Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

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 offers advice on how Christians from all walks of life can protect themselves from temptation. For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Leadership i...

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 in capital cases is tainted by racism and bias. How should Christians address this topic? Does the Bible support the death pena...

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 faith with those who adhere to postmodernist thinking? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the Christian basis for belief...

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. David K. Bernard shares his perspectives as a parent and pastor on this important question. Recommended Res...

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 Dr. Bernard has gleaned from more than forty years of pulpit ministry. In this episode, Dr. Bernard references the following resources: Spiritu...

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 UPCI-sponsored event in North America. In this special episode, UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard explains why gatherings like NAYC are imp...

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 put down all rule and all authority and power” (verse 24). He later added, “And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto h...

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 a scriptural manner. For more information on this subject, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts , available at PentecostalPublishing.com . If you...

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 earthly nation? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the New Testament for guidance on how believers should interact with government. If you enjoy this...

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 acknowledges the wrong. Dr. David K. Bernard explores what the Scriptures say about forgiveness and how we can apply its teaching to our...

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 Old Testament command apply to Christians? If so, how do we comply? Dr. David K. Bernard responds by explaining the connection between gender identity and dress, and what this means f...

Many so-called "deliverance ministries" claim they can help struggling Christians find freedom from spiritual bondage by casting out evil spirits and breaking generational curses, covenants, soul ties, and other forms of spiritual control and manipulation.  Are these ministries legitimate, and does the Bible support their claims? Dr. David K. Bernard responds by turning to the Scriptures...

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) offers three levels of ministerial credentials: local license, general license, and ordination. What is the purpose of ministerial credentials and why are there three levels? How does someone determine whether they should seek credentials with the UPCI in the first place? General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard provides an overview of the UPCI...

In this special episode, Dr. David K. Bernard shares a behind-the-scenes look at what it is like to be the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International. He explains the duties and responsibilities of being the leader of the world's largest Oneness Pentecostal organization and shares his vision for the role. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a rev...

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus told the apostle Peter, “I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” He repeated these instructions about “binding and loosing” in Matthew 18:18.  What do these verses mean? Are Christians supposed to be binding and loosing some...

Dr. David K. Bernard has had many conversations and debates with Trinitarian scholars and apologists during the course of his ministry. In this episode, he shares what he has learned from these discussions about effectively engaging with Trinitarians on the topics of the Godhead and the identity of Jesus Christ. This episode is for anyone who wants to lead others into greater understanding of bibl...

Some critics accuse Apostolic Pentecostals of being "legalistic" because of our insistence on water baptism in Jesus' name and our pursuit of personal holiness. Is this accusation warranted? UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this charge with a defense of Apostolic Pentecostal teachings on both salvation and holiness. For further study, see Dr. Bernard&apos...

There is a debate within Christianity over whether the spiritual gifts Paul described in 1 Corinthians 12-14 still operate in the church today. Cessationists argue that spiritual gifts ceased with the apostles, while Pentecostals, including the United Pentecostal Church International, believe and teach that spiritual gifts continue to operate in the church today. In this podcast episode, Dr. David...

A school of thought within Christianity known as preterism argues that the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation already have been fulfilled. Proponents of preterism say the destruction of Jerusalem by Roman armies in AD 70 was the culmination of Bible prophecy, so there will be no future Tribulation or other so-called “end time” events. But is this teaching compatible with Pentecostal theology? Dr....

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to baptize their converts "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” So why did Peter preach that believers should "be baptized ... in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38)? How do we reconcile this apparent discrepancy between what Jesus commanded and what Peter said on the Day of Pentecost? Dr. David K. Bernard ex...

How do we know if a church is healthy? Should we look at average attendance, the number of conversions, the size of the offerings, or some other metric? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the Book of Acts to identify the vital signs of a healthy Apostolic church. His answer provides a New Testament template that pastors and ministry leaders can use to determine how their congregation compares with the...

The thief on the cross in Luke 23:32-43 was never baptized, never spoke in tongues, and never joined a church, but Jesus responded to his simple cry of faith by saying, “Today you will be with Me in Paradise” (verse 43, NKJV). Considering this, should we conclude that a simple prayer of faith is sufficient for salvation? Dr. David K. Bernard examines this passage in the light of what the rest of S...

Regardless of what ministry we are in, none of us will be in that ministry forever. A wise leader will plan for the inevitable day when he or she is no longer around. Dr. David K. Bernard shares his thoughts on ministry succession and offers advice on how leaders can empower the next generation. In this episode, Dr. Bernard references his book Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century and S...

Oneness Pentecostals believe Jesus was God “manifest in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16.) But the New Testament repeatedly refers to Jesus as the “Son of God.” What does this title mean? Does it indicate Jesus was somehow different from God, or less than God? Is Jesus God, or is He God’s Son?  Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this important question with a review of what the Bible says about the identi...

Does the New Testament advocate communal living or a form of economic socialism? Those who believe it does point to Acts 2:44-45, where Luke wrote, "Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need" (NKJV). Does this mean Apostolic Pentecostals should abandon modern capitalism and adopt...