Wretched Radio

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TV and Radio

Wretched Radio

Atlanta, GA


    • Aug 11, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 54m AVG DURATION
    • 1,638 EPISODES

    4.8 from 2,833 ratings Listeners of Wretched Radio that love the show mention: wretched, false teachers, todd and the gang, friel, christian radio, excellent bible, radio broadcast, heretics, phil johnson, christian walk, follower since, good theology, doctrinally sound, todd and the crew, todd and company, todd and crew, solid biblical teaching, gospel focused, witnessing, listening to todd.


    Ivy Insights

    The Wretched Radio podcast is an incredible resource for Christians seeking to grow in their faith and understanding of the Gospel. Todd Friel, the host of the show, along with other members of the team, tackle various theological and cultural issues from a solid Biblical perspective. The podcast combines humor, wit, and deep theological insights to provide listeners with a well-rounded and engaging experience.

    One of the best aspects of The Wretched Radio podcast is its commitment to presenting truth rooted in Scripture. Todd Friel consistently establishes his reasonings in solid Biblical truth, allowing listeners to gain a deep understanding of God's word and apply it accurately to their lives. The show covers a wide range of topics, including evangelism, apologetics, family life, salvation, and more, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of living out the Christian life.

    Another noteworthy aspect of this podcast is its emphasis on evangelism. Witness Wednesdays, a segment on the show where Todd Friel and his team engage in real-time evangelism encounters, serves as an inspiration for listeners who desire to share their faith but may feel unsure or ill-equipped. The team's approach using the Law in evangelism provides practical insights on how to present the Gospel effectively.

    While The Wretched Radio podcast offers valuable content for Christian growth, some may find Todd Friel's comedic style and quick-wittedness occasionally disingenuous or cringe-worthy. However, it's important to remember that he remains rooted in Biblical truth and brings light-heartedness to serious topics without compromising their importance.

    In conclusion, The Wretched Radio podcast is an excellent resource for Christians looking to deepen their understanding of God's word and grow in their walk with Christ. With its blend of humor and profound theological insights, this show provides a unique listening experience that challenges believers to live out their faith boldly while reminding them of their standing before God through His grace. Whether you're seeking wisdom on theological matters or practical guidance for evangelism, The Wretched Radio podcast delivers valuable content that will strengthen your walk with Christ.



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    Latest episodes from Wretched Radio

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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2026 55:00


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2026 55:00


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2026 55:34


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2026


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2026 55:00


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2026


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2026 55:00


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2026 53:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2026 54:59


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 55:00


    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?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2026 55:00


    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!

    The Real Reason People Reject Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2026 55:00


    Why do people really reject Jesus? In this Witness Wednesday, Todd has two honest conversations with college students that reveal the difference between intellectual objections and the deeper issues of the heart. Learn practical evangelism lessons that will help you confidently keep the gospel at the center of your conversations. Segment 1 • Can all religions really lead to the same destination? • One student says Christianity and Islam are basically the same. Todd explains the difference that changes everything. • Is evolution enough to explain the world around us, or does creation point to something more? • What happens when someone openly admits they'd rather pursue happiness than follow Christ? Segment 2 • Why do so many gospel conversations begin more naturally than we expect? • Todd explains why Christians shouldn't fear awkward transitions into spiritual discussions. • How can God's Law and the conscience open the door to meaningful gospel conversations? • What can you learn from an encounter that ends with a heartbreaking response? Segment 3 • "The Bible was written by men." How should you respond to one of Christianity's most common objections? • Are intellectual arguments really the biggest barrier to faith? • Todd demonstrates how to move beyond apologetics and lovingly address the heart. • Can someone be "good enough" to stand before a holy God? Segment 4 • Should Christians spend more time defending the faith—or proclaiming the gospel? • How do you avoid getting sidetracked by endless objections? • What does successful evangelism actually look like from God's perspective? • Why can Christians remain encouraged even when conversations don't end with 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!

