Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. SEGMENT 1 • Last week, you answered a question I wrote about returning to a marriage where physical abuse occurred. I’m the husband, and I fear my abusive wife. Do these facts change the way you think about the question? - Anonymous • Are there any particular AI bots that Todd and Jimmy prefer to use? - Dennis SEGMENT 2 • Our 15 year-old daughter has recently been saved, and desires to be baptized. She’s stated that she wants me to be the one to baptize her. Are there any reasons that we shouldn’t go through with this? - Anonymous • Last week you referred to delivering a sermon written by AI as “acting”. Is this the same as delivering a pre-written manuscript? Is this a legitimate skill to develop? - Jay SEGMENT 3 • I was required to go through some HR training at work that focused on things like “transphobia” and “homophobia” as different kinds of discrimination. This didn’t feel right for me to partake in as a Christian. Do I have any recourse? What are your thoughts? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • Knowing that we need to be wary of applying guilt-by-association, at what point should a church stop promoting a teacher due to their association with someone that’s theologically problematic? - Jennifer ___ 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 • Pope Leo’s use of Matthew 25 misapplies God’s Word by turning an individual mandate into a government policy. • Learn from Speaker Mike Johnson’s calm, biblical approach to hostile media questions—and why his tone matters for every Christian. • Get a crash course on what the Bible actually says about borders, nations, assimilation, and the role of civil authority. Segment 2 • Watch progressives contradict their past positions on immigration through a shocking AI-generated political montage. • Laugh (and cringe) at a satirical skit where a liberal time-travels to kill Hitler—only to discover eerie ideological overlaps. • Understand how worldview—not just politics—drives modern shifts in culture and moral reasoning. Segment 3 • John Macarthur’s heartfelt worship should be a lesson for us all. • Reconsider everything you assumed about the Puritans—especially their deep focus on the love of God. • Hear how a forgotten Puritan voice might be the encouragement you need today if your faith feels more fearful than joyful. Segment 4 • Explore why love, not just justice or wrath, is the central attribute behind God’s redemption plan. • Let Octavius Winslow’s rich theology flood your soul with hope, assurance, and a fresh view of God's heart. • Fear of God and love from God must coexist—together, they fuel worship, holiness, and evangelism. ___ 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 once again on campus at Oklahoma State University as he makes a powerful presentation about faith, philosophy, worldviews, and apologetics. He wraps up with a question-and-answer session, pointing students towards Christ and His gospel of grace. Segment 1 • Discover how postmodern thought has shaped your worldview—even if you’ve never read a philosophy book. • Feelings have replaced facts in our culture, and it’s wrecking spiritual foundations. • Disney movies and TikTok might be doing more “deconstructing” than your college professor. Segment 2 • Todd dismantles the top 10 reasons students reject Christianity—with humor and logic. • You’ll hear the wild syllogisms (like “Trump is bad = Jesus isn’t real”) that people believe without realizing it. • Learn how rejecting or deconstructing a false version of Christianity doesn’t mean the real one is false. Segment 3 • Jesus isn’t a life coach—He’s the King who came to serve, save, and reign in love. • You’ll finally understand what makes Christianity not just true, but beautiful and soul-satisfying. • Be blown away by the picture of King Jesus—who knows your name, prepares your seat, and serves you at His table. Segment 4 • Hear a student wrestle with: “How can I have a real relationship with God if I can’t see or hear Him?” • Todd’s answer shows how knowing God isn’t distant or vague—it’s deep, personal, and more intimate than anything else. • Discover the one thing you might be missing if your faith feels cold or uncertain. ___ 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 • Why a century-old song about narcissism is more relevant than ever—and what it says about our cultural moment. • Here’s how postmodernism, pop culture, and deconstructionism have normalized self-worship. • We need a specific toolset to engage with a generation raised in a "me-first" world. Segment 2 • Learn the 5 powerful traits formed by 1980s upbringing—and how they’re vanishing in modern culture. • Gen X and Boomers feel “alien” in today’s world—and their strengths differ from Gen Z’s vulnerabilities. • Gen X’s latchkey autonomy and delayed gratification shaped stronger mental frameworks, which impacts how they parent. Segment 3 • The truth behind gentle parenting: does avoiding “no” really help children grow? • A therapist and mother reflects on how saying “yes” too much undermines authority and trust. • These observations are brought back to the Proverbs—and how loving discipline builds resilient adults. Segment 4 • Creationism vs. Traducianism vs. Pre-existence: Which view on the soul lines up with Scripture? • Origen’s false teachings were condemned, but can still show up today. • Your view on the soul’s origin shape your view of sin, salvation, and Jesus Himself. ___ 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 • Hillary Clinton misuses the Good Samaritan parable to justify political activism, and the media is silent. • Politicians commonly miss that biblical commands for individuals are not mandates for governments. • Get equipped to spot progressive reinterpretations of Scripture—and respond with truth. Segment 2 • Meet James Talarico, a rising political figure who