Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

By David K. Bernard

What's Apostolic Life in the 21st Century about?

A podcast dedicated to helping modern-day believers live out the teachings of the first century church. This podcast is part of the teaching ministry of Dr. David K. Bernard, the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International.

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Apostolic Life in the 21st Century episodes:

05.27.2024
Should Christians Participate in Boycotts? | Episode 161
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...
05.20.2024
Should I Be Rebaptized?
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...
05.13.2024
Who Is the Word in John 1?
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...
05.06.2024
What Is the Gift of Tongues?
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...
04.29.2024
Should a Christian Swear an Oath?
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...
04.22.2024
Are Humans Guilty of Original Sin?
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...
04.15.2024
Is It Wrong for Christians to Be Rich?
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...
04.08.2024
Why Did God Allow Confusing Bible Verses?
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...
04.01.2024
What Does the Laying on of Hands Symbolize?
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...
03.25.2024
What’s So Special about Jesus’ Blood?
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...
03.18.2024
What Role Should Tradition Play in the Church?
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....
03.11.2024
Is Accepting Christ All It Takes to Be Saved?
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...
03.04.2024
What’s So Bad about Cussing?
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...
02.26.2024
Who Is the Lamb in Revelation 5?
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...
02.19.2024
What Is Dispensationalism?
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...
02.12.2024
Should Christians Date Non-Christians?
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...
02.05.2024
Does God Bless Same-Sex Unions?
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...
01.29.2024
How Is Jesus the Mediator between God and Men?
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...
01.22.2024
What Is the Gift of Prophecy?
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...
01.15.2024
Was the UPCI Founded on Racism?
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...
01.08.2024
What Should Personal Devotions Look Like?
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...
01.01.2024
What’s Ahead for the UPCI in 2024?
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...
12.25.2023
Should Christians Celebrate Jewish Feasts?
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...
12.18.2023
How Do You Read a Book So Quickly?
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...
12.11.2023
How Do You Avoid Ministry Burnout?
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...
12.04.2023
What Does "Born of Water" Mean in John 3:5?
John 3:5 quotes Jesus as saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” What does the phrase "born of water" mean, and...
11.27.2023
Does 1 John 5:7 Describe the Trinity?
Some have cited 1 John 5:7 (“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one") as evidence that the Scriptures teach a plurality of persons in the...
11.20.2023
How Do You Build a Ministry Team?
Team ministry may seem like a great leadership concept, but how do you build a team when resources, including potential volunteers, are limited? Dr. David K. Bernard draws on his experiences as a church planter and pastor as he outlines...
11.13.2023
Israel, Hamas, and Bible Prophecy
On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on the nation of Israel, killing approximately 1,400 Israelis and kidnapping 241 hostages (https://bit.ly/473w8sN). Israel retaliated with an invasion of Gaza intended to rescue the hostages...
11.06.2023
Long Range Planning for Church Leaders
Dr. David K. Bernard shares insights gained from his time as a church planter and pastor on navigating change and preparing for future growth.For more information on this subject, see Dr. Bernard's books Growing a Church and Spiritual Leadership in...
10.30.2023
What Is Christian Liberty?
How do we determine the boundaries between areas of Christian liberty, as described by the apostle Paul in Romans 14, and non-negotiable biblical principles and commands? What is Christian liberty, and how far does it extend in the church and...
10.23.2023
Is Work Part of Adam’s Curse?
Is Adam to blame for the fact that most of us must work to earn a living? Is work part of God's curse on humanity for sin? Dr. David K. Bernard looks at Genesis 3:17-19 to discover how we should...
10.16.2023
What Is Servant Leadership?
“Servant leadership” is a popular buzzword in Western culture. At first glance, this may seem like a contradiction. A servant performs duties on behalf of others, often for those in positions of power. The individuals who occupy those positions of...
10.09.2023
What Is the UPCI Doing to Prevent Sexual Abuse?
The US Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than half of all women and almost one in three men will be the victim of some form of sexual violence during their lifetime. Those are sobering statistics. Unfortunately, these types...
10.02.2023
Why Don't Apostolic Pentecostals Wear Jewelry?
Paul told Timothy that Christian women should "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" (1 Timothy 2:9, KJV). What does this mean for believers living in the...
09.25.2023
What Does the Bible Say about Church Government?
The United Pentecostal Church International Manual, the handbook by which UPCI churches and ministers operate, notes that the organization practices a "congregational form of church government." What does this mean? More importantly, what does the Bible say about church government?...
09.18.2023
What Is Happening at General Conference 2023?
UPCI General Conference 2023 will be held this week at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard previews what will be happening at this year's conference, and he shares reports of what God is doing...
09.11.2023
Is Tolerance a Christian Virtue?
The word tolerance is heard frequently in today’s world, often in the context of discussions about race, sexual orientation, gender identity, and even religion. Is tolerance a biblical virtue? If so, what does it look like in a world where...
09.04.2023
Would the Discovery of Aliens Undermine Scripture?
In July 2023, a retired Air Force major testified before a congressional subcommittee that the US government has been aware of “non-human” activity since the 1930s. According to the former intelligence officer’s testimony, the US government has found and attempted...
08.28.2023
Avoiding the Pitfalls of Money, Sex, and Power
Why do so many Christian leaders seem to fall prey to the temptations of the misuse of money, sexual immorality, and the abuse of power? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the Scriptures for answers to this question, and he...
08.21.2023
Does the Bible Support Capital Punishment?
Many countries have abolished the death penalty, but the United States remains a notable exception, along with China, Iran, North Korea, and Somalia—nations not exactly recognized for enlightened governance. In the U.S., there also are concerns that the sentencing process...
08.14.2023
Does Absolute Truth Exist?
According to postmodernism, there is no such thing as “absolute truth." This directly contradicts the Christian belief that Jesus Christ is "the truth" (John 14:6) and that the holy Scriptures are infallible. Considering this, how can Christians effectively share their...
08.07.2023
How Should Christian Parents Approach Sex Education?
Apostolics and other conservative Christians frequently object to public school sex education programs, often because the messages communicated in these classes contradict biblical morality. How should Christian parents address the subjects of sex and human sexuality with their children? Dr....
07.31.2023
How Do You Prepare Sermons?
In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard shares practical insights on sermon and Bible study preparation, including the tools and tactics he uses to capture sermon ideas and illustrations. Every pastor, preacher, and Bible student will benefit from the wisdom...
07.24.2023
North American Youth Congress 2023
This week, more than 30,000 students and adults from across North America will gather in St. Louis for North American Youth Congress, a biennial conference hosted by UPCI Youth Ministries. Since its inception in 1979, NAYC has become the largest...
07.17.2023
Will the Sonship of Jesus End?
Paul's description of the end of the age in 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 has confused many readers. The apostle wrote, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have...
07.10.2023
How Do We Pursue Spiritual Gifts?
In 1 Corinthians 14:1, the apostle Paul encouraged Christians to “pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts.” Dr. David K. Bernard reviews what the New Testament says about spiritual gifts and shares advice on how believers can pursue these gifts in...
07.03.2023
What Are a Christian’s Civic Responsibilities?
Citizens of the United States enjoy freedom of religion thanks to the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But it has often been noted that freedom comes with corresponding responsibilities. What are a Christian's obligations as a citizen of an...
06.26.2023
What Does the Bible Say about Forgiveness?
Jesus said, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:15). The problem is that people sometimes hurt us deeply, and forgiving them is difficult, especially when the offender never apologizes or even...
06.19.2023
Does Deuteronomy 22:5 Apply to Christians?
Deuteronomy 22:5 says, "A woman shall not wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God" (NKJV). Does this obscure...

