Pastor Says the Bible Has Hundreds of Mistakes + Sharia Law in Texas? + Politician Distorts the Gospel

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000
A prominent Methodist pastor says the Bible contains hundreds of mistakes, a Texas city erupts over plans for a new mosque, and a politician uses Jesus to promote a gospel of good works. Segment 1 • Why Christians may be putting too much hope in politics. • Methodist pastor Adam Hamilton wins the Democratic Senate primary. • The growing progressive/Islamist political alliance. Segment 2 • Adam Hamilton claims the Bible contains “hundreds” of mistakes. • Gabe Hughes puts one of Hamilton’s supposed contradictions to the test. • James Talarico uses Matthew 25 to promote salvation by good works. Segment 3 • Why Todd brings 21 pages of notes into the pulpit. • A proposed Texas mosque sparks a heated city council meeting. • An Iranian Sharia-law survivor warns Americans about political Islam. Segment 4 • Is one cup of coffee basically the same as “a little crack”? • Should pastors get special treatment when they break the law? • A prominent atheist says he’d rather go to Hell than worship God. ___ 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!

The Shack 2 Is Coming… + Should You Leave a Church Quietly?

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 19:55:00 +0000
The Shack 2 is on the way... Todd explains why The Shack has been so influential despite its serious theological errors. Plus, a practical look at church membership, submitting to biblical leadership, and what faithful church life should actually look like. Segment 1 • Why Todd believes The Shack teaches a different view of God and the gospel. • Should pastors publicly warn their churches about bestselling Christian books? • The biggest theological problems hidden behind an emotional story. Segment 2 • Todd introduces Exalt the King, a new sermon podcast through 1 Peter. • Why constantly immersing yourself in Scripture changes the way you think. • Do Christians need modern experts to understand who Jesus really is? Segment 3 • Should you quietly leave a church without telling your pastor? • Why serving at church is more than just volunteering. • What healthy church membership should actually look like. Segment 4 • What should you do when your pastor doesn't take your advice? • When should church members submit... and when is it right to speak up? • How trust between pastors and church members can prevent unnecessary church conflict. ___ 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!

Mailbag Friday: Why Is Accepting Help So Hard? + Strong-Willed Toddlers & Theological Debates

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Todd and Jimmy discuss why accepting help from others can be so difficult. • Rachel: My toddler has become so difficult that I went back to work just to get a break. What should we do? Segment 2 • Anonymous: I disagreed with your parenting advice. How does Todd respond? • Adam: How should Christians respond to family members who constantly connect current events to Bible prophecy? • Should every theological disagreement become a debate? Segment 3 • Eric: Is it wise for pastors to use a sermon application team? • Todd explains why faithful preaching must move beyond information to biblical application that transforms the heart. Segment 4 • Anonymous: Should I apologize to my parents for the sins I committed as a teenager? New from Fortis Exalt the King launches Monday, August 10 — Todd Friel's new weekly sermon podcast featuring sermons from Alpharetta Bible Church. Out of the Shadows with Libby Glosson launches Tuesday, August 18 — a new Fortis resource helping women find biblical freedom from pornography. ___ 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!

Why More Young Christians Want Traditional Church

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Why are more young Christians returning to traditional church? Todd examines the surprising shift back toward reverence, structure, and hymnals before sharing a practical blueprint for planning a worship service that points people to Christ. Plus, Jason Lisle explains why apologetics often misses the mark, and Todd responds to Bill Maher's warning about the future of American politics. Segment 1 • Why more churches are bringing hymnals back. • Young Christians are asking for something many churches have abandoned. • What makes a worship service feel distinctly Christian? Segment 2 • Todd walks through an entire Sunday service at Alpharetta Bible Church. • Why every element of worship should reinforce the sermon. • A practical model for planning worship with purpose instead of performance. Segment 3 • Why Jason Lisle says atheists already know God exists. • The apologetics mistake many Christians make. • Why only the gospel—not arguments—can change a heart. Segment 4 • Bill Maher warns that the Democratic Party is embracing communism. • Why political solutions can never replace spiritual transformation. • How Christians should respond to a culture moving further from God. ___ 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!

Can You Reject Hell… and Still Follow Jesus?

