Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • How should a Christian deal with suicidal thoughts and find motivation to live? Segment 2 • Why do aspiring pastors go to seminary instead of apprenticing under a pastor? • What’s an affordable and solid homeschool curriculum for a 10th grader? Segment 3 • Is all of creation ultimately designed to deepen the elect’s relationship with God? • After a traumatic breakup, is my anxiety about dating just healing—or something deeper? • Is anointing with oil during prayer a biblical practice? Segment 4 • Do abortion abolitionists believe babies lost to abortion are automatically in heaven? • Should I serve in children’s ministry even if I have no teaching experience? • Is it sinful for women to evangelize to men? ___ 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: • Fast that lasts forever? Todd discusses the issue of modern-day gossip and judgment on social media. • Christian gossip and judgment: Steve Lawson’s fall, apology, and how social media handles issues. • Living without gossip: Should we fast from internet talebearing and refrain from passing judgment? Segment 2: • Personal experiences with chronic pain: Tim Challies’ insights on deep grief and long-term pain. • Greg Gifford’s book: The launch of “Lies My Therapist Told Me” is discussed and ready for pre-order. • Addiction’s roots: Todd emphasizes how your brain doesn’t make you call your drug dealer. Segment 3: • Illustrations and clarity: Todd reflects on John Mark Comer’s new book “Practicing the Way.” • Danger of overregulation: Avoid turning personal preferences into laws and make sure our core focus stays on the gospel. • Free will and sin: Discussing the tension between free will, sin, and God’s role in human suffering. Segment 4: • Women and sterilization: Discusses the alarming trend of young women choosing sterilization after political influences. • Politicians’ impact on young minds: How fear and confusion about future generations are affecting decisions on family planning. • Letter to an unborn child: A letter from a terrified woman who regrets the choices made regarding family. ___ 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 engaging with students at Kennesaw State University, exploring topics like the complexity of the human body pointing to a creator, why Christianity offers real hope that postmodernism cannot, and how the Bible satisfies life’s biggest questions. Segment 1: • Does Your Body Prove God Exists? – Is the complexity of your own body evidence of a creator, or just a product of evolution? • Why God’s Justice Affects You – If God is truly just, what does that mean for you and your eternal future? Segment 2: • Can Good Deeds Erase Bad Ones? – Why trying to “balance” good and bad actions doesn’t work in a legal or spiritual sense. • The Resurrection Proves It All – If Jesus truly rose from the dead, does that confirm everything He said? Segment 3: • Is Life Just Luck and Meaningless? – If we’re just lucky cosmic accidents, does anything we do actually matter? • Where Can You Find Purpose? – Without a clear answer to life’s biggest questions, you are destined to chase after empty things Segment 4: • What’s the Real Purpose of Life? – If you aren’t doing everything for God, is it all meaningless? • God’s reason for the universe – How God displays His mercy, grace, and lovingkindness by saving sinners like you and me. ___ 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: • Dr. John MacArthur may not have attended the Shepherd’s Conference, but his legacy and commitment to serving the Lord remain paramount. • Are you sprinting toward eternity with the same intensity as Dr. MacArthur? It’s about doing all things with purpose, regardless of whether they seem “religious.” • Time is running out—how will you finish the race? Living for Christ in everything we do matters for eternity. Segment 2: • Tim Challies’ webinar on comforting those who mourn is coming up this Thursday. Don’t miss this crucial opportunity to learn about biblical grief. • Exciting events ahead: Jason Lisle’s upcoming event and a 30% off coupon for G3! Plus, get your hands on Greg Gifford’s new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me. • ADHD in kids—what if it’s more about personality than a disorder? Dive into this crucial conversation. Segment 3: • The narrative blaming Christians for the high suicide rates in the transgender community is misguided. The truth: rates of depression and suicide are significantly higher among those who undergo gender surgeries. • The numbers speak for themselves—gender transition surgery doesn’t solve underlying issues; it exacerbates them. • UK’s “first man” pregnant naturally—how much longer will society deny reality? We’re blurring the lines on truth. Segment 4: • America is back—but at what cost? Melania Trump announces the return of the White House Easter Egg Roll; what does this mean for cultural values today? • Evangelical churches on Easter: Could there be a divine groan over how we’re celebrating and engaging with the world’s distractions? • College students are speaking out—are we truly listening to their struggles, or just focusing on the wrong things? ___ 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: • Joseph Prince promotes emotional-driven, shallow Christianity, often sidestepping the seriousness of false teaching. • Jesus’ rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 23 was rooted in love, not judgment—He hated the false teachings that led people astray. • Joseph Prince now wading into biblical counseling, but does he offer truth or a watered-down version? New book “Lies My Therapist Told Me” tackles this shift. Segment 2: • The rise in autism and psychotropic drug use raises questions about how mental health is being defined and treated in our society. • Greg Gifford’s book exposes the industry’s reliance on medication, questioning the root causes and the Bible’s perspective on addressing the mind. • A deep dive into how psychiatry was born from imperial research and its growing influence on everyday life. Segment 3: • Kids are being diagnosed with ADHD at increasing rates, but is this truly a disorder or just part of childhood development? • The obsession with medicating kids with psychotropics is a response to societal impatience, not a solution to genuine mental health needs. • Biblical counseling offers a counter-narrative, focusing on heart issues, repentance, and growth rather than instant fixes through drugs. Segment 4: • Medication is often used to mask symptoms, but it doesn’t address the deeper spiritual issues at play. • The root cause of many emotional struggles, like depression, can often be traced back to unrepentant sin. • “Lies My Therapist Told Me” challenges us to consider the difference between symptom management and real transformation through biblical counseling. ___ 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 • Can someone who denied Christ all their life become a Christian if they lose their mental abilities due to Alzheimer’s? Segment 2 • What’s the best way to divide an inheritance, especially when some children aren’t following Jesus and may use the money in ways I wouldn’t want? • In heaven, will we need to reconcile with those we’ve wronged (or who have wronged us), or will full reconciliation happen automatically? Segment 3 • How can I lead my wife biblically after confessing a sin that has deeply hurt her? Segment 4 • Should I keep wearing my evangelistic button at work, even if it risks my job? • Why doesn’t God reveal himself publicly? • Is it right to throw away religious books from other faiths to prevent others from reading heretical material? ___ 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 President’s speech to Congress was more theater than substance. • What does it mean for a country to be great? It’s about more than economics. • Biblical imprecatory psalms give permission to pray against evil deeds, similar to Jesus’ rebukes of the Pharisees. Segment 2: • Todd, under the weather, provides updates on upcoming events like Dr. Jason Lisle’s talk and Tim Challies’ webinar. • Interesting article reveals the share of U.S. Christians is stabilizing after years of decline • Methodist denomination, once dominant, now sees waning influence. People are craving more depth in faith. Segment 3: • John Crotts’ podcast is in the top 5% worldwide, with listeners tuning into the “Integrated” show. • The need to integrate truth and life is critical—especially in light of movements like John Mark Comer’s. • Preaching love has become overcorrected—balance is key in teaching true Christianity. Segment 4: • Thousands of churches are using Jon Mark Comer’s teachings, but are they truly biblical? • Comer’s system can’t heal wounds; it stops performing when people need it most. • The idea that God can change His mind at any moment is a misleading and dangerous theological stance. ___ 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 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!

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!

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!