Todd Friel vs. John Mark Comer + What Makes a Sermon Powerful? + Tim Challies on Suffering episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 14, 2026 · 55 MIN

Todd Friel vs. John Mark Comer + What Makes a Sermon Powerful? + Tim Challies on Suffering

from Wretched Radio with Todd Friel · host Fortis Institute

What makes a sermon truly powerful? Todd reflects on Tim Challies’ preaching, explains where he differs with John Mark Comer on spiritual disciplines, and shares an important lesson from Challies about trusting God when suffering doesn’t make sense. Segment 1 • What gives a sermon real “oomph”—powerful delivery, great writing, or something more? • Tim Challies shows how a soft-spoken preacher can still deliver a sermon with serious impact. • The goal of preaching isn’t impressive oratory—it’s to help you see Christ more clearly and love Him more. Segment 2 • Todd compares Go Serve Your King with John Mark Comer’s Practicing the Way. Where do their approaches differ? • Should spiritual disciplines produce an integrated Christian life—or should knowing and loving Christ drive those disciplines? • What’s the difference between systematic, biblical, and historical theology, and how should theology actually change you? Segment 3 • When someone is suffering, even good theology can be delivered at the wrong time. • Tim Challies shares lessons learned through the devastating loss of his son about grief, comfort, and simply being present. • You may never see the good God brings from your suffering in this life—do you still have reason to trust Him? Segment 4 • Do you constantly wonder, “Am I really saved?” or “Have I repented enough?” • Your feelings aren’t a reliable measure of your salvation—so what biblical signs should you look for? • How trusting Christ and leaning on your local church can help break the cycle of constantly questioning your salvation. Preorder Todd Friel’s new book, Go Serve Your King: The Key to Extraordinary Purpose in Everyday Life, available December 1. Preorder your copy at https://FortisInstitute.org/King ___ 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!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Sep 14, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Todd Friel vs. John Mark Comer + What Makes a Sermon Powerful? + Tim Challies on Suffering

0:00 55:00

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Wretched Radio with Todd Friel?

This episode is 55 minutes long.

When was this Wretched Radio with Todd Friel episode published?

This episode was published on September 14, 2026.

Can I download this Wretched Radio with Todd Friel episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!