Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Is spiritual abuse real? If so, what are the warning signs that it is occurring? How can churches and ministry leaders prevent spiritual abuse from happening in the first place? Dr. David K. Bernard responds to these timely questions by offering a biblical definition of the term "spiritual abuse" and explaining why accountability is the antidote. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-s...

An entire genre of books is dedicated to sharing stories of people who died and claim they went to Heaven, only to return. Some of these works have sold millions of copies. The problem is that some of these accounts of the afterlife seem contradict Scripture. How should we respond to these stories? Dr. David K. Bernard responds with the scriptural view of life after death and his thoughts on near-...

Many Apostolic believers have heard the statement, “Everyone needs a pastor.” But does the Bible support this assertion? How does the role of pastor fit within the framework of the five ministry offices Paul referenced in Ephesians 4:11? Dr. David K. Bernard answers these questions and outlines the role of a pastor in the life of a believer. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and...

One way God revealed Himself in the Old Testament and dealt with humans on their level was through the use of theophanies, a visible but usually temporary manifestation of the Almighty. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard shares examples of theophanies and explains why God chose to reveal Himself in this way. He also answers the question of whether Jesus Christ should be considered a theophany....

Does the Bible ever justify divorce? If so, under what circumstances? If a person is divorced, are they permitted to remarry? Dr. David K. Bernard tackles these tough but important questions facing Christians and church leaders. 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 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 a...

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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast...

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 Eth...

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...

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 dur...

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...

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...

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’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....

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 whe...

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 par...

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 enjo...

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 pref...

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 greatl...

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...

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...

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 tex...

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 s...

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 churc...

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 preferre...