Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

What do you do when God gives you news you never wanted? And what can churches learn when a respected ministry collapses? Todd looks at trusting God through suffering, the fallout from G3 Ministries, and how churches can pursue accountability without overreacting.

Segment 1

• Phil Johnson’s cancer has returned—and the prognosis isn’t what anyone hoped to hear.

• How should Christians respond when God gives us circumstances we desperately wish He would change?

• What does it actually look like to trust that God is good even when His plans aren’t ours?

Segment 2

• Phil Johnson once argued that evangelical Christianity may be in even greater need of Reformation than the church was in Luther’s day.

• Could a modern-day Reformation even happen in a culture flooded with Christian influencers and competing voices?

• Todd examines troubling anti-Semitism within some corners of Christian nationalism—and why forgetting history can have dangerous consequences.

Segment 3

• G3 Ministries is gone after another controversy—but Todd believes an innocent pastor’s reputation was unfairly damaged along the way.

• When does legitimate concern cross the line into publicly besmirching a brother?

• What can Christians learn from accusations that Todd says never should have escalated the way they did?

Segment 4

• After another ministry scandal, what can your church actually do to keep its leaders accountable?

• Should pastors have additional safeguards, regular reviews, and greater transparency—or can accountability measures go too far?

• Why no policy or system can completely protect a church when someone is determined to deceive.

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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! What do you say to an atheist who demands evidence for God, someone searching for the right religion, or even a professing Christian who thinks he can earn his way to heaven? Listen in as Todd demonstrates how to challenge unbelief and move conversations toward the gospel.

Segment 1

• Todd meets Jay, an atheist who questions how God’s omniscience can coexist with human free will.

• What evidence can you give someone who insists there’s no reason to believe in a Creator?

• See how Todd moves from intellectual objections to the conscience and the reality of coming judgment.

Segment 2

• Etienne is searching for answers but isn’t convinced heaven and hell are real.

• What makes Christianity different from Islam and other religions that promise a path to paradise?

• Learn how to explain the difference between trying to earn salvation and receiving forgiveness through Christ.

Segment 3

• A Baptist student says he hopes he can earn his way to heaven.

• How do you help a professing Christian recognize that being good and saying “I’m sorry” isn’t the gospel?

Segment 4

• Todd returns to Jay, the atheist, who is actively trying to convince other students to reject God.

• Can an atheist worldview provide an objective foundation for right and wrong?

• What should you do when someone isn’t interested in listening and only wants to argue?

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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!

Pornography is increasingly becoming a struggle for women—but what’s really driving it, and how can Christian women fight it? Todd sits down with Fortis Fellow and biblical counselor Libby Glosson to discuss what’s happening beneath the surface and the hope found in Christ.

Segment 1

• Why are more women consuming pornography—and has our culture encouraged women to adopt some of the worst behaviors of men?

• What are women really seeking through pornography: intimacy, acceptance, love, or escape?

• Why pornography is ultimately more than a sexual problem—it’s a heart and worship problem.

Segment 2

• Why “just stop it” and shame aren't enough to produce lasting change.

• How wrong beliefs about God's goodness, holiness, and character can fuel sexual sin.

• What practical steps can women take without ignoring the deeper desires of the heart?

Segment 3

• What's the difference between wanting freedom from consequences and genuinely wanting to repent?

• Can repeated sexual sin dull a Christian's conscience?

• How do you uncover what's really driving a recurring struggle with pornography?

Segment 4

• What should you actually do when temptation hits?

• Why fighting pornography may require dealing with escapism, discontentment, ingratitude, and entitlement.

• In the moment of temptation, the ultimate question is: Will you love Christ more than your sin?

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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!

Grace Community Church has named John MacArthur’s successor, while another controversy surrounding G3 Ministries raises serious questions about church leadership and accountability.

Segment 1

• Grace Community Church announces Nathan Busenitz as its new pastor following John MacArthur.

• Why Todd believes GCC handled this enormous transition well.

• Nathan Busenitz examines capitalism vs. socialism from a biblical worldview.

Segment 2

• Is capitalism actually more biblical than socialism?

• Why biblical generosity is voluntary rather than compelled by government.How our understanding of human nature changes the capitalism vs. socialism debate.

Segment 3

• Todd addresses the latest G3 Ministries controversy—and explains why Wretched waited to discuss it.

• Anonymous plagiarism accusations, a bizarre mailing campaign, and the resignation of all four elders at Praise Mill Baptist Church.

• When a church is rocked by controversy, how should Christians respond without gossiping or rushing to judgment?

Segment 4

• How should churches hold elders accountable without undermining their biblical authority?

• Why church members sometimes need to trust elders even when confidentiality prevents them from explaining a decision.

• What decisions should require congregational involvement—and could better accountability help prevent future church scandals?

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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

• Can a Christian celebrate Indian holidays like Diwali, even if the Hindu religious elements aren't emphasized? — Troy

• Why don't you baptize babies? — Anonymous

Segment 2

• How can I stop being controlled by other people's opinions and find my identity in Christ? — JD

Segment 3

• What should I do if I want to serve more at church but keep getting overlooked? — Anonymous

• Is it appropriate to dance with someone who isn't your spouse? — Jana

Segment 4

• How do I respect my husband when I feel like there's nothing about him to respect? — Nancy

• What is your view of the baptism of the Holy Spirit? — Jeremy

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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!