Wretched Radio with Todd Friel - Fortis Institute

Latest Episodes:

WHY MEN SHOULD STUDY THEIR WIVES: THE KEY TO STRONGER MARRIAGES Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Men, study your wife; it will deepen your relationship. • Erwin Lutzer’s wisdom, with over 70 books written. • Sacrificing family for ministry, focusing too much on programs, neglecting young people. Segment 2 • 100,000 U.S. churches to close; a significant loss for the Christian community. • Church is where growth happens. It’s not just about programs. • SBC pastors pushing for stricter limits on female clergy. Segment 3 • Key decisions on church doctrine and policies ahead. • When God says it, that’s the final word. • A cultural shift on reparations, but what does it mean biblically? Segment 4 • The Bible supports the death penalty as a restraint for evil. • Fear of retribution restrains sin; it’s not just punishment. • The death penalty doesn’t solve everything but helps hold evil in check. ___ 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!

THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR LOGIC: WHY LOGIC CAN’T EXIST WITHOUT GOD Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Todd discusses Dr. Jason Lisle’s emphasis on the Bible as the undeniable proof of creation. • Logic can't exist without the God of the Bible; uniformity in nature points to a Creator. • God’s mystery is transcendent, and His word provides clarity on the universe. Segment 2 • Evolution is not science; it's a theory. Christians bring the Bible to battle. • Evangelism is about sharing the good news, not winning theological debates. • There's a time to use presuppositional apologetics and a time to step back. Segment 3 • AI isn't infallible. Real-time translation AI raises questions about implications. • Worship is not just vertical but also horizontal; are we missing its full potential? • America ranks 24th in a 13-year happiness study, raising concerns about our priorities. Segment 4 • Todd shares how he’s dealing with challenges and finding normalcy again. • What comes out of your mouth reflects your heart. • 1 in 5 people in the U.S. feel they have no one to count on for support. ___ 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!

CAN YOU BE SAVED WITHOUT EVER HEARING ABOUT JESUS? Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • Can someone be saved without ever hearing the name of Jesus? • Colossians 3:3-4 – What does it mean that our lives are “hidden with Christ”? Segment 2 • How do you comfort someone when you’re unsure if their loved one was saved? • Is canceling church for bad weather forsaking the assembly? • Are weak men to blame for the rise of boys in girls’ sports? Segment 3 • My wife kicked me out, refuses counseling, and claims to love Jesus—what do I do? • Is Dungeons & Dragons a harmless game or a spiritual danger? Segment 4 • What does true repentance from lust look like? • What does it really mean to know Jesus beyond feelings in worship? • Are the Amish just legalists, or is there more to their faith? ___ 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!

RAISING MEN WHO KNOW HOW TO FAIL WELL AND HONOR GOD Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • 54% of Lutheran pastors support abortion; 50% support homosexuality. • A disconnect is forming between conservative leadership and cultural trends. • Cultural issues must not overshadow the gospel message. Segment 2: • Gen Z is rejecting shallow faith; Bible sales are increasing in the UK. • Young people are seeking authentic Christianity, not empty rituals. • The church must focus on genuine, biblical truth to reach this generation. Segment 3: • Young men are misled by video games instead of godly masculinity. • Masculinity is about sacrifice, hard work, and being a godly leader. • Encouragement is needed to help young men embrace their true roles. Segment 4: • Butch Wilmore's space mission exemplifies godly sacrifice and hard work. • Many young men lack purpose and are drawn to unhealthy influences. • True masculinity involves risk, failure, and growth in faith. ___ 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!

RELIGION VS. THE SAVIOR: ONLY ONE CAN SAVE YOU Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is back at it with students at Kennesaw State University talking about the existence of God, sin, and repentance. Todd will emphasizes the need for understanding and accepting Jesus Christ for eternal life and salvation. Segment 1: • No Creator, No Moral Standard? – If a painting requires a painter, doesn’t a universe require a Creator? Connor acknowledges this but struggles with defining God. • Shifting Morality vs. Absolute Truth – If culture shapes morality, what happens when it changes? Without a divine lawgiver, everything is just opinion. Segment 2: • Every Sin Counts – From lying to lust, Connor realizes that even internal sins are violations against a holy God. • Guilty Without Appeal – Standing before the ultimate judge, what defense does Connor have? Without Jesus, the sentence is eternal. Segment 3: • Religion Without the Gospel? – Tim understands the framework of Christianity—purpose, morality, and structure—but leaves out the cross. Why? • The Core of Christianity – Good works and meaning won’t save you. Only the blood of Jesus can pay the fine for your sins. Segment 4: • Faith Must Be Personal – Tim gives intellectual answers but is challenged: Has he truly been born again? Or has he just followed religious tradition? • The Assurance of Salvation – Unlike Connor, Tim confidently recalls the moment he was saved. Do you have that certainty? ___ 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 GROWING CHURCH? STOP CHASING TRENDS AND STICK TO TRUTH Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1 • Church news: PCUSA and UMC are cutting staff, while SBC is also in decline. • Growing churches focus on biblical truth, not entertainment or worldly influences. • The Bible permits us to draw distinctions—don't settle for a worldly religion. Segment 2 • Bethel Church's influence is part of a broader intellectual regression. • Martin Luther's The Bondage of the Will offers timeless wisdom on salvation. • Franklin Graham’s work in Ethiopia shows that real ministry still matters. Segment 3 • Bethel Church promotes the prosperity gospel, but true wealth is in Christ alone. • Money isn’t the best thing God offers; Jesus offers something far better. • Sin may look enticing, but choosing it is settling for the lessor thing. Segment 4 • Dr. Jason Lisle in studio—don’t miss this opportunity to learn from him. • We need a serious reevaluation of the death penalty in America. • The crime rate is worse than we realize—look to Ireland for the latest concern. ___ 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!

