Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Will we feel sorrow in heaven for loved ones who weren’t saved? • Is it biblical for a church member to run a business in the church basement? Segment 2 • Is the torment of hell inherent—or is God actively tormenting the lost? • Should I get rebaptized even if it causes strife with my parents? Segment 3 • What’s the difference between a false teacher and a false prophet? • How can I long for heaven without resenting life on earth? Segment 4 • Should AI play a role in sermon prep, or does it undermine biblical thinking? ___ 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: • Evil on Display: A female Episcopalian bishop with a pro-abortion stance gives a condescending “sermon” at the inauguration. • The Bigger Issue: No executive orders or modern self-focused ideals can fix what’s fundamentally broken—this is evil in action. • Satanic Semantics: The rhetoric and tone reveal the spiritual battle beneath the cultural facade. Segment 2: • The Gospel Missed? Todd critiques Joe Rogan’s conversation with Wesley Huff, noting a lack of a full gospel presentation. • Second Chance: Wesley Huff presents the gospel beautifully on the Julian Dorey podcast, reaching an unbelieving audience. • Forgiveness Costs: The gospel shows that forgiveness is costly and requires the ultimate sacrifice. Segment 3: • Judicial Truth: At its heart, the gospel is judicial—Jesus paid the penalty for sin. • A Bold Witness: Wesley Huff’s message emphasizes the countercultural truth that the first shall be last. • A Listening Audience: Julian Dorey admits he’s never heard the gospel before—highlighting the importance of clear evangelism. Segment 4: • Plenary Indulgences Return: The RCC declares 2025 the “Year of Jubilee,” with indulgences offered for the punishment of sin. • Biblical Misuse: Not every verse applies directly to us—be cautious of misinterpretations like this. • Theological Problems: Indulgences undermine the sufficiency of Christ’s work on the cross. ___ 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 Kennesaw State University for some meaningful conversations with students about faith, God, and the Gospel. Segment 1: ◦ Creation reveals attributes of God: power, creativity, and omniscience. ◦ The Bible corresponds with reality, reinforcing its claims about God. ◦ Logical reasoning supports the existence of a Creator. Segment 2: ◦ God’s law sets a standard of perfection: love for God and others. ◦ Breaking the law makes all humans guilty before a holy and just God. ◦ The consequences of sin highlight the need for divine justice. Segment 3: ◦ Jesus Christ lived a sinless life and bore the punishment for humanity’s sins. ◦ His resurrection confirms His divinity and the sufficiency of His sacrifice. ◦ Faith in Jesus, not works, offers forgiveness and eternal life. Segment 4: ◦ Salvation requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ alone. ◦ Rejecting works-based salvation brings peace and assurance in Christ’s finished work. ◦ True purpose and eternal hope are found in living for God. ___ 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: • Discernment Is Constant: We’re always judging; the key is to discern biblically and wisely. • Benefit of the Doubt: Our default posture should be grace, not criticism, when assessing pastors and members. • The Problem of Discipline: Few churches practice church discipline, leaving sin unchecked and unresolved. Segment 2: • Discernment Saves: Knowing how to judge properly protects you from false teaching and personal hurt. • Celebrity Culture Warning: One day, the leaders we idolize won’t be at the front of the line—stay grounded in Christ. • Thou Shalt Judge: Discernment isn’t optional—it’s commanded for spiritual health. Segment 3: • Pastoral Failures: Falls are gradual, starting with a careless slide in daily spiritual disciplines. • Check Your Heart: Struggling to judge yourself rightly? Look for signs of weakness and run to Christ. • Liberty vs. License: Are you using Christian liberty to justify slipping further from God? Segment 4: • Gospel Clarity Matters: Talking about the gospel isn’t enough—present it clearly and concisely. • Encourage While You Can: Reflect on loved ones’ impact while they’re still alive; don’t wait for eulogies. • Breaking News: Leaders in the faith face battles too—pray and support them in their struggles. ___ 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: • Inauguration Day Questions: Will nearly 200 executive orders bring meaningful moral change? • Pro-Life Hopes: Will the new administration prioritize the sanctity of life? • MLK’s Theology: Beyond civil rights, King questioned core doctrines like the virgin birth, raising theological concerns. Segment 2: • MLK’s Christology: King’s views on the deity of Christ were heretical, placing him outside orthodox Christianity. • Biblical Reminder: Matthew 21 shows that understanding Christ correctly is essential to true faith. • Cultural Misconceptions: Why Christians must examine influential figures through a biblical lens. Segment 3: • Political Flip-Flops: Preemptive pardons condemned in 2020 are now signed—so much for consistency. • Screen Addiction: Could our obsession with phones be influenced by deeper, spiritual forces? • Social Media Chaos: Twitter thrives on dissension and debate, often at the cost of truth and peace. Segment 4: • The Death of Art: Art once elevated society, but today it often shocks or tears down. • Lessons from Rome: The fall of civilizations offers warnings for modern nations. • The Nation’s Future: Pro-life policies and addressing low birth rates are vital to a thriving society. ___ 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 • My Catholic husband wants our kids at his church, but they prefer mine. How do I navigate this family faith divide? Segment 2 • Can a pastor work a full-time job, or does it compromise his ministry? • Should I avoid a solid teacher if they associate with false teachers? • Is