Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

Time to Abandon Christian Nationalism? + $17 Million From Child Sponsorships + Raves at St. Paul’s Cathedral Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Christian nationalism promises a more Christian society—but is giving the government power to enforce Christianity actually biblical? Todd looks at what Scripture and history have to say before turning to a $17 million child sponsorship controversy and some troubling church news. Segment 1 • Is it time for Christians to finally render a verdict on Christian nationalism? • Where does the Bible actually tell the church to impose Christianity through the state? • Why Todd believes Christian nationalism is creating real problems inside local churches. Segment 2 • Christian nationalism has been tried before—what can we learn from the results? • If the government enforces Christianity, who gets to decide which version of Christianity wins? • Todd argues Christians should invest their energy in the Gospel rather than political power. Segment 3 • A Christian band reportedly made $17 million promoting child sponsorships—but is that actually wrong? • Would you accept a cut every time someone sponsored a child because of your endorsement? • Before rushing to judgment, there may be another side to this controversial arrangement. Segment 4 • When does a paid ministry endorsement cross the line from legitimate business to something unseemly? • Thousands of persecuted Christians desperately need refuge—are we remembering our suffering brothers and sisters? • Raves at St. Paul’s Cathedral—and another warning about mixing church and state. ___ 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 Truth About the Crusades + The Biggest Struggles Christians Face + What NOT to Say to Someone Who’s Hurting Sep 07, 2026

Show notes

The popular story of the Crusades says Christians were the aggressors—but is that what actually happened? Todd separates history from myth before turning to some of the biggest struggles Christians face today—and how you can become better equipped to help someone who is hurting. Segment 1 • Were the Crusades really an unprovoked Christian attack on the Muslim world? • Discover the centuries of history that often get left out of the story. • The one fact about the Crusades worth remembering the next time someone brings them up. Segment 2 • Were Crusaders really greedy opportunists looking to get rich? • Why were men willing to risk bankruptcy—and face staggering casualty rates—to participate? • Did the Crusades create Muslim hostility toward Christians? The timeline tells a different story. Segment 3 • Assurance, anxiety, pornography, comparison, loneliness—are you equipped to help someone who is struggling? • Learn how to address real problems without twisting Scripture to fit someone’s “felt needs.” • Someone opens up to you about a serious struggle. Here’s what not to do first. Segment 4 • Can genuine Christians struggle with doubt? Absolutely—and how you respond matters. • What should you say when someone tells you they can’t “feel” God’s presence? • Learn to ask better questions and point struggling Christians toward what will actually strengthen 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!

Mailbag Friday: “Make Evangelism Great Again” Merch? + Leaving a Church Over Hillsong? + The Book of Enoch Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What is your opinion on the Book of Enoch? — Anonymous Segment 2 • From what I’ve seen, a church evangelism program goes nowhere if the lead pastor isn’t actively involved. Do you agree? — Jay • Should I stay at and get baptized in a Bible-believing church that sings Hillsong and sometimes lets women read Scripture, lead prayer, and welcome the congregation? — Ella Segment 3 • Is reflexology a sin? — Nancy • Is it a sin to clip your fingernails in the office? — James Segment 4 • Would you consider “Make Evangelism Great Again” (MEGA) as a merch idea? — Brian • How can I respond biblically when I feel overlooked, less valued, or less capable than someone else without becoming discouraged or obsessed with proving myself? — Tom • What do you think about gospel tracts disguised as $5, $10, and $20 bills? As a former server, I loathe them. — Tristan ___ 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!

Kids Being Pushed to Transition + The “Transition or Die” Lie + How Transgender Ideology Spreads Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

