Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1: • How should a young single woman biblically handle older men flirting with her in public? • What does it really mean for a man to be “above reproach” and “the husband of one wife”? Segment 2: • Do lustful thoughts disqualify someone from leadership—even if they’re fleeting? • Is it wrong for a church to require immersion baptism for membership if I was baptized by pouring? • Am I sinning daily by not doing more for widows, orphans, and the poor? Segment 3: • Is it sinful for a stay-at-home dad to provide minimal financial support if his wife gladly provides? • Does God still love people who are in hell? • Was the Son of God called “Jesus” before His incarnation? Segment 4: • Can you forgive your future spouse for sins they committed before you met? • Is abortion ever truly necessary to save the life of the mother today? • Would starting a podcast where women discuss theology violate biblical teaching if men listen? ___ 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!

Wait a minute — that’s not Todd! Today on Wretched Radio, Fortis Institute Fellow and Integrated host Dr. John Crotts steps in as guest host to help you move from simply knowing your Bible to actually using it in everyday life. Segment 1: • Knowing Scripture isn’t the goal—using it to shape your thinking is. • False teaching thrives when churches aren’t equipped; believers need to minister, not just pastors. • Ephesians 4: we mature by speaking truth in love, not by outsourcing ministry. Segment 2: • God’s Word revives, gives wisdom, and produces joy—but only if you’re reading it regularly. • Build daily Bible habits: set a plan, pick a place, and keep showing up. • Small consistent steps create massive long-term spiritual growth. Segment 3: • Bible knowledge isn’t trivia—it’s functional: learn the storyline, genres, and historical context. • Big picture understanding gives depth to daily reading and real-life application. • Knowing how the Bible fits together helps you obey it, not just admire it. Segment 4: • Use tools: concordance, chapter summaries, and group study to deepen understanding. • Apply Scripture to your personal struggles and current crises to grow spiritual muscle. • Church is for equipping each other—learning truth together sharpens everyone’s walk. ___ 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 takes listeners to Georgia Tech today on Wretched Radio. Todd engages in thought-provoking conversations with several students, including a young man looking to pursue a career in research and development, a Catholic student who discusses the meaning of Easter, and two friends, exploring their beliefs and understanding of Christianity. Todd challenges them with questions about morality, the 10 Commandments, and the Gospel, encouraging them to reflect on their faith and the concept of salvation through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Grad student admits he’s broken God’s laws (lying, stealing, lust, disobedience). • Hopes his good works might offset guilt, but struggles to grasp grace alone. • Realizes salvation is not “Jesus makes up the difference” but “Jesus did it all.” Segment 2: • Catholic student says everyone is forgiven if they live a “good life.” • Admits to lying, lust, stealing music, and likely headed for hell by his own words. • Catholic student is presented with the full Gospel: not good works, but repentance and faith alone in Jesus. Segment 3: • Todd meets two friends who admit to breaking multiple commandments (lying, stealing, lust, anger). • They wrestle with the concept of justice: sin against an infinite God demands infinite punishment. • Todd clearly explains the Gospel as the only solution: Christ’s full payment credited by grace alone. Segment 4: • One of the friends recalls prior conversation with Todd but still hasn’t pursued the Bible or Gospel seriously. • The other friend admits failing God’s standard but struggles with recognizing guilt fully. • Todd once again presents the Gospel in full: God’s justice satisfied through Christ’s substitutionary death. ___ 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: • Tim Challies shares hand-picked book reviews on Fortis+ to save you time. • Kevin DeYoung’s Daily Doctrine challenges men to step up as spiritual leaders. • Some books aren’t easy reads—but they’re theologically rich and worth the work. Segment 2: • Tim Challies reviews key books on deconstruction to equip you for tough conversations. • The Deconstruction of Christianity and Walking Through Deconstruction both offer biblical help for those wrestling with doubt. • Learn how to walk with friends or family who are questioning their faith. Segment 3: • Revelation 2 warns believers: knowledge without love leads to spiritual coldness. • Many Christians obsess over spotting false teachers but lose their first love for Christ. • Are you so focused on theology that you’ve lost the joy and awe of your salvation? Segment 4: • Even good learning can dull your zeal if it’s not rooted in love for Christ. • Faithful preaching should stir your affections, not just fill your notebook. • Use knowledge to deepen worship, not just sharpen arguments. ___ 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: • Is America right to intervene? The Middle East crisis raises tough theological and political questions. • Distinguishing between national Israel and covenant Israel requires careful biblical thinking. • Todd introduces Just War Theory: legitimate government, last resort, just cause — but it’s not so simple. Segment 2: • The Just War debate gets even messier when we add goals, methods, and terms of peace. • Terror attacks complicate the moral landscape—how do Christians think clearly here? • Biblical principles demand wisdom, not just reactionary headlines. Segment 3: • A violent attack in Michigan stopped by brave church members — do