It’s Witness Wednesday!



In this episode of Wretched Radio, host Todd Friel travels to Georgia Tech. He engages with several students, challenging their views on evolution, morality, and Christianity. Through thought-provoking conversations, Todd explains the gospel, sin, and redemption, aiming to awaken these student’s consciences and encourage them to consider the God that created them.



Segment 1:



• Eduardo grew up Catholic, but unsure of afterlife: says he's a "good person."



• Admits to breaking God’s commandments but hopes for mercy.



• Todd explains the gospel as Jesus paying Eduardo’s moral debt — the only way to avoid hell.



Segment 2:



• Joey believes in evolution and rejects intelligent design despite his programming background.



• Confesses to lying, stealing, lusting — yet insists morality can exist without God.



• Todd appeals to Joey’s conscience and shares how Jesus satisfies both God’s justice and mercy.



Segment 3:



• Raised Catholic, now more loosely “Christian”; admits to sinning and doubts personal goodness.



• Learns why God gave the commandments — not to “win” but to show we’re sinners in need of a Savior.



• Hears a clear, full explanation of the gospel.



Segment 4:



• Doesn’t consider himself religious but has “heard it all before.”



• Acknowledges sin and God’s standard — but questions grace, responsibility, and eternal consequences.



• Todd likens salvation to a costly rescue and urges Riley to respond to Jesus’ kindness, not just fear judgment.



___



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:



• Methodist preacher goes viral for endorsing divorce in the name of “authentic self.”



• This message twists God’s Word and moves the goalposts on covenant.



• Jesus gave narrow reasons for divorce—yet culture demands limitless excuses.



Segment 2:



• The preacher doubles down—arguing against God’s design for marriage.



• His message: don’t stay in marriages that “aren’t working.”



• Marriage pictures Christ and His Church—God is not pleased with false preaching.



Segment 3:



• Thousands claimed “saved,” but the gospel wasn’t preached.



• A watered-down message reflects seeker-sensitive culture.



• The stakes are eternal—souls are lost when the full gospel is missing.



Segment 4:



• China unveils the first pregnancy humanoid—praised by many.



• Pragmatic arguments ignore reality: robots aren’t image-bearers of God.



• With AI poised to replace jobs, what happens to human purpose and economics?



___



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:



• Jon Mark Comer is popular with Gen Z, pushing a me-focused worldview.



• True Christianity demands battling all sin, not selectively tolerating some.



• Sin’s deceitfulness exposes the emptiness of self-made systems.



Segment 2:



• Comer’s message mirrors Rob Bell-style mysticism and expressive individualism.



• Gen Z craves depth but is being fed me-centric spirituality.



• Comer’s eclectic mix of truth and error makes him appealing yet dangerous.



Segment 3:



• Christianity isn’t about making you “happy.”



• The Spirit-driven life is about who you are, not self-improvement tricks.



• Are you depending on inventions—or on the Holy Spirit—for daily living?



Segment 4:



• You are a Christian in the day-to-day as much as in the “spiritual.”



• Living the Christian life isn’t about feelings-driven systems—it’s obedience.



• Neglecting your daily walk isn’t harmless—it’s sin.



___



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 should you end an evangelism conversation—too soon or not soon enough?



• Has Vacation Bible School become just a big distraction?



Segment 2:



• Is it wrong to use verses out of context if the goal is encouragement?



• What does “small-o orthodox” really mean—and why does it matter?



Segment 3:



• Should youth pastors entertain to be effective—or stand firm?



• How do you survive college spiritually—without your mom?



Segment 4:



• Are you really making disciples—or just preaching at people?



• Should I leave a church that uses the sinner’s prayer—even if the preaching is sound?



___



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:



• 77% of Gen Z brought a parent to a job interview—”lawnmower parenting” at its peak.



• Parents are doing kids’ chores and even handling workplace disputes for them.



• Kid-centered homes are crippling resilience and robbing work ethic.



Segment 2:



• Hard work is essential for fulfillment, but kids are being shielded from it.



• Failure is a necessary teacher—Christian parents must resist overprotection.



• True maturity comes from responsibility, not comfort.



Segment 3:



• “Neurodiversity” is being used as a catch-all term with political baggage.



• No uniform criteria exist—definitions are fluid and agenda-driven.



• Adopting secular therapeutic labels in the church risks compromising truth.



Segment 4:



• Venezuela hosts a massive “March for Jesus” rally.



• A Baltimore judge gives no jail time for assault of elderly pro-life advocates.



• 1 in 5 pastors have considered self-harm or suicide in the last year.



___



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! In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel heads to the campus of Georgia Tech. While engaging in thought-provoking conversations with students, Todd explores deep theological questions about the existence of God, creation, morality, and salvation from sin.



