Mailbag Friday: Patriotic Worship + Canceling Parents + Counting Kids

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • Trevor asks: “What are practical ways I can serve my pastor?” Segment 2 • Bob asks a foundational question: What must be present for a baptism to be biblically valid? • Anonymous wrestles with a painful issue: When, if ever, is "going no contact" with abusive parents a biblical option? Segment 3 • Gordon asks whether our death date is predetermined — and how Christians should think about illness without fear or fatalism. • Jon wonders if patriotic displays and songs belong in a worship service, or if they can distract from Christ. • Anonymous asks how to lovingly evangelize a devoted cultural Christian who talks like a believer but may not understand the gospel at all. Segment 4 • Anonymous asks whether getting a vasectomy is a wise stewardship decision or a sinful attempt to limit God's blessing. ___ 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!

Obama’s Legacy, Al Mohler’s Update, and Jimmy’s Upcoming Surgery

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Is AI actually helping you find the truth—or quietly deciding what truth you're allowed to see? • Todd connects the architecture of the Obama Presidential Center to a much bigger worldview battle. • Why do buildings, algorithms, and modern culture seem to be telling the same story about America? Segment 2 • Has the church become so concerned about saving America that it's losing sight of its primary mission? • What's more dangerous: a compromised nation or a compromised church? • Todd examines whether Christians are confusing political influence with biblical priorities. Segment 3 • Dr. Albert Mohler shares a surprisingly transparent update about ongoing health struggles. • What does it look like to suffer publicly while trusting God's sovereignty? • Why is a theology of suffering essential before life gets really hard? Segment 4 • Todd and Jimmy discuss sanctification, humility, and why God's priorities are often different from ours—before ending with a few classic dad jokes. • Jimmy opens up about living with MS, chronic weakness, and upcoming surgery. • Can suffering actually make you more dependent on God and more compassionate toward others? ___ 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 History Prove Jesus? + The Real Reason People Reject God

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Witness Wednesday! At Kennesaw State University, Todd Friel meets an agnostic history student who finds Christianity surprisingly credible, but still isn't ready to commit. The conversation moves from postmodernism and historical evidence to guilt, judgment, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Todd also talks with Carlos, who explains why he prefers the name "Yeshua" and wrestles with questions about faith, tradition, and salvation. Segment 1 • Can history actually prove Christianity? • Is agnosticism a safe middle ground? • What kind of evidence would convince you God exists? Segment 2 • Is the Bible just a 2,000-year-old game of telephone? • Why would men die for a resurrection they knew was false? • What if the evidence for Christianity is stronger than you think? Segment 3 • Will God judge you by your good deeds—or your crimes? • Why don't time, regret, or sincerity remove guilt? • What if your biggest problem isn't a lack of evidence? Segment 4 • Why does Carlos refuse to call Jesus "Jesus"? • Does calling Him "Yeshua" make you more biblical? • Is there really a back door into heaven? ___ 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!

DNA Origins, Narcissism Culture, The Search for Transcendence

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:44:24 +0000
Segment 1 • Dr. Jason Lisle argues that the strongest case for creation isn't fossils or geology—it's something far more fundamental. • If information always comes from a mind, where did the instructions inside DNA originate? • Carbon-14 findings in diamonds and dinosaur remains continue raising uncomfortable questions for deep-time assumptions. Segment 2 • A secular psychotherapist asks a startling question: What if therapy is actually tearing people apart? • Why does every difficult relationship now seem to involve someone who is "toxic," "narcissistic," or "traumatized"? • Todd examines whether modern therapy culture is helping people heal—or teaching them how to stay offended. Segment 3 • Young evangelicals aren't abandoning religion—they're searching for something they believe is missing. • Incense, liturgy, church history, and ancient traditions are attracting a generation raised on seeker-sensitive Christianity. • Were churches so focused on relevance that they accidentally stripped away transcendence? Segment 4 • The answer isn't copying Rome or importing Eastern Orthodoxy into Protestant churches. • What did the Reformers understand about worship, discipleship, and church life that many churches have forgotten? • From catechesis to church history to reverent worship, Todd outlines what may be needed to rebuild depth before more young people leave. ___ 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 Hymn That Changed Everything, Church Membership Questions, Politics

