Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

Fortis Institute
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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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Feb 19, 2025 • 0sec

THINGS MAY BE WAY WORSE THAN YOU REALIZE—BUT THERE’S HOPE

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!
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Feb 18, 2025 • 55min

FEELING FAR FROM GOD? WHY THAT MIGHT MEAN HE’S CLOSER THAN YOU THINK

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!
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Feb 17, 2025 • 55min

BIBLICAL BOLDNESS VS. CULTURAL COMPROMISE—WHICH PATH IS YOUR CHURCH TAKING?

Segment 1: • Jesus Wasn’t ‘In the Middle’—especially on issues of life and death like abortion. • Rick Warren’s Bad Tweet: His attempt at neutrality backfired, and after backlash, he deleted it. • The ‘Middle’ Is a Position Too: Avoiding a stance doesn’t make you neutral—it’s still taking a side. Segment 2: • Pastor Andy Wood’s Apology: He retracted his positive tweet about the inauguration—why? • Biblical Leadership Includes Prayer: Paul commanded believers to pray for leaders, so why apologize? • Seeker-Sensitive Churches Avoid Hard Truths: Talking about real issues might drive people away—but is silence worth the cost? Segment 3: • Wheaton College Backtracks: They deleted a tweet congratulating a Trump appointee—why are schools afraid of association? • Politics & Salvation: When people get saved, their worldview aligns with biblical truth—so why the hesitation to affirm believers in politics? • Is Todd Soft on Immigration? Some might think so, but the bigger issue is how evangelicals let tone divide them. Segment 4: • Matthew 21’s Fig Tree Proclamations: Jesus called things as they were—He never softened truth to be accepted. • An Atheist’s Take: Some claim prayers before government meetings are outdated—how should Christians respond? • Perspective Shift: If believers endured corrupt governments in 1512, can we not remain faithful today? Stay focused on the bigger picture. ___ 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 14, 2025 • 0sec

FAITH VS. FAMILY: HOW TO HANDLE NON-CHRISTIAN IN-LAWS IN YOUR HOME

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • How do I protect my kids from non-Christian in-laws who undermine our faith? Segment 2 • Should I pursue courtship if my potential spouse had a sinful past? Segment 3 • Is it gossip or wisdom to heed warnings about someone? • I want to be a pastor—what practical and spiritual advice do I need? Segment 4 • Does a messy house disqualify a man from church leadership? ___ 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 13, 2025 • 55min

WHEN LOVE FEELS LOST—GOD’S GRACE CAN REWRITE YOUR MARRIAGE STORY

Segment 1: • Two Special Gifts: Drive By Marriage resource + a free webinar with Libby Glosson & Martha Peace. • God’s Plan for Marriage: No matter how difficult your marriage, God is the ultimate author of love stories. • The Abusive Wife: A bigger issue than many realize—how should husbands respond? Segment 2: • This Is Not Anti-Women: Acknowledging the issue of abusive wives doesn’t mean all wives are revilers. • Real Stories, Real Struggles: Listeners share experiences of enduring manipulation, verbal abuse, and even violence. • Hope & Redemption: Christ’s blood covers even the most painful marriage failures—there is a path to healing. Segment 3: • Encouragement: John MacArthur is out of the hospital after 40 days—Phil Johnson shares good cancer treatment news. • Concerning Trends: A so-called “church” now openly promotes goddess worship and has a resident witch—where is this headed? • Bible Verse of the Month: Psalm 55:22—casting our burdens on the Lord. Segment 4: • Romans 1 in Real Time: When people reject God, chaos follows—Her Church is proof of that. • Church of England’s Decision: Banning non-alcoholic wine—what’s the real issue here? • Final Encouragement: Drive By Marriage & the free webinar are available—strengthen your marriage today! ___ 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 12, 2025 • 55min

THINK YOU’RE BETTER THAN MOST? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED THIS STANDARD?

