Published by Fortis Institute
Wretched Radio is hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and various topics in the Christian community. You might even have a laugh.
Listen on Apple PodcastsIt'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!
55 min
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? 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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
53 min
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!
54 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!
55 min
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!