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Megan Basham’s cancer diagnosis sent her searching for answers in survival statistics—but what finally brought her peace? • What if the key to enduring suffering isn't finding better odds, but embracing a forgotten doctrine? • Todd unpacks a centuries-old hymn that confronts fear, uncertainty, and life's biggest disruptions. Segment 2 • A car accident, financial loss, cancer diagnosis—could all of it somehow fit into God's good purposes? • Todd explores the difference between evil acts and painful providences that believers often struggle to understand. • What does it actually mean to say, "What God ordains is always good" when life feels anything but good? Segment 3 • Before joining a church, how much should you really know about the elders, finances, leadership, and doctrine? • Todd shares a prospective member's surprisingly thorough list of questions—and why every pastor should welcome them. • Is your church's statement of faith something they actually believe, or just something sitting in a file cabinet? Segment 4 • Are you more excited to talk about Washington than you are to talk about Jesus? • Todd examines three warning signs that politics may be competing for your heart's highest allegiance. • What if your strongest enemies aren't political opponents at 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!

Mailbag Friday: Did I Ruin My Children? + Refusing Chemo + Guardian Angels

Fri, 29 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • James asks for advice on repairing his relationships with his children. • Anonymous wonders if casual swearing reveals a deeper heart issue — or even a lack of desire to honor Christ. Segment 2 • Jeff asks: “When is it finally appropriate to draw hard boundaries with unbelievers?” • Anonymous wrestles with a difficult medical question: Is refusing chemotherapy an act of faith… or presumption? • Glen asks how Christians can tell whether a Bible verse applies directly to believers today without ripping it out of context. Segment 3 • Laramie admits that the thought of living forever sometimes feels overwhelming — is that fear normal for Christians? • Jonathan asks how pastors should faithfully preach through massive Old Testament books without losing their congregation. • Would spending an entire year preaching through Psalms or Isaiah actually be wise? Segment 4 • Megan asks whether Christians really have guardian angels — or if that idea comes more from tradition than Scripture. • Jess wonders if dreams that seem prophetic are truly from God or something else entirely. • Jeff questions whether believers calling each other “queen,” “king,” and “prince” reflects Christian identity… or worldly thinking. • Anonymous asks why marriage is often emphasized more than full-time ministry when both are high callings. • Alan wrestles with a sobering question during Pride Month: Is pride the root beneath every other sin? ___ 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!

Hidden Bible Meanings, Church Division, and Lost Truth

Thu, 28 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Why do churches split over doctrine when everyone claims to follow the same Bible? • Todd traces modern church confusion back to a little-known Jewish revolt that changed Christian history forever. • Could the loss of a “plain sense” reading of Scripture be why Christians can’t agree on basic truths anymore? Segment 2 • The Bar Kokhba revolt didn’t just crush Jerusalem — Todd argues it reshaped the entire trajectory of biblical interpretation. • Jewish Christians were squeezed out from both sides, leaving Gentile leadership to redefine how Scripture was read. • What happens when “hidden meanings” become more important than what the Bible actually says? Segment 3 • Todd explains how allegorical interpretation opened the door to wildly different doctrines and endless theological confusion. • Did replacement theology grow out of bad hermeneutics instead of sound biblical interpretation? • Early church leaders began treating the “literal” meaning of Scripture as inferior — and the consequences still linger today. Segment 4 • The Reformers fought to recover a grammatical-historical reading of Scripture after centuries of allegorical dominance. • Todd compares ancient allegorical methods to modern deconstruction: “It’s not what the text says — it’s what it doesn’t say.” • If your church doesn’t share the same hermeneutic, are division and doctrinal chaos inevitable? ___ 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!

