In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” The apostle is writing to believers who presumably already had their sins forgiven when they repented and were baptized in Jesus’ name. If that’s the case, what exactly is going to happen at the “judgment seat of Christ”? Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this question by examining what th...
Jan 30, 2023•11 min•Season 3Ep. 92
In 1 Peter 2:9, the apostle wrote that believers are part of “a royal priesthood." In Western culture, the word “priest” evokes images of someone in a long robe conducting religious rituals. How should we interpret Peter's words in a modern context? Dr. David K. Bernard explains. 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....
Jan 23, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 91
As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and the famous civil rights leader's efforts to promote racial equality, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses what the United Pentecostal Church International is doing to promote greater inclusion for believers of all races and ethnicities and to combat the sin of racism in the church. In this episode, Dr. Bernard references the UPCI's Racial and Ethnic Affirmation and the Racial and Ethnic Affirmation Timeline . Both of these documents are availab...
Jan 16, 2023•17 min•Season 3Ep. 90
The Bible repeatedly refers to the practice of fasting, and, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus made the assumption that His followers would fast. (See Matthew 6:16-18.) But what is so spiritual about going hungry? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the biblical purpose of fasting and how saying "no" to food can help you say "yes" to a closer 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...
Jan 09, 2023•10 min•Season 3Ep. 89
The beginning of a new year is a good time to celebrate victories won during the past twelve months while looking ahead to challenges and opportunities on the horizon. General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard looks back on the previous year and shares testimonies of God's power and provision within the United Pentecostal Church International, as well as miracles he personally witnessed during his travels. Dr. Bernard also looks ahead to what is in store for the church during the coming y...
Jan 02, 2023•9 min•Season 3Ep. 88
In John 13:14-15, Jesus tells His disciples, “If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." Does this mean the practice of footwashing is a biblical requirement, or did Jesus only mean that believers should look for practical ways to serve one another? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this question with a review of both the Scriptures and the history of revival mov...
Dec 26, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 87
Dr. David K. Bernard is one of the most influential Oneness Pentecostal leaders and scholars in the world. In this episode, he reflects on the many individuals who helped shape his life and ministry, and he shares personal stories of family, friends, and fellow ministers who molded his thinking and inspired him to grow in his 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...
Dec 19, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 86
In Ephesians 5:22, Paul wrote, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.” He repeated this command in Colossians 3:18 when he said, “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.” In Titus 2:5, he told his ministerial protégé that he should teach younger women to be “obedient to their own husbands.” Some critics say these verses are proof that Paul was sexist, while others use the apostle's words as cover for abusive behavior. Dr. David...
Dec 12, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 85
Paul’s epistles typically open with a greeting that refers to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. For example, in Romans 1:7 Paul wrote, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Trinitarians argue that the wording of these greetings is evidence of a distinction between members of the Godhead. How do Oneness Pentecostals respond to this assertion? Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this question by examining these passages from the perspective of Paul's firs...
Dec 05, 2022•12 min•Season 2Ep. 84
What happens when a believer abandons their walk of faith? Can they be restored back into God's kingdom? What are the requirements of that restoration? Dr. David K. Bernard addresses these questions while offering hope to those who have walked away from faith. 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 family and friends. If you enjoy this podca...
Nov 28, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 83
Some modern translations, including the New International Version, include the following note after Mark 16:8: “The earliest manuscripts and some other ancient witnesses do not have verses 9–20.” A similar insertion is found at the end of John 7. It reads, “The earliest manuscripts and many other ancient witnesses do not have John 7:53—8:11. A few manuscripts include these verses, wholly or in part, after John 7:36, John 21:25, Luke 21:38 or Luke 24:53.” Considering this, should Mark 16:9-20 and...
Nov 21, 2022•16 min•Season 2Ep. 82
The Global Council of the United Pentecostal Church is scheduled to convene November 15-17 in suburban St. Louis, Missouri. In this podcast episode, UPCI General Superintendent and Global Council Chairman Dr. David K. Bernard explains the council's purpose and how it helps facilitate global evangelism. Dr. Bernard also shares reports of what God is doing in various member nations. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also gr...
Nov 14, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 81
Dr. David K. Bernard discusses his latest book, Anchor Points: Essays in Apostolic Apologetics , and he explains why Apostolics should "always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15, NKJV). Anchor Points is available at PentecostalPublishing.com . 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 Cent...
Nov 07, 2022•12 min•Season 2Ep. 80
Many Christians see Halloween celebrations as harmless fun, while others have serious concerns about the dark history of the holiday. Dr. David K. Bernard shares his thoughts on Halloween celebrations and how believers on both sides of the debate can find harmony, even on October 31. 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 family and friends. If y...
Oct 31, 2022•17 min•Season 2Ep. 79
Can a person be saved after the Rapture has occurred? Or does that prophetic event mark the end of all hope of eternal salvation? Dr. David K. Bernard turns to the Book of Revelation for an answer to this frequently-asked question. 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 family and friends. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a...
Oct 24, 2022•8 min•Season 2Ep. 78
Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:12, “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” This verse is cited frequently by opponents of women in ministry. However, the United Pentecostal Church International ordains women to preach, teach, and serve in leadership roles. How does the UPCI reconcile this practice with Paul's statement? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this question by noting examples of women in spiritual leadership in the Old Testament, the e...
