Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1: • Are pipe organs and bagpipes really the same instrument? • Is it appropriate for a woman to give men a booklet about porn and manhood? • I fell into sin again—do I need to “start over” or keep going? • My husband seems like a false convert—should I confront him or just pray? Segment 2: • Does God expect me to obey the Bible before He’ll show me His will for my life? • How can I help a friend see Jesus in the Old Testament? Segment 3: • What should we make of a church sign that uses Latin to defend wokeness? • How can I shift from reading the Bible transactionally to reading it to know God? Segment 4: • If God is all-powerful, why does He use angels to accomplish His work? • Should abortion be treated as a criminal act under the 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!

Segment 1: • The Methodist church (and now PCUSA) shows what happens when you abandon Sola Scriptura. • Liberation Theology and LGBT compromise start with bad hermeneutics. • “Herman Who?” (soon free) will help you see why hermeneutics matters for staying faithful. Segment 2: • Not all modern worship is shallow—some songs (like Matt Papa/Boswell) get it right. • Most contemporary worship, though, remains me-centered and theologically thin. • Discernment in music shapes your view of God and worship. Segment 3: • Young people are leaving church for reasons deeper than they realize: they think faith is shallow, anti-science, and overprotective. • PLAY THE MAN cards equip young men for real spiritual battle. • Culture says “follow your desires,” but God’s design offers something far better. Segment 4: • God’s laws aren’t restrictive; they’re good for you and guard your joy. • Many reject Jesus without knowing the real Jesus they’re rejecting. • Joe Rogan’s conversations hint at the hunger for truth that only Christ satisfies. ___ 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! In this episode of Wretched Radio’s Witness Wednesday, Todd engages in philosophical and theological conversations with several Georgia Tech students about their beliefs and life’s purpose. Todd speaks with Orin, a 22-year-old mechanical engineering student who shares his thoughts on Christianity and his own faith journey. Next, Todd talks with a French aerospace engineering student, who identifies as an atheist, discussing the complexity of belief systems and the concept of truth. Todd then converses with a student reading Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘The Tipping Point’ and delves into how Christianity can be seen as a tipping point in human history. Lastly, Todd encounters a student who is rushing to the library. Throughout the episode, Todd uses analogies and thought experiments to explore the students’ perspectives on God, morality, and the afterlife. Segment 1: • Orin, a 7th-generation namesake and mechanical engineer, admits he’s unsure of his life’s purpose despite claiming Christianity. • Todd challenges Orin’s postmodern thinking, showing that “truth is truth,” not “truth for you.” • Orin claims faith but wrestles with whether Jesus is his greatest priority, revealing the difference between “believing” and being born again. Segment 2: • A French aerospace student admits he might believe in “a creator” but rejects organized religion and says no religion is true. • Todd uses design arguments and conscience to show him that God is both Creator and judge, requiring a payment for sin. • The student listens thoughtfully as Todd explains Christianity as “done for you” vs. “do more religion,” leaving him with the gospel. Segment 3: • A Christian student reading The Tipping Point agrees Jesus is the tipping point of history but struggles to articulate why Jesus alone is the way to God. • Todd presses him on gospel clarity: salvation is by repentance and faith, not works, and clarifies the true cost of following Christ. • The student recognizes the need for obedience flowing from salvation, not causing it, reinforcing gospel precision for listeners. Segment 4: • A student agrees design implies a designer but questions “Who made God?” and struggles with God’s justice vs. man’s morals. • Todd uses the conscience test (lying, lust, blasphemy) to show him his guilt before a holy God. • Despite acknowledging the gospel, the student chooses his “own beliefs” over Christ, illustrating the tragic yet common rejection of grace. ___ 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: • “Play the Man” cards are now in 200+ locations to equip men for evangelism. • Fortis’ mission: Souls matter more than any cultural win. • Visit fortisinstitute.org/playtheman to grab cards and join the work. Segment 2: • You don’t need a “new you” gimmick if you’re in Christ—you are a new creation. • Real change comes from loving Jesus more than your sins, not self-help hacks. • Lust and greed are conquered when you treasure Christ above all. Segment 3: • Fortis is heading to college campuses this fall to tackle deconstruction head-on. • Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett’s book exposes deconstruction’s root: love of the world. • God’s rules aren’t oppressive; they free you from your real oppressor—sin. Segment 4: • When engaging “exvangelicals,” skip the sarcasm; respond with respect and clarity. • The gospel isn’t just fire insurance—it’s about knowing and treasuring God. • Without God, humans have no objective value; only Christ gives true worth. ___ 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: • What makes us different from machines? Todd unpacks the doctrine of Imago Dei and how AI is blurring the lines between man and machine. • A Christianity Today issue surprisingly focuses on AI—but how helpful was it really? • Baylor gets a grant to study why Christianity “hurts” LGBT students. Todd explores the deeper problem behind that question. • AI algorithms are shaping addictive social media habits—and possibly shaping your soul. Segment 2: • What is intelligence? And what makes human intelligence unique? • Todd explains how Christians are turning to their theological catalogs to make sense of AI’s rise. • With machines giving life advice and learning faster than ever, the question looms: Should they get human rights? Segment 3: • Could robots someday replace your pastor? A wild idea, but maybe not far off. • Christianity Today’s AI issue wasn’t all bad—Todd shares what was decent and what wasn’t. • Are we made for this speed of life? Internet and urban living may be rewiring our brains in harmful ways. Segment 4: • A moment of honesty: Todd gives credit to a few C.T. articles. • But Christine Caine’s “testimony” in the same issue raises red flags—comparing her sin to