Bible Belt “Christianity” Without The Gospel

Wed, 27 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • A Georgia Tech student from Marietta says he drifted into being “kind of atheist” simply because of friends, culture, and not thinking much about religion. • Todd challenges the student’s “I’m a good person” defense with the courtroom analogy and a sobering question: does everyone being guilty somehow make you innocent? • The biggest shock of the segment: the student grew up around Christianity, heard about hell and morality, but still cannot explain the gospel or what Easter actually means. Segment 2 • A Baptist student says he hopes he’d go to heaven—but admits he’s basically “slowly getting there.” Is Christianity really a gradual process of becoming religious enough? • Todd exposes the danger of Bible Belt Christianity: church language, family tradition, and moral effort without repentance or the new birth. • The conversation turns serious when the student realizes forgiveness is not earned through repeated prayers, but through Christ’s perfect righteousness credited to guilty sinners. Segment 3 • A student rejects organized religion and says nature helps him connect with “a greater being”—but can vague spirituality actually deal with guilt and justice? • Todd’s “thought chip” illustration gets painfully personal: what if your private thoughts were publicly displayed for one week? • The student wants a loving God without judgment, but Todd presses the unavoidable question: can a judge still be good if he never punishes evil? Segment 4 • Kevin says Catholicism gives him purpose—but admits Buddhism or other religions could probably do the same thing. So does truth even matter anymore? • Another student claims Christianity is “blind faith” and thinks all religions contain versions of the same story until Todd confronts him with Jesus’ exclusive claims. • Todd dismantles postmodern spirituality by showing the difference between obeying Christ out of gratitude… and trying to earn salvation through religious effort. ___ 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!

Todd And Dr. Lisle Discuss Aliens, Global Warming, And Transhumanism

Tue, 26 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Todd Friel and astrophysicist Dr. Jason Lisle tackle UFOs, aliens, and why our culture seems obsessed with finding life in space. • Are UFO sightings really evidence of extraterrestrials… or are we being fooled by balloons, drones, and atmospheric phenomena? • Why do secularists desperately want intelligent life somewhere else in the universe? Segment 2 • Could “alien sightings” actually be caused by satellites, meteors, rocket launches, and bizarre optical illusions? • Dr. Jason Lisle explains why the Bible points to Earth being uniquely designed for life — and what that means for extraterrestrials. • If aliens existed, would they need salvation too… and could Jesus die for Klingons? Segment 3 • Is “climate change” settled science, or are people confusing weather patterns with long-term climate trends? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues warmer temperatures may actually increase crops, food production, and human flourishing. • What does the worldwide flood, the Ice Age, and ancient vineyards have to do with today’s climate debates? Segment 4 • Are politicians and media using fear to push climate narratives and social control? • Todd and Dr. Jason Lisle dive into transhumanism, artificial intelligence, and the ethics of merging humans with technology. • When does medical technology honor God by restoring the body… and when does it cross the line into trying to become superhuman? ___ 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!

Todd Friel And Dr. John Street Expose Fake Reconciliation

Mon, 25 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Todd Friel and Dr. John Street discuss why biblical reconciliation goes far deeper than simply “keeping the peace.” • “What if the first person you need to confront in conflict… is yourself?” • Dr. Street dismantles the instinct to blame your spouse, kids, or circumstances while ignoring the pride lurking in your own heart. Segment 2 • Todd and Dr. Street expose how everyday frustrations can reveal hidden idols ruling your heart. • “Could your expectations for your spouse, kids, or home life actually be fueling your anger?” • From messy houses to unmet desires, the conversation shows how even good desires can quietly become sinful demands. Segment 3 • Todd presses Dr. Street on what real repentance actually looks like — and why most apologies fall painfully short. • “Are you truly broken over your sin… or just upset about the consequences?” • The discussion unpacks the difference between worldly sorrow and genuine biblical repentance that produces lasting change. Segment 4 • Todd and Dr. Street tackle one of the most misunderstood subjects in Christianity: forgiveness. • “Is unconditional forgiveness biblical… or have Christians confused forgiveness with pretending nothing happened?” • Why replaying old wounds, rehearsing offenses, and clinging to bitterness may reveal a heart that hasn’t actually forgiven. ___ 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: Can Scripture Rewire Your Mind?

