Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

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-...

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 fertili...

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 Apple Podcasts or yo...

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 r...

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...

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 Apple Po...

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...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also...

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 t...

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...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you shar...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it w...

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 o...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also ap...

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 Appl...

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...

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...

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....

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 for our sins. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform....

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. Bernard addresses this debate with a look at what Scripture says about tradition and the church. If you enjoy this pod...

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 Scriptures have to say about accepting Christ and the components of genuine faith. If you enjoy this podcast, leave...

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 rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Aposto...

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 rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with fami...