    Why Todd Doesn’t Want the Bible Taught in Public Schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2026 55:00


    Should Christians celebrate the Bible being taught in public schools? Todd explains why what seems like a win for Christianity may not be what it appears while exploring declining birth rates, cultural Christianity, and what it really takes to change a nation. Segment 1 • Why do Pride parades so often revolve around public displays of sexuality? • Can you judge a religion by the kind of culture it produces? Todd compares Christianity and Hinduism. • An Irish teacher spent nearly two years in prison over preferred pronouns. What does his case reveal about religious freedom? • Should Christian schools accept government funding if it means compromising biblical convictions? Segment 2 • Why are fewer young people getting married and having children? • Are social media, celebrity culture, and pornography reshaping an entire generation's view of family? • Does God's design for marriage and parenthood actually lead to greater joy and fulfillment? • What are young adults giving up when they delay marriage and parenthood? Segment 3 • Why doesn't Todd want the Bible taught in public schools? • Is teaching Scripture as literature actually diminishing its true purpose? • Can Christian values change a nation without changing hearts? • Why is cultural Christianity becoming increasingly attractive to conservatives? Segment 4 • Can a nation become "Christian" without people becoming Christians? • Should the church focus on changing culture—or making disciples? • What can we learn from the early church's response to a pagan culture? • Could our expectations for transforming society be aimed at the wrong target? ___ 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 Catholics and Evangelicals Believe the Same Gospel? + PCUSA + Creation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Jimmy Hicks returns after major back surgery and shares the unexpected lessons God taught him through recovery. • Why can learning to depend on others be one of the hardest—and healthiest—lessons for Christians? • What makes faithful, mission-minded believers so valuable in the local church? • Are dad jokes actually good for your family? Science (and Todd) weighs in. Segment 2 • A viral Roman Catholic apologist claims Catholics and evangelicals believe the same gospel. Is she right? • Why are so many evangelicals being drawn toward Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism? • What's missing from the argument that makes it sound so convincing? • How can you recognize the difference between the true gospel and a subtle counterfeit? Segment 3 • Why are churches like the PCUSA continuing to lose members year after year? • What happens when denominations compromise on biblical truth to follow the culture? • Should churches seek a "middle ground" on controversial issues, or does that strategy always drift left? • What lessons can faithful pastors and churches learn from today's denominational decline? Segment 4 • Can dogs ever evolve into something other than dogs? • What's the difference between biblical "kinds," species, and Darwinian evolution? ___ 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: Church Discontent + False Teachers + Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2026


    It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Eric asks: Can even the most notorious false teachers truly repent and be forgiven? • Anonymous asks: What should a husband do when his wife suddenly wants to leave their longtime church? Segment 2 • Should you stay and work through concerns with your church, or is it time to leave? (Continued from Segment 1) Segment 3 • David asks: Whatever happened to Too Wretched for Radio? • Marion asks: Which Puritan authors are worth reading, and where should you start? • Merry asks: Which promises in the Bible actually belong to Christians today? Segment 4 • More on the Puritans. • Anonymous asks: How should Christians help someone struggling with psychosis? ___ 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!

    Before You Say “I Do” | Todd Interviews Lou Priolo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Todd Friel sits down with Dr. Lou Priolo to reveal why so many marriages struggle before they even begin. • Are you ignoring dating red flags that could become lifelong regrets? • Why do persistent doubts, constant conflict, and avoiding hard conversations deserve a second look? Segment 2 • Can physical boundaries before marriage reveal much deeper spiritual problems? • Dr. Priolo explains why unresolved selfishness has a way of following couples down the aisle. • Should strong concerns from family and friends ever make you hit the pause button on a relationship? Segment 3 • Is helping your spouse grow spiritually actually one of your biblical responsibilities? • Why can trying to "fix" your spouse expose a much bigger problem in your own heart? • Todd and Dr. Priolo tackle how to confront sin lovingly without turning your home into a battlefield. Segment 4 • How should you respond when your spouse points out your biggest flaws? • Tiny habits, family traditions, and personal preferences can become surprisingly explosive marriage issues. • What's the difference between confronting real sin and simply expecting your spouse to do things your way? ___ 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!

