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Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Apostolic Life in the 21st Century
Author: David K. Bernard
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© 2025 Apostolic Life in the 21st Century
Description
A podcast dedicated to helping modern-day believers live out the teachings of the first century church. This podcast is part of the teaching ministry of Dr. David K. Bernard, the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International.
228 Episodes
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If a Christian struggles with sin, does it mean they're not really saved? Dr. David K. Bernard explores the meaning of 1 John 3:6, which states, "No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him" (ESV). Dr. Bernard explains what it means to abide in God while still facing the reality of human weakness. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 perc...
Is artificial intelligence a technological gift or a tool of the Antichrist? Dr. David K. Bernard unpacks the promises, perils, and spiritual implications of AI. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Cen...
Why do Oneness Pentecostals place so much emphasis on Acts 2:38? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of Peter's response to the question, "What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37, NKJV) and how Acts 2:38 succinctly summarizes the New Testament plan of salvation. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book The New Birth, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a re...
The fifth commandment instructs us to “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12), a principle reaffirmed by Paul in Ephesians 6:2. But what does this mean for Christians whose parents are not believers? And how should believers respond when parents have been abusive or have damaged the relationship through sinful behavior? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses these challenging questions with biblical insight and pastoral wisdom. Visit ...
Is it wrong for Christians to have doubts? How should believers respond when doubts arise in their minds? Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Bible says about faith, doubt, and reason, and why truth bears investigation. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Anchor Points, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast p...
Christian researcher George Barna released a report earlier this year revealing that only 16 percent of self-proclaimed Christians in the United States believe in the Trinity. Dr. David K. Bernard explores what this means for Oneness Pentecostals and their relationship with the broader Christian culture. You can read Barna's summation of this report at GeorgeBarna.com. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout t...
Not every church guideline is spelled out in the Bible. Does that make those guidelines unbiblical? Dr. David K. Bernard explores the role of spiritual authority, pastoral leadership, and the legitimacy of so-called “church standards” in this thought-provoking episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Practical Holiness, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy...
With North American Youth Congress set to begin later in the week, Dr. David K. Bernard shares advice and insights that will help Apostolic students and young adults live out God's purpose and plan for their lives. For further reading on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book The Apostolic Life, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred p...
What is the gift of “discerning of spirits” mentioned by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:10? How does it work, and can we see it in action today? Dr. David K. Bernard provides biblical insight, real-world examples, and practical understanding of this often-misunderstood spiritual gift. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-sta...
Apostolic Pentecostals have long taken a strong stand against substances that harm the body—tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs, and the abuse of prescription medications. But if we condemn smoking and drinking for destroying the body, what about overconsumption of sugar, soda, and junk food which contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other serious health conditions? In this thought-provoking podcast episode, Dr. David K. Bernard tackles a challenging question: what biblical and practical guideli...
What is Christian nationalism? Should Christians embrace or avoid this ideology? With Independence Day approaching, Dr. David K. Bernard unpacks the concept of “Christian Nationalism" and examines Christianity's influence on America's founding, history, and culture. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTune...
Trinitarians sometimes argue that 1 John 4:8 ("God is love") demands that God be triune in nature. In his popular book Mere Christianity, Christian apologist C. S. Lewis wrote, “The words ‘God is love’ have no real meaning unless God contains at least two Persons. Love is something that one person has for another person. If God was a single person, then before the world was made, He was not love.” Dr. David K. Bernard counters this philosophical argument with an examination of what Scripture ...
Every Apostolic parent wants to see their children grow up serving God and continuing in truth—but how can we give them the best foundation to make this possible? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard draws from both Scripture and real-world experience to share practical, faith-driven principles that can help parents raise children who remain rooted in the faith. While no parent can guarantee outcomes, these timeless insights can make an eternal differenc...
How does speaking in tongues during personal prayer times benefit believers? Is there biblical support for a private “prayer language”? How does this differ from tongues as a public sign (1 Corinthians 14:22)? Should believers be concerned if they don't speak in tongues during personal devotions? Dr. David K. Bernard answers these important questions on this episode of the Apostolic Life in the 21st Century podcast. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of publis...
In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a listener's question about overcoming same-sex attraction. Drawing from Scripture and years of pastoral experience, Dr. Bernard provides compassionate, biblically grounded guidance for those seeking to align their lives with Christian teaching. His message offers hope and encouragement for anyone battling sexual temptation. For further reading on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Anchor Points, availabl...
Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a question frequently raised by Christians navigating modern culture: Is it acceptable for believers to practice yoga or participate in martial arts? Yoga and many martial arts have historical roots in Eastern religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Yoga originates from Hindu spiritual practices, while martial arts like kung fu, Muay Thai, and aikido are deeply tied to various non-Christian philosophies. Dr. Bernard explores whether involvement in th...
What did the apostle Paul mean when he wrote, “What will they do who are baptized for the dead, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead?” (1 Corinthians 15:29, NKJV). Paul's words have sparked centuries of debate and even inspired one religious group to practice baptism on behalf of deceased individuals. Dr. David K. Bernard provides biblical context, doctrinal clarity, and theological insight into this challenging passage in this episode of Apostolic Life in ...
Why do Pentecostals use anointing oil in prayer? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the biblical origin and spiritual purpose of this practice. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you shar...
In May 325, the Emperor Constantine convened a meeting of Christian leaders in the town of Nicaea, in modern Turkey. At that meeting, church leaders crafted a statement known as the “Nicaean Creed” that is still recited by many Christians today. In this podcast episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains what happened at the Council of Nicaea and why it still matters 1,700 years later. See Dr. Bernard's book The Trinitarian Controversy in the Fourth Century for further reading. Dr. Bernard's full...
As graduation season approaches, many students—and even adults—are asking a crucial question: How do I find God’s will for my life? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard breaks down the process of discerning and following God’s direction. Whether you’re choosing a college, a career, or simply seeking clarity for your next step, this conversation offers practical guidance and spiritual encouragement for anyone who wants to align their life with God’s plan. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to s...
Excellent podcast. I appreciate Dr. Bernard explaining many of the positions of UPCI. This has been a blessing.
Amen! I've been Apostolic for 20 years and I never heard of NACLC but I am thankful it exits and will join and promote it!
Great talk! Thanks for your insight and scripture examples of people of God who served in government