Wretched Radio with Todd Friel

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

Segment 1

• Does scripture give parents any guidance on what they should use as an instrument of discipline for their children? - Anonymous

• Last year, a woman came to our church and got saved. The pastor told her that, before she could be baptized or take communion, she needed to become a member of the church. Is this order of events correct, biblically speaking? - Joanie

Segment 2

• I am a mom to 4 kids, and my parents and one of my sisters are people who constantly enjoy stirring the pot. So much so, that they will lie and manipulate anything and anyone. How do I protect my kids as they are getting older? - Sara

• The hospital I work for has a female Chaplain that comes and talks to us once or twice a month. I don't feel comfortable with her "teaching" or leading. Am I being overly judgmental, or are my concerns biblical? - Ruth

• My family and I will soon have some new neighbors: two homosexual men with a toddler. Do you have any advice on how we can best witness to them? - Charlie

Segment 3

• The everyday discipline of opening my Bible and reading it has always been a struggle for me. I have tried everything: different translations, different Bibles, devotionals, reading plans, everything. Can you help? -Bill

• How is God telling His people in the OT to kill people of other nations, who aren't His people and haven't repented, different than “Allah” commanding similar things in the Quran? - James

Segment 4

• I am in my 20’s and desire to follow Christ. My parents have told me that if I leave them without their approval, I'm dishonoring them, dishonoring God, outside of God's will, sinning, and condemned. Is it a sin to leave? - Anonymous

• I know a brother in Christ who has completely abandoned the local church because he says that he’s frustrated with “pew-sitters” who come to church for an hour, don’t follow the Lord at any other time, and never grow in grace. How can I talk to him about his frustrations and encourage him to return to the church? -Anonymous

• I struggle to understand why unbelievers can be kind and generous in ways I would expect only believers to be. Could you explain this? - 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

• The push to abandon church buildings for “first-century house churches”: admirable or misguided?

• Did the early church reject formal worship spaces, like church buildings?

• Old Testament and synagogue patterns challenge the modern church narratives.

Segment 2

• The popular image of early Christian churches: casual gatherings with no leaders or structure.

• Historical evidence shows early worship was organized and liturgical.

• The “pure house church” idea may be a modern projection.

Segment 3

• Two major historical events forced believers out of synagogues and public worship.

• As time went on, Christians increasingly faced expulsion and persecution from their governments.

• Change of pace: how much has parenting really changed since the 80’s and 90’s?

Segment 4

• What does modern-day church gathering and discipleship look like?

• Though parenting is never easy, parents today face difficulties that they didn’t 20 or 30 years ago.

• How can churches and communities come together, gather around families, and love and support children together?

___

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! Todd stops by the University of Georgia to talk with - and evangelize to - a number of students. From talking with a psychology student about the reality of the soul, to investigating the claims of a member of the Ethiopian Orthodox church, Todd clearly presents the hope of the gospel to everyone he meets. Be encouraged and edified as you see biblical evangelism in action.

Segment 1

• Todd prods psych student Alex about the mind, the soul, and whether humans are merely biological machines.

• Alex argues that morality is a result of evolution, but struggles to explain why things like murder are recognized cross-culturally as wrong.

• Todd presents the Christian worldview as the only framework that explains conscience, justice, guilt, and humanity’s need for forgiveness through Christ.

Segment 2

• Todd uses a student’s necklace and T-shirt to discuss Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and what the cross actually means.

• The student claims to be on the “right path” but admits he has lied and struggles to define what salvation really requires.

• Todd walks him through the Ten Commandments, exposing the seriousness of sin and explaining the gospel: Christ paying the penalty so guilty sinners can be forgiven.

Segment 3

• Todd meets Julia, who blends Roman Catholic background with nihilism, insisting that morality is ultimately subjective and that no absolute truth exists.

• When pressed, Julia cannot say that horrific acts—like killing a child—are objectively wrong.

• Todd bypasses philosophical debate and appeals to her conscience, showing how our sense of guilt and justice points to a moral Lawgiver.

Segment 4

• Todd asks Julia to imagine standing before God’s courtroom: if we’re guilty of breaking God’s laws, how could anyone escape judgment?

• Attempts at good deeds, apologies, or religious rituals collapse under scrutiny, exposing humanity’s need for a true substitute.

• Todd explains the gospel—Jesus satisfying God’s justice on the cross—and challenges Julia to consider where she stands.

___

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

• Many progressive politicians quote the Bible while promoting theology that contradicts it.

• There is a growing divide between “nice” public Christianity and actual biblical faithfulness.

• When we evaluate leaders by personality instead of doctrine, we get into trouble.

Segment 2

• Why a parental rights bill failed in South Dakota—and what it reveals about cultural authority over children.

• The increasing push for schools and state systems to guide children’s moral and sexual formation.

• The unsettling question: who really decides what your kids are taught?

Segment 3

• A Michigan lawmaker leaves her political party, claiming she cannot reconcile it with Scripture.

• The abortion pill is quietly expanding abortion access—even in pro-life states.

• Why the abortion debate may be shifting in ways many Christians haven’t noticed.

Segment 4

• Radical Islamic rhetoric is openly celebrated in an American mosque.

• How just war theory helps Christians evaluate modern military conflicts.

• Why spiritual warfare, ideology, and global conflict may be more connected than you think.

___

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 Methodist “minister” quotes Matthew 25 completely out of context in a government hearing, and is called on it.

• Scripture is often used as a political slogan instead of being read consistently. Context matters more than ever.

• If someone throws Bible verses into political debates, learn the simple way to test whether the verse actually means what they claim.

Segment 2

• Congressman Michael Cloud presses her on charity vs. taxation, asking whether government redistribution is really the same thing as biblical generosity.

• The discussion exposes a deeper issue: what does true, Christian charity actually look like? • Todd shows why misunderstanding biblical charity can reshape entire political and social arguments.

Segment 3

• Barack Obama warns of “science denial” and division in America - but who is actually denying the science?

• A striking statistic reveals the true percentage of Americans that hold to a biblical worldview.

• Are Christians expending energy for the wrong kingdom altogether?

Segment 4

• Todd explains that an ordinary Christian life—raising kids, loving family, serving quietly—is a powerful witness.

• A deep dive into 1 Peter 3:15 reveals why people should ask about the hope inside believers.

• What does true, Christlike love require believers to do?

___

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!