    Smoking Is Worse Than Abortion…Really? + If Porn Is Harmless, Why Hide It?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2026 55:00


    It's Witness Wednesday! Todd is at Georgia Tech and engages with students to share the hope of Christ. Segment 1 • Todd asks Arvin to rank smoking, pornography, abortion, and hooking up—which answer reveals just how dramatically moral values have shifted? • Why would someone say smoking is worse than abortion? Todd presses beneath the surface to uncover the worldview behind the answer. • Todd then meets a Hindu student whose moral instincts surprise him before challenging the idea that all religions are basically the same. Segment 2 • Can "my truth" and Jesus' exclusive claims both be true? Todd walks a Hindu student through the collision between relativism and Christianity. • What happens when the Ten Commandments become the standard instead of personal opinion? • Todd explains why the gospel is radically different from every other religion—and why that difference matters eternally. Segment 3 • Todd questions three Georgia Tech students who defend pornography, reject objective morality, and insist they're still "good people." • If pornography is harmless, why would you be embarrassed to watch it with your parents? Todd exposes what conscience may already know. • Can someone honestly call themselves good after admitting to lying, lust, stealing, and blasphemy? The conversation takes an unexpectedly personal turn. Segment 4 • Todd challenges the three students with the question everyone must answer: What should a perfectly just God do with guilty people? • A Jehovah's Witness listening nearby joins the discussion, leading to a respectful but direct conversation about hell, the deity of Christ, and salvation. • What happens if you've believed in the wrong Jesus? Todd ends with a sobering question about eternity that neither side can ignore. ___ 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!

    Should Pastors Preach Politics? | Todd Interviews John Crotts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2026 55:00


    Todd sits down with Dr. John Crotts to discuss why Christians should expect to upset the world with the gospel, why loving the local church is essential for spiritual health, and how pastors can faithfully shepherd God's people through today's cultural chaos. Segment 1 • Are Christians playing it too safe when sharing the Gospel? • What surprising places can become your next evangelism mission field—including one you'd probably never expect? • Why are so many religious people spiritually hungry despite sitting in church every Sunday? Segment 2 • Could your biggest spiritual weakness actually be trying to follow Christ without a local church? • Church hurt is real—but is isolation making the problem even worse? • Why does Scripture present the local church as protection instead of just another weekly event? Segment 3 • Should pastors stay at one church for decades—or is bigger ministry always better? • Can good church movements become harmful when personal convictions turn into church-wide expectations? • Where's the line between biblical conviction and making your preferences everyone's standard? Segment 4 • Should your pastor address every political controversy from the pulpit? • What if preaching deeper theology is actually the best response to today's cultural chaos? • When is it wise for a pastor to pause an expositional series and speak directly to a national crisis? ___ 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 So Many Christian Men Never Grow Up | Todd Interviews John Crotts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2026 55:00


    Todd sits down with Dr. John Crotts to discuss why so many Christian men struggle to grow up spiritually, what biblical manhood really looks like, and how the gospel gives lasting hope to weary believers. Segment 1 • Why do so many Christian men drift through life instead of pursuing godliness? • What does biblical manhood actually look like—and where does it begin? • How can living with eternity in view completely change the way you live today? • Why is wisdom more than just knowing the right answers? Segment 2 • What does it really mean for a husband to lead his family biblically? • How can Christian men take responsibility without becoming controlling or domineering? • What habits separate spiritually mature men from those who stay stuck? • Why is receiving correction one of the clearest marks of biblical maturity? Segment 3 • Why do faithful Christians often lose hope—even when they know the truth? • What is biblical hope, and why is it far more than positive thinking? • How can God's promises steady your heart during seasons of suffering and discouragement? • Why is meditating on God's character essential for lasting joy? Segment 4 • What does biblical meditation look like, and how can it transform your daily walk with Christ? • What should you do when you feel like you've failed God one too many times? • Can God's grace become an excuse for sin, or does it actually fuel holiness? • How do you fight feelings that God has abandoned you? ___ 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: Staying with a Gay Couple? + Praying to Mary + Cremation