public education unbiblical? Should Christians embrace or reject it? Segment 3 • Is it disrespectful to let a Bible touch the floor, or is that just human tradition? Segment 4 • Is it biblical to wish a “happy heavenly birthday” to our deceased loved ones? ___ 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: • True Joy in Christ: Your flesh will always desire its own way, but God’s way is better. • DA Carson’s Legacy: Retiring as he battles Parkinson’s, his life reminds us to persevere in faith. • Self-Denial = True Development: Following Christ means denying yourself—not as a loss, but as the best way to flourish. Segment 2: • A Nation in Decline: Falling birthrates and rising youth suicide rates signal deep dissatisfaction. • Christianity’s Response: The gospel doesn’t change—God has you here for a reason, and true hope is found in Him. • Feminism is Loud, the Church is Silent: Why aren’t we preaching the joys of marriage, family, and biblical living? Segment 3: • Supreme Court Debate: Justice Alito questions whether transgenderism is truly immutable—where’s the evidence? • Culture in Freefall: Satanic prayers at city council meetings, AI-driven megachurch sermons, and growing moral confusion. • Meanwhile, the Church Sits Silent: With Jordan Peterson attracting young men in droves, why aren’t pastors leading the charge? Segment 4: • AI and the Church: Technology is advancing, but does it truly serve us, or are we outsourcing too much? • The Environmentalist Religion: A worldview out of balance—Christianity offers a better way to care for creation. • Biblical Wisdom for Today: The Bible explains everything we see unfolding—are we paying attention? ___ 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! Segment 1: • A history student reflects on how World Wars I & II led to postmodernism—truth is now “relative.” • Todd challenges the student—does truth change based on belief, or is there an objective standard? • The student wrestles with defining truth, showing the internal conflict of a postmodern worldview. Segment 2: • Todd presents historical evidence—Jesus’ resurrection was witnessed by hundreds who refused to recant, even under threat of death. • The concept of textual criticism—the Bible is the most well-documented ancient text in existence. • The student acknowledges Christianity’s credibility but hesitates on full belief. Segment 3: • Using a courtroom analogy, Todd demonstrates how God’s judgment is unavoidable—good deeds can’t erase past sins. • The student realizes that personal morality fails to meet God’s perfect standard. • The only way to be declared innocent is if someone else pays the fine—which leads to Jesus. Segment 4: • Todd shifts from intellect to the conscience—the student acknowledges the logic but hesitates on personal commitment. • The real issue isn’t evidence—it’s surrendering control and turning from sin. • The urgency of the gospel—today is the day of salvation, not tomorrow. ___ 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: • Divided by Ideology: One of their own members writes Psychology Supersedes Biology, exposing internal contradictions. • Cultural Madness: The idea that society must conform to individuals rather than the other way around is gaining traction. • Transracialism?: If gender is fluid, can race be as well? The secular worldview starts collapsing under its own logic. Segment 2: • History Matters: Michelangelo sat under Jerome Savonarola’s preaching and found comfort in the doctrine of justification. • The Reformation’s Reach: Even in 1497, the seeds of justification by faith alone were shaping history. • AI and the Church: Christians need to be part of AI development—otherwise, it will be shaped by secular worldviews. Segment 3: • The Pope’s Bold Move: Calls to eliminate national debt raise questions about economic and theological implications. • AI’s Growing Influence: AI isn’t just advancing—it’s being evangelized. Christians must be informed and engaged. • Lessons from Savonarola: Quotes from this fiery reformer still challenge the church today—are we listening? Segment 4: • Cultural Chaos: Microaggressions now include asking tall people to reach things, while Trump’s inauguration Bible sells for $70. • Sobering Reality: Abortion is the leading cause of death worldwide—what is the church doing about it? • The Gospel Must Be Clear: If we’re going to proclaim Christ, we must include the essential elements of the true gospel. ___ 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: • Tim Challies Hits Hard: We easily fall into the habit of critiquing sermons rather than learning from them. • What’s at Stake? Constant criticism of pastors does little to build us up spiritually. • Biblical Perspective: Matthew 20 reminds us that Scripture isn’t random—it’s teaching us to focus on Jesus, not just theological nitpicking. Segment 2: • Consumer vs. Servant: Do you approach church expecting to be fed, or expecting to serve? • A Better Way to Listen: Instead of critiquing every word of a sermon, come to church as a needy person, eager to grow. • Matthew 20’s Challenge: True greatness in the kingdom isn’t found in tearing down but in humbling yourself and serving others. Segment 3: • God’s Sovereignty in Your Church: Your pastor is the one God placed in your life for a reason—support and pray for him. • Big Names Aren’t Always Better: Older pastors often soften their theology—are we idolizing voices over biblical truth? • Where’s Your Assignment? Instead of chasing spiritual celebrity culture, invest in your local church community. Segment 4: • Different Reactions: Why do we mourn some fallen pastors while being outraged by others? • Who Are You Consuming? If a pastor simply echoes your voice, their fall will agitate you. But if they help you love Jesus more, it will grieve you. • Isaac Watts’ Warning: Even centuries ago, humanism was creeping into the church—what are we allowing to shape our theology 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!