Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Phil Johnson Answers: Is Evangelicalism Collapsing—Or Quietly Being Rebuilt? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Is evangelicalism actually at a historic low—or on the brink of revival? • Past “golden ages” of evangelical influence actually collapsed faster than expected. • The real reason that faithful churches often do better without celebrity leaders. Segment 2 • Why social media influence may be incapable of sustaining biblical faithfulness. • The hidden dangers of untethered Christian platforms without institutional accountability. • History shows us a repeating pattern of influence, drift, and collapse. Segment 3 • Is “cultural contextualization” helping the church—or hollowing it out from within? • Replacing biblical language subtly reshapes the gospel itself. • Why trying to sound less Christian may cost the church its power entirely. Segment 4 • Does every church need a “lead pastor”—or is that unbiblical? • How leadership authority actually functions inside a healthy plurality of elders. • Rushing to replace a prominent pastor can damage a church for decades. ___ 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!

Ever Wonder Why Big Cultural Moments Leave You Feeling Empty? Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Massive cultural moments, like last night’s Superbowl, promise fulfillment but fade almost instantly. • The halftime show controversy shows us how our entertainment is driving moral numbness for our nation and world. • A sharp challenge: if the biggest moments don’t last, why do we keep living for them? Segment 2 • Here’s what suffering for Christ’s sake in our life tells us about the character and attributes of God. • God values something more than your comfort - and this changes everything in your life. • First Peter’s uncomfortable but hope-filled call to lift your eyes above temporary victories. Segment 3 • How sentimental slogans weaponize empathy and shut down moral clarity. • Phrases like “love is love” feel compassionate but smuggle in serious worldview assumptions. • A smarter approach: asking the right questions instead of taking rhetorical bait. Segment 4 • Bible sales are up—but biblical literacy may not be. • What church closures, entertainment trends, and AI-driven depravity reveal about spiritual decay. • A sobering reminder: sin never satisfies, no matter how advanced the technology gets. ___ 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: Abusive Marriage, AI Sermons, And Woke HR Training Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. SEGMENT 1 • Last week, you answered a question I wrote about returning to a marriage where physical abuse occurred. I’m the husband, and I fear my abusive wife. Do these facts change the way you think about the question? - Anonymous • Are there any particular AI bots that Todd and Jimmy prefer to use? - Dennis SEGMENT 2 • Our 15 year-old daughter has recently been saved, and desires to be baptized. She’s stated that she wants me to be the one to baptize her. Are there any reasons that we shouldn’t go through with this? - Anonymous • Last week you referred to delivering a sermon written by AI as “acting”. Is this the same as delivering a pre-written manuscript? Is this a legitimate skill to develop? - Jay SEGMENT 3 • I was required to go through some HR training at work that focused on things like “transphobia” and “homophobia” as different kinds of discrimination. This didn’t feel right for me to partake in as a Christian. Do I have any recourse? What are your thoughts? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Knowing that we need to be wary of applying guilt-by-association, at what point should a church stop promoting a teacher due to their association with someone that’s theologically problematic? - Jennifer ___ 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!

Did the Pope Twist Matthew 25: Are Borders Actually Biblical? Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Pope Leo’s use of Matthew 25 misapplies God’s Word by turning an individual mandate into a government policy. • Learn from Speaker Mike Johnson’s calm, biblical approach to hostile media questions—and why his tone matters for every Christian. • Get a crash course on what the Bible actually says about borders, nations, assimilation, and the role of civil authority. Segment 2 • Watch progressives contradict their past positions on immigration through a shocking AI-generated political montage. • Laugh (and cringe) at a satirical skit where a liberal time-travels to kill Hitler—only to discover eerie ideological overlaps. • Understand how worldview—not just politics—drives modern shifts in culture and moral reasoning. Segment 3 • John Macarthur’s heartfelt worship should be a lesson for us all. • Reconsider everything you assumed about the Puritans—especially their deep focus on the love of God. • Hear how a forgotten Puritan voice might be the encouragement you need today if your faith feels more fearful than joyful. Segment 4 • Explore why love, not just justice or wrath, is the central attribute behind God’s redemption plan. • Let Octavius Winslow’s rich theology flood your soul with hope, assurance, and a fresh view of God's heart. • Fear of God and love from God must coexist—together, they fuel worship, holiness, and evangelism. ___ 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: What If the Christianity You Deconstructed Wasn’t Christianity? Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd once again on campus at Oklahoma State University as he makes a powerful presentation about faith, philosophy, worldviews, and apologetics. He wraps up with a question-and-answer session, pointing students towards Christ and His gospel of grace. Segment 1 • Discover how postmodern thought has shaped your worldview—even if you’ve never read a philosophy book. • Feelings have replaced facts in our culture, and it’s wrecking spiritual foundations. • Disney movies and TikTok might be doing more “deconstructing” than your college professor. Segment 2 • Todd dismantles the top 10 reasons students reject Christianity—with humor and logic. • You’ll hear the wild syllogisms (like “Trump is bad = Jesus isn’t real”) that people believe without realizing it. • Learn how rejecting or deconstructing a false version of Christianity doesn’t mean the real one is false. Segment 3 • Jesus isn’t a life coach—He’s the King who came to serve, save, and reign in love. • You’ll finally understand what makes Christianity not just true, but beautiful and soul-satisfying. • Be blown away by the picture of King Jesus—who knows your name, prepares your seat, and serves you at His table. Segment 4 • Hear a student wrestle with: “How can I have a real relationship with God if I can’t see or hear Him?” • Todd’s answer shows how knowing God isn’t distant or vague—it’s deep, personal, and more intimate than anything else. • Discover the one thing you might be missing if your faith feels cold or uncertain. ___ 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!

