it right? – 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 • The death of the Pope signals the likely election of a liberal leader. • The papacy’s doctrinal errors, based on tradition and magisterium, mislead millions about salvation. • Softened evangelical perspectives, like Russell Moore’s, fail to address the papacy’s eternal consequences. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis’ 2nd-century sermon contrasts with today’s shallow Easter preaching. • Modern sermons are moralistic, neglecting the true gospel of Christ’s sacrifice. • A return to gospel-centered, Christ-focused preaching is essential to understand Easter’s real significance. Segment 3 • 90% of pastors affirm climate change, but many Christians are unsure about the issue. • Dr. Jason Lisle tackles climate change from a biblical and scientific perspective in a Fortis webinar. • The narrative of human-caused climate change is shaky, with natural cycles and past periods of warming showing no human influence. Segment 4 • Al Gore’s climate predictions failed, and the sun’s cycles are a bigger factor in climate changes. • Water vapor and clouds, not CO2, account for 75% of the greenhouse effect. • The human contribution to CO2 is small, and the panic surrounding it is built on weak claims. – 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 on campus to talk with students about their views on human value, morality, and faith. Segment 1: • Student starts with utilitarian ethics—humans are more valuable than dogs due to societal contribution. • Conversation shifts dramatically: “Your job on earth is to glorify God.” • Gives a clear, gospel-rich answer: “Believe on Jesus’ name—He gave me life.” Segment 2: • Julie’s theology: good people go to heaven—even if they don’t believe in hell. • Walks through the Ten Commandments but still claims to be “a good person.” • Learns the gospel: Jesus paid the fine, repentance and trust are the way to be saved. Segment 3: • Would you save a dog or a human—answers rooted in moral relativism, not absolute value. • “Are you a good person?” sparks confusion: some say yes, others define good as “when I need to be.” • Beliefs about the afterlife range from agnostic to cabalistic “spirit-unity-God.” Segment 4: • Final student values “potential” over intrinsic worth—would save schoolkids over a best friend. • In a dying man scenario, offers vague comfort: “Ask for forgiveness… from whoever that is for you.” • Todd closes with urgent exhortation: Know the gospel. Articulate the gospel. Teach the gospel. – 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 discusses the common practice of eulogizing those who have passed. • Can we eulogize the Pope? The Roman Catholic system is unbiblical, but we can still examine it critically. • The Catholic system still promotes works-based salvation, despite some abandoning it. The issue remains: how do we get to heaven? Segment 2 • Research shows majority agree with climate change, but the real issue lies in theology. • Catholics believe Mary was born sinless, a doctrine that emerged in the 1800s, but this contradicts the Bible. • Jesus is the one mediator between God and man; Mary doesn’t share in that role, regardless of her suffering. Segment 3 • Good news: John MacArthur is feeling better and ready to return to the pulpit. • Dr. Greg Gifford tackles the issue of religious scrupulosity—feeling guilty doesn’t mean you’re guilty. • Understanding true guilt versus feeling guilty can be liberating. Segment 4 • A father in Colorado and others are challenging the power of school boards and educators. • Fathers are standing up, saying, “We’re heading down an irreversible path”—why aren’t more men speaking up? • Celeste Diest, a student in California, challenges the lack of action from men in defending their children’s future. – 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 • The Resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, but Andy Stanley downplays its biblical foundation. • Many missed hearing the Gospel this Easter, with Stanley offering no biblical foundation for the Resurrection. • King Charles’ Easter message referenced Muslims, and the Pope’s final Easter address called for world peace—but both sidestepped the central message of Easter: God’s love through Christ. Segment 2 • Melito of Sardis, a second-century saint, preached a powerful gospel-centered sermon that would be rejected by many modern preachers. • His Easter sermon focuses on the suffering of Jesus, contrasting with today’s often trivialized, moralistic messages. • Melito’s preaching is drenched in the gospel, not stories or jokes, calling us to rejoice in the true meaning of Easter. Segment 3 • Sermons like Melito’s from 170 A.D. are rare today, yet they are a rich example of Christ-centered, theologically sound preaching. • This sermon is lofty and reverent, elevating the listener’s understanding of God, and demonstrates the power of high view theology. Segment 4 • A few exceptions to weak Easter preaching: Franklin Graham and Billy Graham both stayed true to the Gospel. • Billy Graham’s Easter message was fully focused on Jesus—no distractions, no moralism, just the glorious gospel. • Preaching centered on Christ and the Word lasts, and is desperately needed in today’s pulpits. – 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!