With the Pope once again in the global spotlight, questions about his authority—and the authority of the church he leads—are drawing renewed attention. Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim an unbroken line of leadership stretching back to the apostles. According to this view, today’s bishops—and ultimately the Pope—stand in direct succession to the apostle Peter. But how strong is this claim? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Ber...
Apr 20, 2026•18 min•Season 6Ep. 260
Are there any “Heaven or Hell” rules Christians must follow in order to be saved? If so, what are they and how should we understand them? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this frequently-asked question which often arises in discussions about holiness, not only among Oneness Pentecostals, but across conservative Christian communities. Dr. Bernard provides biblical insight into: The difference between living by faith and falling into legalism...
Apr 13, 2026•17 min•Season 6Ep. 259
Can We Really Do Greater Works than Jesus? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In John 14:12, Jesus made a remarkable promise: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” But what did He mean? Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and demonstrated power over nature itself. How could believers possibly do “greater” works than these? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard provides clear, biblical insight into this...
Apr 06, 2026•5 min•Season 6Ep. 258
Did Jesus Go Preach in Hell? What happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? Christians around the world pause each year to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We commemorate His crucifixion on Good Friday and celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday—but what does the Bible say about the time in between? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines key passages such as Acts 2:27 and 1 Peter 3:19, which are often interpret...
Mar 30, 2026•14 min•Season 6Ep. 257
How to Pray with Spiritual Seekers Apostolics are rightly passionate about praying with those who are seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but some approaches can become overly emotional or place unintended pressure on seekers. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard offers practical guidance for praying with others in a way that avoids manipulation, honors the work of the Spirit, and upholds sound doctrine. This episode provides valuable insights for past...
Mar 23, 2026•20 min•Season 6Ep. 256
Is It OK for Christians to Sue? An Apostolic believer recently asked an important question: If a Christian is injured in an accident, is it wrong to seek compensation through legal action? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a real-life situation involving an auto accident that resulted in injuries and property damage. The listener wondered whether forgiving the person responsible means they must also give up pursuing compensation for medical ...
Mar 16, 2026•11 min•Season 6Ep. 255
What is the biblical relationship between the Father and the Son? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Centur y, Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Oneness Pentecostals understand this vital question. Drawing from his book The Oneness of God , he unpacks the statement, “Although we do not believe that the Father is the Son, we do believe that the Father is in the Son.” Looking at key passages in the Gospels, Dr. Bernard shows how Scripture reveals the Father working in and through Christ...
Mar 09, 2026•18 min•Season 6Ep. 254
Can We Derive Doctrine from Bible Stories? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard Nearly 60 percent of the Bible is written in narrative form. Instead of presenting theology in systematic outlines, Scripture often teaches through stories, especially in books such as Acts. But can doctrine be established from these narratives? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a foundational question of biblical interpretation: How do we distinguish between what is merely descr...
Mar 02, 2026•17 min•Season 6Ep. 253
Episode 252: Should Women Wear Head Coverings When They Pray? In 1 Corinthians 11:5–6, the apostle Paul wrote that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered “dishonors her head.” Did Paul mean that women should wear a literal, physical head covering when they pray? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard carefully examines 1 Corinthians 11 and makes the case that a woman’s uncut hair is given to her as her covering. At the same time, Dr. Bernard...
Feb 23, 2026•10 min•Season 6Ep. 252
Family relationships are being reexamined across today’s culture, as more adult children choose to cut off contact with their parents in the name of “boundaries.” What began as a broader social trend is now affecting Christian and Apostolic families as well. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a challenging and deeply personal question: Does Scripture support an adult Christian cutting ties with Christian parents? With biblical clarity and pasto...
Feb 16, 2026•10 min•Season 6Ep. 251
Has the Church Replaced Israel in God’s Plan? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In light of ongoing global attention on the nation of Israel, many Christians are revisiting an important theological question: Has the church replaced Israel in God’s plan, or does God still have a future purpose for the Jewish people? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded answer rooted in passages such as Roma...
Feb 09, 2026•12 min•Season 6Ep. 250
Does the Didache teach Trinitarian baptism? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines the Didache, an early Christian document frequently cited in debates over baptism and early church practice. The Didache includes instructions to baptize “into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” as well as guidance related to fasting before baptism. But how authoritative is this document, and how should it be understood today? Dr. Bernard...