Segment 1 – Ryan



• Ryan, an architecture student, believes in the Big Bang but is unsure how such design could happen without a designer.



• Todd deepens the moral discussion, walking Ryan through the Ten Commandments.



• He dismisses concern over judgment, saying he’ll “cross that bridge” when he sees God.



Segment 2 – Junior



• Junior, raised in a Christian home, isn’t sure what he believes and doesn’t identify as a true Christian.



• Todd walks him through a gospel-centered conversation, exposing his sin and clarifying the Savior's role.



• Junior remains unsure, valuing independent thinking but open to exploring more.



Segment 3 – Dan



• Dan, a Catholic student, believes everyone is "innately good" and that good works will outweigh sin.



• He trusts in God's forgiveness but can't reconcile it with true justice.



• Todd carefully explains the gospel, the insufficiency of works, and the righteousness available only through Christ.



Segment 4 – Dan (continued)



• Todd explains how the true gospel and the Roman Catholic church teach different things.



• Lays out how we are totally unable to be righteous in and of ourselves.



• Todd encourages Dan to repent of his own striving and trust in Christ alone for righteousness.



___



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



• On Transformed, a marriage suffers from husband’s hidden porn use.



• Dr. Lou Priolo exposes why we justify anger against those who’ve wronged us.



• A powerful example of how biblical counseling cuts to the heart.



Segment 2



• Forgiveness must be given when someone repents, but trust is rebuilt over time.



• Handing trust to the unfaithful too soon is foolish—and dangerous.



• Bitterness is a poisonous root that churches often fail to confront.



Segment 3



• With John MacArthur’s memorial coming soon, how will GCC honor him biblically?



• The delicate balance between honoring a life and glorifying Christ.



• What your funeral focus should say about your life’s purpose.



Segment 4



• Lighter moments from John MacArthur show his warmth and wit.



• Memorable clips capture his unique style.



• A final look at a pastor who shaped countless lives for Christ.



___



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



• Dr. Wayne Mack, biblical counseling pioneer, has died—weeks after Dr. John MacArthur.



• Founded biblical counseling center in South Africa and authored 25+ books.



• Left an enduring legacy in biblical counseling worldwide.



Segment 2



• AI is replacing jobs—what happens to those left behind?



• Pastoral ministry is one role AI can’t replace.



• Wayne Mack’s “8 I’s” of biblical counseling shaped countless pastors.



Segment 3



• Are incomplete gospel presentations hindering true conversions?



• Don’t assume unbelievers understand Gospel basics.



• Justin Peters’ gospel presentation serves as a comprehensive model.



Segment 4



• Justin Peters: repentance is a God-given gift.



• Cornerstone Conference highlights strong, clear gospel preaching.



• Depth and clarity are essential for true gospel proclamation.



___



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:



• Is it okay for Christian couples to show affection in public?



• How do I trust God with heartbreak and my desire for marriage?



Segment 2:



• Should old-earth believers serve as elders or deacons?



• Is it wrong to prefer reading the New Testament over the Old Testament?



Segment 3:



• Should churches follow a liturgy in their worship services?



Segment 4:



• How can lay preachers get better at preaching in small churches?



• Why do i still feel angry over sins God already forgave?



___



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 historic church rents its space for a secular concert—sparking outrage from the Bishop of Fulham.



• Todd raises a key question: What happens when churches become concert venues instead of houses of worship?



• Calls out “fun-gelical” trends that turn reverence into entertainment—and why this drives deconstruction.



Segment 2:



• Carl Trueman pens a blistering open letter to the Church of England amid doctrinal collapse.



• Divorce is ravaging Christian families—are churches equipped to respond biblically?



• Spurgeon’s college in England shuts its doors—a symbolic loss in the spiritual battle.



Segment 3:



• The “Wide World of Christian Stories” includes: Hindu idol installations, Chuck E. Cheese for adults, and “Spawnism.”



• Cultural confusion and spiritual idolatry are rising in the West—and it’s not subtle anymore.



• Todd jokes about plantar fasciitis, but gets serious about where modern worship is headed.



Segment 4:



• Eugenics is back—disguised in polite modern language.



• A British teacher defends child sacrifice; 1 in 3 pregnancies in Great Britain ends in abortion.



• Christians remain the world’s most persecuted group—yet many churches remain silent.



___



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!



In this episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel engages in a series of dialogues with students on campus in Gainesville, GA. Friel challenges their theological stances, encouraging them to contemplate their paths to heaven, sin, and the core tenets of Christianity.



Segment 1:



• Seventh-Day Adventist believes salvation is through commandments and Sabbath; admits breaking them.