you have a plan? • Churches must take serious security precautions in an increasingly hostile culture. • Evil doesn’t take Sundays off — wise leadership includes protecting the flock. Segment 4: • VBS has morphed — but should kids lead Sunday worship? • Entertainment-driven services may feel fun, but undermine biblical worship. • Worship isn’t a Whoopty Doo Fest; it’s about glorifying God, not entertaining people. ___ 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: • Is Christian fiction with magic (like Narnia and Lord of the Rings) acceptable—or is it just as problematic as Harry Potter? • Can someone be a true Christian while denying the New Testament is divinely inspired? • After years of disrespect, how can I show my husband my new heart of submission? Segment 2: • How can I practically “study” my future wife to love her well in marriage? Segment 3: • Why don’t pastors preach more clearly about ghosts and spirits of the dead? • How should I handle lust while dating a godly woman? • How should a man respond when married to an emotionally abusive narcissist who hides it from everyone else? Segment 4: • Is it appropriate for women to teach boys and girls in junior high youth group? • How should a woman living in adultery respond when her kids call out her broken marriage? • Is “husband of one wife” a qualification or a command—and can a single man be an elder? • How do I counsel women who wrestle with God allowing their suffering? ___ 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: • Tucker Carlson challenges Ted Cruz on Israel—reveals confusion on biblical promises. • The Abrahamic Covenant still stands; God’s plan for Israel isn’t revoked. • If you quote Scripture, know the context—big promises carry big implications. Segment 2: • Is support for Israel about the government or God’s chosen people? • MacArthur: Christians have a biblical obligation to care for the Jews. • There’s clarity: God has unfinished business with national Israel. Segment 3: • Word of the day: Censoriousness — being hypercritical and condemning. • Jonathan Edwards warns: a censorious spirit rushes to judge others’ salvation. • Watch for petty criticisms over non-essentials—it’s a sign of pride, not discernment. Segment 4: • Edwards exposes how uncharitable hearts destroy grace-filled relationships. • Do you judge people harsher when they struggle with sins you’ve overcome? • A jealous, suspicious spirit betrays a lack of gospel charity. ___ 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 four students about Christianity, repentance, the significance of Easter, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout the episode, Todd emphasizes the importance of the gospel, the need for forgiveness, and the role of Jesus Christ in salvation. Segment 1: • Student claims to believe in Easter but doesn’t know why the resurrection matters. • Admits he’s never really examined Christianity or the reason for Jesus’ death. • Politely disengages without much spiritual interest. Segment 2: • Student who is from Maryland was raised Christian but avoids saying Jesus is the only way. • Hesitant to call other religions false, even while affirming Christianity for himself. • Struggles to boldly proclaim gospel exclusivity despite claiming personal faith. Segment 3: • Yoni proudly identifies as practicing Jew but admits breaking God’s laws. • Rejects the idea of needing a Messiah, preferring personal responsibility for his sin. • Hears how Old Testament sacrifices point to Jesus, but remains unconvinced. Segment 4: • Rex boldly affirms Jesus as Lord but initially struggles to explain why. • Learns how the law exposes sin and why people need forgiveness, not just a better life. • Gets coached on using the Ten Commandments to make the gospel urgent and personal. ___ 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: • False teacher Kathryn Krick is drawing crowds with emotional spectacle and “miracle” theatrics. • People are chasing feelings, not truth—spiritual highs can’t sustain faith. • Discernment means anchoring in truth, not seeking constant emotional adrenaline. Segment 2: • Calling out false teaching doesn’t make you sexist—it makes you biblical. • Rick Joyner defends a predator pastor—what does that reveal about NAR leadership? • Wolves in sheep’s clothing prey on the vulnerable under the guise of “healing.” Segment 3: • Church bells silenced in the UK—are we watching faith erased from public life? • What was once a symbol of worship is now seen as a nuisance. • Losing tradition often signals something deeper: the collapse of community and conviction. Segment 4: • Catholic bishops sue over mandatory abuse reporting—calling it a threat to religious freedom. • This isn’t just legal—it’s moral: should silence ever protect sin? • Also: new Fortis podcasts that confront cultural chaos with gospel 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!

Segment 1: • “No Kings Day” raises deeper questions—do we actually want a King? • In a world of political chaos and rising persecution, Christians must remember: Jesus reigns. • America may reject kingship, but your soul was made to serve one. Segment 2: • Brandon Lake says it’s time to ditch hymns—revealing our shallow view of worship. • Small churches are stronger in faithfulness; megachurches invite spectators, not soldiers. • The therapy trend among pastors points to a deeper crisis of biblical confidence. Segment 3: • Brandon Lake performs emotional worship on American Idol—but where’s the theology? • Worship isn’t therapy—it’s truth that transforms. • Weak worship might be what’s weakening the church. Segment 4: • Luther Seminary in MN is shutting down—another sign of theological decay. • A filed-away statement of faith is not the same as actually teaching truth. • Even when institutions collapse, Christ remains faithful. ___ 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!