Feb 02, 2026•8 min•Season 6Ep. 249
Is abortion ever justified? Although the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling has been overturned, abortion remains widespread, and debate continues—particularly over whether there are circumstances in which abortion might be considered justifiable. Drawing from Scripture and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard addresses common objections often raised in public discussion, including cases involving rape, incest, and situations where the life of the mother is at risk. He explains the biblical principl...
Jan 26, 2026•13 min•Season 6Ep. 248
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously observed that “11 o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard reflects on that statement and its ongoing relevance for today’s church. Dr. Bernard also discusses the importance of multicultural ministry and shares practical, biblical insights on how churches can create a welcoming environment for people of every race, ethnicity, and culture. Drawing from his exp...
Jan 19, 2026•14 min•Season 6Ep. 247
Will marriage exist in heaven? Why did Jesus say that people will "neither marry" nor be "given in marriage" in the resurrection? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ question about marriage and the resurrection in Matthew 22:23–33. Dr. Bernard explains the theological significance of this passage and what it reveals about the nature of eternal life and the resurrection body. Dr. Bernard also thoughtfully explores...
Jan 12, 2026•10 min•Season 6Ep. 246
How Do You Practice Spiritual Disciplines When Life Gets Chaotic? How do you remain spiritually consistent when life becomes busy, overwhelming, or unpredictable? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this practical and timely question by examining the spiritual disciplines that sustain a faithful Christian life. Dr. Bernard discusses essential practices such as prayer, personal study of the Bible, fasting, giving—including tithes and offerings—re...
Jan 05, 2026•15 min•Season 6Ep. 245
Can genetic engineering resurrect extinct animals—and does that challenge God’s role as Creator? Recent headlines from Colossal Biosciences about the company's efforts to revive extinct species such as the dire wolf have sparked global conversations about science, ethics, and the origins of life. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines these scientific pursuits through a biblical lens, exploring what Scripture teaches about God as the designer, creat...
Dec 29, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 244
Was Jesus Christ actually born on December 25? And does determining the exact date of His birth truly matter? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard explores the longstanding debate surrounding the date of Jesus’ birth. He examines both historical and biblical evidence related to the celebration of Christmas on December 25 and clarifies what truly matters about the birth of Christ. For more on Christians and Christmas celebrations, see Episode 32 | Should Ch...
Dec 22, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 243
What did the apostle Paul mean when he listed “the working of miracles” as a spiritual gift in 1 Corinthians 12:10? If God can perform miracles through any believer who prays and acts in faith, why does Paul distinguish this ability as a unique gift of the Spirit? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard unpacks Paul’s teaching on the working of miracles, explaining how this gift operates, how it differs from the general exercise of faith, and why God distribu...
Dec 15, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 242
In Matthew 7:16, Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits” (NKJV). Some use this verse to argue against the Pentecostal belief that speaking in tongues is the initial evidence of the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses that argument directly. He explores what “fruit” means in Scripture and clarifies how speaking in tongues functions biblically in relation to salvation and the Christian life. This podcast episod...
Dec 08, 2025•7 min•Season 5Ep. 241
Does Deuteronomy 6:4 teach the absolute oneness of God, or does the Hebrew text support a Trinitarian understanding of God’s nature? On this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a popular argument circulated by Trinitarian apologists which claims the Hebrew word echad in Deuteronomy 6:4 refers to “unity” rather than “singularity,” thereby implying plurality within the Godhead. Dr. Bernard evaluates the linguistic, biblical, and theological merit of thi...
Dec 01, 2025•12 min•Season 5Ep. 240
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 biblica...
Nov 24, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 239
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. Berna...
Nov 17, 2025•16 min•Season 5Ep. 238
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 and...
Nov 10, 2025•22 min•Season 5Ep. 237
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 yo...
Nov 03, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 236
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 to ...
Oct 27, 2025•17 min•Season 5Ep. 235
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. If y...
Oct 20, 2025•10 min•Season 5Ep. 234
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 f...
Oct 13, 2025•11 min•Season 5Ep. 233
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 order...
Oct 06, 2025•19 min•Season 5Ep. 232
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 UPCIGC.n...
Oct 02, 2025•32 min
