Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • If a Bible show is inaccurate but gets people reading Scripture, is it still worth it? • Why would God give me a deep desire for marriage but withhold the gift? Segment 2 • Who sings the Beep Talk theme song? (Because we all want to know.) • Can Christians use CBD for anxiety—or is that crossing a line? • Is the tithe a biblical command or just an Old Testament principle? Segment 3 • Does a pastor need to wear a suit—or does it even matter? • Can someone be saved through a distorted gospel message? • Is it biblical to say Jesus “took our shame”—or is that overreach? Segment 4 • Are bagpipes pagan because they were used to worship Nebuchadnezzar? • What should we think about Idaho using the death penalty by firing squad? • Why do churches do awkward “greeting times” during service? • Is it okay for a pastor’s wife to teach a marriage class with her husband—even if she’s not called “pastor”? ___ 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 • Animated movie produced by Joel Osteen raises concerns. • “King of Kings” draws from Charles Dickens’ theology, which emphasizes works righteousness. • Christianity shouldn’t be reduced to a to-do list, especially in media. Segment 2 • New film based on Charles Dickens’ theology, produced by Joel Osteen. • Dickens was influenced by Unitarianism, rejecting the Doctrine of the Trinity and Original Sin. • “The Life of Our Lord” highlights Dickens’ moralistic view, not the gospel of grace. Segment 3 • Which story is most agitating? ◦ A professor launches a course called “The Queer Bible.” ◦ Euthanasia in the Netherlands on the rise. ◦ Persecution of Christians in Nigeria. ◦ Flu vaccine paradox: higher risk of flu among vaccinated. ◦ Leftists justifying violence against Trump. Segment 4 • More shocking stories from today’s culture: ◦ Men competing in female sports tournaments. ◦ Liberal women disowning straight children. ◦ Australian Christians potentially jailed for praying for LGBT individuals. ◦ Scientific claims about animal communication showing signs of complex thought. ___ 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 back at Georgia Tech and will engage Ryan and Dallas, in deep conversations about faith, morality, and the existence of God. During their conversations, the men will discuss logical and moral arguments for God’s existence, the implications of breaking divine laws, and the gospel’s offer of mercy through Jesus Christ. Segment 1: • Ryan, an agnostic computer engineering student, gets hit with the Chick-fil-A analogy: If a sandwich needs a maker, so does the universe. • He admits it’s thought-provoking but isn’t ready to accept a Creator just yet. • Todd plants the seed: “You are more intricately designed than your lunch.” Segment 2: • Todd puts Ryan’s conscience on trial—lying, stealing, lusting—and Ryan confesses to all. • Despite agreeing he’s guilty, Ryan clings to the belief that he’s a “good person.” • The warning is clear: “If God is just, He won’t overlook your crimes.” Segment 3: • Dallas, a sharp 18-year-old nuclear engineering student, believes in a higher power but not organized religion. • After walking through the Ten Commandments, he admits he’d be guilty before God. • When asked what should happen to him, Dallas responds bluntly: “Let Him cast me to Hell.” Segment 4: • Todd unpacks the gospel: Christ pays the debt guilty sinners owe. It’s not about earning—it’s surrendering. • Dallas hears it, understands it, but ultimately shrugs it off: “I may just have to accept the deepest circle of hell.” • Todd pleads one last time: “Don’t reject the kindness of God. It will echo in eternity.” ___ 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: • Understanding biblical submission in marriage fosters harmony between husbands and wives. • Unity in marriage relies on both spouses fulfilling their biblical roles. • One partner may not be fully embracing their role in the relationship. Segment 2: • Children need guidance and structure to thrive within a unified family dynamic. • Biblical submission is key to harmony, not a violation of ethical principles. • Physical affection, like holding hands, releases oxytocin, fostering connection and unity. Segment 3: • Gossip, backbiting, and complaining breed division, harming the body of Christ. • Just as husbands and wives must submit to one another, so must church members submit to leadership. • Churches that cultivate unity become spiritual oases, reflecting Christ’s love. Segment 4: • 89% of Americans who profess to be Christian don’t believe in the Trinity—this is a result of shallow teaching. • The decline in biblical understanding harms the church. • The more you understand about God, the deeper your love for Him will grow. ___ 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 addresses the ongoing debate about the “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24. • Church history is filled with different interpretations, but what if all views are correct? • Todd challenges conventional thinking, proposing a new perspective on this pivotal scripture. Segment 2: • Perry Noble, the cussing pastor from New Spring Church, justifies his vulgar language. • New Spring, funded by the SBC two decades ago, is leaving the denomination after embracing controversial practices. • The SBC failed to address issues with this church earlier, now facing the consequences of their neglect. Segment 3: • New Spring Church’s support of women in leadership—what happens when unqualified leaders are in authority? • Preaching is an authoritative act, and New Spring’s practice contradicts biblical teaching. • Prediction: New Spring Church will soon have female elders, deviating further from Scripture. Segment 4: • A prisoner’s testimony of salvation while facing two death penalties. • The gospel hit him hardest when he was in solitary confinement with only a blanket and Bible. • God’s work inside prisons shows the transformative power of salvation, even for the hopeless. ___ 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!