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 55:00


    It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Anonymous: Should a Christian parent stay overnight in the home of a son living in a same-sex relationship? • Jonathan: How can socialism become a bridge to sharing the gospel? • Darcy: Why doesn't Wretched lead people in the sinner's prayer? Segment 2 • Carrie: Would God answer the prayers of someone living in an unrepentant same-sex relationship? • Michelle: Are the stopped clocks on the Wretched TV set hidden Bible references? • Ashley: How can Road Trip to Truth best be used as a homeschool curriculum? Segment 3 • Jonathan: How do we know when the Lord is really "putting something on our heart"? • Jonathan: Why did John MacArthur warn against saying, "The Lord told me"? • Evan: Should Christians use nicotine pouches? Segment 4 • Todd: Can AI become dangerously personal—and even deadly? • Alexander: What does the Bible teach about cremation versus burial? • Alexander: Does it matter if my family ignores my burial wishes after I die? ___ 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 Interviews Adam Tyson: Kanye West, Gen Z & Christian Liberty

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Adam Tyson shares what it was like spending time with Kanye West during his profession of faith. • Why does Adam have such a burden for reaching Gen Z men? • What stereotypes about young men are true, and how should Christians respond? Segment 2 • Why are so many young men struggling with fear, passivity, and a lack of purpose? • Has modern youth ministry unintentionally contributed to the problem? • What role should theology and expository preaching play in discipling the next generation? Segment 3 • Has expository preaching become too academic, or are churches missing biblical application? • What does faithful sermon preparation actually look like behind the scenes? • Why do illustrations matter, and how can pastors use them without overshadowing Scripture? Segment 4 • How should believers navigate disagreements over Christian liberty without dividing the church? • Is the Bible really sufficient to help people struggling with anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and other mental health challenges? • When should Christians seek medical care, and when should they seek biblical counseling? ___ 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 Mormons Worship the Same God? + Are People Basically Good?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2026 55:00


    It's Witness Wednesday! Todd takes the gospel to Georgia Tech and answers some of life's biggest questions. Segment 1 • A Mormon student insists Christians and Mormons worship the same God. Is that really true? • If your understanding of Jesus is wrong, can you still be saved? • Todd explains the crucial differences between the biblical gospel and Mormon theology. Segment 2 • A psychology student believes people are basically good. What does the Bible say? • Do the Ten Commandments still reveal our need for a Savior? • Why is understanding our sin essential before we can understand God's grace? Segment 3 • Can a good person ever be good enough for heaven? • Todd explains why every religion says "do," but Christianity says "done." • What does it really mean to repent and trust Christ alone for salvation? Segment 4 • A self-described Christian says, "I don't think you have to be a Christian to get to heaven." Is that biblical? • Why did Jesus have to die for sinners instead of simply forgiving them? • What is your true purpose in life, and how does the gospel answer the question, "Why are we here?" ___ 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 PCA Takes a Stand on Christian Nationalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Why the PCA's report on Christian nationalism deserves attention. • Should the government enforce Christian morality or protect religious liberty? • What changed between the Westminster Confession of 1646 and 1788, and why it still matters. Segment 2 • The PCA issues affirmations and denials on church, state, and political involvement. • Why the church's mission can never be replaced by politics. • The biblical response to kinism, racism, and divisive rhetoric. Segment 3 • Why the gospel must always take priority over political victories. • Practical advice for pastors navigating Christian nationalism in their churches. • What the PCA says about keeping difficult conversations centered on Christ. Segment 4 • The PCUSA stumbles over a vote on clergy monogamy. • James Talarico's controversial comments at the Texas Democratic Convention. • Why the PCA is warning Christians about anger, slander, and political tribalism. ___ 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!

