

Wretched Radio with Todd Friel
Fortis Institute
Wretched Radio is hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and various topics in the Christian community. You might even have a laugh.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 8, 2024 • 55min
DATING WITH A PURPOSE: HOW TO KEEP GOD AT THE CENTER
“It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers!”
Segment 1:
• Faith Clubs at Public Schools? – Can a student-led Bible club really meet at a public school?
• Witnessing in a Christian Bubble? – Is it possible to witness effectively in a Christian college?
• God-Honoring Dating Tips? – How can I best honor God in my dating relationship?
Segment 2:
• Faithful Dating Advice – What does honoring God look like in dating?
• Using Time Wisely in Love – How can men respect and honor women in relationships?
Segment 3:
• Manhood and Faith – What does real Christian manhood look like?
• Prayer Power Boost – How can I make my prayer life stronger?
Segment 4:
• Struggling with Sin and Salvation? – When I sin, I doubt my salvation. Is my faith misplaced?
• Do the Departed Watch Over Us? – Can loved ones in heaven see our lives on earth?
___
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!

Nov 7, 2024 • 55min
IS YOUR FAITH BUILT ON POLITICS OR THE GOSPEL? TIME TO DECIDE
Segment 1:
• Beware of Overcorrection: Don’t swing too far in response to political wins or losses—keep the faith focused on Kingdom values.
• Celebrate, Then Refocus: Rejoice in positive change but remember, God’s mission is ongoing, and it’s time to get busy with real work.
• Limit Political Saviors: Leaders can’t bring in a “Godly age”; political slogans aren’t the solution—God’s work goes beyond them.
Segment 2:
• Historical Futility Reminder: Knowing history’s fleeting importance—like recalling 1900’s President—keeps our focus on what truly lasts.
• Judgment of Works: All we do will face judgment; make choices with eternal value in mind, not temporary pursuits.
• Avoid Mystical Distractions: Mysticism can cloud focus; keep your faith centered on the Gospel, avoiding traps that pull us away.
Segment 3:
• Focus on the Eternal: “It’s Eternity, Stupid” reminds us to keep the church’s purpose above the chaos of political winds.
• Gospel as True Change Agent: Real change comes from the Gospel, not political figures, keeping our hope on Jesus.
• Truth over Politicians: The Church’s allegiance is to truth and biblical principles, not any politician—support leaders who align, but stay rooted in faith.
Segment 4:
• Review of Practicing the Way: John Mark Comer’s book reviewed for missing true Gospel clarity, promoting feel-good over faith-depth.
• Disconnect in Christian Publishing: Many books bridge faith and culture but risk a lack of biblical substance, distancing people from true faith.
• Mystical and Misguided: Comer’s approach leans into mysticism and cultural relevance, but without grounding in Gospel essentials.
___
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!

Nov 6, 2024 • 55min
CONFRONTING FEAR: THE REALITY OF CAMPUS WITNESSING
It’s Witness Wednesday!
Todd Friel is at Georgia Tech to talk with students about physics, faith, and the nature of truth.
Segment 1
• Facing the Anxiety: Todd Friel candidly shares the internal battle of overcoming fear to witness on campus.
• Reframing Rejection: Todd emphasizes that the worst outcome is simply being turned down—a small price for the potential impact.
Segment 2
• Stephen’s Postmodern Belief: A physics major rejects organized religion but holds a personal belief in Jesus.
• Reality vs. Perception: Todd engages in a philosophical debate on whether belief shapes reality, using Plato’s allegory of the cave.
Segment 3
• Scientific Skepticism: Austin, an aerospace student, discusses the challenges of aligning scientific laws with faith.
• Rediscovering Christianity: Despite doubts, Austin reflects on returning to his Christian roots and finding balance between reason and belief.
Segment 4
• Questioning Religious Plurality: A first-year computer science student, raised Methodist, grapples with which religion holds the truth.
• Moral Reflection: The discussion reveals his struggles with following the Ten Commandments and finding clarity amidst religious confusion.
___
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!

