Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Why do you always say “my never before nicotine-stained fingers”—what’s the story? • How should Christians view cadaver dissection in medical training? • Should I invite Jehovah’s Witnesses or Mormons into my home to evangelize them? Segment 2 • If the Bible is all-sufficient, is it a waste of time to read anything else for fun? • Is it false teaching to preach repentance but never mention God’s wrath? • Why are so many wives initiating divorce—and does therapy contribute? Segment 3 • Can Maximus listen to Wretched during math class—or does Mr. Friel need to intervene? • Should a repentant sinner be allowed to disciple others right away? Segment 4 • Should we say “plead the blood” in prayer—or is that unnecessary? • Can God use depression or anxiety to break us from habitual sin? • How do I comfort an unbeliever who’s grieving someone who died without Christ? – 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 • Expository preaching is drifting toward dry, academic lectures instead of soul-stirring truth. • Modern sermons often explain grammar and context but fail to spotlight Jesus. • The goal isn’t just to educate minds but to ignite hearts with the beauty of Christ. Segment 2 • Too many pulpits aim for precision but miss power—biblical preaching should pierce the heart. • Reformers preached experientially, not mechanically—90% application, 10% exegesis. • Every sermon must ask: “Does this help me love Christ more?” Segment 3 • In 1805, missionaries signed the Serampore Agreement—still reshaping missions today. • Carey called us to treasure lost souls and learn their world to reach their hearts. • If we don’t understand Gen Z’s language and idols, we’ll fail to evangelize them. Segment 4 • Tim Challies reviews John Mark Comer’s latest book—filled with mystical practices and a deficient gospel. • Comer trades “Jesus crucified” for “live like Jesus”—but behavior can’t save. • When mindfulness replaces repentance, the church loses the real gospel. – 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 at Georgia Tech where he engages students in conversation to discuss faith and how they can respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Steven claims to be a Christian but struggles to explain why someone should follow Jesus—his gospel lacks clarity on sin and grace. • He believes in heaven and hell, but wavers when asked why Jesus is necessary over other religious options. • With help, he affirms that repentance and faith in Jesus are necessary—but his initial “accept Jesus” language reveals a possible shallow understanding. Segment 2: • Eric admits he’d go to hell if judged by God’s standard but hopes he’s done “enough good” to balance out the bad. • He’s heard the gospel but hasn’t grasped the justice of God—he still thinks forgiveness might be based on being “worth it.” • Todd presses in with courtroom analogies and the uniqueness of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Segment 3: • When pressed for a response from Todd’s gospel presentation, Eric visibly reflective, cuts the conversation short. • Next, Todd talks with a student who belongs to a fraternity. The student declines to discuss religion when it becomes personal. • His discomfort reveals the shallowness of cultural tolerance—he’s polite but unwilling to explore eternity or truth. Segment 4: • Todd engages a student he’s spoken to before who remembers the gospel but remains confused due to exposure to conflicting religious voices. • He asks about how to hear from God; Todd explains the sufficiency of Scripture and why creeds and theology matter. • Still unconverted, but intrigued—he’s thinking deeply and appreciates the clarity and engagement. – 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: • A podcast features an ADHD “expert” promoting unscientific claims and labeling normal behavior as pathological. • The rise of ADHD diagnoses—especially in boys—might reveal more about parenting and expectations than mental health. • Todd challenges the cruelty of secular diagnoses that ignore biblical categories of the heart. Segment 2: • The expert describes ordinary human experiences as symptoms of ADHD—especially academic struggles. • Todd challenges the cultural tendency to pathologize God-given personality traits. • Rather than diagnosing hyperactivity, what if God is using difficult children to grow us in holiness? Segment 3: • A surprisingly honest NYT article admits Americans haven’t found anything more satisfying than religion. • Kids are desperate for answers—Christianity still offers what the world can’t. • Wesley Huff’s clear gospel witness shows biblical clarity can shine in cultural confusion. Segment 4: • Despite rising secularism, people confess their spiritual longings won’t go away. • Community, meaning, and even friendship are poor replacements for God. • Harvard’s elite can’t answer life’s biggest questions—but Scripture can. – 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: • Todd preached a topical sermon—yes, really. • Focus: The love of God, especially for those who feel unlovable. • If you think you haven’t done enough to deserve God’s love—you’re right, and that’s the beauty of grace. Segment 2: • God’s love doesn’t ebb and flow like human feelings. • You don’t have to feel loving to be loving—feelings are unreliable. • God’s love is anchored in His character, not your emotions or performance. Segment 3: • Don’t go from legalism to lawlessness—or back again. • The law is still good when used rightly, but it can’t save. • Paul corrected the Galatians for confusing justification with law-keeping. Segment 