Segment 1



• January 9 is the graveyard for most New Year's resolutions—will yours survive?



• Don’t just read your Bible—savor it. Slow down and mine for treasure.



• God’s word is an endless goldmine that you can never exhaust.



Segment 2



• Even good, expository preaching can miss the point of the text.



• Suffering, submission, and sanctification define the Christian life.



• Show up to church expecting God to speak and change you.



Segment 3



• 2025 contained so many painful losses.



• Parenting - raising and training depraved sinners - is simply hard work.



• Hard year or not, Christians still raise their eyes in hope.



Segment 4



• 2025 headlines: SCOTUS ruled on abortion pills, the PCA named Kevin DeYoung as moderator.



• The Anglican Communion appointed a lesbian archbishop, marking a significant shift.



• Global persecution rose, antisemitism surged, and Christian nationalism hit new highs.



___



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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.



Segment 1



• When faith feels thin and life feels pointless, how do you keep going? - Anonymous



Segment 2



• Why do future pastors go to seminary instead of learning directly from a pastor? - Ashley



• Is homeschooling my 10th‑grade daughter realistic—and affordable? - Michael



Segment 3



• Is all of creation really about deepening the elect’s relationship with God? - Paul



• After an abusive breakup, is my anxiety a warning—or just part of healing? - Anonymous



• Is anointing with oil actually biblical… or just church tradition? - Gabe



Segment 4



• Do some abolitionists justify inaction by assuming unsaved babies go to heaven? - Jason



• Can I teach preteens well if I’m not a parent—or even experienced? - Anonymous



• Is it sinful for women to evangelize men? - Joel



___



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!

Segment 1



• Todd and Scott show that friendship can be retained through disagreements.



• Sarcasm, speed, and shallow online takes destroy meaningful conversations.



• The gospel must be at the front of pro-life work.



Segment 2



• Atheists can follow the logic of pro-life arguments—but without God, they borrow Christian morality.



• Scott sees pro-life work as a Great Commission issue, not just a cultural cause.



• Gospel clarity matters: imputed righteousness vs. infused goodness makes all the difference.



Segment 3



• Can Christians work with Catholics, rabbis, and others on pro-life issues without endorsing false unity?



• Scott speaks at ecumenical events, but maintains theological distinctions.



• Abolition vs. incrementalism isn’t a moral divide. We all want the same outcome.



Segment 4



• Everyone’s an abolitionist in principle, but our political reality often forces incremental action.



• True moral conviction works within constraints to save as many as possible.



• Incremental efforts have saved lives, and abandoning them over idealism can cost more innocent lives.



___



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!



.

It’s Witness Wednesday!



On today’s episode, Todd Friel engages everyday people on the street in downtown Minneapolis. Touching on issues like morality, sin, and the afterlife, Todd challenges each of the people he meets to examine their soul in light of the God that created them. Pointing them continually to the gospel, he leaves them with hope of a savior in Christ.



Segment 1



• Jordan flat-out rejects God, heaven, and hell, calling it all a big fairy-tale.



• Admits he'd have a "box seat with Hitler" in hell, showing zero concern for his soul.



• Jordan listens as Todd presents design/creator logic, but shrugs it off.



Segment 2



• Lindsey claims she's going to heaven because she's “good,” even after confessing to sin.



• She believes God forgives “little things” but draws the line at serious crimes.



• When reminded that Jesus died for sins, she pivots.



Segment 3



• Erin knows Christian doctrine from Catholic school but admits to rarely reading the Bible.



• Compares her spiritual walk to ignoring a boyfriend’s love letters.



• Struggles with the idea of “begging” for mercy but concedes the logic when it's likened to pleading for forgiveness in a broken relationship.



Segment 4



• Garrett proudly wears a tattoo of “Agape” (God’s love) and articulates core gospel truth clearly.



• Shares how drugs and partying failed to satisfy.



• When pressed, he affirms he didn’t believe just to make life better—but to be saved from “the wrath that is to come.”



___



Thanks for listening!



