Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Justin Peters, Emeal Zwayne, & Calling Out False Teachers Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

SEGMENT 1 • Todd sits down to talk false teachers, the importance of church, and more with Justin Peters and Emeal Zwayne. • Why do so many people follow false teachers who clearly exploit them? • Most of those who follow false teachers aren’t just confused—they may be trusting a completely different gospel. SEGMENT 2 • Todd remarks that Justin represents a rare combination when calling out false teachings. • Gentleness isn’t weakness—it’s power under control, and Scripture commands it. • There are two dangerous ditches: ignoring error and obsessing over it. Are you falling into one of those? SEGMENT 3 • Why do some truth-driven Christians still come across as harsh or combative? • Real gentleness flows from remembering who you were before Christ saved you. • Can people tell if you genuinely care—or if they’re just another “project” or argument to win? SEGMENT 4 • There seems to be one common denominator between those Christians who struggle to grow and mature. • Lone-ranger Christians often become the harshest, most unteachable voices. • Beautiful things happen when you actually combine Scripture, community, and obedience. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

SBC Debate, The Only Way Forward, And America’s Moral Freefall Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • The SBC can’t seem to find their way past one particular issue. • Dr. Albert Mohler pushes for clarity. • What actually determines the outcome of the SBC vote—and what’s happening behind the scenes? Segment 2 • Three cheers for Tennessee and what they’re deciding to reject. • If we want to change the course of our country, Scripture says the strategy is completely different than politics-first. • What if the real “formula” for cultural change is slower—but far more effective? Segment 3 • How did Christianity go from fringe sect to dominating an empire without protests or political power? • Critics mocked believers for our secret weapon - and it’s been the same thing all along. • What uncomfortable calling did early Christians embrace that modern believers often avoid? Segment 4 • What happens when half the population no longer thinks sin exists? • So many of our fellow countrymen think that the right laws and the right politicians could fix or save our country. • If you want real moral change, it comes down to one thing. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Mailbag Friday: Women Deacons, Heavenly Tourism, & Gentle Parenting Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • An elder at my church wants to start a group that prays for the Sunday service during the Sunday service. We are a small church that only holds one service, so this prayer group would miss the preaching of God's Word. What are your thoughts? - Anonymous • My teenage daughter wants to know if we can actually rebuke stuff in the name of Jesus. Is this just a trendy thing to be doing amongst young Christians right now? - Ash • Other than the fruit of the Spirit, are there any other signs that a person is filled with the Holy Spirit? - Anonymous • Is there a historical or biblical precedent for women serving as deacons? - Ean Segment 2 • I heard you critique a new book recently about somebody taking a trip to heaven. What motivates a person to say these things? Could they actually believe they're being truthful? - Anonymous • Would you happen to know any good biblical resources that could point me to how I can help my sons prepare for a career path in their lives? I want my sons to succeed and to help them as the Lord leads, but I'm not sure how to do this. - Ricky • I have a teenage daughter who fell into the woke world. Things have gotten better after two years, but I would like a few biblical pointers to help me not only endure this trial but also continue to encourage my daughter in a positive, biblical way. - Anonymous Segment 3 • How do you respond to all the brothers and sisters who are moon landing deniers? My biggest issue with them is that they are denying the testimony of brothers in Christ who walked on the moon (Charlie Duke & Jim Irwin), not to mention the countless others who have worked on the space program. I know it is not a primary issue, but to call brothers and sisters in Christ liars is a big deal. - Michael Segment 4 • If there is no temptation to sin in Heaven, how did Satan get the idea for an uprising? - Joe • I am 21 years old and have been married for just over a year now, and my parents have been very adamant about us visiting their church sometimes. They attend a church of Christ, and we do not. We also love worshipping at our own church. What should we do? - Anonymous • What are some good parenting resources that combat gentle parenting and encourage healthy, biblical parenting? - Anna ___ 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!

