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

Segment 1

• Is a ping-pong table in church irreverent—or just Christian liberty at play?

• Hands in the air from the first note—genuine worship or trendy habit?

Segment 2

• Bulletproof pulpits: Is protecting pastors practical or a distraction from faith?

Segment 3

• Christian dating 101: How does a young man biblically ask a young lady out?

Segment 4

• How do you engage unbelievers who only spew ungodly talk?

• Should missionaries fundraise for support—or work to pay their own way?

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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!

Segment 1:

• For Insight, Not Ammo: Use these signs to pray for and support leaders, not attack them.

• Top Risks for Leaders: Pride, burnout, and hyper-control threaten the health of your church.

• The Takeaway: Leaders must feed their own souls first to effectively shepherd others.

Segment 2:

• Encourage Your Pastor: Faithful service and commitment to the local church uplift leaders and the body.

• Practical Ministry: Arrive early, sing loudly, and pray through your membership directory—it matters.

• Consistency Counts: Stay faithful through challenges and avoid hopping churches in difficult times.

Segment 3:

• True Shocks: In Utah, people are hired as Jesus models; 1 in 4 parents are estranged from an adult child.

• Cultural Dissonance: A pastor in England disciplined for saying Santa isn’t real reveals the tension in Christian witness.

• What It Means for You: How can we engage with a culture increasingly disconnected from biblical truth?

Segment 4:

• Sobering Truths: 1 in 20 deaths in Canada is due to assisted suicide; abortions are down by 13,000.

• Encouragement: Faithfulness to gospel ministry over 25 years continues to make an impact.

• Your Role: Support your church and ministries as we navigate these challenging times.

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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!

Todd Friel is in Minneapolis to talk about faith, sin, and salvation.

Segment 1:

• Refuting the existence of purgatory; emphasizing immediate transition into eternity after death.

• Todd encourages critical thinking about the state of the soul and preparation for judgment.

Segment 2:

• A young man dismisses the afterlife as a “fairy tale,” despite acknowledging guilt in breaking moral laws.

• Todd shares an analogy of valuing physical eyesight versus our eternal soul highlighting misplaced priorities.

Segment 3:

• Lindsey believes in being good and that forgiveness will secure her place in heaven, but struggles with articulating her faith.

• Todd’s conversation with Lindsey challenges her casual approach to God, emphasizing repentance and trust in Christ.

Segment 4:

• Garrett, a young man with visible tattoos, surprises with a clear confession of faith and understanding of sin and grace.

• Emphasis is put on the importance of salvation being about escaping judgment, not improving life circumstances.

___

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:

• Break the Cycle: Not praying together, fighting dirty, and shutting down communication will tear a marriage apart.

• Prioritize Connection: Make your spouse your chief confider, not your friends or family.

• What to Avoid: Bringing up the past, prioritizing being “right,” and putting conditions on love/respect can wreck intimacy.

Segment 2:

• Quick Forgiveness: No one sins against you more than your spouse, but as a Christian, you’ve been forgiven a mountain—extend that grace.

• Watch Your Words: Speak positively about your spouse to others—disparaging them diminishes both of you.

• Reality Check: Your family knows you’re a sinner—humility and forgiveness are the lifeblood of a healthy marriage.

Segment 3:

• Debunking the Myth: Tim Challies challenges the idea that you must be “well-established” before marriage.

• Flexibility Matters: Financial strain is real, but godly goals and Christian character are far more important.

• Be Faithful: Don’t trade your family for career success—work is important, but it’s just a vehicle for serving God and others.

Segment 4:

• Trust Jesus First: The Bible commands trust in only one person—Jesus. Trust in marriage is important but not absolute.

• When Trust Is Unwise: In cases of abuse or verifiable sin, trust must be approached with wisdom and discernment.

• Church Response: How your church handles broken trust and abuse matters—Christians must model God’s grace and truth.

___

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 Unique Apologetic: No one could accuse Jesus of sin—what would it take for you to call someone sinless?

