WHEN FEAR OF GOD BECOMES PARALYZING: HOW TO FIND FREEDOM
It’s Mailbag Tuesday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Welcome to a special edition of “Mailbag”!
Segment 1:
• How do I point my divorcing parents toward Christ when one is a believer and the other isn’t?
• Are independent or non-denominational churches biblically sound?
• How do I overcome a paralyzing fear of God?
Segment 2:
• Does online dating show a lack of trust in God’s plan?
• How do I warn my family about dangerous NAR teachings without pushing them away?
Segment 3:
• Should churches openly share details about pastoral candidates and the hiring process?
Segment 4:
• What’s the shortest, clearest way to explain the gospel to someone?
___
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!
--------
55:00
--------
55:00
HOW TO TRULY HONOR PARENTS WHEN THE RELATIONSHIP ISN’T HEALTHY
Segment 1:
• How do I honor my parents when constant conflict leads to yelling?
Segment 2:
• Is it okay for pastors to use AI as a “wordsmith” without crossing into sermon plagiarism?
Segment 3:
• If a sermon doesn’t include the gospel, does that make it unorthodox?
Segment 4:
• Should pastors confront chronic lateness even if it risks losing people?
___
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!
--------
54:59
--------
54:59
IS DRINKING ALCOHOL ALWAYS SINFUL? HOW TO THINK ABOUT CHRISTIAN LIBERTY RIGHTLY
It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.
Segment 1:
• Todd is corrected on what church pastor Tom Pennington serves at.
• Did MacArthur’s memorial change your opinion on bagpipes?
• How can I approach a Catholic funeral without compromising my faith?
• Should Christians avoid alcohol completely—or just avoid drunkenness?
Segment 2:
• Do altar calls distort the gospel—or can they be helpful?
Segment 3:
• How should I counsel two young Amish men considering leaving their community?
• I’m 13 and want to share the gospel—where do I start?
Segment 4:
• Has my fitness routine become an idol—or am I overthinking it?
• Should I sing at my old church’s Christmas event—or would that hurt our new ministry?
___
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!
--------
55:00
--------
55:00
DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT’S WORTH DIVIDING OVER?
Segment 1:
• Conservative Christianity saw a resurgence decades ago—but pride and inflated opinions fractured it.
• The MacArthur Memorial revealed surprising unity with leaders like Piper, raising big questions.
• Are we elevating secondary issues to essentials and repeating secular cancel culture?
Segment 2:
• Scott Aniol’s “Conviction and Charity” points toward a healthier future for conservative Christianity.
• Tone and tenor matter—we’ve all felt and likely contributed to the online heat.
• G3’s pivot could help the local pastor and church recalibrate.
Segment 3:
• Key question: when do you call out error, and when do you show charity?
• Biblical conviction must never fade, but secondary issues shouldn’t destroy fellowship.
• The church must grow in discernment without weaponizing it.
Segment 4:
• Theological sharpness is good—but not our identity.
• Have we been distracted from our Father’s business by endless squabbles?
• Unity in Christ must outweigh division over non-essentials.
___
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!
--------
55:00
--------
55:00
WHY “GOOD PEOPLE GO TO HEAVEN” IS THE MOST SPIRITUALLY DANGEROUS LIE
It’s Witness Wednesday!
On today’s episode of Wretched Radio, Todd Friel is back on campus for a special 'Witness Wednesday.' As Todd engages students, he highlights the importance of understanding and embracing the gospel, repentance, and the grace of God.
Segment 1:
• Ein admits to believing in God but doesn’t fully understand why Jesus died.
• Thinks he’s “a good person,” but Todd walks him through God’s standard and sin’s seriousness.
• Hears the gospel clearly: Jesus took his punishment, offering forgiveness and eternal life.
Segment 2:
• Drew dresses whimsically but reveals deep spiritual confusion, calling himself “saved” for “fire insurance.”
• Admits living for himself, distant from God, and fearing death and judgment.
• Todd explains the true gospel — salvation isn’t about effort or labels but trusting Jesus fully.
Segment 3:
• Todd’s conversation with Drew continues: Drew confesses struggles with lying, stealing, and lust but thought Christianity was about “being good.”
• Todd shares a powerful analogy about bad restaurants to explain why Jesus rescues sinners, not the “good.”
• Learns salvation is a gift of grace, not earned by works, and forgiveness is complete.
Segment 4:
• Anna wants to grow in evangelism but struggles with clearly presenting the gospel.
• Todd teaches her to focus on forgiveness of sins in Christ, using God’s law to reveal our need for a Savior.
• Anna learns the difference between guilt-driven religion and grace-fueled obedience — a life transformed by Jesus.
___
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!
Wretched Radio is hosted by Todd Friel. On the show, you will hear live witnessing encounters, discussions of tough theological issues, and various topics in the Christian community. You might even have a laugh.