WHY GOSSIP IS STILL TOXIC, NO MATTER HOW YOU SPIN IT

It’s Mailbag Friday! You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Segment 1: • Preteen Ministry Focus? – What should preteen ministry look like? More catechism or something else? • Worship Music Dilemma – Should I be concerned if our Bible institute uses songs from a controversial church? • Supporting Sound Doctrine or Not? – How do I handle a worship choice that feels like it's supporting false teaching? Segment 2: • Overcoming Gospel Awkwardness? – How do you start sharing the gospel without it feeling uncomfortable? • Wildest Gospel Reaction? – What’s the strangest reaction you’ve encountered when sharing the gospel? Segment 3: • Is Serving Alcohol Wrong? – Can I work in a place that serves alcohol if it's not a bar and just part of the job? • Pastor Boundaries in Counseling? – Is it appropriate for a pastor to text frequently with a separated, married woman? Segment 4: • Faith Under Pressure? – How can I stay strong in my faith now and prepare for future challenges as persecution rises? • What Makes a Great Husband? – What should a man focus on to become a godly and supportive husband? ___ 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: • God’s Design in Our Brains: Dr. Jason Lisle discusses the intricate, purposeful design of human brain cells as a reflection of God’s creation. • Concerning Trends in Reproductive Rights: Recent laws, like Colorado’s "reproductive freedom," raise questions about society's direction and impact on women and children. • 3D Ultrasounds’ Dual Effect: These ultrasounds bring a realistic view of life but can also bring emotional pain, emphasizing the reality of life in the womb. Segment 2: • Life’s Beginning and End: From suicide pods to end-of-life care, Dr. Andrew Walker discusses God’s sovereignty over life’s start and finish. • Worldview’s Real Impact: Alarming statistics on rising violence show how worldviews shape society’s respect for life. • Taking Life Seriously: Christians must engage with the culture on these issues, recognizing that “the author of life” is also its defender. Segment 3: • Biblical Depth in Matthew: The gospel of Matthew, deeply connected to the Old Testament, reminds us to engage fully with every word of Scripture. • Fighting Discontent and Grumbling: Grumbling, driven by social media-fueled discontent, goes against biblical hospitality and true gratitude. • Scripture’s Connectivity: Encouragement to meditate deeply on Scripture, seeing how every passage connects with the bigger story. Segment 4: • Is the Exodus a Myth? Dr. Titus Kennedy highlights substantial evidence for the historical Exodus, challenging modern skepticism. • Unexpected Paths to Faith: Celebrities like Rob Schneider turning to Catholicism show a continuing search for spiritual truth. • Cultural and Biblical Connections: Dr. Mitch Chase explores ancient Egyptian customs that shed light on biblical commands, adding depth to our understanding of Scripture. ___ 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 Georgia Tech to talk with students about faith and masculinity, doubt, and pluralism. Segment 1: • Men and Faith: Todd tackles the perception that church is “too feminine,” encouraging men to deeply commit to God’s word. • Cultural Expectations of Masculinity: Why are some traits linked with masculinity and where does faith align or diverge from cultural norms? • Godly Masculinity Defined: Todd examines the distinct, God-designed traits of a man that set him apart for a purpose. Segment 2: • From Faith to Doubt: A “kind of atheist” student from a Christian background shares how science and peer influence pulled him away from faith. • Challenge of Good vs. Evil: Todd explores the student’s struggle with Christianity’s moral framework, using the Ten Commandments as a foundation. • Sin and Salvation: A thought-provoking discussion on why Christianity’s message of sin and redemption may be hard but essential to grasp. Segment 3: • Questioning Salvation: A self-identified Baptist grapples with certainty about his salvation and understanding of repentance. • Need for Relationship: Emphasizing that faith isn’t just belief; it’s a relationship with Jesus grounded in understanding and repentance. • Ten Commandments as Guide: Using the Commandments to discuss what a true commitment to faith looks like. Segment 4: • Faith or Flexibility? Todd talks with students who identify as “Christian but non-religious” or hold a postmodern view on faith. • Exclusivity of Christianity: Todd challenges the relativist mindset, emphasizing Christianity’s unique and exclusive claims about salvation. • Exploring Core Beliefs: Encouraging students to seek a full understanding of Christianity’s core tenets and its distinctive message. ___ 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: • Peacemaking in Theology: Are the warring camps of continuationists and cessationists closer than they think? • Spirit in Tandem with Jesus: The Spirit's role today isn’t independent; it aligns with Jesus’ Word. • Holy Spirit and Experience: Can we embrace the Spirit's ongoing work without compromising Scripture? Segment 2: • Luther’s Bold Claim: Martin Luther taught that our souls are in bondage to Satan, needing the Spirit for true freedom. • The Will’s True State: Even our decision-making leans on the Spirit's intervention. • Monergist vs. Synergist: Do we work with God for salvation, or does God act alone? Segment 3: • New Label, Same Problem: Are some churches “Gospel-Centered” in name only, missing the focus on Jesus? • Gospel vs. Jesus: Have we replaced the name of Jesus with a more comfortable “Gospel” label? • Heaven’s Familiarity: Heaven might feel more familiar than we think—keeping focus on the true Gospel is essential. Segment 4: • Why Church Membership Matters: A local church unites people of different backgrounds in a high view of Jesus. • Russell Brand’s Journey: For people like Russell Brand, the best growth happens in community. • Christian Institutions Shifting: Even Harvard’s Christian roots are fading, with secular influences like “Taylor Swift canon” gaining ground. ___ 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: • Eternal Focus Over Election Fever: With politics in turmoil, it’s time to refocus on eternity—hell is far worse than any national crisis. • The Cost of a Lost Soul: Earthly gains are empty when eternity is on the line; there’s no hope in bartering your soul. • The Moment After Death: For the lost, the first instant after death is one of unimaginable despair—better never to have been born than to die in sin. Segment 2: • An Eternity Without Joy: Hell strips away all earthly pleasures and leaves unfulfilled desires—a misery beyond comprehension. • Billions Face Judgment: Countless people, who never responded to the Gospel, will face God’s fury on Judgment Day. • What Believers Gain: Reflect not only on escaping hell’s horrors but also on the indescribable joy that awaits believers. Segment 3: • A Life on Display: The voyeuristic trend of nonstop livestreaming shows people bored with their own lives, craving more meaning. • False Fulfillment: Watching others live out mundane moments hints at deeper issues—a form of “living” that’s far from God’s intent. • Humanism’s Rotten Fruit: The secular push for constant sharing and watching has lost the point of genuine life and relationships. Segment 4: • Resolving Conflict with Integrity: Address wrongs honestly—public sins deserve public repentance. • Real Repentance Shows: True repentance should drive us to change, accepting responsibility, and making things right with those we’ve wronged. • Forgiveness Misused: Beware of weaponizing forgiveness as a control tool rather than seeking genuine reconciliation. ___ 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: • Faith Clubs at Public Schools? – Can a student-led Bible club really meet at a public school? • Witnessing in a Christian Bubble? – Is it possible to witness effectively in a Christian college? • God-Honoring Dating Tips? – How can I best honor God in my dating relationship? Segment 2: • Faithful Dating Advice – What does honoring God look like in dating? • Using Time Wisely in Love – How can men respect and honor women in relationships? Segment 3: • Manhood and Faith – What does real Christian manhood look like? • Prayer Power Boost – How can I make my prayer life stronger? Segment 4: • Struggling with Sin and Salvation? – When I sin, I doubt my salvation. Is my faith misplaced? • Do the Departed Watch Over Us? – Can loved ones in heaven see our lives on earth? ___ 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: • Beware of Overcorrection: Don’t swing too far in response to political wins or losses—keep the faith focused on Kingdom values. • Celebrate, Then Refocus: Rejoice in positive change but remember, God’s mission is ongoing, and it’s time to get busy with real work. • Limit Political Saviors: Leaders can’t bring in a "Godly age"; political slogans aren’t the solution—God’s work goes beyond them. Segment 2: • Historical Futility Reminder: Knowing history’s fleeting importance—like recalling 1900’s President—keeps our focus on what truly lasts. • Judgment of Works: All we do will face judgment; make choices with eternal value in mind, not temporary pursuits. • Avoid Mystical Distractions: Mysticism can cloud focus; keep your faith centered on the Gospel, avoiding traps that pull us away. Segment 3: • Focus on the Eternal: "It’s Eternity, Stupid" reminds us to keep the church’s purpose above the chaos of political winds. • Gospel as True Change Agent: Real change comes from the Gospel, not political figures, keeping our hope on Jesus. • Truth over Politicians: The Church’s allegiance is to truth and biblical principles, not any politician—support leaders who align, but stay rooted in faith. Segment 4: • Review of Practicing the Way: John Mark Comer’s book reviewed for missing true Gospel clarity, promoting feel-good over faith-depth. • Disconnect in Christian Publishing: Many books bridge faith and culture but risk a lack of biblical substance, distancing people from true faith. • Mystical and Misguided: Comer’s approach leans into mysticism and cultural relevance, but without grounding in Gospel 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!