• Christmas Reflection: Jesus is God, and His sinlessness underscores the miracle of the incarnation.

• Faith Insight: Doubt isn’t the same as unbelief—stay grounded in the truth of who Jesus is.

Segment 2:

• Enduring Praise: God commends tireless discernment, endurance, resistance to the devil, obedience to His Word, and teachable hearts.

• Self vs. God: In a world consumed with self-affirmation, focus on what God values.

• Scriptural Guidance: “Each man’s praise will come to him from God”—live for His approval, not man’s.

Segment 3:

• Fewer Families: By 2050, more people over 80 than children will change society—and the church.

• Ministry Opportunity: Aging societies mean more ministry alongside singles and those without families.

• For Parents: Invest in giving your children a foundation in something greater than the world can offer.

Segment 4:

• Singleness Isn’t Inferior: The Bible honors singleness as much as marriage—it’s not second-class citizenry.

• Encouragement for All: Churches must support both married and single people as demographics shift.

• Lessons from the 1960s: Liberal ideologies spread then as they do now—there’s nothing new under the sun.

___

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 skipping Santa robbing your kids of Christmas magic—or giving them something better?

• Can attending a funeral with a female pastor mean compromising your beliefs?

• How do I know if I’m truly loving my wife as Christ loves the church?

Segment 2

• Church discipline: Public call-outs or quiet corrections—what’s biblical?

• Do dramatizations like The Chosen distort Scripture or enhance our understanding?

Segment 3

• How do you trust God when He takes away everything you care about?

• If Jesus is God, how did humanity survive His death? A theological mystery.

Segment 4

• My teen daughter says she hates me—how do I respond as a parent and a Christian?

• Is writing Christian fiction a God-honoring talent—or just escapism?

___

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:

• Designer Baby Dilemmas: Parents of designer kids often place too much emphasis on genetics, with unintended consequences.

• Slippery Slope of Euthanasia: Trends in the Netherlands highlight the dangers of trying to control life and death.

• The Takeaway: When we play God, the outcomes are always worse than imagined.

Segment 2:

• Christmas Gets PC: The story of Christmas is now being shaped by political correctness, making satire nearly impossible.

• Cultural Shifts: Movies like the new Mary film reflect how much traditions have changed.

• The Question: How do we hold onto biblical truth in a world where satire becomes reality?

Segment 3:

• Angry Dialogue: Christian social media conversations are often harsh, turning off younger generations.

• Kids on TikTok: Young people are searching for life answers on TikTok instead of in the church.

• Cultural Critique: A female pastor exegeting The Grinch highlights the state of modern Christianity.

Segment 4:

• Slow Down: Be intentional about your goals and hopes this Christmas to find true joy.

• Practice Contentment: Shift your focus from materialism to appreciating Jesus and redemption.

• Practical Joy: Advice from John Crotts and Adam Tyson reminds us that simplicity can make the season brighter.

___

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 Friel is at Gainesville State University in Gainesville, Georgia and discusses physical blindness vs spiritual blindness, wavering faith, and how to share your faith most effectively.

Segment 1:

• Sight vs. Insight: A blind student reflects on how losing his vision helped him see the world differently.

• Honest Self-Examination: Despite claiming to be “good,” admits to breaking God’s laws, including lying and dishonoring parents.

• Gospel Reminder: Salvation is not about being “not bad”; it’s about trusting Jesus, who died for sinners.

Segment 2:

• Facing the Judge: A candid student fears what God might say about his life but admits he hasn’t followed Him fully.

• The Disconnect: “I do everything for me,” he confesses, highlighting the gap between claiming faith and living it.

• A Clear Choice: Understand who Jesus is, and either reject or embrace His offer of mercy.

Segment 3:

• The Honesty Test: A robe-wearing student grapples with lies, theft, and lust, admitting, “I’m not living like a Christian.”

• A Savior for the Bad Restaurant: Illustrates how Jesus saves not the “clean” but the broken and sinful.