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 19:46:34 +0000
Can someone reject hell and still claim to follow Jesus? Todd speaks with students at Georgia Tech about religious pluralism, God's justice, and why the gospel offers what no other religion can. Segment 1 • Jason: Can every religion lead to God? • Jason believes he can accept Jesus while rejecting parts of the Bible. • Why God's justice makes the doctrine of hell impossible to dismiss. Segment 2 • Jason: If God is loving, why is hell eternal? • Todd explains why our greatest problem isn't the size of our sin—but the holiness of the God we've sinned against. • The conversation reaches the heart of the gospel. Segment 3 • Preston: An atheist says Jesus is nothing more than a story borrowed from other religions. • Can someone reject God while still claiming to be a "good person"? • Todd challenges the foundation of Preston's worldview. Segment 4 • Rahul: A Hindu student explains what he believes about reincarnation. • Can any religion actually solve humanity's sin problem? • Why Christianity offers something every other religion cannot. ___ 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!

Viral Airplane Evangelist, Bethel’s Declarations & Methodists Rewriting Scripture

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000
A viral evangelist is praised for sharing the gospel on an Alaska Airlines flight—but did she actually present the gospel biblically? Todd examines the message, then takes on several of today's most troubling examples of bad theology and explains why getting doctrine right matters. Segment 1 • Did the viral Alaska Airlines evangelist present the gospel accurately? • What's missing from many modern gospel presentations? • Why does the order of the gospel message matter? Segment 2 • Amanda Grace claims hidden biblical messages are found in numbers. Is this how Christians should interpret Scripture? • Bethel leaders declare an end to racism by banging a staff. Can Christians really "decree and declare" reality? • A Methodist church rewrites the Beatitudes. How far is too far? Segment 3 • Which modern headlines reveal the greatest confusion about justice and biblical truth? • Todd and Jimmy weigh several bizarre stories and ask, "Which one is the most tragic?" • Why should Christians evaluate every headline through a biblical worldview? Segment 4 • Why are the nations raging according to Psalm 2? • Is politics really America's biggest problem? • What's the only solution that can truly transform a nation? ___ 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!

Red-Pill Lies & Young Men In Crisis + Therapy Culture

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 20:11:44 +0000
Segment 1 • Is neo-Nazi ideology quietly making its way from the manosphere into local churches? • Why are so many young men attracted to the "red pill" movement—and what are they really searching for? • Could a legitimate frustration with modern culture be leading some men toward a dangerously unbiblical solution? Segment 2 • How should churches respond when young men embrace conspiracy-driven worldviews instead of biblical masculinity? • Todd explains why simply mocking these movements may actually push struggling young men even deeper into them. • What does authentic biblical manhood offer that the manosphere never can? Segment 3 • Is today's therapy culture encouraging adult children to ghost their parents? • Todd unpacks why "toxic" and "trauma" may be getting redefined in ways that destroy families. • Could cutting off difficult relationships actually stunt your spiritual and emotional growth? Segment 4 • A woman follows her therapist's advice to cut off her mother... and spends ten years regretting it. • Todd connects parental ghosting, the crisis facing young men, and the church's opportunity to respond. • Is your church preparing young men to become godly leaders before another worldview captures their attention? ___ 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!

Mailbag Friday: Anglicanism, Transgender Pronouns & Yoga Pants

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Shantal: What should Christians believe about Anglicanism? • Bryce: Are the qualifications for leading a Bible study different from being a pastor? • Tom: How do we encourage larger families while showing compassion to couples who cannot have children? Segment 2 • Leslie: How should I respond after letting a Facebook argument create conflict in my marriage? • Lori: Should Christians use a transgender person's preferred name and pronouns? • Anonymous: Has Todd ever shared his personal testimony? Segment 3 • Emily: Will broken bodies be made whole in heaven? • Jerrod: Can women administer baptism and communion? Segment 4 • Eli: Should Christian women wear yoga pants, and how should parents teach modesty to their children? ___ 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!

Mailbag Thursday: Angels, Getting Baptized Again & Freemasonry

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It's Mailbag Week! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Aimee & Hannah: Do angels still minister to believers on earth today? • Nancy: After years of wandering from the faith, should I get baptized again? • Kerry: What is Christian Science, and how does it differ from biblical Christianity? Segment 2 • Andrew: Is playing chess a gray area, or am I overthinking it? Segment 3 • Anonymous: How should I respond to family members who claim Christ but reject biblical truth? • Boaz: How can I pursue a godly relationship without making that person an idol? Segment 4 • Anonymous: Should I join a church that doesn't have a formal membership process? • Stephanie: What does it really mean that sin separates us from God? • Tom: Why is Freemasonry incompatible with biblical Christianity? ___ 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!

Does Everyone Have Their Own Truth? + Can Good Works Outweigh Our Sin?

