Wretched Radio

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 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!

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!

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 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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! .

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!