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is back at Kennesaw State University to speak with students and emphasizes the importance of approaching evangelism with love and understanding while pointing individuals toward the hope and joy found in Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Cole, an agnostic with an interest in history, approaches Todd out of curiosity about Christianity. • The conversation shifts from historical Christianity (like the Crusades) to the core problem of humanity—our standing before a holy God. • Todd uses the Ten Commandments as a mirror, revealing that Cole isn’t just imperfect—he’s guilty before God. Segment 2: • Cole admits his shortcomings, but Todd emphasizes that comparing ourselves to “worse people” doesn’t make us good before God. • The courtroom analogy drives home the seriousness of sin—one day, Cole will stand before God and answer for his life. • Todd lays out the gospel as the only solution: Jesus bore the punishment Cole deserves, offering him a perfect record in return. Segment 3: • An agnostic admits she struggles to believe in things she can’t see, but Todd challenges her with logic—design points to a Designer. • She’s been hurt by aggressive evangelism, leading her to reject Christianity. • Todd gently shifts the focus back to Christ, urging her to judge Christianity by Jesus, not by the failures of His followers. Segment 4: • The student acknowledges she’s broken God’s laws, but struggles with the idea of judgment. • Todd explains Easter: God’s justice demands punishment for sin, but His mercy sent Jesus to take that punishment. • The student remains skeptical but admits Todd’s reasoning makes sense—Todd leaves her with a challenge to reconsider Jesus, apart from past hurts. ___ 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 11, 2025 • 55min

HAVE WE MISUNDERSTOOD THE GREAT COMMISSION? A CALL TO REFOCUS

Segment 1: • Losing Focus: DeYoung warns that modern Christianity is missing the mark on the basics. • Bait and Switch Tactics: Campaigns like He Gets Us alter Jesus’ message and dilute the Gospel. • The Great Commission Is Bigger Than You: We’ve made it too individualistic—time to recalibrate. Segment 2: • A Quasi-Commission? DeYoung warns that drifting from the Gospel’s centrality distorts our mission. • Course Correction Needed: Have we overcomplicated or misapplied Jesus’ final command? • Stay on Track: Let’s resist the drift and return to the true heart of the Great Commission. Segment 3: • Canadian Minister Rejects ‘Savior’—this reflects a growing movement to soften Christianity. • The Seeker-Sensitive Trap: Avoiding talk of sin is an unbiblical strategy to avoid offending people. • Truth Hurts, but Heals: Jesus didn’t sugarcoat His message, and neither should we. Segment 4: • A Pastor Who Doesn’t Like the Word ‘Savior’? What Bible is he reading? • Twisting Theology: This minister prefers his own definition of Savior—problematic at best. • The Real Stumbling Block: The Gospel is offensive because it confronts sin—but that’s exactly why we need 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 10, 2025 • 55min

TOXIC FEMININITY? WHY ABUSE ISN’T JUST A MAN’S ISSUE AND THE BIBLICAL CURE

Segment 1: • A Biblical Word We Ignore: Loidoreó—to revile, strike, or verbally abuse. • A Growing Issue: The number of men suffering in marriages with abusive wives is increasing. • Cultural Shift: Women are often told they are the center of the universe—how does this impact relationships? Segment 2: • Scripture Speaks: Proverbs warns repeatedly about the misery of living with a quarrelsome woman. • No Peace at Home: A reviling wife creates an oppressive and toxic environment. • Undiscussed Church Issue: Abuse has been mischaracterized as only a men’s issue—time to correct that. Segment 3: • The Root of Toxicity: The natural tendency of some women is to usurp their husband’s role. • Bitterness Takes Over: A hurt can turn into long-term resentment if not dealt with biblically. • God’s Cure: True healing and change come from surrendering bitterness and embracing forgiveness. Segment 4: • The Impossible Standard: No husband can ever do enough for a bitter, reviling wife. • Confronting the Issue: Pastors and counselors often avoid addressing this problem—why? • Repentance Is Key: A bitter woman who refuses to repent will poison her household—change is possible through Christ. ___ 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 7, 2025 • 55min

MIND OVER MATTER? SHOULD WE DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE MIND AND THE BRAIN

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Mind vs. Brain—Are They the Same? Segment 2 • Evangelism Anxiety: How Do I Overcome Fear When Sharing the Gospel? Segment 3 • Is there meaning behind synchronicity, or is it just coincidence? • How often should I keep pleading with my unsaved family to believe? Segment 4 • Is “burnout” a biblical concept? How should Christians handle exhaustion? • Should I push through weariness and work longer, or is it okay to retire? ___ 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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