In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Some Christians say these verses prove that practices such as baptism cannot be necessary for salvation because they are “works." Dr. David K. Bernard refutes this argument with an explanation of the biblical understanding of grace and faith. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published ...
Oct 21, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 182
If Jesus is God, why did He pray? Jesus' prayers in the Gospels, particularly in John 17, would seem to present a conundrum for Oneness Pentecostals due to their insistence that there is no separation of persons in the Godhead. Not surprisingly, this is one of the most frequently cited objections by Oneness critics. Dr. David K. Bernard answers this important question regarding the identity and nature of Jesus Christ. Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog o...
Oct 14, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 181
Did Paul say Christians shouldn't speak in tongues during church services? Some critics of Pentecostalism make this claim, citing 1 Corinthians 14:23. Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this assertion with a biblical defense of speaking in tongues during corporate worship. 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.
Oct 07, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 180
Dr. David K. Bernard shares his perspective on the UPCI's annual General Conference, which will be held this week in Long Beach, California. Dr. Bernard discusses his conference schedule and responsibilities, what he does to prepare, and how he unwinds once the event is over. You can shop Dr. Bernard's catalog of published books 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 r...
Sep 30, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 179
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us a model prayer which has come to be known as “The Lord’s Prayer.” How do we apply Jesus’ teaching to our own prayers? Dr. David K. Bernard tackles this question in this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century. For more information on this and other topics covered in previous episodes, visit PentecostalPublishing.com . Use the promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a rev...
Sep 23, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 178
The Scriptures describe an evil leader known as the Antichrist who will arise in the end times to rule the world and oppose God's people. Dr. David K. Bernard reviews what the Bible says about the Antichrist and the signs that will accompany his rise to power. Shop Dr. Bernard's catalog of published books 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 ...
Sep 16, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 177
Was the Son of God involved in the creation of the world? How do Oneness Pentecostals explain Hebrews 1:1-2, which states, "God ... has in these last days spoken to us by His Son ... through whom also He made the worlds" (NKJV)? Dr. David K. Bernard examines this passage and explains how it fits the Oneness view of Jesus Christ. You can shop Dr. Bernard's entire catalog of published books at PentecostalPublishing.com . Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your ...
Sep 09, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 176
Does the Bible support the theory of the existence of multiple universes, often referred to as the "multiverse"? Dr. David K. Bernard examines this idea from a scriptural perspective and shares his thoughts on its ramifications for biblical apologetics. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Anchor Points , available at PentecostalPublishing.com . Enter the promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating an...
Sep 02, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 175
In 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul includes the "word of wisdom" in his list of gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Dr. David K. Bernard explains what the word of wisdom is, how it operates, and how it can benefit believers, particularly those who serve in leadership roles. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts , available at PentecostalPublishing.com . Enter the promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order. If you enjoy this podcas...
Aug 26, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 174
What do a notable Swiss Reformed theologian from the mid-twentieth century and Oneness Pentecostals have in common? More than you might think. Dr. David K. Bernard reviews what Karl Barth had to say about the nature of the Godhead and the plan of salvation, and Barth's significance for Oneness Pentecostal theology. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's books Anchor Points and A History of Christian Doctrine: Volume 3 . If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a revie...
Aug 19, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 173
The Bible offers descriptions of Hell that seem contradictory at first glance. For instance, Jesus described Hell both as a place of "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30) and as a "furnace of fire" (Matthew 13:42, 50). Dr. David K. Bernard considers these scriptural descriptions and what they tell us about the place we call Hell. 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 yo...
Aug 12, 2024•17 min•Season 4Ep. 172
Is it biblically acceptable for Christian couples to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) if they are unable to conceive children naturally? Some Christian groups object to the practice because it can lead to the destruction of leftover human embryos. Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the United Pentecostal Church International's pro-life stance and how it applies to the practice of in vitro fertilization. Visit UPCI.org/statements-archive to access official UPCI position papers on various subject...