Nov 5, 2024 • 0sec
THE UNSEEN BATTLE: DEMONIC ACTIVITY AND OUR DAILY LIVES
Segment 1:
• Tucker Carlson’s Encounter with Evil: A demon attack led him to seek answers in the Bible.
• Health Questions Arise: Rise in skin issues, allergies, and gender confusion as societal shifts.
• Demonic Reality: Mark 9 highlights the real presence of demonic activity.
Segment 2:
• A Personal Journey: Tucker reflects on his demonic experience without fanatical overtones.
• Seeking Understanding: He’s on a path to make sense of it all, resisting external opinions.
• Western Skepticism: Demonic activity feels distant in the modern Western mindset.
Segment 3:
• Personal and Global Encounters: Stories of demonic activity from Jimmy and Todd.
• John MacArthur’s Insight: Experiences of demonic phenomena, emphasizing Gospel power.
• Deliverance Through the Gospel: True liberation from demons lies in the Gospel, not human power.
Segment 4:
• Voting and Responsibility: Reflect on those who died for the right to vote amidst spiritual battles.
• The Power of the Gospel: Politics can’t heal; only the Gospel addresses deep societal and spiritual issues.
• Cultural Chaos: From lepers to identity crises, only Jesus provides true restoration.
___
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!

Nov 4, 2024 • 55min
THE ELECTION DAY HEART TEST: WHAT WILL BE REVEALED?
Segment 1:
• Election as a Heart Check: Tomorrow’s results reveal where your hope truly lies.
• Faith Anchored or Shaken: Misplaced hope in outcomes signals a faith problem.
• Divine Sovereignty: God has already determined the outcome—rest in that.
Segment 2:
• Policy vs. Personality: Christians backed Trump for policies, overlooking flaws.
• MacArthur Speaks: Insights on Harris, socialism, and the erosion of values.
• Covetousness in Disguise: Socialism is subtly about coveting what isn’t ours.
Segment 3:
• Elevating Men: Stop making idols of leaders like Steve Lawson.
• Church Superficiality: Pragmatic churches and the subtlety of satan’s influence.
• Conscience vs. Preaching: Preach truth beyond personal comfort zones.
Segment 4:
• Social Justice Push: New Methodist leadership’s shift toward social justice.
• Female Pastors Debate: A Texas megachurch leaves SBC over female leadership.
• Redefining Jesus: The Church struggles with accepting Jesus on His terms, not ours.
___
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!

Nov 1, 2024 • 0sec
EVANGELISM, ABORTION, AND WHAT TO MAKE OF THE ELECTION
Segment 1
• How Tall is Todd?
• What should you ‘put on’ after you have ‘put off’ sin?
• Is it okay to wait for your preferred time and place to be baptized?
Segment 2
• How can you share the Gospel as a public school teacher?
Segment 3
• Should you wait to marry or date after struggling with pornography? Are there sins that a woman would bring to a relationship that would harm a brother in Christ?
• How do you respond to someone who struggles with grace? Do ‘good people’ really go to hell?
Segment 4
• How should you think about evangelism, abortion, and the upcoming election?
___
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!

Oct 31, 2024 • 55min
NOT EVEN HENRY VIII WOULD AGREE WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY
Segment 1
• Why Christians should shift their focus from politics to other critical issues.
• Celebrating Martin Luther’s bold stance in 1517 against indulgences and traditions.
• Martin Luther and Girolamo Savonarola dared to question the Church’s control over salvation.
Segment 2
• There were a number of issues that were central to the Protestant Reformation.
• How indulgences distorted salvation and why the Reformers sacrificed to correct it.
• Jesus’s merit as the only path, outshining indulgences that still exist today.
Segment 3
• 21st Century Reformation Needed? Archbishop Welby’s stance on gay relationships stirs theological tension.
• How Luther and others might have reacted to modern interpretations of biblical teachings.
• Questioning government involvement in marriage and rediscovering the symbolism of traditional wedding customs.
Segment 4
• A new podcast is coming to Fortis+ in January.
• How discernment helps ensure fair discussion, even on divisive topics.
• Norway’s proposal to raise the digital age limit prompts a look at internet access for younger teens.
___
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!