THE PHARISEE TRAP: ARE YOU MORE LIKE THEM THAN YOU REALIZE? Mar 17, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • Todd discusses modern Pharisees and how easy it is to become like them. • The ugliness of the Pharisees’ hearts—should we be wary of modern-day Pharisees? • We become what we look at—examining how focusing on the wrong things can lead us astray. Segment 2: • Close reflection on the dangers of being a modern-day Pharisee. • Money-back guarantee on tithing leads to a lawsuit. • A list of traits that define self-righteous Christians. Segment 3: • A look at current events and the world’s struggles. • Minnesota and Wisconsin face controversial legislation. • British attitudes toward AI robots and the growing trend of kids falling in love with robots. Segment 4: • The rise of AI relationships and family challenges due to social media. • Why the church has a better solution for the family, yet it’s underutilized. • An odd trend in Oregon reflecting society's odd relationship with counseling and healing. ___ 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!

DOES MY LIFE MATTER? FINDING PURPOSE WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1 • How should a Christian deal with suicidal thoughts and find motivation to live? Segment 2 • Why do aspiring pastors go to seminary instead of apprenticing under a pastor? • What’s an affordable and solid homeschool curriculum for a 10th grader? Segment 3 • Is all of creation ultimately designed to deepen the elect’s relationship with God? • After a traumatic breakup, is my anxiety about dating just healing—or something deeper? • Is anointing with oil during prayer a biblical practice? Segment 4 • Do abortion abolitionists believe babies lost to abortion are automatically in heaven? • Should I serve in children’s ministry even if I have no teaching experience? • Is it sinful for women to evangelize to men? ___ 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!

IS GOSSIP DESTROYING US? HOW TO FAST FROM INTERNET JUDGMENT! Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Segment 1: • Fast that lasts forever? Todd discusses the issue of modern-day gossip and judgment on social media. • Christian gossip and judgment: Steve Lawson’s fall, apology, and how social media handles issues. • Living without gossip: Should we fast from internet talebearing and refrain from passing judgment? Segment 2: • Personal experiences with chronic pain: Tim Challies' insights on deep grief and long-term pain. • Greg Gifford’s book: The launch of “Lies My Therapist Told Me” is discussed and ready for pre-order. • Addiction’s roots: Todd emphasizes how your brain doesn’t make you call your drug dealer. Segment 3: • Illustrations and clarity: Todd reflects on John Mark Comer’s new book “Practicing the Way.” • Danger of overregulation: Avoid turning personal preferences into laws and make sure our core focus stays on the gospel. • Free will and sin: Discussing the tension between free will, sin, and God’s role in human suffering. Segment 4: • Women and sterilization: Discusses the alarming trend of young women choosing sterilization after political influences. • Politicians’ impact on young minds: How fear and confusion about future generations are affecting decisions on family planning. • Letter to an unborn child: A letter from a terrified woman who regrets the choices made regarding family. ___ 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!

CHANCE OR DESIGN? WHY YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE HANGS IN THE BALANCE Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is engaging with students at Kennesaw State University, exploring topics like the complexity of the human body pointing to a creator, why Christianity offers real hope that postmodernism cannot, and how the Bible satisfies life’s biggest questions. Segment 1: • Does Your Body Prove God Exists? – Is the complexity of your own body evidence of a creator, or just a product of evolution? • Why God’s Justice Affects You – If God is truly just, what does that mean for you and your eternal future? Segment 2: • Can Good Deeds Erase Bad Ones? – Why trying to “balance” good and bad actions doesn’t work in a legal or spiritual sense. • The Resurrection Proves It All – If Jesus truly rose from the dead, does that confirm everything He said? Segment 3: • Is Life Just Luck and Meaningless? – If we’re just lucky cosmic accidents, does anything we do actually matter? • Where Can You Find Purpose? – Without a clear answer to life’s biggest questions, you are destined to chase after empty things Segment 4: • What’s the Real Purpose of Life? – If you aren’t doing everything for God, is it all meaningless? • God’s reason for the universe – How God displays His mercy, grace, and lovingkindness by saving sinners like you and me. ___ 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!