Aug 05, 2024•8 min•Season 4Ep. 171
Early Pentecostals taught that believers should not be part of so-called "secret societies" such as the Freemasons where members are bound by an oath. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the biblical rationale behind this teaching and why a Christian's greatest loyalty should be to God's kingdom. 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 ...
Jul 29, 2024•7 min•Season 4Ep. 170
In John 14:23, Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (NKJV). If there is only one God, why does Jesus use the plural pronouns "we" and "our" in this verse? Dr. David K. Bernard responds with an examination of John 14. 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 L...
Jul 22, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 169
Paul wrote that it is God's will for believers to experience sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). What is sanctification, and how does it happen? Dr. David K. Bernard explains what sanctification is and how it works in the life of a Christian. Dr. Bernard also reviews how Christians, and especially Pentecostals, have thought about sanctification and holiness throughout church history. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platf...
Jul 15, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 168
In Revelation 20, John described a vision of a one thousand-year period known as the millennial kingdom during which Satan is bound and believers live and rule on earth with Jesus Christ. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of this one thousand-year period and how it fits into the overall timeline of Scripture. 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 C...
Jul 08, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 167
Dr. David K. Bernard explains why it is important for Apostolic Pentecostals to engage in the political arena and how ordinary believers can make a difference politically without alienating those they are trying to reach with the gospel. You can learn more about the work of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference at naclc.org . 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 Apostol...
Jul 01, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 166
How should Christians respond to unwanted thoughts that are contrary to God's Word such as hatred, profanity, or lust? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard outlines what we can do when evil thoughts enter our minds and how we can deter them in the future. 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.
Jun 24, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 165
Some critics argue that Oneness Pentecostalism is a modern religious concoction seasoned with a dash of ancient heresy. Dr. David K. Bernard refutes this claim by citing evidence of key Oneness Pentecostal doctrines both in the New Testament and throughout church history. 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.
Jun 17, 2024•14 min•Season 4Ep. 164
In the Old Testament, God commands His people to commit what could be described as mass genocide. For instance, in 1 Samuel 15:3, God orders King Saul to attack Amalek and spare nothing within the city, including women, children, and livestock. Dr. David K. Bernard explains how these incidents fit within the larger framework of Scripture, including the more loving and gentler depiction of God in the New Testament. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your...
Jun 10, 2024•15 min•Season 4Ep. 163
Books such as Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas, the Epistle of Barnabas, and many others were composed at roughly the same time as the books in our Bible, but why were they not included as part of the "canon" that we know today? In this week's episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains why our modern Bible includes only 66 books, who decided what to include, and why other books were left out. We previously recorded an episode titled “Should Apostolics Read the Apocrypha?” for those who are...
Jun 03, 2024•11 min•Season 4Ep. 162
In this week's episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses whether Christians should boycott companies with policies that contradict a biblical worldview and if they have an obligation to do so. 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.
May 27, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 161
When should someone consider being rebaptized? Is it ever necessary for someone who was previously baptized in Jesus’ name to be baptized in Jesus’ name again? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this important question that has puzzled some believers. 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.
May 20, 2024•13 min•Season 4Ep. 160
Debates about the nature of the Godhead often reference the opening verses of the Gospel of John. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of this passage and what the apostle John intended to communicate to his readers, including us. 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.
May 13, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 159
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists nine gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Notably, in verse 10, he includes "different kinds of tongues" and "the interpretation of tongues.” In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of these gifts and offers insight into how modern believers can engage with them. 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 t...
May 06, 2024•10 min•Season 4Ep. 158
Is it a sin for Christians to swear an oath when entering certain professions or when called upon to testify in court? Dr. David K. Bernard looks at Jesus' teaching regarding oaths in Matthew 5:33-37 and how His words apply to Christians living in the modern world. 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.
Apr 29, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 157
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 21...
Apr 22, 2024•16 min•Season 4Ep. 156
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...
Apr 15, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 155
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 ...
Apr 08, 2024•12 min•Season 4Ep. 154
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 podcas...
Apr 01, 2024•9 min•Season 4Ep. 153