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Does everyone have their own truth? Can good works outweigh our sin? Todd sits down with William, a political science student at Kennesaw State University, to discuss objective truth, the gospel, and whether anyone can be made right with God through good works. Segment 1 • Does everyone have their own truth? • William explains his view of God and Christianity. • Todd challenges the idea that sincere belief determines reality. Segment 2 • William attempts to explain the gospel. • Does Jesus' death automatically remove everyone's guilt? • Why God's holiness and justice make the gospel necessary. Segment 3 • Can good works outweigh our sin? • What does it really mean to be born again? • Todd explains why salvation cannot be earned. Segment 4 • Todd reflects on the conversation with William. • Practical lessons for sharing the gospel on a college campus. • Why evangelism should focus on Christ instead of winning 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!

Mailbag Tuesday: Should You Leave a Church Over Bethel Music? + Do Babies Go to Heaven?

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Week! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Anonymous: Should I leave my church because it uses Bethel Music? • Anonymous: How should I handle toxic in-laws while honoring Christ? Segment 2 • Todd explains what it really means to be a biblical man—and why protecting your wife is harder than going to the gym. • Can you explain the gospel in just 30 seconds? Segment 3 • Did Jimmy use AI to create a new Wretched Radio theme song? • Joseph: Do babies who die go to heaven? • Steve: How can I serve the Lord when my health keeps me from doing ministry? Segment 4 • Todd shares two practical ways churches can better connect younger and older generations. • Dakota: Should I stop giving to my church if I disagree with how it spends money? ___ 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!

Mailbag Monday: Is It OK To Keep Secrets From Your Spouse? + Will We Remember Our Sins In Heaven? + Flat Earth?

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:11:18 +0000
It’s Mailbag Week! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • David: Is it OK to keep secrets from your spouse? • Betty: Will we remember our sins when we're in heaven? Segment 2 • Anonymous: How can I stop focusing on my spouse's faults instead of my own? • Todd shares an encouraging testimony about how Drive By Parenting transformed one father's relationship with his son. Segment 3 • Anonymous: After overcoming a porn addiction, what should I fight next? • Todd and Jimmy: Does cornbread need cracklins... and does honey belong on it? Segment 4 • Brent: Is euthanizing a suffering pet biblical? • Joanne: What should Christians think about Flat Earth claims? • Anonymous: Can a divorced man who came to Christ later still serve as a pastor? • Stuart: Should you share the gospel the moment you meet someone? ___ 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!

Mailbag Friday: Women Pastors, Elder-Led vs. Congregation-Led & Leaving Your Church

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Jeremy: Should we simplify the gospel for young children, or should we teach them about hell? • Anonymous: Should someone become a church member before serving on the worship team? Segment 2 • Anonymous: What's the biblical difference between elder-led and congregational church governance? • Kenny: Should Christians ever say "namaste"? • Anonymous: Should Christians support rebuilding a third temple in Jerusalem? Segment 3 • Anonymous: What should I do if my wife and I disagree about women serving as pastors? • Joe: Would it be wrong to deny Christ if it meant saving someone else's life? • Rob: Is witnessing to atheists online as effective as sharing the gospel in person? Segment 4 • Corey: Should Christians stay in a church that's drifting theologically or leave? • Mike: How should I deal with the desire for marriage after repeated rejection? • Anonymous: Are we running out of time to freely share the gospel? ___ 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!

You’re Parenting The Wrong Problem

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Are Christian parents focusing too much on behavior and not enough on the heart? Todd sits down with bestselling author Dr. Tedd Tripp for a candid conversation about biblical parenting, technology, smartphones, prodigal children, and why the gospel—not behavior modification—is the foundation of faithful parenting. Segment 1 • Why parenting is harder than ever. • Technology, pornography, and the dangers parents often underestimate. • Why your child's greatest need isn't better behavior. Segment 2 • Should your child have a smartphone? • Why so many Christian kids walk away from home—and the faith. • The importance of staying engaged in your child's life. Segment 3 • Can you prevent a prodigal child? • Why influence is more powerful than authority. • Practical wisdom for raising children in a distracted world. Segment 4 • What if you feel like you've already failed as a parent? • Why it's never too late to faithfully shepherd your child. • Finding hope in the power of the gospel and the grace of God. ___ 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!

Do You Actually Understand The Gospel?