Wretched Radio would not be possible without the financial support of our Gospel Partners.



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If you are already a Gospel Partner we couldn’t be more thankful for you if we tried!

Our guest host today is Fortis Institute Fellow Libby Glosson from The Better Way Podcast!



Segment 1



• Culture says “follow your feelings,” while influencers say “crush them”, and neither is biblical.



• The Stoic mindset promises control, but offers counterfeit freedom.



• God feels holy emotions - we shouldn’t be afraid of ours.



Segment 2



• The Bible doesn’t say “suck it up”, but submit emotions to truth.



• Even “hidden” feelings like anger or fear can be sinful if they contradict God’s Word.



• What do your emotions reveal about what you worship?



Segment 3



• Emotional exhibitionism turns private feelings into public performances.



• Oversharing isn’t always authenticity—it can be manipulation masked as vulnerability.



• Biblical modesty isn’t just about clothing, but we carry our hearts, too.



Segment 4



• What does it mean to show our emotions indecently?



• True modesty humbles the heart—no gushing, no tantrums, no self-advertising.



• Sanctification shapes not just your mind and behavior, but your emotions too.



___



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 guest host today is Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Greg Gifford from the Transformed podcast!



Segment 1



• AI chatbots now offer therapy, dating advice, and moral commentary.



• Christians need to sharpen discernment and develop a healthy skepticism of digital “truth.”



• Zuckerberg envisions a future where most of your “friends” are bots.



Segment 2



• Millions turn to AI bots due to loneliness, cost, or distrust in traditional therapy.



• AI therapy feels emotionally validating, but it’s really subjective.



• Some chat bots have already crossed lines with minors.



Segment 3



• Dr. Gifford’s chatbot told him to quit based on a venting session.



• Teens use amoral chatbots to guide them toward moral decisions.



• ChatGPT answered hot-button worldview questions with pre-loaded narratives with no commitment to actual truth.



Segment 4



• Seeking wisdom from chatbots replaces Christ’s body with code and undermines Christian community.



• AI gives advice that affirms what someone already believes.



• Christians must be radically discerning, especially for their kids.



___



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!

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.



Segment 1



• What’s your take on Molinism? - Lora



• Is there a biblical difference between our heart and our soul? - Anonymous



• Are there theological implications to wearing our loved one’s ashes, like in jewelry? - Renae



Segment 2



• Do you think block parties are an appropriate method of evangelism? - Zachary



• Is it suitable for women to assume church leadership roles if there are no men available? - Zoe



• Is it okay for Christians to kiss before they’re married, like when they’re dating? - Jachin



Segment 3



• Can you baptize yourself if no one else is around? - Joe



• Bagpipes vs. pipe organs—does one glorify God more than the other? - Kayla



Segment 4



• If God’s grace is irresistible, do my bad attitudes even matter? - Anonymous



• Is it wrong to ask God to use suffering to save someone? - Grace



• Should I force my teen to read the Bible—or let them choose willingly? - David



___



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 guest host today is Dr. Adam Tyson from Way of Manhood podcast!



Segment 1



• What happens when you truly encounter God?



• Seeing God’s holiness exposes our deepest sin and unworthiness.



• A true encounter with God leads to repentance and radical obedience.



Segment 2



• God's presence satisfies what nothing else can.



• The path to intimacy with God includes hard valleys that bring refreshment.



• Better to be a doorkeeper with God than a king without Him.



Segment 3



• The tongue is small but powerful - it controls your life like a rudder or a spark.



• Words can destroy more than we realize, and only Christ can transform our tongue.



• True transformation starts with a cleansed heart and Spirit-filtered speech.



Segment 4



• You’ve been forgiven an unpayable debt—how can you withhold mercy from others?



• True forgiveness isn’t optional; it’s expected of the forgiven.



• Forgiveness releases bitterness—even if the other person never apologizes.



___



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!

It’s Witness Wednesday!



Today, join Todd at Gainesville State University as he engages students about their experiences and spiritual beliefs. In a number of unique conversations, see how the law and the gospel can be presented in a way to make individuals see their sin and their need for a savior in Christ.