Oct 17, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 77
Some critics argue that the Bible is an outdated and barbaric book that condones slavery. They point out that Old Testament patriarchs such as Abraham owned slaves. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul seems to defend the practice, writing in Ephesians 6:5, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear” (NLT). Antebellum slave masters in the U.S. used these and other biblical texts to argue that slavery was God’s will. Dr. David K. Bernard responds to these arguments by explain...
Oct 10, 2022•16 min•Season 2Ep. 76
This week, the United Pentecostal Church International will host its annual General Conference in Orlando, Florida. More than 15,000 have registered to attend this event. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the purpose of the UPCI's annual General Conference and why both preachers and church members should make it a priority to attend. All General Conference 2022 services will be streamed live on Discipleship Now and on the UPCI's Facebook page and YouTube channel. To see a ...
Oct 03, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 75
How often should Christians celebrate communion (also known as "the Lord's Supper")? Some churches observe this sacrament on a weekly basis, while others do so much less frequently. Does the Bible offer any insight into which is the correct practice? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the origins of communion and offers his thoughts on its celebration and significance in the modern church If you enjoy this podcast, leave a rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platfor...
Sep 26, 2022•9 min•Season 2Ep. 74
Medical advancements can prolong human life, but they sometimes create ethical dilemmas for those responsible for making end of life decisions for themselves or a loved one. In this podcast episode, Dr. David K. Bernard offers biblical guidance for anyone who is serious about honoring life, even in the face of death. 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 ...
Sep 19, 2022•11 min•Season 2Ep. 73
The Center for the Study of Global Christianity at the Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary reports that, as of 2019, there were 45,000 Christian denominations worldwide. How can Christians all claim to read the same book and yet arrive at such vastly different conclusions about what it says? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the three primary philosophies of biblical interpretation that have led to the formation of various Christian sects, while challenging believers to return to the faith of the or...
Sep 12, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 72
This summer, a school district in north Texas elicited backlash when it implemented a new dress code for students that prohibited dresses and skirts . This is not the first time school or workplace dress codes have conflicted with Apostolic Pentecostal teachings and values, however. What should Apostolic believers do when school administrators or employers mandate attire that is immodest or does not reflect gender distinctions? Dr. David K. Bernard explains Apostolic teachings on modesty and gen...
Sep 05, 2022•10 min•Season 2Ep. 71
Can a Christian fall away from faith and be eternally condemned? Theologians have debated this question for centuries. On one side of the argument are proponents of the doctrine of eternal security, or what is sometimes euphemistically referred to as “once saved, always saved." On the other side are adherents of what is known as "conditional security." In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains what these terms mean and examines what the Bible says about this eternally-importa...
Aug 29, 2022•12 min•Season 2Ep. 70
In some Christian traditions, converts are sprinkled with water at baptism, while in other churches baptismal candidates are fully submerged in water. Which method is biblically correct? Does God honor both? Dr. David K. Bernard examines the meaning of the word baptism and the New Testament examples of this practice to arrive at a conclusion. 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...
Aug 22, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 69
Should Christians seek therapy when dealing with mental or emotional problems? Are psychotropic drugs an acceptable part of those treatments? What guidelines should Christians follow when dealing with mental health issues? Dr. David K. Bernard draws on his experiences as a pastor and the wisdom of the Scriptures to answer these important questions. 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 Apo...
Aug 15, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 68
In a world filled with war and violence, how should Christians interpret Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount such as “Resist not evil” (Matthew 5:39) and “To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also” (Luke 6:29, NKJV)? Are Christians supposed to stand aside while evil people destroy their homes, kill their family and neighbors, and steal their possessions? Dr. Bernard shares his thoughts on this difficult question and how Christians might respond when threatened with ph...
Aug 08, 2022•19 min•Season 2Ep. 67
The latest fad in social media and elsewhere is for individuals to post their “preferred pronouns." The idea is that others should not assume your gender identity. The underlying belief behind this practice is that gender is a social construct, not a biological fact. But how should a Christian respond when someone asks to be identified in a way that contradicts both biology and the Bible? Dr. David K. Bernard responds by examining science and the Scriptures. He offers practical advice to be...
Aug 01, 2022•18 min•Season 2Ep. 66
Several New Testament passages describe Jesus as sitting or standing at God’s right hand. One of the most frequently referenced is Acts 7:55, where Stephen looks into heaven as he is being martyred and sees “the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Taken at face value, this and similar verses seem to indicate a distinction between Jesus and God. How can Jesus, the Son of God, and God the Father be one and the same if Stephen really saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand? D...
Jul 25, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 65
Exodus 22:25 says, “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor among you, you shall not be like a moneylender to him; you shall not charge him interest” (NKJV). Several other Bible passages reiterate the same theme: God prohibited His people from charging interest on their money, at least when loaned to a fellow Israelite. Considering this, is it a sin for modern Christians to put their money in the bank or financial markets for the purpose of earning interest? Does capitalism contradict...
Jul 18, 2022•14 min•Season 2Ep. 64
The Old Testament includes various commands that most Bible teachers would say are not applicable to Christians. For example, Leviticus 19:19 says, “Do not plant your field with two different kinds of seed. Do not wear clothing woven from two different kinds of thread.” Most Christians would say these commands do not apply to New Testament believers. However, the same chapter of Leviticus also says, “Do not steal,” “Do not deceive or cheat one another,” and “Do not defraud or rob your neighbor.”...
Jul 11, 2022•13 min•Season 2Ep. 63
