Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • How should believers cope with the deaths of unsaved family and friends? — Isaac • Visiting our nephew’s church that permits women pastors (though the current pastor is male)—should we go? — Theresa • My church never preaches on sin—how do I raise this with my pastor? — Anonymous Segment 2 • Church discipline boundaries: hospital visits, counseling, and officiating weddings—what should a pastor do? — Anonymous Segment 3 • My parents feel unseen at a solid church—how do they build real connection? — Anonymous • Should I step back from opposite-sex friendships to prevent jealousy and avoid temptation? — AJ Segment 4 • Is forgiveness only granted when the offender repents? Responding to “squishy Christianity” claims. — Josh • If God isn’t the author of confusion, why is eschatology so hotly debated? — Anna ___ 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 a special Mailbag Thursday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Am I truly forgiven after divorce, abuse, and years of regret? — Anonymous • Our pastor gave a different reason from the pulpit for another pastor’s removal—was that a lie or discretion? — Anonymous • Does God still “speak” today? Should I sit in silence to hear His voice? — Anonymous Segment 2 • 1 John exposes me—how can I rest if I don’t “pass the tests”? — Alex • Our church paused women-teaching-women—does that have any biblical basis? — Cala Segment 3 • What makes Eastern Orthodoxy heretical? — Joe Segment 4 • How can I defend against the Catholic belief that we do some good and Christ does the rest—and to those who say that’s not a big difference? — Anonymous • How important is it for a local church to serve the needy in its community? — Paul ___ 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! A sharp history student, Cole, wrestles with the resurrection, truth, and his own conscience—then a Hebrew Roots believer named Carlos questions Easter, church tradition, and the name “Jesus.” Segment 1 • A thoughtful agnostic history major explores the reliability of Scripture and the resurrection. • Todd walks him through manuscript evidence and eyewitness testimony. • Can Christianity stand the test of history? Segment 2 • The conversation turns from intellect to conscience—lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God. • Justice and mercy collide at the cross as Todd explains how forgiveness is possible. • Will Cole see his need for grace? Segment 3 • The tension rises: evidence vs. surrender. • Todd reminds Cole that the Christian faith is intellectual, but it’s not JUST intellectual. • Todd urges Cole to respond before it’s too late. Segment 4 • A self-described believer rejects “Easter,” insists on “Yeshua,” and blends Hebrew roots with Christian faith. • Todd probes what’s behind the name debate and where saving faith truly rests. • Can focusing on details make us miss the gospel itself? ___ 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 • How do I avoid distracting others in worship? — Andrea • Cowboy hats and coffee during singing—disrespectful? — Ray Segment 2 • I’m 13 and scared I’m not truly saved—how can I find assurance? — Naomi Segment 3 • Can pastors/elders share confidential matters with their wives? — Jim Segment 4 • Is it biblical to “claim” or “declare” things in prayer? — Anonymous • Which current Bible translations should we avoid? — Mary ___ 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 a special Mailbag Monday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. T oday we discuss wise involvement in teens’ sports, whether quick sermon prep is solid or shallow, Christ-first fatherhood, and guiding cohabiting new believers with grace + truth. Segment 1 • How involved should dads be in their teen kids’ sports lives? – David Segment 2 • How long should I spend preparing a sermon? If sermon prep feels too fast, is that a red flag? – Zachary Segment 3 • How can I avoid idolizing my kids as a new dad? – Ryan Segment 4 • How should Christians respond when an unmarried couple gets saved and joins a small group? – Heather ___ 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 • What should we make of modern-day “exorcists” and claims of casting out demons? – Joy • How do I respond when people say the Bible, especially the New Testament, was written just to control people? – Joe Segment 2 • What happened to the new book you were writing? – Shawn Segment 3 • Our youth leader isn’t friendly with parents—should we let our kids join the group? – Elizabeth Segment 4 • Are there sins that permanently disqualify someone from leading