Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Fortis Institute
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Mar 5, 2025 • 55min

YOU WILL STAND TRIAL BEFORE GOD, THE JUST JUDGE! ARE YOU PREPARED?

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel conducts street evangelism at Kennesaw State University, engaging in evangelistic conversations with students about Christianity, morality, and salvation. Segment 1: • Changing Standards, Shifting Justice – If society defines justice, what happens when society changes its mind? • Punishment or Restoration? – Should criminals be reformed or pay for their crimes? What makes one system “right”? Segment 2: • Right and Wrong Can’t Be Voted On – If morality is just preference, then nothing is truly wrong. • The Foundation of True Justice – Without a higher lawgiver, “justice” is just a social trend. Segment 3: • The Ultimate Judge – God isn’t just a distant observer—He’s the final authority on all wrongdoing. • Your Criminal Record Before God – Every sin is recorded. Without a way to erase it, the sentence is eternal. Segment 4: • Justice Demands Payment – Either you pay for your sins, or someone pays in your place. • The Cross as a Legal Transaction – Jesus didn’t just suffer—He took the penalty you deserved so you could walk free. ___ 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 4, 2025 • 55min

WANT TO KNOW HOW TO STOP FIGHTING? THERE’S ONE ESSENTIAL FOR TRUE PEACE

Segment 1: • Peacemaking vs. Reconciliation: Reconciliation is deeper than simply making peace—it’s about restoring relationships. • Matthew 5 & James 4: Conflict stems from desires within, not just others’ actions. True reconciliation begins with self-examination. • Key Takeaway: Biblical reconciliation requires heart transformation, not just resolving the issue on the surface. Segment 2: • Idolatrous Desires: Conflict often arises from selfish desires, like control or approval, that become idols in our lives. • Righteous Anger vs. Sinful Anger: Anger rooted in selfishness can lead to sin, even if initially justified. • Key Takeaway: Real peace comes from recognizing and surrendering our idolatrous desires to Christ, rather than managing conflict externally. Segment 3: • Ongoing Repentance: Repentance is a continual process for Christians—not just a one-time event. • Godly vs. Worldly Sorrow: True repentance leads to change; worldly sorrow focuses on consequences, not transformation. • Key Takeaway: Genuine repentance involves a heart change, turning toward righteousness, and repairing relationships. Segment 4: • Forgiveness vs. Moving On: True reconciliation requires forgiveness, not just moving past the conflict. • Attitudinal and Transactional Forgiveness: We must be ready to forgive, even without repentance, and offer full forgiveness when repentance occurs. • Key Takeaway: Biblical forgiveness mirrors God’s forgiveness toward us—ready to forgive and restore, no matter the offense. Watch ‘Conflict’ with Todd Friel and Dr. John Street on Fortis+ https://fortisplus.org/tabs/discover/video-series/31082 ___ 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 3, 2025 • 55min

MUST WE DIVIDE? IS IT POSSIBLE TO FIGHT FOR LIFE WITHOUT COMPROMISING TRUTH?

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!
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Feb 28, 2025 • 55min

GUARDING THE PULPIT: DO CONFERENCES HELP OR HINDER PASTORAL INTEGRITY?

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!
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Feb 27, 2025 • 55min

CHURCH MEMBERSHIP: WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS AND WHY IT SHOULD MATTER TO YOU

Segment 1: • Todd visited G3—real Christian fellowship is food for the soul. • Is voting on church members biblical? Should it even be up for debate? • The best place for baptism isn’t a horse trough—it’s the local church. Segment 2: • What’s the process for joining your church? Should the congregation have a say? • Leaders bear responsibility, but is congregational voting wise or unbiblical? • Careful vetting of new members helps protect the Gospel—how does your church handle it? Segment 3: • NY Times article: A pastor shifts his beliefs after his son comes out. • “It upended their lives”—but does a child’s sin justify changing God’s truth? • This is what happens when we let emotions override biblical doctrine. Segment 4: • A father abandons biblical teaching to affirm his son’s choices—could it happen to you? • Standing firm may cause tension, but capitulation leads to spiritual ruin. • God never calls us to affirm sin—no matter how much we love someone. ___ 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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Feb 26, 2025 • 55min

IF GOD IS JUST, WE’RE IN BIG TROUBLE—BUT THERE’S A WAY OF ESCAPE

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!
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Feb 25, 2025 • 0sec

POLITICAL POWER OR FAITH! WHERE IS THE CHRISTIAN TO PUT THEIR HOPE?

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!
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Feb 24, 2025 • 55min

IS SATAN DESTROYING CHURCHES WITHOUT HERESY? THE SLOW DRIFT YOU MIGHT NOT NOTICE

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!
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Feb 21, 2025 • 0sec

SIN’S ENDLESS APPETITE: WHY IT’S NEVER ENOUGH AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

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!
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Feb 20, 2025 • 55min

IS THIS THE NEXT GREAT AWAKENING? AN INVESTIGATION OF UNIVERSITY REVIVALS!

Segment 1: • Lots of Buzz, But Few Reports: We sent a reporter to investigate what’s happening on college campuses. • The Unite Us Movement: 7-8K attendees, passionate worship, but how clear was the Gospel? • Speakers & Worship: Tonya Prewett & Jennie Allen led—was this a revival or just an experience? Segment 2: • Jonathan Pokluda Delivered a Solid Gospel Message: But why was he mingling with this particular movement? • 1,500 People Walked Forward: What does that mean? Were they making decisions for Christ or caught in emotion? • Baptism Surge: 1,000-1,500 baptisms happened—but was there a clear discipleship plan? Segment 3: • 52% of Teenagers Want to Know More About Jesus: But do churches know how to engage them? • ROAD TRIP TO TRUTH Mention: Gen Z prefers deeper discussions over small group structures. • Hollywood Mentions Jesus: Kelsey Grammer & Tim Allen bring up faith, but was it the real Gospel? Segment 4: • We’re Ready to Bring Truth to College Campuses: But we need solid campus ministries to invite us in. • AI Dating & The Rise of Romance Fraud: The loneliness crisis is deeper than we realize—how can the Church respond? • Security Crisis? The government is even recognizing loneliness as a growing national issue. ___ 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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