    A Pastor Beats a Young Man + American Revival? + Dinosaurs in the Bible

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Dr. Jason Lisle explains on his In the Beginning podcast how dinosaurs actually fit the Bible's timeline. • What surprising discoveries inside dinosaur fossils are challenging millions of years of evolutionary assumptions? • Could creatures like Behemoth and Leviathan actually describe dinosaurs? Segment 2 • Is America really experiencing a spiritual revival, or are the headlines overstating what's happening? • Why are more young people saying religion matters while fewer are actually attending church? • If people are becoming more open to faith, how should Christians respond? Segment 3 • Phil Johnson announces his retirement after more than four decades at Grace to You. What does his legacy teach about faithful ministry? • Is the church experiencing a changing of the guard as influential Christian leaders pass the baton? • Why should every Christian care more about their local church than celebrity ministries? Segment 4 • A pastor beat up a young man, then defended his actions from the pulpit using Scripture. Can the Bible really justify violence? • What does this incident reveal about the dangers of taking justice into our own hands? • What qualifications should every pastor meet before stepping into the pulpit? ___ 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 We Trust the Bible? + Hitler vs. Mother Teresa + Sprinkling Baptism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2026 55:00


    It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • Cademan: How can I help a friend trust that the Bible we have today is truly God's Word? Segment 2 • Anonymous: How can I grow in spiritual maturity? • Jonathan: Are unbelievers judged according to the amount of truth they rejected—and will people like Hitler and Mother Teresa receive the same punishment? • Alan: Should Christians belong to organizations like the Elks Lodge? Segment 3 • Anonymous: How can I encourage my husband to stop being late for church? • Anonymous: How can I biblically help my 10-year-old son who struggles with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and possible OCD? Segment 4 • Rachel: Is baptism by sprinkling ever appropriate, and should someone baptized that way be accepted into church membership? • James: If a professing Christian commits suicide, does that mean they were never truly saved? ___ 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!

    James Talarico: A Christian Who Hates Christianity?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • James Talarico calls himself "a Christian who hates Christianity." • Can you redefine Christianity and still call it biblical? • Why progressive theology is far more dangerous than progressive politics. Segment 2 • Can politics actually save America? • The surprising reason America is losing its shared identity. • Why the answer isn't legislation—it's something far deeper. Segment 3 • What declining support for Israel reveals about America's spiritual condition. • If you could rebuild a nation from scratch, where would you start? • Why Christians may be fighting the wrong battle. Segment 4 • What falling birth rates, marijuana, and homeschooling all have in common. • Why changing laws will never change hearts. • The one mission Jesus gave the Church that still changes cultures 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!

    This Buddhist Student Had Never Heard the Gospel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2026 55:00


    It's Witness Wednesday! Segment 1 • Rex confidently says Jesus is Lord—but can he explain why someone should believe that? • What happens when personal testimony isn't enough to persuade a skeptic? • Todd helps Rex move from "Jesus changed my life" to the gospel message that actually saves. Segment 2 • Sean believes heaven and hell are real—but how can anyone know they're truly forgiven? • Can last rites, confession, or religious rituals clear a guilty conscience before God? • Todd and Sean compare Roman Catholicism and biblical Christianity on the question that matters most: How are sinners made right with God? Segment 3 • This Buddhist student has lived in America for two years—and has never heard the gospel. • If Buddhism brings peace and happiness, why would someone need Christianity? • Todd contrasts managing desires with solving humanity's deepest problem: guilt before a holy God. Segment 4 • Casey believes morality is doing what feels right—but who gets the final say on right and wrong? • Raised Southern Baptist, Casey knows church culture but doesn't understand the gospel. • Karma, evolution, religion, and the law of God collide in a conversation about truth, judgment, and forgiveness. ___ 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!

    Suffering and Marriage, Church-State Confusion, and Catechism Comeback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • An update on Jimmy Hicks' surgery recovery reveals an unexpected lesson about marriage, suffering, and seeing your spouse with fresh eyes. • Could one difficult season expose blessings in your family that you've been overlooking for years? • What happens when hardship becomes the very thing that deepens intimacy instead of destroying it? Segment 2 • Charlemagne's attempt to spread Christianity through political power raises questions that Christians are still debating today. • What happens when the lines between church and state become blurry? • A look at history's most famous examples of “Christian government” reveals consequences many believers never consider. Segment 3 • Are the scientific arguments for an ancient earth really as airtight as we've been told? • Dr. Jason Lisle challenges popular dating methods, dinosaur timelines, and assumptions about Earth's history. • What evidence causes some scientists to question long-held claims about millions and billions of years? Segment 4 • Why are teenagers risking their lives for TikTok fame—and is the real problem deeper than social media? • Todd contrasts modern youth ministry trends with the forgotten practice of catechizing children. • Could a stronger understanding of identity, sin, and the gospel help address the crisis facing today's generation? ___ 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!