Oct 30, 2024 • 55min
FROM CHICKEN SANDWICHES TO DIVINE JUDGMENT: CAN ONE CONVERSATION CHANGE A LIFE?
It’s Witness Wednesday!
Todd Friel is at Georgia Tech to talk with students about creation, morality, and redemption.
Segment 1
• Faith Through a Chicken Sandwich: Todd starts with a Chick-fil-A analogy to make a point about creation and a Creator.
• Moral Accountability and Divine Justice: Using simple examples like lying and stealing, Todd makes a case for moral accountability and judgment.
• Exploring Agnostic Doubts: Ryan, a computer engineering student, challenges and thoughtfully considers Todd’s arguments on faith and morality.
Segment 2
• Truth and Conscience: The conversation with Ryan deepens, touching on philosophical questions about truth and human conscience.
• Gospel and Counterarguments: Todd shares the gospel while Ryan responds with thoughtful challenges about justice, nature, and the human condition.
• Questioning Absolute Truth: Ryan probes the concept of universal truth and justice, sparking a dynamic exchange.
Segment 3
• Morality and Guilt with a Nuclear Engineer: Todd engages Dallas, a student pursuing nuclear engineering, on morality and faith through examples from the Ten Commandments.
• Chicken or the Egg Meets the Divine: The conversation explores scientific and philosophical questions while diving into religious worldviews and the existence of God.
• Discussing Guilt and Redemption: Todd talks about feelings of guilt and the need for redemption, prompting Dallas to contemplate divine justice.
Segment 4
• The Cost of Redemption: Todd explains how Jesus paid humanity’s debt and stresses genuine repentance over fear-based actions.
• Personal Acceptance vs. Skepticism: Despite Todd’s passionate plea, Dallas remains skeptical, willing to face the consequences rather than embrace salvation.
• Common Misconceptions about Religion: The discussion challenges misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of personal faith decisions.
___
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!

Oct 29, 2024 • 0sec
BEFORE YOU OPEN THE BIBLE, ASK YOURSELF THIS ONE CRUCIAL QUESTION…
Segment 1
• If you want to manage anxiety better, first decide where your trust lies—God or self?
• Being “alone” is vastly different from being a “child of God.” Anchor yourself in God’s identity.
• Anxiety isn’t something you’ll avoid, but trusting God over yourself changes everything.
Segment 2
• If you bet on yourself, anxiety will persist. Put both feet into the Christian camp for real peace.
• Shocking stats reveal many Christians think viewing porn is compatible with a healthy life. Is it really?
• To experience a life of meaning, lose the things that drag you down and fully embrace following Jesus.
Segment 3
• Ronald Reagan spoke with themes that elevated people’s thinking. Where are today’s leaders who inspire and challenge us?
• Hollywood’s trashy movies and “no fault divorce” legacy contrast sharply with elevated thinking.
• Worldliness makes sin look normal and righteousness look strange. It’s time to discern.
Segment 4
• Reciting creeds like the Westminster Catechism offers guidance on living righteously in an age of slander.
• Standing firm for truth isn’t the same as slandering others. Righteousness requires integrity in how we speak and act.
• There’s a time for firm words, but slander defames both people and God’s law.
___
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!

Oct 28, 2024 • 55min
ARE YOU DROWNING IN META-MODERNISM? DISCOVER WHAT’S SHAPING TODAY’S MINDS
Segment 1
• We’ve transitioned from Post-Modernism to Meta-Modernism, which dominates university culture today.
• A swipe-culture where students only engage with fragmented news bites, embracing contradictory ideas without context.
• Meta-Modernism feeds off skepticism, encouraging a belief system with no solid foundation.
Segment 2
• It’s a mindset where embracing contradictions is normal and self-centeredness reigns supreme.
• Meta-Modernism erodes clarity, leading to incoherent beliefs. As parents and believers, it’s crucial to raise kids with solid truths.
• Preach unwavering truth and model it with an authentic life.
Segment 3
• Should Sunday sports trump church? There’s liberty here, but parents must weigh what’s more significant for their kids’ spiritual growth.
• Emphasizing worship over sports speaks volumes to kids and opens opportunities for gospel conversations.
• While the chances of going pro are slim, standing before Jesus is a certainty.
Segment 4
• Singleness isn’t a sin, but the Sexual Revolution has altered societal views on relationships, hurting women the most.
• Expressive individualism emphasizes self, altering values like marriage, stability, and the value of sex.
• Many parents prioritize their children’s financial stability over cultivating their relational or spiritual health.
___
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!