Kids are being told transition will solve their distress—and sometimes that the alternative is suicide. Todd examines the stories of two young people who were swept into transgender ideology and later rejected it, revealing how schools, social media, peers, therapists, and doctors can influence vulnerable kids. Segment 1 • Layla Jane began questioning her gender after years of emotional struggles. • Social media helped convince her that transitioning could be the answer. • At just 13, she underwent a mastectomy. Segment 2 • What wasn’t Layla told before taking testosterone and having surgery? • Transition promised happiness—but it didn't resolve her underlying struggles. • Todd examines the evidence surrounding puberty blockers and youth mental health. Segment 3 • Simon Amaya Price describes the brokenness that preceded his transgender identity. • School and online influences gave him a new explanation for his struggles. • How does transgender ideology spread among vulnerable teenagers? Segment 4 • Simon says nearly every professional he encountered affirmed his transgender identity. • His father said no to medical transition—and Simon is now grateful he did. • What should parents and churches learn from these stories? ___ 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 Explain the Gospel? + Is Abortion Ever Justified? + Are People Basically Good? Sep 02, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday at Georgia Tech! Could you explain the gospel if someone put you on the spot? Todd talks with Christian students, tackles tough abortion questions, and challenges an atheist who thinks good people go to heaven. Segment 1 • A Christian physics student sees evidence of a Creator everywhere—but can he clearly explain the gospel? • Why understanding our sin is essential to understanding the love of Christ. Segment 2 • Todd gives a group of Christian students 60 seconds to convince him to become a Christian. • Is telling someone “God loves you” enough—or are we leaving out the very reason Jesus had to die? Segment 3 • Is abortion ever justified because of rape, incest, disability, or difficult circumstances? • Todd brings the debate back to one fundamental question: What is the unborn child? Segment 4 • An atheist thinks Christianity is about being good enough to get into heaven. Is that actually the gospel? • Todd challenges his claim to being a “good person” before explaining why salvation isn’t something we 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!

Biblical Preaching vs. TED Talks + Is Your Worship Music God-Centered? + Can Women Serve Communion? Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

Biblical preaching should give you more than a few helpful ideas for the week. Todd contrasts expository preaching with the me-centered “TED Talk” approach, offers a biblical grid for evaluating worship music, and tackles a listener’s question about whether women should serve Communion. Segment 1 • Todd introduces the heart behind his new book, Go Serve Your King. Pre-Order today at FortisInstitute.org/King • Why your faith shouldn’t occupy a separate spiritual category from your work, money, recreation, family, and everyday responsibilities. • Christianity isn’t a checklist. Learn how ordinary faithfulness in the life God has already given you can glorify your King. Segment 2 • What’s the difference between biblical expository preaching and a Christianized TED Talk? • Does your pastor begin with what God has said—or with a topic, felt need, story, or cultural trend? • Todd gives seven questions you can use to evaluate the preaching you hear every Sunday. Segment 3 • Todd examines Andy Stanley’s sermons and asks whether they’re teaching you the Bible—or simply teaching you Andy Stanley’s ideas. • Is your worship music primarily about God and His glory, or about you and your experience? • Five questions to consider when evaluating whether the songs your church sings are biblically faithful, God-centered, and appropriate for congregational worship. Segment 4 • A missionary planting an underground church challenges Todd’s view on women administering the Lord’s Supper. • Does Scripture actually require elders or men to distribute Communion—or are we turning a biblical pattern into a rule? • Should women read Scripture in the gathered church? Todd considers where participation ends and teaching authority begins. ___ 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!

Australia Restricts Evangelism + Why Churches Aren’t Evangelizing + The Best Way to Start a Gospel Conversation Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Australia is making public evangelism increasingly difficult, many churches say they value evangelism but have no real plan to do it, and plenty of Christians simply don’t know how to start a gospel conversation. Evangelist Andrew Walkington joins Todd to explain what’s happening in Australia—and how ordinary Christians can become more confident sharing their faith. Segment 1 • What is it like trying to evangelize in a country where public preaching and even handing out gospel tracts can be restricted? • Andrew explains how changing Australian laws and culture have forced his ministry to rethink open-air evangelism. • Why the freedoms American Christians still have should motivate us to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel. Segment 2 • What’s one of the simplest ways to become better at evangelism? Ask questions. • Why are university students increasingly willing to have long conversations about God, truth, and what they believe? • Learn how asking someone what they believe—and why they believe it—can naturally open the door to the gospel. Segment 3 • Most churches say evangelism matters—but how many are actually equipping Christians to do it? • Can someone know all the right Christian language and still not understand the gospel? • Why you should keep asking questions even after someone tells you, “I’m a Christian.” Segment 4 • How do you turn an ordinary conversation with a coworker, neighbor, or stranger into a spiritual conversation? • Why asking a spiritual question shouldn’t become an excuse to immediately switch into “preacher mode.” • Learn how to challenge someone’s worldview without humiliating them—and why apologetics should always serve the ultimate goal of sharing 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!