Trump’s Jesus Pic, The View, & Raising Hands In Worship? Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • A viral image sparks outrage—was it harmless, or something far more serious? • What should Christians actually do when a public figure appears to mock God? • Media figures responded to the president’s meme in various ways… some got it right, some not so much. Segment 2 • Shows like The View shape how people think about truth—even though it is not attached to reality. • Joy Behar claims Jesus never said He was the Messiah. She must not be familiar with her Bible. • Why do cultural voices speak confidently on theology while being completely uninformed? Segment 3 • A major Christian creator affirms Mormons—they may be sincere, but they’re wrong. • AI “Jesus” offers comfort for $1.99/minute. Is this more entertainment than theology? • Is there ever a just, God-blessed reason to declare war? Segment 4 • Todd’s not turning charismatic, but wants to talk about a church practice that might make you uncomfortable. • Hand-raising in worship has historical precedent. • It’s okay for our emotions and feelings to be expressed in worship. How do we do this in an orderly fashion? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Witness Wednesday: Justice, Truth, Morality—What Happens Without God? Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel goes to the University of Georgia to engage students in candid, thought-provoking conversations about morality, truth, and Christianity. Through a series of real-world encounters, Todd challenges students to define wisdom, justify their moral beliefs, and explain why they hold their worldview. As conversations unfold, many students struggle to ground their beliefs in objective truth, ultimately leading to discussions about whether morality requires a higher authority—namely, God. Segment 1 • Todd asks Jared “What is wisdom”—and can you prove your definition is actually right? • If morality is just how you were raised… who are you to say anyone is wrong? • Christian student Jared hits a wall trying to justify “right and wrong” without appealing to a higher authority. Segment 2 • You say you’re a Christian—but do you actually know why you believe it? • Presbyterian Yuhan admits his faith is inherited, not examined—does that describe you too? • If you’ve never tested your beliefs, how confident should you really be? Segment 3 • Can you call something evil (like Hitler or eugenics) without an objective standard? • Darian gives sharp answers—until extreme scenarios expose the limits of relativism. • The conversation forces a turning point: do morals require a higher authority like God? Segment 4 • Can you call yourself a Christian… but still not explain why someone should believe? • John struggles to give a compelling reason for Christianity—until justice, judgment, and eternity come into focus. • The gospel becomes unavoidable: if sin isn’t punished, how can God be just—and what did Jesus actually accomplish? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

The Great Awakening, True Revival, And Christian Buddhist? Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Todd’s review of the new “The Great Awakening” movie. • What actually brings about true revival? • Why did straightforward, doctrine-rich preaching—not emotional hype—ignite lasting transformation? Segment 2 • How to build real friendship with nonbelievers, without compromising your convictions. • Whitefield and Franklin’s unlikely partnership exposes how evangelism and real relationships intersect. • Are you avoiding meaningful relationships outside your “Christian bubble”—and missing opportunities to grow God’s kingdom? Segment 3 • What’s missing in many of today’s gospel presentations? • Whitefield’s preaching model confronts modern evangelism with a focus on law, urgency, and authority. • What in the world is a “Christian Buddhist”? Segment 4 • When culture defines the “meaning of life,” who actually has the authority to answer—and why does that matter? • Open-air preaching, public spaces, and cultural reactions—how do you boldly proclaim the gospel while still being wise, lawful, and neighborly? • Trump posts, and deletes, an alarming picture. ___ 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!