Fri, 22 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What should a husband do when he’s pursuing intimacy and reconciliation, but his wife remains cold, bitter, and emotionally distant? • Joseph wrestles with dating boundaries: How sacrificial should you become for someone you’re not even married to yet? Segment 2 • Tristan asks: What’s the best way to actually memorize Scripture when fighting pornography and lust? • Samuel asks: Can serving faithfully in the local church help renew your mind when fighting porn addiction? Segment 3 • Kyla asks: Does a pastor have the authority to shut down private small groups in members’ homes? • Emily asks: Is there anything biblically wrong with a massive age-gap relationship—or is it just unwise? Segment 4 • Michael asks: What’s the real difference between preaching God’s Word and simply teaching biblical information? • Anonymous asks: How do Christians know which biblical commands were cultural and which are still binding today? ___ 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!

Freemasonry Exposed, Preaching Examined, Genesis Rejected

Thu, 21 May 2026 19:52:19 +0000
Segment 1 • Why do so many Christians sit through sermons without ever expecting God to personally confront or comfort them? • Todd explains why “good preaching” has less to do with charisma and more to do with whether God’s Word was faithfully prepared for the church. • Can expository preaching become so obsessed with Greek details that it completely misses the point of the passage? Segment 2 • Todd breaks down why verse-by-verse preaching protects churches from hobby-horse theology and culture-driven sermons. • A shocking Mother’s Day church illustration raises the question: has entertainment hijacked the pulpit? • Andy Stanley’s critique of expository preaching sparks a bigger discussion about creativity, burnout, and whether pastors are feeding people God’s ideas or their own. Segment 3 • Freemason rituals exposed: secret ceremonies, violent oaths, and why Todd says Christianity and Masonry cannot coexist. • Vienna is stunned by what Muslim youth now openly believe about Sharia law, faith, and Western culture. • Minnesota politicians and racial identity politics collide in a segment that asks: has the cultural script completely flipped upside down? Segment 4 • Todd announces a brand-new podcast from Dr. Jason Lisle connecting Genesis, evolution, morality, and the collapse of Western culture. • What happens to marriage, truth, morality, and human dignity if Genesis is rejected as real history? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues that the battle over origins isn’t ultimately scientific — it’s about whether people will trust God’s Word or man’s opinions. ___ 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!

Witness Wednesday: Good Person Test, False Assurance, Real Gospel

Wed, 20 May 2026 19:47:10 +0000
It’s Witness Wednesday! At Georgia Tech, Todd Friel asks students simple questions that expose how unclear many people are about God, salvation, sin, and truth. Todd walks each conversation back to the same biblical foundation: God is holy, sinners are guilty, Jesus is the only Savior, and the biblical response is repentance and faith. Segment 1 • A Southern Baptist student says Christianity is about “accepting Jesus into your heart”—but Todd challenges whether that language is even biblical. • Is Christianity just about avoiding hell… or surrendering your entire life to Christ? • Physics student Chris says all religions are incomplete—so Todd asks the unavoidable question: what if Christianity is actually true? Segment 2 — Chris: All Religions Can’t Be Right • Chris struggles with the idea that people from other religions could go to hell—but Todd redirects the conversation to guilt before a holy God. • The “good person” test exposes lying, lust, dishonoring parents, and blasphemy—so what happens if God judges your thoughts too? • Todd explains substitution, imputed righteousness, and why Jesus doesn’t merely help sinners… He completely saves them. Segment 3 — Rebel Since Birth… But Saved From What? • A group of young men wear Christian imagery and talk about leadership, strength, and “being different”—but can any of them explain the gospel? • A Catholic student says heaven is earned through kindness and good deeds… until Todd puts everyone in God’s courtroom. • “Everyone lies” becomes the defense—but Todd presses the terrifying reality that universal guilt still means personal guilt. Segment 4 — Spiritual, Postmodern, and Still Guilty • A mechanical engineering student says he’s “spiritual” and believes Jesus is God—but also thinks different religions can all work for different people. • Todd dismantles postmodern thinking with one simple analogy: calling a dumpster “turkey jerky” doesn’t change what it actually is. • The episode ends with a direct gospel appeal: Jesus alone satisfies justice, forgives sinners, and gives the righteousness nobody can earn. ___ 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!