• Todd shows law reveals guilt; salvation is by grace in Christ alone.



• Urged to repent and trust Jesus’ finished work, not his own.



Segment 2:



• Sikh student believes in reincarnation and good works; admits moral failures.



• Todd explains all die once, face judgment, and fall short.



• Presents gospel: Jesus took punishment, offering forgiveness to all who repent.



Segment 3:



• United Methodist student is polite, but unsure of gospel, no assurance of salvation.



• Todd explains sin, judgment, and Christ’s atonement as only hope.



• Challenged to examine if he’s truly trusted Christ.



Segment 4:



• Two postmodern students believe all paths lead to happiness; reject absolute truth.



• Todd shows opposing beliefs can’t both be true; Jesus’ claim is exclusive.



• Gospel offered as God’s kindness: turn to Christ who died for sinners.



___



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:



• Chad Wright’s Rogan appearance: strong theology, but gospel completeness questioned.



• Gospel tracts: one clearly presented law & gospel; another (“Be a Winner”) fell into moralism.



• Idolatry from Exodus 32: Moses points to Christ—the only sufficient substitute.



Segment 2:



• AI sermon prep can save time, but can’t replace deep study and spiritual growth.



• “Be a Winner” tract warns of bad habits but misses God’s justice, wrath, and need for atonement.



• Evangelism must connect sin’s horizontal effects to its vertical offense against a holy God.



Segment 3:



• Tim Challies’ From the Rising of the Sun: cultural differences in worship are normal.



• Biblical elements (preaching, sacraments) vs. cultural circumstances (music, attire, service style).



• Unity over preference: avoid judging faithful churches by personal worship style.



Segment 4:



• Judas vs. Peter: false repentance hides from Jesus; true repentance runs to Him.



• Many deconstruct over shame, not theology—teach kids to turn to Christ in failure.



• Idols disappoint—when they collapse, flee to Jesus for forgiveness and restoration.



___



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:



• Christians cheer a Navy SEAL’s appearance on Rogan as “gospel shared”—but was it?



• Todd clarifies difference between chit-chat about Christianity, apologetics, and actual evangelism.



• Chad Wright’s testimony: reading Matthew, realizing sin, needing salvation—strong on depravity but not yet a full gospel.



Segment 2:



• Chad explains total depravity, regeneration, salvation by grace alone—impressively deep theology.



• Missing pieces: no clear explanation of wrath, judgment, or Christ’s substitutionary death.



• Todd evaluates whether a full gospel was actually presented or just strong testimony.



Segment 3:



• Chad strategically shifts conversation back to sin and death—explaining original sin clearly.



• Describes death as the result of sin, judgment as certain, Jesus as taking punishment.



• Todd affirms this could be gospel—but clarity on God’s wrath is still lacking.



Segment 4:



• Chad’s theology on Jesus’ physical body, resurrection, and glorification is solid but speculative at points.



• Todd: Good doctrine, but still no explicit penal substitution or wrath explained.



• Evangelism analogy: You can’t just share “parts” of the gospel—you must give the whole picture.



___



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:



• Is it hypocritical to oppose posting the Ten Commandments in schools if we use them for personal evangelism?



• Does separation of church and state mean Christians should avoid influencing public education?



Segment 2:



• Have churches failed to address unbiblical remarriage after divorce?



• What role does confession to others play in fighting pornography?



• What’s a God-honoring way to give away or dispose of unused ministry books?



Segment 3:



• Should we adopt a traumatized teen if it could put our younger children at risk?



Segment 4:



• If attention spans drop after 25 minutes, should pastors shorten their sermons?



___



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:



• Smartphones at age 5–6 linked to 48% suicidal thoughts in girls.



• Early phone use disrupts emotional stability, empathy, and reality perception.



• Christians called to be counter-cultural—even if kids push back.



Segment 2:



• Ozempic use in teens raising long-term brain and appetite concerns.



• Stopping GLP-1 drugs leaves lasting appetite and mood issues.



• Mental health crisis linked to dopamine interference and body image lies.



Segment 3:



• Smartphones + body image pressure driving teen Ozempic use.



• Over 700 signed up for Play the Man—momentum is building.



• Campus culture toward Christianity is shifting—opportunities emerging.



Segment 4:



• Beachaven Church aiming for 10,000 gospel conversations.



• Evangelism culture must be intentional—does your church have one?



• Only 36% of Americans confident in the church; evangelism can change that.



___



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!



Does being raised in a “religious” home guarantee that a child will continue in the faith once they go to college? The conversations you hear in this episode might shock you. Todd is back at Georgia Tech where he will encounter the unfortunate toll post-modernism has had on the minds of young adults. Todd also shares a strategy that proves helpful in evangelistic conversations.