uses slick “Christian” language to push liberal policies. • Understand the difference between personal commands (Matthew 25) and government responsibility (Romans 13). • Inside and outside of the pulpit, emotional storytelling is replacing sound hermeneutics - learn how to spot it. Segment 3 • See how a clever analogy comparing religions to languages breaks down under biblical scrutiny. • Learn why Jesus is not one of many truths—He is the Truth. • The gospel must be used lovingly to refute the popular ideas of religious pluralism and universalism. Segment 4 • Hear how absurd claims like “God is non-binary” are rooted in modern ideology, not Scripture. • We are always at risk of redefining God using today’s cultural categories. • Explore why denying Christ’s exclusivity is not just wrong—it’s straight up heresy. ___ 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 • Our church is currently without any qualified men to lead worship. Is it sinful for a woman to step into the role of worship leader? - Austin SEGMENT 2 • When Jesus taught in parables, was he teaching allegorically? - Chuck • Would you recommend Tim Challies’ book “Season of Sorrow” to a family who is grieving a loss but are not believers? - Matt • Paul makes clear in Romans that everyone, deep down, has knowledge that God exists. When there are, for example, unreached Amazonian tribes that worship a sun-god, will they be punished for worshiping the wrong god, although they acknowledge that a god exists? - Steven SEGMENT 3 • Are Christians obligated to stay in, or return to, a marriage where physical abuse has occurred? - Anonymous SEGMENT 4 • The pastor of a church we are interested in joining doesn’t seem very interested in evangelism or growing the church body. What should we do? - Michael ___ 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 • Global elites at Davos warn that “by-the-book” religions could be eliminated by AI. • Let’s get real: AI can process data, but it can’t be human. • We can KNOW that AI, machines, and robots can never possess the mind of Christ that believers do. Segment 2 • AI will replace some roles—but not every vocation or calling will be effected. • The real question young people must answer: where am I replaceable? • If we don’t define categories and terms, technology will define them for us. Segment 3 • Todd reads an intro and entire segment written by AI. • If pastors use AI to write sermons, biblical shepherding turns into play-acting. • The real cost isn’t just efficiency—it’s warmth, care, and actual, human, pastoral presence. Segment 4 • AI has real limits—and real potential for human harm, especially in work and ministry. • A chatbot can’t read a room, feel tension, respond in love, or function along lines of emotion. • Final gut check: do you really want a relationship with a computer? ___ 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!

Bishop Tom Brown, an Orthodox-evangelical-charismatic Christian and questioner, raises concerns about evangelical deconstruction and whether it can be constructive. Conversation covers deconstruction and rebuilding authentic faith. Other highlights include balancing feelings with belief, reaching the indifferent and agnostic, leading families in postmodernity, and wrestling with evil and God’s justice.

Segment 1 • Lots of us in the south cancelled gathering last Sunday due to inclement weather - and there are spiritual consequences to skipping church. • Church isn’t something we do just to do - it’s a weekly realignment of our lives. • Even when gathering is hard, faithful churches find creative ways to feed their flocks. Segment 2 • Kevin DeYoung models how to preach a one-off sermon with clarity, structure, and gospel power. • Biblical preaching must consider the genre of the text. Historical narrative, poetry, wisdom, and gospels don’t all preach the exact same. • The aim in good preaching isn’t just increasing knowledge, but to draw sinners to Christ as we learn more about him and are conformed to His image. Segment 3 • Disturbing church protests raise questions for parents: what if your child is trapped in the chaos? • Churches must prepare now — when agitators disrupt worship, there won’t be time to get ready. • Comparing violent protests to Jesus cleansing the temple is biblical malpractice. Segment 4 • Churches are absorbing secular values — “Flamy Grant” drag shows prove it’s more than a trend. • Postmodern self-expression is replacing reverence for biblical truth in pulpits and pews. • As persecution rises globally, now’s the time to clarify our mission: be holy, not popular. ___ 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 • Don’t date to just find the right “vibes”… there are actual things that you should be looking for, as a believer, if you are dating. • The Bible doesn’t speak directly to our experience of dating, but does direct us how to find a mate. • Want a marriage that lasts? Start asking better questions of a prospective spouse now. Segment 2 • Date for more than meets the eye: looks fade and even personalities can change • If he won’t lead now, don’t assume he magically will later. • Beware of dating when you are vulnerable - you won’t be in the right frame of mind to make big decisions Segment 3 • Todd reviews a book on assurance: “Resting In Sovereign Grace” by pastor Joshua Banks. • You’re not saved because of your performance, but because of Christ’s performance on your behalf. • No Christian has ever been saved by the strength of their faith, but by the object that they place their faith in: Christ. Segment 4 • Todd reviews Nate Pickowicz’s book, “Overcoming the Darkness” • Sometimes our emotional lows are more than just a bad day, and we need to be aware of prolonged seasons of emotional darkness. • There are real causes of spiritual depression that can be discovered and addressed. ___ 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!