Ben Sasse’s Dying Regrets + Todd Exposes The AI Pastor Problem

Tue, 19 May 2026 20:00:24 +0000
Segment 1  • Ben Sasse faces terminal cancer with a theology that left a 60 Minutes host visibly shaken. • Why did family suddenly matter more than career success and achievement? • What priorities would you change if your time was running out? Segment 2 • What does it actually mean to “die well” as a Christian instead of panicking at the end? • AI could destroy people who “outsource their attention and affections” to technology. • Is your phone quietly reshaping your soul? Segment 3 • Vanderbilt Divinity School graduates unveil ministries involving horses, LGBT activism, and “finding your value.” • A woman throws a “gender reveal” abortion celebration online. • A “pastrix” claims Christians misunderstood Jesus saying He is “the way, the truth, and the life.” Segment 4 • Todd tests AI by having it instantly generate an entire sermon introduction from 1 Peter. • Could future pastors become actors reading AI-generated sermons instead of shepherds shaped by Scripture? • If AI can write better sermons faster than many pastors, what happens to real sanctification and soul care? ___ 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 Going To Be Mad At Me”—Todd Responds To Rededicate 250

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:29:32 +0000
Segment 1 • “You’re going to be mad at me.” Todd responds to the massive Rededicate 250 event in Washington, D.C. • Can America actually be “rededicated to God”… or are Christians asking the wrong question? • Todd asks the uncomfortable question nobody at the event seemed willing to answer. Segment 2 • Texas shuts down a pediatric gender clinic, but Todd says the real issue runs much deeper. • Why do cultural victories never seem to fix America’s moral collapse? • Got a frustrating neighbor or a broken community? Todd says the solution is simpler and harder than you think. Segment 3 • One in three men in America have stopped working altogether. What happens to a nation when men lose purpose? • A shocking story out of Britain raises disturbing questions about modern policing and cultural priorities. • Vaccines, autism, assisted suicide for babies—Todd connects the dots on where Western culture is heading. Segment 4 • “Maybe Dungeons and Dragons isn’t such a bad idea…” Todd reacts to today’s therapy culture. • MAHA testimonies reveal heartbreaking stories from people prescribed psych drugs as children. • What if the medications meant to help people are quietly destroying entire decades of their lives? ___ 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: Can Online Sermons Hurt Your Soul?

Fri, 15 May 2026 19:43:43 +0000
It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Theresa shares how resentment toward a cliquey church turned into meaningful friendships—and asks: Should Christians fight for connection before deciding to leave a church? • Anonymous asks: Would it be inappropriate for a woman to give her pastor a personal gift to express gratitude? • Anonymous wrestles with a difficult theological tension: If heaven is perfect and sinless, how did Satan rebel there in the first place? • Thomas asks: Why do so few churches have true evangelists who actively equip believers to share the gospel? Segment 2 • David asks: Should Christians only learn from pastors who personally know them—or can sermons from trusted teachers online still be spiritually beneficial? • Alex asks: Are nicotine pouches just a harmless habit—or could they fall into the same category as drunkenness and addiction? • Anonymous asks: If a church allows a woman to preach on Mother’s Day, should Christians still attend? • Alexandra asks: What do you do when reading the Bible feels more boring than life-giving? Segment 3 • Ryan asks: When is it biblically appropriate for a pastor to leave a church without abandoning his calling or creating division? • Anonymous asks: Can someone who believes “baptism saves” still truly be a Christian—or are they trusting a false gospel? • A listener wrestles with a painful family dilemma: Should you pray for loved ones to be saved… or simply corrected? Segment 4 • Lorie asks: Can female bodybuilding honor God—or do the competition standards cross the line into immodesty? ___ 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!