Segment 1



• Efren lost his sight at age 8—he “sees” now through memory, sound, and mental mapping.



• Openly admits being unsure about his Catholic faith and what Jesus' sacrifice really means.



• Efren is confronted with the reality of sin and the justice of God.



Segment 2



• Drew, dressed in a monk-style outfit for fun, admits he claimed Christianity mostly for “fire insurance.”



• Fully confesses he doesn’t live like a Christian and is scared of death and judgment.



• Realizes he's treated salvation as an escape plan, not a relationship with a holy God.



Segment 3



• Walked through the Ten Commandments and confessed to being a liar, thief, and lustful.



• Learns that true Christianity isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about receiving undeserved grace.



• Begins to grasp the gospel: Jesus saves sinners not because they're good, but because He's good.



Segment 4



• Anna wants to evangelize but wrestles with how to explain the gospel clearly.



• Learns how to shift from “ask Jesus into your heart” to biblically using God’s law to reveal sin and lead to repentance.



• Encouraged to root her Christian walk in grace, not guilt—her performance doesn’t keep her saved, Jesus does.



___



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!

Todd has Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Jason Lisle back in the studio today for Wretched Radio.



Segment 1



• UFOs are a perennially hot topic, but most have a reasonable explanation.



• Belief in aliens often fills a void for people in the realm of ultimate questions.



• We’re not alone, because God is already here—and He’s revealed the truth.



Segment 2



• Most UFO sightings are predictable science, not extraterrestrial visitors.



• Scripture makes Earth the center of God’s plan—no need for alien saviors.



• The burden isn’t on Christians to disprove aliens, but on skeptics to prove them.



Segment 3



• The world’s climate has always changed, and warming has historically been a positive thing.



• Modern panic relies on conjectural models, not measurable facts.



• Carbon isn’t the enemy; it fuels food, life, and growth.



Segment 4



• Climate alarmism thrives on fear because fear drives power and control.



• God promised stable seasons—global collapse isn’t coming.



• Using technology to heal honors God; using it to replace Him repeats Babel.



___



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!

Fortis Institute Fellow Dr. Jason Lisle joins Todd for this episode of Wretched Radio.



Segment 1



• Astronomy reveals God's design; astrology denies Him and is condemned in Scripture.



• James Webb Telescope findings shock secularists—mature galaxies where none “should” exist.



• Science confirms Scripture: the universe looks designed because it is.



Segment 2



• Intelligent design without Christ still leaves you lost—salvation requires the gospel.



• The universe’s perfect balance exposes the myth of cosmic randomness.



• Creation confirms Scripture and calls us to bold, Christ-centered apologetics.



Segment 3



• Denying Adam’s literal existence crumbles the foundation of sin, death, and redemption.



• Genesis reads as real history—grammar, structure, and Jesus affirm it.



• Evolutionary compromise leads to gospel confusion and theological collapse.



Segment 4



• Old-earth views distort sin, death, and the atonement—Christ died physically because Adam’s sin was physical.



• Popular theories (Day-Age, Gap Theory) conflict with Scripture and science.



• Literal Genesis was the historic church view—until secular science shaped theology.



___



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!

Segment 1



• What are you rules for discussing a fallen pastor on air? - Todd



Segment 2



• Is there any biblical reason to believe that saints who are in heaven can hear the prayers of us still on earth? - Jordan



Segment 3



• Have you heard of the “soul care” movement? Do you have any thoughts on it? - Rachel



Segment 4



• How can we draw the line between audibly hearing a revelation from God and being given a gut-feeling or hunch about something? - Tamara



___



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!

Segment 1



• “Thus Sayeth the Lord” is the Christian's true weapon in cultural and spiritual battles.



• AI porn is on the rise, possibly replacing real people in 20 years, challenging Christian arguments based on human dignity.



• Only God’s Word offers unchanging authority.