    Government Cowardice, Pastoral Sin, And Gospel Urgency

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • A shocking report claims authorities ignored the mass exploitation of over 250,000 young girls—why would officials look the other way? • Is fear of being labeled racist preventing governments from confronting serious cultural and criminal problems? • What happens when immigration, assimilation, and public safety collide in ways nobody wants to discuss? Segment 2 • Why are some people calling the Islamic call to prayer beautiful while ignoring the theology behind it? • A European government refuses to ban first-cousin marriage despite alarming birth defect statistics—what's driving the decision? • Are secular governments or religious movements responsible for more violence throughout history than you've been led to believe? Segment 3 • Two newly discovered Augustine sermons spark a surprising reminder about your identity in Christ. • What happens to a marriage when forgiveness is offered—but never truly given? • Another pastor falls in a prostitution sting, raising uncomfortable questions about accountability, temptation, and hidden sin. Segment 4 • Archaeologists uncover one of the oldest known images of Jesus—but does it actually resemble Him? • Why do so many pastors feel exhausted, discouraged, and unsatisfied in ministry today? • How should church members care for their shepherds before burnout becomes a crisis? ___ 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: Heaven Without My Children + God's Wrath + Sunday Best

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2026 55:00


    It's Mailbag Friday! You've got questions, we've got answers. Segment 1 • A concerned mom asks: “How could heaven be joyful if my children never repent and come to Christ?” Segment 2 • Justin asks whether Jesus' physical death alone paid for sin—or whether His suffering under God's wrath was also necessary. • What happens when children and teens hear a “Jesus loves you” message without sin, wrath, repentance, or the full gospel? Segment 3 • Kristen asks whether tithing can be given wherever the Holy Spirit leads—or whether the local church should come first. • Lucinda asks how to persuade a determinedly uneducated family member that learning matters biblically. Segment 4 • Claire shares how godly male friendships are strengthening husbands, fathers, homes, and the church. • Caleb asks whether emphasizing “Sunday best” can unintentionally make poorly dressed visitors feel unwelcome at 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!

    Spiritual Gifts + Ken Ham's Legacy + Kids Ministry

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Are you missing a key reason your Christian life feels stuck or incomplete? • Todd argues that spiritual gifts are woven into God's design for human flourishing—just like marriage, family, work, and education. • What if the fastest way to discover your spiritual gift isn't a test, but simply getting involved? Segment 2 • Why do so many Christians leave their God-given gifts sitting on the shelf? • Todd breaks down a wide range of spiritual gifts and shows how they can be used in surprisingly practical ways. • Could your church—and your own joy—be suffering because you're neglecting a "priestly duty"? Segment 3 • What does Ken Ham's family legacy reveal about passing faith to future generations? • Todd challenges modern children's ministry models that prioritize entertainment over theology. • Are we giving kids a “Jesus is your friend” message when they desperately need a bigger view of God? Segment 4 • Why are so many Christian parents losing ground in the battle for their children's hearts and minds? • Todd shares ten practical ways to pass biblical wisdom to children and grandchildren. • Could simple habits like family meals, handwritten letters, and visible repentance leave a gospel legacy that lasts for generations? ___ 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 Talks to Mormon Missionaries