Mailbag Friday: Rubber Jesus Dolls + Freemasons in Church Leadership + Preferred Pronouns at the Zoo? Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Segment 1 • What do you think about churches using a website like Ministry Imprint to identify spiritual gifts and ways people would be good at serving? — Trevor • Several older men at my church are Freemasons, including deacons who influence the pastor. What should we do? — Audrey Segment 2 • Our church sign says, “Our church is like fudge...sweet with a few nuts.” Thoughts? — Marion • My pastor doesn’t like the term “Christian” and prefers “believer” or “follower.” Am I off base for being concerned? — James • Some people say, “It only has to be in the Bible once to be true.” Is there a name for that biblical hermeneutic? — Troy Segment 3 • What are your thoughts on Anglo-Catholicism? — JJ • What do you think about the little rubber Jesus dolls Christians are handing out? — Kelli • Should Christians be vegans? — Courtney Segment 4 • Is Allie Beth Stuckey a solid biblical woman for other Bible-believing women to listen to? — JoAnna • Can you define complementarianism and explain why you aren’t patriarchal in your view of men’s and women’s roles in the church? — Anonymous • My family went to the zoo and the animal cages had preferred pronouns listed on them. Thoughts? — Anonymous ___ 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!

G3 Ministries Is Gone…What Can Churches Learn From It? Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

What do you do when God gives you news you never wanted? And what can churches learn when a respected ministry collapses? Todd looks at trusting God through suffering, the fallout from G3 Ministries, and how churches can pursue accountability without overreacting. Segment 1 • Phil Johnson’s cancer has returned—and the prognosis isn’t what anyone hoped to hear. • How should Christians respond when God gives us circumstances we desperately wish He would change? • What does it actually look like to trust that God is good even when His plans aren’t ours? Segment 2 • Phil Johnson once argued that evangelical Christianity may be in even greater need of Reformation than the church was in Luther’s day. • Could a modern-day Reformation even happen in a culture flooded with Christian influencers and competing voices? • Todd examines troubling anti-Semitism within some corners of Christian nationalism—and why forgetting history can have dangerous consequences. Segment 3 • G3 Ministries is gone after another controversy—but Todd believes an innocent pastor’s reputation was unfairly damaged along the way. • When does legitimate concern cross the line into publicly besmirching a brother? • What can Christians learn from accusations that Todd says never should have escalated the way they did? Segment 4 • After another ministry scandal, what can your church actually do to keep its leaders accountable? • Should pastors have additional safeguards, regular reviews, and greater transparency—or can accountability measures go too far? • Why no policy or system can completely protect a church when someone is determined to deceive. ___ 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 Dangerous Difference Between Religion and the Gospel Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! What do you say to an atheist who demands evidence for God, someone searching for the right religion, or even a professing Christian who thinks he can earn his way to heaven? Listen in as Todd demonstrates how to challenge unbelief and move conversations toward the gospel. Segment 1 • Todd meets Jay, an atheist who questions how God’s omniscience can coexist with human free will. • What evidence can you give someone who insists there’s no reason to believe in a Creator? • See how Todd moves from intellectual objections to the conscience and the reality of coming judgment. Segment 2 • Etienne is searching for answers but isn’t convinced heaven and hell are real. • What makes Christianity different from Islam and other religions that promise a path to paradise? • Learn how to explain the difference between trying to earn salvation and receiving forgiveness through Christ. Segment 3 • A Baptist student says he hopes he can earn his way to heaven. • How do you help a professing Christian recognize that being good and saying “I’m sorry” isn’t the gospel? Segment 4 • Todd returns to Jay, the atheist, who is actively trying to convince other students to reject God. • Can an atheist worldview provide an objective foundation for right and wrong? • What should you do when someone isn’t interested in listening and only wants to argue? ___ 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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