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Do you actually understand the gospel? Many people think it's about being a good person, earning God's favor, or simply saying you're sorry. As Todd speaks with students at Georgia Tech, he uncovers several common misunderstandings and explains the life-changing truth of what Christ has done for sinners. Segment 1 • Is Christianity just another version of karma? • Can being a "good person" make you right with God? • What the gospel actually teaches. Segment 2 • Does science eliminate the need for a Creator? • Why design points to a Designer. • The biggest question of all: Is Christianity true? Segment 3 Are people basically good or fundamentally sinful? Why God's justice makes the gospel such good news. What it really means to repent and believe. Segment 4 Can you know the gospel without truly knowing Christ? How can you know if your faith is genuine? The marks of true conversion. ___ 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!

Which False Teaching Is Most Dangerous?

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Which is more dangerous: denying the exclusivity of Christ, teaching that all religions lead to God, or claiming people can be saved without hearing the gospel? Todd compares several popular teachings and explains why one stands above the rest. Segment 1 • A female “preacher” claims Jesus isn't "my way or the highway." • Can John 14:6 really mean something other than what Jesus said? • Why denying Christ's exclusivity destroys the gospel. Segment 2 • William Lane Craig says people can be saved without hearing the name of Jesus. • Does Romans 1 teach that general revelation is enough for salvation? • Why Todd says this teaching undermines the Great Commission. Segment 3 • Raphael Warnock says many religions lead to the same God. • An imam defends Muhammad's marriage to a child. • Which teaching does Todd say is actually the most dangerous? Segment 4 • John MacArthur's message to pastors who feel discouraged. • Why faithful ministry always comes with criticism. • How every church member can encourage their pastor. ___ 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!

The One Question Every Political Debate Must Answer

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Every political debate eventually comes down to one question: "Says who?" Todd explains why Christians must ground every argument in God's authority—not history, culture, or public opinion. Segment 1 • Why Todd says Stephen Miller's argument ultimately falls short. • The one question every political debate must answer. • Why Christians can't ultimately appeal to history, culture, or tradition. Segment 2 • What sin Todd says is fueling so much of today's cultural conflict. • Who actually decides what's "good," "normal," and "beautiful"? • Why our battle isn't ultimately against people—it's against rebellion toward God. Segment 3 • The one phrase that explains nearly every rebellion in Scripture. • What Noah, Babel, Pharaoh, and the book of Judges all have in common. • What happens when a society rejects God's authority. Segment 4 • Why Christian parents shouldn't make themselves the ultimate authority. • Charles Spurgeon on the only authority that matters. • How "Thus saith the Lord" should shape every area of a Christian's life. ___ 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!

Mailbag Friday: Co-Ed Led Bible Studies? + Witnessing to Scammers + Christian Dating

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Anonymous asks: Should we leave our church if our pastor regularly makes major decisions without the other elders? Segment 2 • Justin asks: Can a husband and wife biblically lead a co-ed Bible study together? Segment 3 • Anonymous asks: Is it a good idea to witness to phone scammers? • Anonymous asks: Should Christian teenagers date? If so, when? Segment 4 • Wyatt asks: Does a recurring struggle with pornography disqualify a man from serving as an elder? • Anonymous asks: If sincere Christians interpret the Bible differently, how can we know who's actually right? ___ 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!

Can You Really “Feel the Lord’s Presence”? + Michelle Obama’s “Me” Moment

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Can Christians trust the feeling that “the Lord’s presence” is stronger at one church than another? Todd examines how emotions can influence church decisions, what Michelle Obama’s one-word answer reveals about the spirit of the age, and how believers should think biblically about politics, patriotism, and cultural change. Segment 1 • Is every government-funded service automatically socialism? • What responsibilities has God actually assigned to civil government? • Barack and Michelle Obama each choose one word to describe their next chapter. • How can Christians enjoy rest without making the next season of life entirely about themselves? Segment 2 • What do Christians really mean when they say they can “feel the Lord’s presence”? • Can an emotional worship experience be mistaken for evidence that a church is spiritually healthy? • What should matter more than feelings when deciding where your family will worship? • Is a distant church still the best choice if the drive keeps you from becoming involved in its life? Segment 3 • Should the Bible ever be packaged together with America’s founding documents? • Can patriotism quietly become confused with devotion to Christ? • Why have Christian leaders criticized the God Bless the USA Bible? • What happens when church and state become too closely connected? Segment 4 • Why are younger conservatives becoming increasingly hostile toward Israel? • Does the possibility of UFOs create any real challenge to Christianity? • What does the euthanasia of a child reveal about where radical autonomy leads? • What can Christians learn from public leaders who remain gracious and openly faithful under pressure? ___ 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!