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2026 55:00


    It's Witness Wednesday! At the University of Georgia, Todd Friel meets Damarié, a Baptist student who believes in Jesus but struggles to explain why Christianity is uniquely true, leading to a conversation about truth, conscience, sin, and what it really means to trust Christ. Later, Todd engages with LDS missionaries about the identity of Jesus, the Great Apostasy, grace versus works, and whether salvation is a gift to be received or a reward to be earned. Segment 1 • Damarié says he's Baptist—but can he explain why Christianity is actually true? • Are all religions just personal preferences, or do they make competing truth claims? • What happens when the conversation shifts from philosophy to your own guilt before God? Segment 2 • Why would Jesus go to the cross if every religion leads to God? • Can a just Judge forgive sinners without ignoring justice? • Damarié wrestles with a question many churchgoers avoid: Have I truly trusted Christ? Segment 3 • If two groups use the name “Jesus,” can they still be talking about different saviors? • LDS missionaries explain who they believe Jesus is—and how someone is saved. • Does salvation come by grace alone, or is there more required to reach eternity? Segment 4 • Why would young people leave family behind for two years to spread their faith? • Did Christianity disappear for centuries until Joseph Smith restored it? • Do your works affect your eternal destiny more than you realize? ___ 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 Church Growth Trap + Bethel Drama + God’s Priorities

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Todd revisits a memorable conversation with John MacArthur and reveals the hymn he struggled to choose as his favorite. • Are pastors neglecting a surprisingly important communication skill that can make biblical preaching more effective? • What encouraging signs are emerging at Grace Community Church following MacArthur's passing? Segment 2 • One church's "What to Expect" page raises bigger questions about what churches are really trying to attract people with. • What happens when churches promise great coffee, entertained kids, and a better family life? • Todd contrasts seeker-sensitive strategies with a long-term vision of generational discipleship and spiritual legacy. Segment 3 • Why are some rapidly growing churches still embracing methods and messages that critics say are spiritually dangerous? • Todd examines recent controversies surrounding Bethel Church and asks whether reform efforts go far enough. • Has the prosperity gospel become far more mainstream than many Christians realize? Segment 4 • A surprising statistic suggests most professing Christians believe God wants them to be financially prosperous. • Would you rather have a larger bank account—or peace, joy, and a clear conscience? • Todd challenges popular assumptions about blessing, wealth, and what true prosperity actually looks like. ___ 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!

    Victim Blamed, Racism Claimed, Miracles Denied

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Todd introduces a sobering challenge: when outrageous stories make us angry, should our response be outrage, grief, or evangelism? • Does remembering God's coming judgment change how Christians view their cultural enemies? • A university professor blames a grieving father for his murdered son's death—how did we get here? Segment 2 • A shocking opinion piece turns a murder victim into the villain and the killer into the misunderstood party. • What happens when victimhood completely replaces personal responsibility? • Todd wrestles with how Christians should respond when public commentary seems to invert right and wrong. Segment 3 • An elected official comments on a murder case while admitting she doesn't know key facts. • Can claims of racism stand when they're built on assumptions rather than evidence? • Todd argues that the deepest problem isn't political confusion—it's spiritual blindness. Segment 4 • If miracles are "impossible," what happens to the resurrection? • Why do some professing Christians reinterpret supernatural events in Scripture? • A rapid-fire challenge to modern skepticism and selective Bible belief. ___ 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: Messianic Dating + Submission & Debt + Missing Joy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Jonathan asks: “What should I find out before dating a Messianic Jew who believes in Jesus but still practices Jewish traditions?” • Ryan wrestles with a difficult church decision: When does weak preaching become a reason to leave? • Anonymous asks how a wife can biblically submit when her husband's financial decisions are leading the family deeper into debt. Segment 2 • Todd continues to address the question from the previous segment regarding biblical submission when a husband's spending habits seem reckless? Segment 3 • Tom asks a heartbreaking question: Does chronic illness make me a sluggard in God's eyes? Segment 4 • Joe wonders if a Christian can truly be saved while feeling little or no joy because of a medical condition and medication side effects. • Anonymous asks whether Bible quizzing helps children treasure Scripture or risks turning God's Word into a competition. • Steve discovers his church is pre-tribulational, pre-millennial, and dispensational—and wonders what that really means. • Anonymous asks a sensitive church question: How should congregations care for worshipers with disruptive Tourette's syndrome without excluding them? ___ 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!

