Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

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.

Can Christians “Decree and Declare” Blessings?

Can Christians decree and declare blessings? On this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a question from a listener in Australia about the practice of “decreeing and declaring,” the belief that Christians can speak health, wealth, or other blessings into existence through the creative power of their words. Dr. Bernard explores whether Scripture supports the idea that believers can “decree and declare” realities into being, offering a clear and bibl...

11-24
16:44

Is It God or Just My Imagination?

How can we tell when God is truly speaking to us—and when it’s merely our own thoughts? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard answers a listener’s question about discerning the voice of God and understanding His will. Drawing from Scripture and decades of ministry experience, Dr. Bernard offers practical guidance that can help any believer grow in spiritual sensitivity and confidently follow God’s direction. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Ber...

11-17
15:31

Will the Wicked Cease to Exist in Hell?

Will the wicked dead suffer eternally in Hell or will they be annihilated and cease to exist? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to Scripture to settle this longstanding debate about the afterlife and the eternal fate of unrepentant sinners on this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century. 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 a...

11-10
22:03

Who Is Authorized to Baptize?

Who is authorized to perform Christian baptisms? While the New Testament clearly emphasizes baptism in Jesus’ name for salvation, it does not directly state which members of the church are qualified to perform them. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard offers both biblical and practical guidance on this question. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on...

11-03
12:37

Why Don’t We See More Devils Cast Out in North America?

The Gospels include many accounts of Jesus casting out devils. In Mark 16:17 (NKJV), Jesus told His disciples that "those who believe" will "cast out demons." In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard compares cases of demon possession in North America with accounts from the New Testament and modern reports from other parts of the globe. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout ...

10-27
17:08

Why Did Paul Say Christ Didn’t Send Him to Baptize?

In 1 Corinthians 1:17, Paul wrote, "Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel" (NKJV). Some cite this verse to downplay the importance of water baptism to Christian salvation. Dr. David K. Bernard responds with an examination of the context of 1 Corinthians and Paul's teaching on baptism in other New Testament passages. 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. ...

10-20
10:04

What Is the New Heaven, New Earth, and New Jerusalem?

In Revelation 21, the apostle John described a vision in which he saw "a new heaven and a new earth"," as well as "the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God" (verses 1-2). John's vision seems to contradict popular conceptions of Heaven as a place in the clouds. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Bible actually says about where believers will live in eternity. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's...

10-13
10:52

How Do Oneness Pentecostals Explain Philippians 2:5-11?

On this episode of the Apostolic Life in the 21st Century podcast, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a listener's question about how Oneness Pentecostals understand Philippians 2:5-11. Dr. Bernard explains how this passage aligns with a Oneness view of Jesus Christ. For further study, see Dr. Bernard's book The Oneness View of Jesus Christ. Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works is available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your ord...

10-06
18:37

Special Episode: Live from UPCI General Conference 2025

Join Dr. David K. Bernard for a special episode of the Apostolic Life in the 21st Century podcast, filmed live during the annual General Conference of the United Pentecostal Church International. General Conference 2025 was held September 23-26 in St. Louis, Missouri, and marked the 80th anniversary of the founding of the UPCI. 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. Visit UPC...

10-02
31:57

Why Did Jesus Tell Us to Use Money to Make Friends?

In Luke 16:1-12, Jesus shared a strange parable about an unjust steward who defrauded his employer. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the meaning of this puzzling parable and the lessons Christians can draw from Jesus' words. 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 revie...

09-29
09:43

What Was “The Merger”?

Dr. David K. Bernard explains how the United Pentecostal Church International was formed in 1945 by the merger of two smaller organizations, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ and the Pentecostal Church, Incorporated. The UPCI will celebrate the 80th anniversary of this event during General Conference 2025, which begins this week in St. Louis, Missouri, the site of the 1945 merger conference. Resources mentioned in this episode: • A History of Christian Doctrine: Volume 3 by Dr. Davi...

09-22
17:39

What Is the Word of Knowledge?

In 1 Corinthians 12:8, the apostle Paul includes the "word of knowledge" in his list of gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Dr. David K. Bernard explains what the word of wisdom is and how it operates. He also provides biblical examples and shares how he has seen the word of wisdom work in a modern church setting. For further study, 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 e...

09-15
12:42

Does Sin in My Life Mean I’m Not Really Saved?

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...

09-08
13:17

Artificial Intelligence: Technological Marvel or Tool of the Antichrist?

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...

09-01
15:37

Why Do Oneness Pentecostals Emphasize Acts 2:38?

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...

08-25
15:52

Should Christians Honor Unsaved Parents?

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 ...

08-18
12:32

What If I Have Doubts?

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...

08-11
10:46

Barna Report: Most Americans Reject the Trinity

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...

08-04
17:03

Are "Church Standards" Biblical?

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...

07-28
14:50

What I'd Tell My Teenage Self: Advice for Apostolic Youth

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...

07-21
16:27

Mark Moser

Excellent podcast. I appreciate Dr. Bernard explaining many of the positions of UPCI. This has been a blessing.

08-10 Reply

dsim3211

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!

02-22 Reply

Gregory Jones

Great talk! Thanks for your insight and scripture examples of people of God who served in government

01-24 Reply

Recommend Channels