Israel, Christians, & God’s Redemptive Plan Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • There have been many contentious conversations lately about things evangelicals have largely taken for granted. • Todd introduces a major cultural debate: should Christians support modern Israel—or rethink everything? • A deep-dive article promises clarity on one of the most confusing and divisive theological issues today. Segment 2 • What is Israel biblically—a state, a religion, or something far more concrete and ongoing? • Israel is defined as ethnic, national, and territorial—raising uncomfortable implications for modern debates • If Israel spans generations regardless of belief, what does that mean for today’s largely secular Jewish population? Segment 3 • Does the modern state of Israel actually matter in God’s overarching redemptive plan? • Even without a political state, Israel would still be central to God’s purposes. • Cultural Jews, secular Jews, religious Jews—these are outward markers that don’t change the Bible’s view of who they really are. Segment 4 • Are Christians required to support Israel politically—or is that a dangerous oversimplification? • Israel’s existence doesn’t equal spiritual restoration—so what should believers actually affirm? • Romans 9–11 raises a divine mystery: Israel is in unbelief, and yet part of God’s plan. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Mailbag Friday: Same-Sex Attraction, Marriage in Heaven, Cosmic Child Abuse? Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • If I could convince an atheist to read the Bible, which book of the Bible should I recommend that they read first? - Anonymous • I am a young man who desires to enter vocational ministry. However, I struggle with same sex attraction. Is same sex attraction in itself disqualifying from ministry? Is same sex attraction inherently sinful? - Anonymous Segment 2 • This morning, my 7-year-old asked me when he could be baptized. My concern is that he is too young and may not fully understand what it fully means. What should I do? - Dan • I hear people use God's name in vain fairly often. What should I say to someone misusing His name? Should I say anything at all? - Jonathan • What are your thoughts on emergency response and law enforcement jobs, which don't always allow you to be in church on Sunday morning? - Pete Segment 3 • Jesus said that in Matthew 22 that in Heaven we won't be married nor be given in marriage. I've always heard that the first instance of marriage we see is Adam and Eve in Genesis 2, prior to the fall. Why do you think it is that we are introduced to marriage in the garden, where everything is perfect, but denied it in Heaven? - Dylan • Is the doctrine of eternal security essential to understanding the gospel? - Josiah • What would you suggest a rural, non-seminarian to do as a next step in learning biblical Greek after watching “It's Not Greek To Me”? - Wade Segment 4 • My friend does not believe in penal substitutionary atonement and the wrath of God on Jesus at the cross, but rather thinks that Jesus willingly gave himself as a sacrifice for our sins. She believes it would be cosmic child abuse from God otherwise. Can one go to heaven if they reject these biblical truths? - Theresa • Recently, I've been seeing wild conspiracy theories pop up very frequently. How should Christians respond to these ideas? Should we sincerely look into them for the truth, or ignore them completely? - Wyatt ___ 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!

Experts Were Wrong, Culture Is Collapsing, & People Are Suffering Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • So-called “experts” confidently predict global catastrophe—and keep getting it wrong. • A generation was told not to have kids… now some are realizing the cost decades later. • Bad worldview → bad policy → real-life consequences… rinse and repeat. Segment 2 • A shocking crime raises the question: what happens when everyone does “what’s right in their own eyes”? • The way that God could be using our societal chaos might surprise you. • The book of Judges isn’t ancient history, but a warning. Segment 3 – “Compassion” Policies That Backfire • Can promoting harmful behavior actually be framed as “public health”? • Our society often prioritizes “acceptance” over actual well-being. • There are consequences when a society decides to reward identity over truth. Segment 4 • What if the “mental health solution” being promoted is making things significantly worse? • Why are rising mental health issues being ignored when policies claim to fix them? • The data again and again disproves the narrative, and yet the narrative continues. ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Witness Wednesday: Science Says No, Conscience Says Yes… What’s Next? Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd on campus at Georgia Tech in Atlanta for several real-life, on-the-street witnessing encounters. What does our conscience tell us about God? Do we reject God because that’s where the science leads, or because of something deeper? When we realize we are sinners, is there any hope? All of these questions and more are explored - and Christ is exalted on today’s Witness Wednesday. Segment 1 • Eduardo says he’s a “good person”… but does he actually measure up when tested against God’s standard? • What happens when “I’m not that bad” collides with lust, lies, and a guilty conscience? • If someone paid your debt before God… would you accept it—or reject it? Segment 2 • Eduardo admits he’d rather “be himself” and face hell. • The turning point: can justice and mercy both be satisfied without compromising either? • Todd presses the urgency—what if everything you’re chasing is worthless if your soul is lost? Segment 3 • Joey admits design requires a designer, but rejects the logic when applied to God and creation. • People say they reject God for scientific reasons, but the real reasons might be much closer to home. • When your conscience gets exposed—liar, thief, lustful—do you face it or deflect it? Segment 4 • Joey resists “innocent or guilty”—but can you really escape that question before a just Judge? • Another student admits he’s not a good person… so what hope does that leave him? • Why did God create the world—and how does that answer change everything about your future? ___ Thanks for listening! Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners. If you would like to support Wretched Radio we would be extremely grateful. VISIT https://fortisinstitute.org/donate/ If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

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