• Why It Matters: Until we see how bad we are, we can’t fully appreciate the depth of Christ’s sacrifice.

Segment 4:

• Laser-Focused Gospel: Avoid distractions and present the gospel as forgiveness for sin, not a fix for life’s problems.

• Grace Over Effort: True salvation comes from trust in Jesus, not personal performance or “earning” God’s favor.

• Daily Freedom: The gospel isn’t just for salvation—it’s for daily living in the assurance of God’s unchanging grace.

___

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:

• Biblical Unity at Stake: Jesus calls for unity, but the sufficiency of Scripture in counseling is being challenged.

• Common Grace vs. Biblical Authority: Should secular techniques, like “clinically informed” methods, influence Christian counseling?

• Why This Matters: The Bible is sufficient—do we need anything else to address emotional struggles?

Segment 2:

• The Divide: Some biblical counselors disagree on whether secular techniques can coexist with Scripture.

• Heretics or Differences of Opinion?: How should we view those who reject the sufficiency statement?

• Practical Help: Is snapping a rubber band or practicing yoga biblically valid for someone struggling with depression?

Segment 3:

• Biblical Counseling’s Core: Secular psychology sees people through a lens opposed to biblical truth—can it really help?

• Common Grace Explained: Secular techniques may offer symptom relief, but true healing comes from God’s Word.

• The Takeaway: The Bible provides authoritative, life-changing answers that surpass human wisdom.

Segment 4:

• Family Dynamics: Forgiving your parents and being a great child can change the atmosphere in your home.

• A Merry Christmas Reset: Skip “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and embrace the majesty of Handel’s Messiah.

• What’s in it for You: Worship music like Messiah elevates your spirit, bringing joy and peace to the season.

___

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:

• Discernment Over Gossip: If you only know one side of a story, ask, “Do I need to know this?”

• Hold Everything to Scripture: Even trusted voices must be filtered through God’s Word.

• Persecution Alert: Eight Indian villages demand Christians renounce their faith or leave—pray for the persecuted.

Segment 2:

• Charleston’s Irony: Nancy Mace fights to keep men out of women’s spaces while supporting IVF and abortion.

• Believers in Medicine: Corruption in the pharmaceutical industry can only be fixed by Christians bringing godly ethics.

• Life Ethics in Britain: With 70% of Brits supporting doctor-assisted suicide, believers must step up to change the narrative.

Segment 3:

• Todd Bentley’s Fall: The self-proclaimed healer who kicks cancer patients couldn’t heal himself after a coma.

• Gospel Over Gimmicks: Churches that attract people with entertainment lose them just as easily—stick to the gospel.

• Cultural Changes: Muhammad is now the most common name in Britain, highlighting the need for gospel-focused outreach.

Segment 4:

• Anxiety and Scripture: A 22% surge in Bible sales in 2024 points to people seeking peace in troubled times.

• Buddhism’s Truth: Not all forms of Buddhism are peaceful—some stories challenge the stereotype.

• New Insights: Jordan Peterson explores the Gospels, sparking fresh conversations about Scripture’s relevance.

___

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

• What is the difference between being “nitpicky” and being a Berean? Is pointing out things like out-of-context passages or the misuse of scripture to support a questionable point considered discernment, or is it just nitpicking?

• Should Christians desire that no man may perish? Shouldn’t we consistently be praying for people?

• Are there any resources regarding a biblical perspective to holistic/natural medicine? Where is the line drawn between being a good steward of your body and dabbling in new age practices?

Segment 2

• Has there been a rise in in people converting to Catholicism?

Segment 3

• MATCHING GIFT: every dollar you give will be matched dollar for dollar.

• How should you respond when feeling bitter towards another Christian? How can you check your own heart?

Segment 4

• Should Christians read or watch Harry Potter? How should you respond when your pastors or elders do? Is it a difference of theological position or is there indwelling sin?

• Do humans carry “energy” or “vibes”? Is it biblical to believe in ‘good energy’ or ‘bad energy’?

___

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!