Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

THE ONE THING YOU MUST HAVE FOR A THRIVING MARRIAGE AND HOME Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • Understanding biblical submission in marriage fosters harmony between husbands and wives. • Unity in marriage relies on both spouses fulfilling their biblical roles. • One partner may not be fully embracing their role in the relationship. Segment 2: • Children need guidance and structure to thrive within a unified family dynamic. • Biblical submission is key to harmony, not a violation of ethical principles. • Physical affection, like holding hands, releases oxytocin, fostering connection and unity. Segment 3: • Gossip, backbiting, and complaining breed division, harming the body of Christ. • Just as husbands and wives must submit to one another, so must church members submit to leadership. • Churches that cultivate unity become spiritual oases, reflecting Christ’s love. Segment 4: • 89% of Americans who profess to be Christian don’t believe in the Trinity—this is a result of shallow teaching. • The decline in biblical understanding harms the church. • The more you understand about God, the deeper your love for Him will grow. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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 IS THE SBC IGNORING THESE MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THEIR OWN CHURCHES? Apr 07, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • Todd addresses the ongoing debate about the “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24. • Church history is filled with different interpretations, but what if all views are correct? • Todd challenges conventional thinking, proposing a new perspective on this pivotal scripture. Segment 2: • Perry Noble, the cussing pastor from New Spring Church, justifies his vulgar language. • New Spring, funded by the SBC two decades ago, is leaving the denomination after embracing controversial practices. • The SBC failed to address issues with this church earlier, now facing the consequences of their neglect. Segment 3: • New Spring Church's support of women in leadership—what happens when unqualified leaders are in authority? • Preaching is an authoritative act, and New Spring’s practice contradicts biblical teaching. • Prediction: New Spring Church will soon have female elders, deviating further from Scripture. Segment 4: • A prisoner’s testimony of salvation while facing two death penalties. • The gospel hit him hardest when he was in solitary confinement with only a blanket and Bible. • God’s work inside prisons shows the transformative power of salvation, even for the hopeless. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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!

HEART VS. SOUL: WHAT’S THE REAL DIFFERENCE—AND WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • What is Molinism, and is it a helpful or harmful theology? • What’s the difference between the heart and the soul in Scripture? • Is wearing ashes from a loved one creepy, demonic, or just sentimental? Segment 2 • Is a church carnival an effective evangelism tool—or just entertainment? • Should I serve on a church decision-making council if I’m a woman—and there are no elders? • When is kissing okay in a Christian relationship—dating, engagement, or marriage? Segment 3 • Can someone baptize themselves if no one else is available? • What’s the real difference between a pipe organ and a bagpipe—besides portability? Segment 4 • If God’s grace is irresistible, does it really matter if we’re snarky toward unbelievers? • Is it okay to pray that someone hits rock bottom if it leads to salvation? • Should I require my 12- and 16-year-old kids to read their Bibles? ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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!

HOW EASTER CELEBRATIONS MIGHT REVEAL WE ARE BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH FALSE GOSPELS? Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • Christians protest Muslim prayer in a community, buried deep in the article. • Brazil's wealthiest televangelist worth $1 billion—how faith is exploited for profit. • Wisconsin Lutheran pastor says Jesus was wrong rebuking Martha—how heresy distorts truth. • A new Colorado bill could criminalize misgendering—highlighting issues in free speech. Segment 2: • Idaho mandates fetal development education in schools—protecting life from a young age. • Planned Parenthood gives explicit coloring books to kids as young as 8—pushing inappropriate content. Segment 3: • Churches focus on fun, like Easter Eggstravaganzas, at the cost of the Gospel. • Christianity should center around proclaiming the Gospel, not trivial entertainment. • New animated movie about Jesus—will it focus on the real message or just feel-good content? Segment 4: • Easter should center around the resurrection, not eggs and prizes. • Entertainment-focused churches risk diluting the Gospel, feeding false teaching. • Listener concerns show real struggles with faith—focus on assurance and trusting the gospel. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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 CHOOSING SIN OVER SURRENDER IS NEVER THE RIGHT OPTION! Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is at Georgia Tech to talk with students about deep theological and moral questions, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of Christianity's stance on sin, justice, and redemption. Segment 1: • French student supports capitalism but rejects God’s authority—freedom is fine, submission isn’t. • Believes in the Christian God intellectually… but prefers sin over surrender. • Honestly admits: “Jesus isn’t more enjoyable than my current life.” Segment 2: • Todd walks Philip through God’s law—liar, thief, blasphemer, adulterer at heart. • Philip acknowledges guilt and judgment… yet shrugs off hell as a risk he’s willing to take. • The tragedy? He knows the truth—and still chooses sin. Segment 3: • Todd pleads: See Jesus not just as safer, but as better than sin. • Offers the gospel as a kindness, not just a way out of hell. • Philip admits: “I’m aware of the offer. I’m just choosing something else.” Segment 4: • Smart, kind, but deeply resistant—Scott believes God is evil, not just nonexistent. • Todd uses courtroom analogies to expose justice, sin, and grace… but Scott won’t yield. • Scott calls God a moral monster. Todd offers the gospel anyway. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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! .

