Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Is every human a sinner from the moment of conception? Experience certainly shows that we do not need anyone to teach us how to sin - humans seem to gravitate toward sin naturally. Join Dr. David K. Bernard as he looks at what the Bible says about sin, the spiritual condition of humanity, and the remedy for our greatest need.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 Century with family and friends.

In the Gospels, Jesus tells a rich young nobleman to sell all of his personal possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, promising, "you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21, NKJV). Jesus then told His disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (19:24, NKJV).Should we interpret this passage to mean that money and possessions will keep us out of Heaven? Dr. David K. Bernard looks at what the Bible says about the spiritual dangers of material wealth and the attitude Christians should display toward money.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 Century with family and friends.

Why did God allow "confusing" verses to be included in the Bible? How can sincere people read the same scriptures and arrive at wildly different conclusions about their meaning? Why didn’t God give us His Word in a form that would be clear to every reader?Dr. David K. Bernard responds by reminding us of what Jesus said about the search for truth and why it is sometimes hidden from those who hear and read the Scriptures.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 Century with family and friends.

The New Testament makes several references to the "laying on of hands," particularly in connection with prayer, healing, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:18, Acts 8:17-19, Hebrews 6:2, etc.). What is the significance of this practice, and where did it originate? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the laying on of hands and how its proper use can benefit the church and the believer.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 Century with family and friends.

As Christians commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they often make references to Jesus' blood. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of Jesus' blood and what Christians mean when they cite its power to provide atonement for our sins.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 Century with family and friends.

What role should tradition play in interpreting Scripture and in guiding Christian beliefs and practices? Some argue that church history and tradition are on equal footing with the Bible, while others advocate for eliminating "manmade" traditions altogether. Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this debate with a look at what Scripture says about tradition and the church.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 Century with family and friends.

Many churches conclude their Sunday worship services with an invitation to "accept Christ as your personal Savior." Is this a biblical concept? What does "accepting Christ" truly entail? Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this important question by examining what the Scriptures have to say about accepting Christ and the components of genuine faith.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 Century with family and friends.

Have you ever wondered why Christians historically have taught against saying so-called "cusswords"? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the Scriptures to explain why following Jesus Christ may require cleaning up your conversations.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 Century with family and friends.

Does the vision John described in Revelation 5 demonstrate a distinction of persons between God the Father and Jesus Christ? Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the Book of Revelation to uncover the answer.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 Century with family and friends.

What do theological terms such as "church age" and "dispensation of grace" mean, and where did they originate? How do they fit within the framework of Bible prophecy and Oneness Pentecostal theology? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains dispensational theology and its implications.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 Century with family and friends.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul wrote, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Does this mean Christian singles should not date someone who doesn't share their faith? What if the "significant other" is a Christian but not an Apostolic Pentecostal? Dr. David K. Bernard discusses how Paul's statement applies to Christian singles who are considering marriage and who want to honor God in their choice of a spouse.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 Century with family and friends.

Many Christian denominations have been publicly debating the question of whether same-sex unions should be sanctioned by the church. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the United Pentecostal Church International's stance on this issue and why the organization holds this view.For more information on the UPCI's teachings about human sexuality, see the organization's official position paper titled "The Biblical View of Human Sexuality." For more information on the UPCI's teachings about marriage and family, see the position paper titled "The Biblical Ideal of Marriage and Family."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 Century with family and friends.

In 1 Timothy 2:5, the apostle Paul wrote, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Taken alone, this verse seems to indicate a distinction between God and Jesus Christ. Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Paul's statement fits with the whole of Scripture and its importance to understanding both salvation and the Oneness of God.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 Century with family and friends.

The apostle Paul told the Corinthians to “desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV). What is the gift of prophecy, and why is it important? Dr. David K. Bernard explains how this spiritual gift operates and the value it brings to the church.For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts, available at PentecostalPublishing.com.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 Century with family and friends.

In this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode, Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the history of Pentecostalism in the United States to answer the question, "Was the United Pentecostal Church International founded on racism?"In this episode, Dr. Bernard references his books A History of Christian Doctrine - Volume 3 and Anchor Points. Both titles are available at PentecostalPublishing.com.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 Century with family and friends.

Many Christians begin a new year by committing to develop and strengthen their walk with Christ. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the spiritual practices and disciplines that can help believers deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God.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 Century with family and friends.

In this special New Year's Day episode, Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the highlights of the past year while looking ahead to what 2024 may bring.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 Century with family and friends.

Should Christians replace holiday celebrations like Christmas and Easter with the Jewish festivals outlined in the Old Testament? Jesus and His earliest disciples observed the feasts of Israel, so why don't modern Christians do the same? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this timely question in this special holiday episode.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 Century with family and friends.

In this special episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses his reading habits and how he routinely finishes more than 100 books per year. He shares his secret  for reading books quickly and retaining information. This conversation is for anyone who is serious about developing their mind and enhancing their ministry.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 Century with family and friends.

Ministry is a never-ending responsibility. Consequently, many leaders struggle to maintain balance and prioritize family relationships, personal and spiritual health, and rest. Dr. David K. Bernard shares practical advice gained from his own experiences in ministry and leadership on how to avoid burnout in the face of hectic schedules and constant demands.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 Century with family and friends.