Segment 2



• AI-fueled depravity is coming fast, with the power to generate any sinful fantasy imaginable.



• Christians must return to quoting Scripture, not merely offering moral objections.



• God’s Word is the power, not our persuasiveness. “Thus Sayeth the Lord” still turns worlds upside down.



Segment 3



• Tim Challies reflects on losing his son Nick, facing the tension of tragedy and God’s control.



• In suffering, we must separate what God does from how He uses it.



• God is good, able, and faithful—and that truth holds us.



Segment 4



• Tragedy often brings anger and doubt about God's love.



• If you don’t know God's character, you’ll misinterpret His providence.



• God isn’t distant—He desires deep relationship, even in our pain.



___



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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Join Todd Friel on campus at Georgia State University as he engages four different students on topics like truth, meaning, and the afterlife. Focusing on self-examination and the call of the gospel, these students are pointed towards the true transformation that Christ brings us.



Segment 1



• Eduardo believes in God, but admits he’s drifted from church and isn’t sure about heaven or hell.



• He thinks he’s “a good person”—until he’s gently walked through the Ten Commandments.



• He hears the full gospel, including God's justice and Jesus paying the penalty.



Segment 2



• Joey believes in evolution despite recognizing complex design in software, his field of study.



• His conscience gets confronted through a rapid-fire morality check.



• He hears the gospel clearly: Jesus died for sinners like him.



Segment 3



• Our next student is Catholic in name only, and admits he’s not really committed to his faith.



• Listens attentively as the purpose of creation and the gospel are explained as a demonstration of God’s mercy and grace.



• Concedes he’s broken several of the Ten Commandments and agrees he’s not a good person—then hears how Jesus saves sinners.



Segment 4



• Final student of the day grew up in church but walked away.



• He isn’t hostile towards the Christian faith, but simply apathetic about it.



• Left with a challenge to reconsider the true 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!

Segment 1



• Kirk Cameron’s new video has reignited talk on annihilationism in Christian theology.



• A 2022 email from Dr. John MacArthur warned this was coming — was he right?



• Todd unpacks the semantic range behind the word for “hell.”



Segment 2



• Bart Ehrman’s controversial article on hell is still fueling debate.



• Key scriptures (Matthew 10:28, Revelation 14:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:9) are used to counter annihilationist claims.



• Scriptures overriding message on the topic is clear: Hell is not negotiable.



Segment 3



• Al Mohler joins the discussion in response to Kirk Cameron’s take.



• Conditional immortality might “feel” right — but does it hold up biblically?



• Matthew 25:46 is clear: eternal life and eternal punishment are a package deal.



Segment 4



• Degrees of punishment in hell hint at deeper theological implications.



• How we talk about hell shapes how we share the gospel.



• Jesus didn’t soften the doctrine of hell — so why are we tempted to?



___



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!

Segment 1:



• A “Mary Did You Know?” vocal showdown turns into deep reflection on the incarnation.



• Singers compared on emotion and power, but the real awe lies in the miracle of God becoming man.



• Todd reminds us: Mary gave birth to God in flesh — fully divine, fully human — and that truth should floor us.



Segment 2:



• Christmas risks becoming routine—unless we intentionally reflect on its meaning: God's love in the incarnation.



• Loving God is the highest command; Christmas should rekindle that love, not just holiday tradition.



• J.C. Ryle reminds us: real Christianity isn’t formality—it’s loving Christ with all your heart.



Segment 3:



• Children must be taught more than morals—they must be shown reasons to love Christ.



• J.C. Ryle: The #1 goal in parenting isn’t obedience—it’s nurturing love for Jesus.



• Convicting checklist: If you love Christ, you think of Him, talk of Him, and love His people.



Segment 4:



• Seven powerful reasons you're secure in Christ from John 10: You’re claimed, called, known, led, gifted, secured, and glorified.



• You didn’t choose Jesus—He chose you, and no one can snatch you from His hand.



• Even doctrines like eternal hell become clear when glorified—you’ll rejoice in God’s perfect justice.



___



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!