Segment 1:



• The first student Todd talks with was raised around church but has drifted from Christianity due to friends, science, and disinterest.



• He claims to be a “good person”; Todd uses the 10 Commandments to show the student’s guilt before God.



• He hears the full gospel—Jesus paying his fine so he can be forgiven— and is challenged to decide if it’s true.



Segment 2:



• The next student Todd talks to identifies as Baptist but admits he doesn’t know if he’s going to heaven.



• Todd explains that being religious isn’t the same as being born again.



• The student is urged to repent, trust in Christ fully, and make his salvation certain by being pointed to Romans to see the truth.



Segment 3:



• Todd talks with a student that believes in a vague “parent-like” God who disciplines but doesn’t condemn.



• Todd uses the 10 Commandments to show guilt before a just Judge who must punish sin.



• The student hears the gospel—Jesus taking his punishment—and is challenged to determine if it’s true.



Segment 4:



• Kevin embraces postmodern thinking: Catholicism works for him, but “all truths” are valid.



• Another student calls himself Christian but doubts Jesus is the only way; breaks all 10 Commandments.



• Both students are urged to see Jesus as the only truth, repent, and trust Him alone for salvation.



___



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:



• Debate in Texas and Oklahoma over posting the Ten Commandments in schools.



• Glenn Beck supports it—but reframes them in a way that misses their true biblical intent.



• The Ten Commandments point to the one true God, not just generic morality.



Segment 2:



• Glenn Beck’s defense of the Ten Commandments feels shallow and unclear.



• His reasoning veers off into emotional and cultural appeals, not theological accuracy.



• Todd challenges: What’s the point if the Gospel isn’t connected to the Law?



Segment 3:



• Posting the Law without the Gospel misses its purpose—law convicts, Gospel saves.



• Global updates: Divorce gift registries, marijuana health risks, etiquette coaches for Gen Z.



• Which states best (and worst) protect religious liberty?



Segment 4:



• Children’s National Hospital halts puberty blockers for minors.



• UK: Bereavement pay for miscarriage and abortion legalized up to birth.



• Uber launches female-only pickup feature; Wretched store sale announced.



___



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:



• Peter’s denial wasn’t casual—he disowned “The Man” with whom he walked.



• After denying Christ, Peter locked eyes with Jesus and wept bitterly.



• Jesus’ post-resurrection message singled Peter out—restoration was coming.



Segment 2:



• Peter’s failure was massive, but so was Christ’s mercy.



• Jesus didn’t just forgive—He re-commissioned Peter.



• Christians need a real plan for recurring sin—don’t wait to fall again.



Segment 3:



• When harm touches the innocent, righteous anger isn’t wrong—it’s biblical.



• The Idaho killer’s sentence feels like justice denied.



• Christians should care deeply about justice because God does.



Segment 4:



• AI is being used to groom and exploit—one woman exposed its darkness firsthand.



• Kids can bypass filters, and the internet keeps getting darker.



• The Church must shine light, not just shout “how awful.”



___



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:



Why is porn addiction among women on the rise?



Can you ever erase explicit images once they’re in your mind?



Segment 2:



Is GotQuestions.org a trustworthy source for biblical answers?



Is it wrong to only want to marry someone of your own race?



Segment 3:



How can you date with clear boundaries and avoid falling into temptation?



What do your dating choices reveal about your heart?



Segment 4:



When is a Christian marriage truly dissolved in God’s eyes?



Should churches play a bigger role in ending marriages?



___



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!

Phil Johnson spent 45 years alongside John MacArthur—and now opens up about the man behind the pulpit. From private regrets to public faithfulness, this candid conversation explores what made MacArthur the shepherd, not the celebrity.



Segment 1: A Diagnosis, a Death, and Dying Well



• Phil shares his own cancer battle and how it shaped his view of mortality



• Reflects on MacArthur’s final days and the surprising way he spoke of heaven



• What it means for Christians to prepare to die well



Segment 2: The Warmth Behind the Lion • What John MacArthur was really like off the stage



• How he reacted to sudden fame—and why he rejected celebrity culture



• Why pastors should never neglect the pulpit for programs



Segment 3: The Mistakes He Admitted and Corrected



• The two doctrinal errors MacArthur publicly retracted



• Why his view on the eternal Sonship of Christ changed—and why it matters



• What his response reveals about humility and theological integrity



Segment 4: COVID, Romans 13, and the Critics



• Did John MacArthur change his view on church and state during COVID?



• Phil explains how the church stood firm—and what drove the decision



• Why MacArthur never landed in scandal despite decades of controversy



___



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!