Bible Diet Trends, Southern Baptists, Marriage Pain

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:41:14 +0000
Segment 1 • Is “eating biblical foods” actually spiritual… or just another Christianized trend? • Todd exposes how influencers are turning Scripture into diet plans, “superfoods,” and coaching businesses. • Why do Christians keep treating the Bible like a cookbook instead of a revelation of Christ? Segment 2 • The guys jokingly create an AI-generated “Upper Room Diet”… and it gets uncomfortably believable. • Southern Baptists are seeing declining membership numbers—but rising baptisms and attendance. What’s really happening? • Should churches prioritize biblical faithfulness even if attendance drops? Segment 3 • What do you do when you’re trying to love your spouse faithfully… and they won’t reciprocate? • Todd digs into the painful reality of cold, distant marriages and why perseverance matters. • “Don’t dominate. Elevate.” A challenging call for husbands living with difficult relational tension. Segment 4 • Why do some Christians constantly doubt their salvation even when they know the gospel? • Todd unpacks hidden heart issues behind “wobbly knees,” from perfectionism to shame to performance-based Christianity. • Are you trusting Christ… or secretly trusting your feelings, failures, and spiritual performance? ___ 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! .

Witness Wednesday: Intelligent Design, “I Don’t Care”, Pluralism

Wed, 13 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is back at Georgia Tech where he challenges students on intelligent design, morality, self-righteousness, and what it actually means to be a Christian. Conversations with skeptical engineering students, a Jamaican student named Junior, and a Catholic student named Dan repeatedly expose the same issue: people believe they’re “good enough” for God, but struggle to explain sin, justice, repentance, or why Jesus alone can save. Segment 1 • An architecture student admits buildings require designers… but refuses to apply the same logic to the universe. • A biomedical engineering student claims the universe “just fell into place”—so Todd presses him on morality, guilt, and judgment. • The shocking moment: after admitting guilt under God’s law, the student says he still doesn’t care if God exists or judges him. Segment 2 • Junior grew up in a Christian home in Jamaica—but realizes he may not actually understand Christianity at all. • Todd walks Junior through lying, lust, blasphemy, and guilt before God… and Junior pushes back hard on blind faith. • “I’m not a sinful person.” Todd challenges the difference between growing up around Christianity and truly knowing Christ. Segment 3 • Dan believes “good people” from many religions can make it to heaven—but Todd asks a devastating courtroom question. • If God simply forgives guilty people without punishment… is He actually a just judge? • Todd dismantles salvation-by-good-works and explains why trying harder can never erase guilt before a holy God. Segment 4 • Todd explains the difference between earning heaven and receiving forgiveness through Christ alone. • Why your “good works” might actually be offensive to God if they come from a sinful heart. • One of the clearest gospel appeals of the episode: stop striving, die to self, and trust the righteousness of Jesus instead. ___ 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!

Christians Doubting Salvation, Secret Sin, Leaving Your Church

Tue, 12 May 2026 20:00:00 +0000
Segment 1 • Why do so many genuine Christians secretly fear they’re not actually saved? • Todd tackles the crushing cycle of “I repented… but was it enough?” • Can one misunderstood Bible passage steal your assurance for years? Segment 2 • Are you running from God after sin instead of running to Him? • Todd exposes the difference between Holy Spirit conviction and self-inflicted condemnation. • What if your “worst sin” isn’t stronger than God’s grace after all? Segment 3 • Why are comparison, emotions, and secret sin wrecking so many believers’ assurance? • “I just don’t feel saved” — but should feelings decide your eternal standing? • Todd confronts one hidden struggle that keeps surfacing in assurance conversations with young men. Segment 4 • Should you leave a church that teaches truth but feels emotionally cold? • Todd challenges entertainment-driven church culture and “whoop-dee-doo” Christianity. • What matters more: warm community or faithful expository preaching? ___ 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!