Segment 1



• Todd addresses Kirk Cameron’s recent comments on hell and annihilationism.



Segment 2



• Is there such a thing as idolizing knowledge about God? Can I spend too much time trying to learn about God? - Anonymous



• Who do you think died first: Jesus, or the thief on the cross next to him? - Steve



• I disagree with your take on AI worship music. I think praise is always good, no matter who sings it. Thoughts? - Anonymous



• Bonus: Phil Johnson just dropped a note…



Segment 3



• How can Christians turn the other cheek in the workplace without being a doormat? - Anonymous



• Should pastors know how much money each congregant individually gives to the church? - Pat



• When unbelievers pray, is anyone actually listening? - Anonymous



Segment 4



• How should Christians rightly think about feeling proud about accomplishments? - Anonymous



• What do you think about certain denominations that don’t require church membership? - Anonymous



• Are all sins equal in the eyes of God? - 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!

Segment 1



• Christian Nationalism is rising... but no one agrees on what it means.



• It’s not the same old “separation of church and state”—it’s something new.



• Neil Shenvi suggests this movement is already on the decline.



Segment 2



• Some Christian Nationalist rhetoric is undeniably racist and dehumanizing.



• Not everyone in the movement is extreme, but the toxic voices are there.



• Christians should be leading on justice, not just picking sides.



Segment 3



• Outreach events often confuse food and fun with actual evangelism.



• No gospel, no follow-up, no impact - that’s not evangelism.



• Churches that highlight family and follow-through could change lives and save souls.



Segment 4



• University of Colorado pays $10M over the COVID jab.



• 1 in 5 Americans believe the Bible was written to control people.



• Most evangelicals don't hold to a literal reading of the Bible. Where do we go from here?



___



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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Today, Todd ventures on campus at Georgia Tech to have conversations about Christ, truth, and the afterlife. He meets students Ryan and Dallas and encourages them to trust in the reality and truth of the gospel of Christ.



Segment 1



• Todd uses Ryan’s Chick-fil-A sandwich to argue for intelligent design.



• Ryan, an agnostic-leaning student, wrestles with the idea of creation vs. the Big Bang.



• Todd gently calls out Ryan's reluctance to accept a Creator, and the possible motive behind it.



Segment 2



• Todd probes deeper into Ryan’s conscience.



• Ryan admits he’d be found guilty if judged by God, but still doubts the justice or existence of such a being.



• Ryan doubts Todd’s ability to know this truth, but affirms his logic.



Segment 3



• Todd meets Dallas, a witty nuclear engineering student who might say he is spiritual but not religious.



• Dallas admits to moral failings but assumes God will be “understanding.”



• Todd points Dallas towards Christ taking his punishment for him.



Segment 4



• Todd outlines the gospel — forgiveness through Jesus, not good works — but Dallas hesitates, hung up on religion and the name “Jesus.”



• Dallas responds to the gospel with sarcasm and dismissal.



• Todd encourages you: respond to the gospel in faith - don’t dismiss it.



___



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!

Segment 1



• Jury trials scrapped in Britain for offenses under 3 years—what’s next?



• Canadian pastor jailed for protesting drag story hour; euthanasia stats in Canada shock the world.



• Nigeria: over 200 school kids kidnapped as Christian persecution runs rampant.



Segment 2



• 61% of pastors now using AI weekly—how should congregants think about this?



• Ridiculous complaints raised by cheater website Ashley Madison about AI chatbots.



• 90% of college students think “words = violence.”



Segment 3



• Christians face two dangerous extremes: being consumed by bad news vs. living in ignorance.



• "Wise as serpents, infuriated at evil" — we’re called to be informed, not indifferent.



• A United Methodist preacher announces he’s “transitioning” — and claims it's part of his ministry.



Segment 4



• UMC pastor tells kids they don't need to obey their parents if feelings are hurt.



• Claims he’s not “becoming a woman,” just stopping the charade of acting like a man.



• This isn’t deep thinking — it’s moral sophistry being fed to children.



___



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!