Judas’s betrayal. • Was Jesus inviting Judas to repent? Todd tackles the theology—and calls out false narratives with 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 Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1: • Am I sinning if I skip serving at church because I disagree with a guest preacher? • Should women teach deep theology to other women—or is that reserved for elders? • Will I spiritually starve after graduating youth group—and how can I stay fed? • How can you tell a true believer from someone who just looks and acts like one? • Why can’t I stop watching sinful entertainment even when I feel dead to it? Segment 2: • How should I confront false teaching if I feel called to discernment ministry? Segment 3: • What are the biblical “rules of engagement” for discernment ministry? Segment 4: • Who best models godly discernment in your opinion? • Am I not a Christian if I don’t feel sorrow over my sin—even though I repent? • How do you know who to marry if marriage reflects Christ’s love for the church? ___ 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: • John MacArthur: There is no such thing as “Christian Nationalism.” • Jesus never tied political power to advancing His kingdom. • Christ came for hearts, not government control—He calls us to live transformed lives, not to seize nations. Segment 2: • Christians should care about politics, but can’t force governments to obey Scripture. • Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world—He didn’t overthrow Rome. • Christian Nationalism often lacks clear biblical support despite quotes from theologians. Segment 3: • Jesus promised His spiritual kingdom would prevail against darkness, not political kingdoms. • We must align with what Scripture says, not postmillennial dreams of a theocracy. • Christians should engage politics wisely, but expect the world to get darker, not Christianized. Segment 4: • Seeking a “muscular Christianity”? Be careful it doesn’t become vigilante Christianity. • When, if ever, should Christians resist or overthrow corrupt governments? • We must obey God over man—but Scripture limits when and how resistance is biblical. ___ 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 meets Phillip and Scott at Georgia Tech and explores topics around purgatory, capitalism, sin, and God’s laws. Todd challenges Philip, who maintains dual French-American citizenship, on his beliefs about capitalism versus socialism and his reluctant acceptance of God, while addressing Scott’s skepticism on God’s justice and the nature of sin. These candid discussions reveal important insights into morality, belief, and human nature. Segment 1: • Philip admits he believes the Christian God makes the most sense but rejects Him to keep living how he wants. • Todd shows Philip that rejecting Jesus for “fun now” is choosing sin over eternal life, urging him to see Jesus as better than temporary pleasures. • Philip acknowledges he’s choosing sin knowingly and is willing to face the consequences, even hell, to keep his current lifestyle. Segment 2: • Todd clarifies that Jesus’ offer isn’t just about avoiding hell but receiving kindness and mercy despite rebellion. • Philip admits he knows Jesus offers life but still rejects Him, saying he’s fine with his choices for now. • Todd warns Philip he will face greater judgment for rejecting truth he fully knows, urging him to consider Jesus’ kindness before it’s too late. Segment 3: • Scott claims God is unjust for punishing humans He created, arguing people are like programmed robots with no choice. • Todd explains the standard of justice is based on the One sinned against (God), making every sin infinitely serious. • Scott insists the God of the Bible is evil, while Todd shows God’s justice and kindness in sending Jesus to satisfy wrath and offer mercy. Segment 4: • Todd shares the “tribal king” analogy to explain how God satisfies justice while showing mercy by taking punishment Himself. • Scott insists God should simply forgive without punishment, rejecting the concept of divine justice requiring payment for sin. • Conversation ends with Todd urging Scott to see humanity’s sinfulness and God’s kindness, parting respectfully but with Scott unconvinced. ___ 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: • Free evangelism tool alert: “Play the Man” challenges young men to grow up spiritually. • Video games and porn will keep you weak, distracted, and stuck in immaturity. • Want to fulfill your God-given purpose? Put away childish distractions and step up. Segment 2: • Genuine preaching fuels your mind with God’s truth and beauty, not just feelings. • Does your pastor preach so that you leave knowing “God reigns”? • If the supremacy of God isn’t clear in sermons, something vital is missing. Segment 3: • Jonathan Edwards refused to manipulate emotions; he aimed for real heart change. • His “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” still challenges us today. • Are your sermons about pleasing crowds or proclaiming God’s serious truths? Segment 4: • You’re the host: would your sermon pass Jonathan Edwards’ 10-point test? • Great preaching stirs holy affections, saturates with Scripture, and calls for a response. • Real preaching probes the heart, pleads for action, and exalts God above all. ___ 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: • Want to lose weight biblically? Todd jokes about “The Fortis Cup Bearer Diet” while warning against diet fads. • Supreme Court rules parents in Maryland can pull kids from objectionable lessons—why should parents need permission to parent? • Todd connects parental rights to the bigger fight against the mental health industrial complex controlling family decisions. Segment 2: • Supreme Court rulings trending positively. Why now? • Unpacks the White House Faith Office’s role and warns about NAR dominionism creeping into political movements. • Highlights the PCA’s study on Christian Nationalism, emphasizing the need for clear confessional grounding in confusing times. Segment 3: • Throwback: Francis Schaeffer vs. B.F. Skinner on human dignity vs. behavioral control. • Connects these classic debates to modern challenges like IVF’s low success rates and ethical confusion in culture. • Stresses that Truth Unhindered remains the need of the hour in cultural engagement. Segment 4: • Switzerland news segues to U.S. stats: 2/3 of young adults leave church, prompting calls for “old school” church. • Todd warns against trendy “hipster church” models that fail to disciple deeply. • Reminds listeners: The early church grew because it was countercultural, not because it adapted to culture. ___ 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!