Dive into a playful exploration of Molinism and its implications on faith. Discover the nuanced differences between the heart and soul in Scripture. Debate the ethics of wearing ashes in remembrance and whether church carnivals truly serve the Gospel. Delve into relationship dynamics, including boundaries for physical affection and the complexities of praying for someone to hit rock bottom. Plus, a lively comparison of musical instruments and the legitimacy of self-baptism adds a humorous twist!

Segment 1: • Christians protest Muslim prayer in a community, buried deep in the article. • Brazil’s wealthiest televangelist worth $1 billion—how faith is exploited for profit. • Wisconsin Lutheran pastor says Jesus was wrong rebuking Martha—how heresy distorts truth. • A new Colorado bill could criminalize misgendering—highlighting issues in free speech. Segment 2: • Idaho mandates fetal development education in schools—protecting life from a young age. • Planned Parenthood gives explicit coloring books to kids as young as 8—pushing inappropriate content. Segment 3: • Churches focus on fun, like Easter Eggstravaganzas, at the cost of the Gospel. • Christianity should center around proclaiming the Gospel, not trivial entertainment. • New animated movie about Jesus—will it focus on the real message or just feel-good content? Segment 4: • Easter should center around the resurrection, not eggs and prizes. • Entertainment-focused churches risk diluting the Gospel, feeding false teaching. • Listener concerns show real struggles with faith—focus on assurance and trusting the 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 to talk with students about deep theological and moral questions, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of Christianity’s stance on sin, justice, and redemption. Segment 1: • French student supports capitalism but rejects God’s authority—freedom is fine, submission isn’t. • Believes in the Christian God intellectually… but prefers sin over surrender. • Honestly admits: “Jesus isn’t more enjoyable than my current life.” Segment 2: • Todd walks Philip through God’s law—liar, thief, blasphemer, adulterer at heart. • Philip acknowledges guilt and judgment… yet shrugs off hell as a risk he’s willing to take. • The tragedy? He knows the truth—and still chooses sin. Segment 3: • Todd pleads: See Jesus not just as safer, but as better than sin. • Offers the gospel as a kindness, not just a way out of hell. • Philip admits: “I’m aware of the offer. I’m just choosing something else.” Segment 4: • Smart, kind, but deeply resistant—Scott believes God is evil, not just nonexistent. • Todd uses courtroom analogies to expose justice, sin, and grace… but Scott won’t yield. • Scott calls God a moral monster. Todd offers the gospel anyway. ___ 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 • Can eschatology (the study of end times) shape your sanctification? • Exploring 4 major views: Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Partial Preterism. • Sanctification is preparing us for Christ’s return—how does that affect your day-to-day walk? Segment 2 • Jesus is returning—are you ready? • Eschatology isn’t just about systems, it’s about motivating your preparedness. • Comfort and joy should flow from knowing Christ will return soon, as seen in Scripture. Segment 3 • Eschatology helps purify us, not just inform us. • Titus 2:11 challenges us to live sensibly, denying worldly desires. • Is your eschatological hope motivating you to live in purity? Segment 4 • Legalism and antinomianism are two dangerous ditches. • Sanctification isn’t about earning God’s favor; it’s about God transforming you. • Are you on the right path, or have you fallen into a false view of sanctification? ___ 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 • Discover the foolproof pickup line from Genesis: “Would you water my camels?” • A biblical approach to dating and marriage in light of culture’s changing views. • A powerful and short read on biblical principles for dating and marriage. Segment 2 • Worldly views don’t align with God’s standards for relationships. • Find a partner who leads now, not just checks the “Christian” box. • Don’t date out of emotional need; seek solid, godly foundations. Segment 3 • From the White House, Paula White promotes prosperity gospel tactics. • Understanding biblical feasts and rejecting false prosperity teachings. • Paula White’s focus on herself instead of pointing to Jesus. Segment 4 • Paula White’s “Seven Supernatural Blessings” offer empty promises. • Understanding communion as a shared experience with fellow saints, not a tool for personal gain. • God does not want our offerings used as a transaction for blessings. ___ 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!