One criticism occasionally leveled at the United Pentecostal Church International and other church organizations is that, in the view of some, there is no precedent for these entities in the New Testament. These critics argue that religious organizations are just manmade groups with no spiritual authority, and their leaders are little more than religious bureaucrats appointed by men. Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this charge by showing the biblical precedent for organized Christian ministry. ...
Jul 04, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 62
According to the National Funeral Directors Association , approximately 58 percent of people in the U.S. are now cremated at death. That number has risen dramatically in recent years, and is expected to keep climbing. Experts note that religion is a major influence in the decision of how to dispose of the body at death. For example, until 1963, the Roman Catholic Church prohibited cremation for members. Does cremation violate God’s Word, or is it an acceptable choice for believers? Dr. David K. ...
Jun 27, 2022•7 min•Season 2Ep. 61
A leaked initial draft of a majority opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case indicates that the Supreme Court of the United States will strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that made abortion the law of the land in the United States. Pro-life Christians are rejoicing at the apparent end of what they consider an unconstitutional ruling. Why does the issue of abortion matter so much to Christians, including Oneness Pentecostals? How should Christians respond ...
Jun 20, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 60
The moon landing was faked. The earth is flat. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks were an inside job. The COVID-19 pandemic is a hoax. A secret organization called the Illuminati runs the world from behind the scenes. All of these ideas have gained varying degrees of traction in recent years, mostly thanks to the internet. How should Christians respond to these and other conspiracy theories? Dr. David K. Bernard shares his thoughts on the popularity of these theories, and discusses how Chr...
Jun 13, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 59
John 3:16 refers to Jesus as God's "only begotten Son." However, some theologians refer to Jesus as the “Eternal Son." There is a doctrine known as “eternal Sonship” which teaches that Jesus has eternally existed as the Son of God. According to this doctrine, Christ is and always has been the Son of God. Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Scriptures say about the sonship of Jesus Christ and why this debate matters to anyone who is committed to biblical truth. If you enjoy...
Jun 06, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 58
If the Holy Spirit is promised to everyone, as the apostle Peter said in Acts 2:39, then why do some people seem to struggle to receive this gift? Dr. David K. Bernard discusses why some spiritual seekers receive the Holy Spirit almost immediately, while others seemingly struggle for months or years without experiencing this biblical promise. He offers practical advice and encouragement for those who are seeking for the Holy Spirit, as well as for spiritual leaders who are praying with them. If ...
May 30, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 57
The New Testament includes many accounts of Jesus and the apostles confronting and casting out demons. Are demonic spirits still active in the world today? Can a Christian be possessed by a demon? Dr. David K. Bernard draws on Scripture and his experiences traveling and preaching around the globe to answer these important questions. He shows that, while Satanic forces certainly are at work in the modern world, believers have victory over them through Jesus Christ. If you enjoy this podcast, leav...
May 23, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 56
Why is sex between consenting adults any of God's business? That certainly seems to be the prevailing attitude of Western society. This "anything goes" sexual ethic directly contradicts the Scriptures, which clearly teach that God has established boundaries around human sexual expression. But why does God think those boundaries are necessary? Dr. David K. Bernard explains how both sociology and science support the biblical teaching that sex is permissible only within a marriage re...
May 16, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 55
Many Apostolic students are currently trying to decide what educational path they will follow. Some may feel a call to ministry, but aren’t quite sure what that ministry is. They also may have academic gifts and interests they would like to pursue, but don't know how to balance education and ministry. Dr. David K. Bernard answers this frequently-asked question by drawing on his own experiences as a student, teacher, and pastor. He also reviews the educational options and opportunities that ...
May 09, 2022•16 min•Season 2Ep. 54
In Ephesians 4:11, the apostle Paul lists five ministerial offices: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Most modern churches and Christian organizations recognize pastors, teachers, and even evangelists, but are hesitant to use the labels apostle and prophet . Are these two offices no longer relevant to the operation of the church? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard examines each office in the five-fold ministry and explains how these roles function in the modern Apostolic...
May 02, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 53
Anyone who has been part of the Oneness Pentecostal movement for any length of time knows that facial hair on men has been a somewhat controversial topic. Dr. David K. Bernard explains why and how previous generations of Apostolics in North America came to view facial hair in a negative light. He also examines what the Bible says about facial hair, and how Apostolic Pentecostals should approach the subject today. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred ...
Apr 25, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 52
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit North America and government officials asked everyone to quarantine, many churches began streaming worship services via the internet. Online services proved to be a great evangelism tool, and many churches continued the practice even after in-person worship resumed. But pastors report that some members have opted to permanently forgo in-person worship in favor of more convenient online services. Is online church a sufficient replacement for in-person worship? Dr. D...
Apr 18, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 51
This Sunday, Christians around the world will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But while believers rejoice, skeptics scoff. They argue that bodily resurrection from the dead is a physical impossibility and the Gospel accounts of an empty tomb are little more than fairy tales. Dr. David K. Bernard responds to critics by sharing logical reasons to believe that the Gospel writers were telling the truth when they gave witness to Jesus' resurrection. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a...
Apr 11, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Some Christian groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, have accepted as canonical or semi-canonical several Jewish writings dating from about 200 BC to 30 BC (and one from about AD 100). These writings are commonly called the Apocrypha . Fourteen such writings even appeared in the original edition of the King James Version. So why isn't the Apocrypha included in most modern Bibles? Dr. David K. Bernard offers a brief overview of the Apocrypha and explains why neither the early church n...
Apr 04, 2022•8 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Late in 2021, a series of tornadoes swept across the Mid-South region of the United States, killing dozens of people and destroying millions of dollars in property. Almost immediately, some politicians pinned the blame on manmade climate change. This has been a recurring refrain: according to the media and some politicians, climate change is the culprit behind every natural disaster, and immediate action must be taken to avert a global crisis. Dr. David K. Bernard examines these claims along wit...