Is This Parenting Habit Really What’s Making Your Kids Anxious? Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Why a century-old song about narcissism is more relevant than ever—and what it says about our cultural moment. • Here’s how postmodernism, pop culture, and deconstructionism have normalized self-worship. • We need a specific toolset to engage with a generation raised in a "me-first" world. Segment 2 • Learn the 5 powerful traits formed by 1980s upbringing—and how they’re vanishing in modern culture. • Gen X and Boomers feel “alien” in today’s world—and their strengths differ from Gen Z’s vulnerabilities. • Gen X’s latchkey autonomy and delayed gratification shaped stronger mental frameworks, which impacts how they parent. Segment 3 • The truth behind gentle parenting: does avoiding “no” really help children grow? • A therapist and mother reflects on how saying “yes” too much undermines authority and trust. • These observations are brought back to the Proverbs—and how loving discipline builds resilient adults. Segment 4 • Creationism vs. Traducianism vs. Pre-existence: Which view on the soul lines up with Scripture? • Origen’s false teachings were condemned, but can still show up today. • Your view on the soul’s origin shape your view of sin, salvation, and Jesus Himself. ___ 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 Good Samaritan Really Means What?? How Politicians Misinterpret Scripture Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Hillary Clinton misuses the Good Samaritan parable to justify political activism, and the media is silent. • Politicians commonly miss that biblical commands for individuals are not mandates for governments. • Get equipped to spot progressive reinterpretations of Scripture—and respond with truth. Segment 2 • Meet James Talarico, a rising political figure who uses slick “Christian” language to push liberal policies. • Understand the difference between personal commands (Matthew 25) and government responsibility (Romans 13). • Inside and outside of the pulpit, emotional storytelling is replacing sound hermeneutics - learn how to spot it. Segment 3 • See how a clever analogy comparing religions to languages breaks down under biblical scrutiny. • Learn why Jesus is not one of many truths—He is the Truth. • The gospel must be used lovingly to refute the popular ideas of religious pluralism and universalism. Segment 4 • Hear how absurd claims like “God is non-binary” are rooted in modern ideology, not Scripture. • We are always at risk of redefining God using today’s cultural categories. • Explore why denying Christ’s exclusivity is not just wrong—it’s straight up heresy. ___ 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 Leading Worship, General Revelation Enough to Save, And Harmful Marriages Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

SEGMENT 1 • Our church is currently without any qualified men to lead worship. Is it sinful for a woman to step into the role of worship leader? - Austin SEGMENT 2 • When Jesus taught in parables, was he teaching allegorically? - Chuck • Would you recommend Tim Challies’ book “Season of Sorrow” to a family who is grieving a loss but are not believers? - Matt • Paul makes clear in Romans that everyone, deep down, has knowledge that God exists. When there are, for example, unreached Amazonian tribes that worship a sun-god, will they be punished for worshiping the wrong god, although they acknowledge that a god exists? - Steven SEGMENT 3 • Are Christians obligated to stay in, or return to, a marriage where physical abuse has occurred? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • The pastor of a church we are interested in joining doesn’t seem very interested in evangelism or growing the church body. What should we do? - Michael ___ 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!

When AI Replaces Shepherding: A Warning for the Church Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Segment 1 • Global elites at Davos warn that “by-the-book” religions could be eliminated by AI. • Let’s get real: AI can process data, but it can’t be human. • We can KNOW that AI, machines, and robots can never possess the mind of Christ that believers do. Segment 2 • AI will replace some roles—but not every vocation or calling will be effected. • The real question young people must answer: where am I replaceable? • If we don’t define categories and terms, technology will define them for us. Segment 3 • Todd reads an intro and entire segment written by AI. • If pastors use AI to write sermons, biblical shepherding turns into play-acting. • The real cost isn’t just efficiency—it’s warmth, care, and actual, human, pastoral presence. Segment 4 • AI has real limits—and real potential for human harm, especially in work and ministry. • A chatbot can’t read a room, feel tension, respond in love, or function along lines of emotion. • Final gut check: do you really want a relationship with a computer? ___ 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: Is There A Case To Be Made For Deconstruction Being A Good Thing? Jan 28, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Questions of deep theology and practical application are addressed in a must-hear question and answer segment during Todd’s recent trip to Oklahoma State University. If you want to see the Christian worldview brought to bear in real-time on real-world questions, you’ve come to the right place. Segment 1 • Bishop Tom Brown questions the trend of evangelical deconstruction, and asks if there can be a positive element to it. • Todd explains that most who deconstruct are not interested in putting the pieces back together again. • A young man in the audience asks how we can feel RIGHTLY - how we can balance our emotions without denying them totally. Segment 2 • Laney asks Todd how we can reach the portion of society that isn’t interested in actually finding the truth - and may not think it exists at all. • A young man asks how husbands should rightly lead their families in the era of post-modernity and radical subjectivity that we live in. • Ben asks how to reach the agnostics in society who don’t care what Christianity has to say. Segment 3 • Student Brennan asks about the weighty question of God’s sovereignty and goodness when considered against the pain and suffering that is allowed in this world. • Todd goes in depth showing how the existence of evil in this world, far from disproving God, actually necessitates God’s existence. • Alec asks: how can we dispel the notion in the minds of unbelievers that Christianity is just a bunch of stuff we have to do to get on the “nice list”? Segment 4 • Todd continues his answer to the last question, showing how Christianity is not burdensome but, rather, the most liberating thing for God’s creatures. • Todd is asked a heavy philosophical question about the metaphysical presuppositions of the ancient world, and how Christ shows us truth in every area - even philosophy. • As helpful as apologetics can be in certain circumstances, Todd shows us the primacy of Christ and sharing the gospel in attempting to win souls - not 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!

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