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Paul Popov is the CEO of Door of Hope International. They are a voice and a helping hand to persecuted Christians worldwide. Paul was born in Bulgaria. When he was five years old, his father, Haralan Popov, a prominent Protestant Minister, was brutally taken from his family by the KGB in 1948 and arrested on false charges of being a "spy for America". Paul's family was branded as "enemies of the state". There are targeted attacks taking place around the world. We saw one unfold just this morning. But targeted attacks have been going on for many, many years and it is often Christians who are in the crosshairs. As a matter of fact, right now there are many Christians who are being persecuted for their faith. Today we will speak with one who has not only experienced persecution, but has also founded an organization that is ministering to the persecuted church. More information: A complimentary copy of "Ruth" can be obtained from Door of Hope International. To receive call 1-877-440-3644 or send your name and address to [email protected]. (Just mention you heard this on Crosstalk.)

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on Matthew 6:13, explaining that temptation is an incitement to sin arising from Satan, our sinful flesh, and the world, not from God (James 1:13; Galatians 6:1). The petition does not ask never to encounter temptation—Jesus himself was led into the wilderness and warned his disciples to "watch and pray" in Gethsemane (Matthew 4; Matthew 26:41)—but asks God to preserve and strengthen believers so they are not overcome by and do not give in to temptation. Christians should continually pray this sixth petition, confess their weakness, rely on God's power rather than self-resolution, and seek deliverance from Satan's present attacks while hoping and waiting for the final destruction of evil. Hogan interprets "deliver us from the evil one" as chiefly concerning Satan and his domain, while the closing, "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever" (Matthew 6:13), affirms God's sovereign rule, ability, and eternal glory. The prayer's "Amen" is thus an expression of confidence that the Father hears and answers his children's petitions.

Sound doctrine is for every Christian. Dave Jenkins explains how biblical truth shapes godly living, strengthens discernment, deepens worship, and helps believers stand firm in the hope of God's promises. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/

The Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09-30-2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: [email protected], Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: Matt Announces an Upcoming Debate This Saturday/A Discussion on The Biblical Position of Human Free Will and How That Relates to Salvation/Glorifying God/The Gospel/ Will Committing Suicide Send a Christian to Hell?/ Matt Discusses When and How God "Cancelled" our Sin Debt/The Meaning of Biblical Justification/ September 30, 2026

Paul was a Jew who lived most of his life in a Greek environment. He became a Christian on the Damascus Road. What can we say were the main influences on his theology? First there was his Greaco-Roman environment. We find in his writings examples of the Greek games, common adoptive procedures, the contemporary practice in releasing slaves – all used to illustrate spiritual truths. There are some forms of speech, concepts from Stoicism, the Mystery Religions, Gnosticism in the surface of Paul's thought but its "subsoil" was from his Jewish heritage. Yet there was only one key which lay at the foundation of all his writings i.e., Damascus. It was his conversion, his Damascus road experience which lies at the root of everything. Also his subsequent contacts with the churches in Jerusalem and Judaea, what he received from them, plus all the God revealed to him during those years in Arabia, (Gal. 1:15-17). These were all influences in his theological background.

While the passive aspect of David's faith was demonstrated by his godly countenance, the active aspect of his faith was proven by action and his zealousness for God's honor and glory. And perhaps no better example is given in David's life than his victory over Goliath. First, it serves as a theological apologetic against the defiance of God, silencing the 'obstreperous mouths' of the enemy. But also, David's devotion to God and His glory is a relatable model for the Christian. For while the Christian may fail (as David did), our hope and ultimate victory are secured not by human effort but by the divine warrior who crushed the head of the serpent and grants us a part of his eternal glorious kingdom.

David laments Saul and Jonathan, honoring their lives and mourning the loss of his beloved friend. Study and transcript: https://sharonrpc.org/devotions/2-samuel-1-17-27-grieve-with-resurrection-hope