Mar 28, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 48
A debate currently is raging in the United States over the principles of the country's founding. On one side are those who argue that the American system of government was established on Judeo-Christian principles by men who were predominantly Christian, or at least were profoundly influenced by Christianity. Opponents of this view argue that America is fundamentally flawed because it was founded on unjust practices such as slavery and the violent exploitation of indigenous people. Dr. Davi...
Mar 21, 2022•20 min•Season 2Ep. 47
Will Christians be caught up into the sky in an event known as the "Rapture"? Does the Bible say when this event will occur? Critics like to point out that the word rapture doesn’t appear anywhere in Scripture. Some argue that the modern idea of the Rapture originated in the 1800s with John Nelson Darby and was made popular by the Scofield Reference Bible. Dr. David K. Bernard responds to the critics and answers these questions by laying out what the Scriptures say about this world-cha...
Mar 14, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 46
Many scientists say geological findings and other natural phenomena prove the earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. On the other hand, young earth creationism argues that the biblical record shows that the earth is only 6,000-10,000 years old. Does science contradict Scripture? If so, which is right? Dr. David K. Bernard examines the claims of both modern science and the opening chapters of the Book of Genesis and offers his thoughts on how Christians should interpret the Creation accoun...
Mar 07, 2022•19 min•Season 2Ep. 45
Apostolic Pentecostals have always taken a stand against recreational drug use, including the use of marijuana. But recent developments have seen marijuana go mainstream, with some physicians even prescribing it for medicinal purposes. Products infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a chemical found in marijuana, also have become popular. But are these marijuana-based products and remedies compatible with Christian teaching? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this question by reviewing what the Bible says ab...
Feb 28, 2022•8 min•Season 2Ep. 44
How does God judge aborted babies, infants, the mentally challenged, and others who are unable to respond to the gospel? Does the Bible support the idea of an "age of accountability"? Dr. David K. Bernard tackles this age-old question by examining what the Bible says about God's judgment, grace, and love. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also greatly appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Centu...
Feb 21, 2022•12 min•Season 2Ep. 43
The Bible clearly paints a picture of God as a loving Creator and Savior who cares for everyone. At the same time, the Bible also is very adamant that there will be a day of judgement in which God banishes unbelievers to a place of everlasting torment. To many, this seems like a contradiction. How can a supposedly loving God punish people for eternity just because they didn't hold the right set of beliefs? Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this frequently-asked question by reviewing what the B...
Feb 14, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 42
Oneness Pentecostals sometimes are accused of preaching salvation by works, particularly because they insist that full salvation includes water baptism. Often the person leveling the charge will cite Ephesians 2:8–9, where Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this accusation and examines what the Bible says about the connection between faith and obe...
Feb 07, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 41
In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus referred to what has become known as “the unpardonable sin.” He said, “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men" (NKJV). Jesus' statement has caused some to fear that perhaps they have committed a sin that God will not forgive. But what did Jesus really mean? Dr. David K. Bernard examines the context of Jesus' words and explains what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. He offers theolo...
Jan 31, 2022•10 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Political involvement can feel like an ethical minefield for Christians. In most elections, no candidate on the ballot fully represents Christian values. Considering this, what level of involvement should Christians have in politics? Should Christians run for office, donate to candidates and causes, or volunteer to be part of political campaigns? What guidelines should Christians consider when casting their vote? Dr. David K. Bernard answers these questions in light of Scriptural teachings and p...
Jan 24, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 39
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his life working tirelessly to secure civil rights for every US citizen, regardless of their skin color. While great strides have been made in this area, recent events show that much work remains to be done. Dr. David K. Bernard addresses the legacy of Dr. King and the civil rights movement and the role the Bible and America's founding documents played in Dr. King's appeals. Dr. Bernard also shares his thoughts on what the church can do to promote just...
Jan 17, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 38
Many believers have committed to read and study the Bible in 2022. But how can we make our reading and study efforts as effective as possible? If you want to become a more knowledgeable student of God's Word, this episode is for you. Dr. David K. Bernard shares tips and strategies for enhancing your personal study of the Scriptures, as well as a review of some of his favorite Bible study resources. For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Understanding God's Word...
Jan 10, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Jesus Christ had a twofold identity - He was both God and man. Most questions about the Godhead can be resolved if we properly understand this reality. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Scriptures say about the dual identity of Jesus. For an in-depth exploration of this topic, see Dr. Bernard's books The Oneness of God and The Oneness View of Jesus Christ . Both titles are available at PentecostalPublishing.com . If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review o...
Jan 03, 2022•15 min•Season 2Ep. 36
The past two years have been unpredictable and chaotic. From the ongoing global pandemic to rising inflation to political and cultural unrest, the challenges facing the world are numerous. In addition, Western culture continues to drift further from biblical values with each passing day. Considering all of this, what does the future hold for the church? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses these challenges and the corresponding opportunities they represent. He looks ahead to the comin...
Dec 27, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Dr. David K. Bernard has an extensive résumé. He currently serves as the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International . He previously served as the founding pastor of New Life United Pentecostal Church in Austin, Texas, a thriving congregation that has planted 16 additional churches. Dr. Bernard also is the founding president of Urshan College and Urshan Graduate School of Theology . He earned both a master's and a doctor of theology degree in New Testament from the...
Dec 20, 2021•15 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Dr. Bernard is a voracious reader who regularly finishes multiple books per week. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. Bernard shares a few of his favorite titles from the past year, as well as some of the books he's read over the years that have impacted his life the most deeply. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also greatly appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with your ...
Dec 13, 2021•16 min•Season 1Ep. 33