    SBC Showdown, Why Genesis Matters, The Manosphere

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • The SBC is debating more than titles—what happens when women perform pastoral functions without the title? • Why do battles over words like pastor, elder, and overseer matter so much? • Liberalism rarely arrives all at once; it starts with a small crack in the door. Segment 2 • Can a pastor who is secretly living a double life truly finish well? • The SBC tackles immigration, political violence, technology, and religious liberty with surprising clarity. • Is national renewal possible through politics alone, or is something deeper required? Segment 3 • Why do so many people reject Christianity before they ever hear the gospel? • Dr. Jason Lisle argues the battle over Genesis is really a battle over authority. • If evolution removes the Creator, what happens to morality, purpose, and human accountability? Segment 4 • Young men are searching for answers—why is the manosphere filling a role the church could occupy? • Friendship, discipline, work ethic, and masculinity reveal massive discipleship opportunities. • What if teaching a boy how to be a man is actually a deeply theological task? ___ 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 Most Dangerous Lie Religious People Believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2026 55:00


    It's Witness Wednesday! At Kennesaw State University, Todd Friel sits down with Matthew, a future lawyer and Roman Catholic student, for a conversation about justice, grace, good works, and whether anyone can actually become worthy of heaven. Later, Todd talks with Fresnel about agnosticism, evangelism, and why the conscience may be a more powerful starting point than arguments about science, evidence, or religion. Segment 1 • Matthew says good works matter—but can they erase guilt? • Can God be loving and still punish sinners? • What happens when a future lawyer is put in God's courtroom? Segment 2 • Is confession enough to make you right with God? • The difference between forgiveness and righteousness. • The "rap sheet for a résumé" illustration every Christian should hear. Segment 3 • Are you trying to earn what Christ already purchased? • Can someone be born again after death? • Why do so many religious people never find rest? Segment 4 • How would you persuade an agnostic to consider Christianity? • Should evangelism start with evidence—or the conscience? • What must a sinner do to be saved? ___ 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!

    SBC Crossroads, Trauma Culture, and Dangerous Gospel Fog

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Will the SBC hold the line on biblical leadership, or repeat the path that hollowed out other denominations? • Todd argues one convention vote could reveal far more than a procedural disagreement. • Dr. Jason Lisle explains why evidence alone never settles the creation debate—and what really does. Segment 2 • Jimmy faces major surgery, but his biggest concern might not be what you expect. • Protesters at a major conservative event crossed a line that even Todd thought sounded too outrageous to be true. • Why are millions of young men being drawn to counterfeit masculinity, and is the church responding fast enough? Segment 3 • Has "trauma" become the explanation for virtually every strained family relationship? • A popular wedding philosophy may be pushing parents further out of their children's lives than Scripture ever intended. • From Sesame Street to political rhetoric, Todd examines how cultural messaging keeps moving the goalposts. Segment 4 • Could a few simple questions expose serious problems in a church before you ever join? • If your pastor explains the gospel vaguely, what might your children never hear clearly? • Which answers about sin, salvation, creation, hell, and church discipline should be immediate deal breakers? ___ 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!

    Oprah's Gospel, Aborted Babies, and America's Misery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2026 55:00


    Segment 1 • Why are depression, anxiety, and loneliness exploding despite endless promises of happiness? • A controversial article asks: what happens when motherhood is treated as the enemy of fulfillment? • The world calls sacrifice a burden—could God's design reveal a completely different path to joy? Segment 2 • Christians often hear God's commands as restrictions, but what if they are actually the key to flourishing? • Feminism promised freedom and happiness—so why are many women reporting the opposite? • Marriage, children, work, and family are under attack. What priorities are quietly replacing them? Segment 3 • A viral abortion decision sparked outrage across the internet—but what deeper worldview was exposed? • What happens when personal comfort becomes more valuable than human life? • The Down syndrome debate reveals a painful question: how much sacrifice are we willing to make for others? Segment 4 • Is modern self-help culture healing people—or keeping them trapped in victimhood? • Oprah's influence reaches far beyond television, reshaping how millions think about suffering and responsibility. • What if the pursuit of feelings, therapy, and self-discovery is actually undermining contentment and purpose? ___ 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: Patriotic Worship + Canceling Parents + Counting Kids

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 55:00


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2026 54:59


    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

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026


    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!

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