It’s Witness Wednesday! Todd Friel is at Georgia Tech to talk with students about physics, faith, and the nature of truth. Segment 1 • Facing the Anxiety: Todd Friel candidly shares the internal battle of overcoming fear to witness on campus. • Reframing Rejection: Todd emphasizes that the worst outcome is simply being turned down—a small price for the potential impact. Segment 2 • Stephen’s Postmodern Belief: A physics major rejects organized religion but holds a personal belief in Jesus. • Reality vs. Perception: Todd engages in a philosophical debate on whether belief shapes reality, using Plato’s allegory of the cave. Segment 3 • Scientific Skepticism: Austin, an aerospace student, discusses the challenges of aligning scientific laws with faith. • Rediscovering Christianity: Despite doubts, Austin reflects on returning to his Christian roots and finding balance between reason and belief. Segment 4 • Questioning Religious Plurality: A first-year computer science student, raised Methodist, grapples with which religion holds the truth. • Moral Reflection: The discussion reveals his struggles with following the Ten Commandments and finding clarity amidst religious confusion. ___ 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: • Tucker Carlson’s Encounter with Evil: A demon attack led him to seek answers in the Bible. • Health Questions Arise: Rise in skin issues, allergies, and gender confusion as societal shifts. • Demonic Reality: Mark 9 highlights the real presence of demonic activity. Segment 2: • A Personal Journey: Tucker reflects on his demonic experience without fanatical overtones. • Seeking Understanding: He’s on a path to make sense of it all, resisting external opinions. • Western Skepticism: Demonic activity feels distant in the modern Western mindset. Segment 3: • Personal and Global Encounters: Stories of demonic activity from Jimmy and Todd. • John MacArthur’s Insight: Experiences of demonic phenomena, emphasizing Gospel power. • Deliverance Through the Gospel: True liberation from demons lies in the Gospel, not human power. Segment 4: • Voting and Responsibility: Reflect on those who died for the right to vote amidst spiritual battles. • The Power of the Gospel: Politics can’t heal; only the Gospel addresses deep societal and spiritual issues. • Cultural Chaos: From lepers to identity crises, only Jesus provides true restoration. ___ 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: • Election as a Heart Check: Tomorrow’s results reveal where your hope truly lies. • Faith Anchored or Shaken: Misplaced hope in outcomes signals a faith problem. • Divine Sovereignty: God has already determined the outcome—rest in that. Segment 2: • Policy vs. Personality: Christians backed Trump for policies, overlooking flaws. • MacArthur Speaks: Insights on Harris, socialism, and the erosion of values. • Covetousness in Disguise: Socialism is subtly about coveting what isn’t ours. Segment 3: • Elevating Men: Stop making idols of leaders like Steve Lawson. • Church Superficiality: Pragmatic churches and the subtlety of satan's influence. • Conscience vs. Preaching: Preach truth beyond personal comfort zones. Segment 4: • Social Justice Push: New Methodist leadership's shift toward social justice. • Female Pastors Debate: A Texas megachurch leaves SBC over female leadership. • Redefining Jesus: The Church struggles with accepting Jesus on His terms, not ours. ___ 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!