What's Apostolic Life in the 21st Century about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Apostolic Life in the 21st Century episodes:

Should Christians Participate in Boycotts? | Episode 161

Should I Be Rebaptized?

Who Is the Word in John 1?

What Is the Gift of Tongues?

Should a Christian Swear an Oath?

Are Humans Guilty of Original Sin?

Is It Wrong for Christians to Be Rich?

Why Did God Allow Confusing Bible Verses?

What Does the Laying on of Hands Symbolize?

What’s So Special about Jesus’ Blood?

What Role Should Tradition Play in the Church?

Is Accepting Christ All It Takes to Be Saved?

What’s So Bad about Cussing?

Who Is the Lamb in Revelation 5?

What Is Dispensationalism?

Should Christians Date Non-Christians?

Does God Bless Same-Sex Unions?

How Is Jesus the Mediator between God and Men?

What Is the Gift of Prophecy?

Was the UPCI Founded on Racism?

What Should Personal Devotions Look Like?

What’s Ahead for the UPCI in 2024?

Should Christians Celebrate Jewish Feasts?

How Do You Read a Book So Quickly?

How Do You Avoid Ministry Burnout?

What Does "Born of Water" Mean in John 3:5?

Does 1 John 5:7 Describe the Trinity?

How Do You Build a Ministry Team?

Israel, Hamas, and Bible Prophecy

Long Range Planning for Church Leaders

What Is Christian Liberty?

Is Work Part of Adam’s Curse?

What Is Servant Leadership?

What Is the UPCI Doing to Prevent Sexual Abuse?

Why Don't Apostolic Pentecostals Wear Jewelry?

What Does the Bible Say about Church Government?

What Is Happening at General Conference 2023?

Is Tolerance a Christian Virtue?

Would the Discovery of Aliens Undermine Scripture?

Avoiding the Pitfalls of Money, Sex, and Power

Does the Bible Support Capital Punishment?

Does Absolute Truth Exist?

How Should Christian Parents Approach Sex Education?

How Do You Prepare Sermons?

North American Youth Congress 2023

Will the Sonship of Jesus End?

How Do We Pursue Spiritual Gifts?

What Are a Christian’s Civic Responsibilities?

What Does the Bible Say about Forgiveness?

Does Deuteronomy 22:5 Apply to Christians?

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