Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!