worship or serving in church—like adultery—even after repentance? – Jeff ___ 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 • Today’s question: which story makes your eyes roll hardest… and your heart ache most? • A university in the UK slaps a “sexual violence” warning on the Bible. • George Clooney’s new movie romanticizes assisted suicide — culture calling evil “good.” The painful stories continue… Segment 2 • King Charles dedicates a UK memorial to the LGBT movement. • Parents in Britain are taking self-defense classes to defend against their own children. • A Pennsylvania pastor points a gun at his congregation as a sermon illustration. Segment 3 • Sebastian Gorka calls Trump’s shooting a “Christ-like moment.” • Todd and Josh Williamson warn: when politics becomes religion, biblical theology withers. • Comparing any political leader to Christ cheapens the cross and confuses the gospel. Segment 4 • Jesus volunteered His life like no one else or could. • Politicians invoking the cross for clout rob Jesus of His glory. • The takeaway: when the world mocks truth, Christians must guard the gospel’s weight and clarity. ___ 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! Suicide is rising. Purpose feels fragile. Three students—Fevin, Jacob, and Brennan—wrestle with identity, guilt, and what it means to be born again. These conversations press one urgent question: do you need better coping—or a Savior? Segment 1 — Fevin • A student who’s faced depression shares what helped her find stability. • She connects suicide to identity, guilt, and isolation on campus. • Todd presses deeper: is peace found in purpose…or in something greater? Segment 2 — Jacob (Part 1) • Jacob wears a cross and identifies as Christian, but struggles to articulate salvation and the gospel. • Todd asks questions that expose what “belief” really means. • Jacob admits he isn’t certain he’s born again. Segment 3 — Jacob (Part 2) • Jacob wrestles with the weight of repentance and trust in Christ. • Todd points to the heart of real faith — and what must change for it to be genuine. • Jacob is left with a question only he can answer. Segment 4 — Brennan • A Catholic student confident in his faith—until the questions go deeper. • Todd challenges his assumptions about guilt, grace, and the meaning of the cross. • Brennan’s conversation ends with an invitation he can’t ignore. ___ 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 recently eulogized Phil Johnson — but Phil’s alive and well. • Why wait to appreciate people until after they’re gone? • Todd takes a walk down memory lane with some notes from his very first Bible. Segment 2 • Todd rediscovers thoughts, questions, and even doubts about Scripture’s reliability. • Textual criticism confirms the New Testament is trustworthy and accurately preserved. • The gospel’s counterintuitive nature proves its divine origin — no human would invent a Savior who dies for His enemies. Segment 3 • Reflections on faith, freedom, and misplaced celebrations: July 4th fireworks and Christmas commercialism. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines questioned and dissected. • When faith drifts from Scripture, truth gets muddied and lost in tradition. Segment 4 • Mormons teach three strange “kingdoms of glory”. • Christ sets believers apart for one destiny, and one heavenly kingdom. • Catholic and Mormon doctrines don’t appear overnight; they grow when Scripture is rejected as the final authority. ___ 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 • Everyone sees it: the West is in the midst of social, moral, and spiritual collapse • But darkened hearts can’t be fixed by legislature or cultural movements. • Real change starts “at the bottom” – with hearts transformed by Christ’s gospel. Segment 2 • The Reformation rebuilt a crumbling civilization through faith, not force. • Oz Guinness calls this our “civilizational moment”—we’re losing the foundation that built the modern world. • We won’t be saved by “making America great again”— but by preaching Christ again. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford exposes the truth about SSRIs and the “chemical imbalance” myth. • Pills can mute pain but can’t renew your mind or restore your soul. • Real transformation comes from God’s work in us, not sedation. Segment 4 • New studies link antidepressants to alarming risks—violence, mania, even suicide. • SSRIs offer comfort without cure, masking spiritual problems with medical language. • True healing happens when the soul is renewed, not when the mind is medicated. ___ 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!