4: • Too many gospel presentations assume too much. • We often confuse apologetics (defending the faith) with evangelism (sharing the faith). • If people are totally depraved, they need more than clever answers—they need Christ. – 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 • My son cut off all contact with our family over a year ago—what do I do when he won’t speak to us? Segment 2 • Do prayers have to be spoken aloud—or does writing them count? • Horoscopes are vague—so how is the DSM-5 any more legitimate? • Is “once saved, always saved” biblical—or can you actually lose salvation? • Do all elders have to teach or preach—especially if they’re unpaid? Segment 3 • Can a confessional Lutheran and a Reformed Baptist actually be friends? • Is it wrong to keep your eyes open during prayer? Asking for a friend. Segment 4 • Can I confront my dad’s harsh treatment of my mom—or is that dishonoring him? • My “Christian” family excuses open sin—should I still attend gatherings? – 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: • Critique from Disntr: Effeminate pastors are pushing men out of church. • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School is relocating—what’s happening to once-solid institutions? • Churches may be losing men by embracing soft, culturally conformed leadership. Segment 2: • Disntr (formerly Reformation Charlotte) slams “middle-road” churches for lacking clarity. • There’s no third way between truth and cultural appeasement. • Men need strong leadership—effeminacy won’t fill the pews. Segment 3: • A church performs ballet to “The Blessing”—is this God-glorifying? • Performance replaces preaching in churches with no confidence in Scripture. • Reformed in name only: many churches are evangelical on the outside, worldly at the core. Segment 4: • Billboard says Christian music is rising—but what are we actually singing? • Songs like “Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Your Way’s Better” may stir emotions—but do they stir truth? • The showbiz church is booming—but is it still the church? – 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 at Georgia Tech where he talks with students about their religious beliefs. These discussions highlight the key differences and similarities between Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, and Christianity, emphasizing concepts such as righteousness, forgiveness, and the afterlife. Segment 1: • Muslim student believes Islam is a fair and righteous path but admits she’s not currently fit for heaven. • Student says righteousness comes by trying your best—not perfection—and hopes God will judge mercifully. • Student learns Christianity offers assurance of heaven not by works but through Jesus’ righteousness. Segment 2: • Student explains Islamic modesty as empowering but admits she can’t know if she’ll go to heaven. • Students husband, Amil, describes a works-based salvation—good deeds must outweigh bad, but no one is certain. • Both contrast with Christianity, which offers forgiveness based on Jesus paying the penalty in full. Segment 3: • Jewish student says he’s “not bad enough” for hell but admits to breaking several commandments. • Student learns how the Old Testament sacrificial system points to Jesus as the ultimate Lamb of God. • Student is encouraged to repent and trust Christ alone for complete forgiveness—not by works. Segment 4: • Catholic student admits he’s broken God’s laws but trusts confession and penance to make up for sins. • Student struggles with the idea that Jesus paid the full penalty, insisting on earning forgiveness. • Student learns true salvation comes not by effort or priests, but by grace through faith in Christ alone. – 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 • A man claims to be a fig tree—seriously. • New identities like “plantkin” and “botanakin” are gaining traction. • Don’t mock the confused—show compassion and call out the doctors enabling delusion. Segment 2 • A UMC “pastor” dressed as a fig tree but butchers Luke 13. • Twisting Scripture to affirm fruitless living is spiritual malpractice. • Her “sermon” includes anti-capitalist rants and vague “giving to the earth” theology. Segment 3 • Dr. Greg Gifford’s new book Lies My Therapist Told Me tackles the mental health crisis. • The use of SSRIs has skyrocketed—45 million Americans are on them. • School shootings spiked post-Columbine—what changed? Segment 4 • PBS gets defunded—could Planned Parenthood be next? • Shocking: minors are being fast-tracked to hormone treatments through virtual clinics. • Planned Parenthood still receives $700 million in taxpayer funding—why? – 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: • A major story is unfolding in evangelical circles—but Todd isn’t covering it yet. • Sharing speculation without facts equals gossip or slander. • Sometimes silence is the most biblical response if you can’t be helpful. Segment 2: • Jim Bakker’s back—asking for $1,000 to avoid homelessness. • 2 Peter 2 exposes these greedy false teachers who exploit vulnerable people. • While Judas scorned Mary’s generosity, Jesus praised it—true worship always costs something. Segment 3: • Self-diagnosed “neurodivergence” is exploding—especially in the UK. • Autism diagnoses have jumped 780% in recent years. • Are we pathologizing normal behavior—or missing real issues? Segment 4: • New Pope Leo XIV: conservative on doctrine, progressive on climate. • Joy Behar and The View are confused (and worried) about the mix. • False leaders who mislead others? Scripture says they are anathema—cursed. – 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!