Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Latest Episodes:

Karl Barth and Oneness Pentecostals Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

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.

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What Will Hell Be Like? Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

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.

Should Christian Couples Use IVF? Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

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 subjects.

Should Christians Belong to Secret Societies? Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

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.

What about the “We” in John 14:23? Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

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.

What Is Sanctification? Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

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.

What Is the Millennial Kingdom? Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

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.

Pentecostals and Politics: An Update Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

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.

How Should Christians Respond to Unwanted Thoughts? Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

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.

Is Oneness Pentecostalism a Modern Invention? Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

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.