HOW ESCHATOLOGY IS A CALL TO HOLINESS AND NOT A THEOLOGICAL DEBATE! Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Can eschatology (the study of end times) shape your sanctification? • Exploring 4 major views: Premillennialism, Amillennialism, Postmillennialism, Partial Preterism. • Sanctification is preparing us for Christ's return—how does that affect your day-to-day walk? Segment 2 • Jesus is returning—are you ready? • Eschatology isn’t just about systems, it’s about motivating your preparedness. • Comfort and joy should flow from knowing Christ will return soon, as seen in Scripture. Segment 3 • Eschatology helps purify us, not just inform us. • Titus 2:11 challenges us to live sensibly, denying worldly desires. • Is your eschatological hope motivating you to live in purity? Segment 4 • Legalism and antinomianism are two dangerous ditches. • Sanctification isn't about earning God's favor; it's about God transforming you. • Are you on the right path, or have you fallen into a false view of sanctification? ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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! .

WANT A GODLY RELATIONSHIP? START WITH THIS BIBLICAL PICKUP LINE! Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Discover the foolproof pickup line from Genesis: "Would you water my camels?" • A biblical approach to dating and marriage in light of culture’s changing views. • A powerful and short read on biblical principles for dating and marriage. Segment 2 • Worldly views don’t align with God’s standards for relationships. • Find a partner who leads now, not just checks the "Christian" box. • Don’t date out of emotional need; seek solid, godly foundations. Segment 3 • From the White House, Paula White promotes prosperity gospel tactics. • Understanding biblical feasts and rejecting false prosperity teachings. • Paula White’s focus on herself instead of pointing to Jesus. Segment 4 • Paula White’s "Seven Supernatural Blessings" offer empty promises. • Understanding communion as a shared experience with fellow saints, not a tool for personal gain. • God does not want our offerings used as a transaction for blessings. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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!

HEAVEN FOR CHILDREN: WHAT CAN WE KNOW FOR SURE? Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • If people must hear the name of Jesus to be saved, how were Old Testament believers saved? • Is the “age of accountability” biblical—and what happens to children when they die? Segment 2 • If baptism makes you a Christian, did Jesus become a Christian when He was baptized? • What does it really mean to be made in the image of God? Segment 3 • Can a disqualified pastor ever serve again—and if so, how? Segment 4 • Is the church using AI wisely—or recklessly? • My son is exploring Catholicism—how should I respond with truth and grace? ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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 SPEAK MORE FORCEFULLY? LESSONS FROM JESUS ON BOLD TRUTH Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Jesus used forceful language with pure motives; should we speak more boldly? • Sarcasm can be a tool, but it must be used wisely. • Jesus spoke with authority against the Pharisees—should we do the same? Segment 2 • The woke movement is harming indigenous cultures and perpetuating CRT. • Texas Rep. Brandon Gill takes on NPR’s Katherine Maher on her past comments. • Standing firm in the face of media bias and woke agendas. Segment 3 • Where does the 40-day Lent tradition come from in the Bible? • Dedicating 40 days for spirituality should highlight a year-round commitment. • Examining Lent in light of scripture and Christian tradition. Segment 4 • Ray Comfort’s insightful response to a young man struggling with self-worth. • “Lies My Therapist Told Me” could help those caught in lies about their identity. • Controversial quotes like “Is common ground on abortion possible?” spark frustration. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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 DID JESUS DIE? TO HELP YOU OUT OR SAVE YOU COMPLETELY Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is at Georgia Tech to talk with students about faith, morality, and Christianity. You’ll hear Todd encouraging everyone to seriously consider the message of repentance and trust in Jesus. Segment 1: • Think you’re good? Todd walks the student through the 10 Commandments to reveal the truth about our nature. • A deeper dive into total depravity: why even our “good” deeds can’t earn God’s favor. • Jesus didn’t just make up for our sin—He is our only righteousness. Segment 2: • “As long as you’re a good person…”—why that mindset fails the divine courtroom test. • Religion and morality can’t remove guilt—only the finished work of Christ can. • Jesus didn’t die to make salvation possible—He died to fully pay the penalty. Segment 3: • Two students confronted with God's law realize their guilt runs deeper than they thought. • Why God’s judgment is just—and why sin against an infinite God demands infinite justice. • Todd brings the hope of the gospel: the Great Exchange—Christ’s righteousness for our sin. Segment 4: • Jesus didn’t just offer fire insurance—He offered full reconciliation and adoption. • Why fear of hell isn’t enough—and how God’s kindness should drive us to repentance. • The gospel isn't just about avoiding punishment—it's about treasuring the One who took it for us. ___ Preorder the new book, Lies My Therapist Told Me, by Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford now! https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/liesmytherapisttoldme ___ 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!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Wretched Radio with Todd Friel – Fortis Institute

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected