Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Latest Episodes:

Do Babies Go to Heaven If They Die? Feb 21, 2022

Show notes

How does God judge aborted babies, infants, the mentally challenged, and others who are unable to respond to the gospel? Does the Bible support the idea of an "age of accountability"?
Dr. David K. Bernard tackles this age-old question by examining what the Bible says about God's judgment, grace, and love.
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Why Would a Loving God Send People to Hell? Feb 14, 2022

Show notes

The Bible clearly paints a picture of God as a loving Creator and Savior who cares for everyone. At the same time, the Bible also is very adamant that there will be a day of judgement in which God banishes unbelievers to a place of everlasting torment. To many, this seems like a contradiction. How can a supposedly loving God punish people for eternity just because they didn't hold the right set of beliefs?
Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this frequently-asked question by reviewing what the Bible actually says about sin, judgment, justice, punishment, and reward.
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Do Oneness Pentecostals Teach Salvation by Works? Feb 07, 2022

Show notes

Oneness Pentecostals sometimes are accused of preaching salvation by works, particularly because they insist that full salvation includes water baptism. Often the person leveling the charge will cite Ephesians 2:8–9, where Paul wrote, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this accusation and examines what the Bible says about the connection between faith and obedience.
For a more in-depth exploration of this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book The New Birth, available at PentecostalPublishing.com.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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What Is Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit? Jan 31, 2022

Show notes

In Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus referred to what has become known as “the unpardonable sin.” He said, “Every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men" (NKJV). Jesus' statement has caused some to fear that perhaps they have committed a sin that God will not forgive.
But what did Jesus really mean? Dr. David K. Bernard examines the context of Jesus' words and explains what it means to blaspheme the Holy Spirit. He offers theological and pastoral guidance to those who are concerned that they may have strayed outside the boundaries of God's grace.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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Should Christians Be Involved in Politics? Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Political involvement can feel like an ethical minefield for Christians. In most elections, no candidate on the ballot fully represents Christian values. Considering this, what level of involvement should Christians have in politics? Should Christians run for office, donate to candidates and causes, or volunteer to be part of political campaigns? What guidelines should Christians consider when casting their vote?
Dr. David K. Bernard answers these questions in light of Scriptural teachings and principles and makes the case that Christians can't afford to be absent from the political arena, especially when the cultural stakes have never been higher.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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How Can Christians Continue the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? Jan 17, 2022

Show notes

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spent his life working tirelessly to secure civil rights for every US citizen, regardless of their skin color. While great strides have been made in this area, recent events show that much work remains to be done.
Dr. David K. Bernard addresses the legacy of Dr. King and the civil rights movement and the role the Bible and America's founding documents played in Dr. King's appeals. Dr. Bernard also shares his thoughts on what the church can do to promote justice and equality.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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How to Read and Study the Bible Effectively Jan 10, 2022

Show notes

Many believers have committed to read and study the Bible in 2022. But how can we make our reading and study efforts as effective as possible?
If you want to become a more knowledgeable student of God's Word, this episode is for you. Dr. David K. Bernard shares tips and strategies for enhancing your personal study of the Scriptures, as well as a review of some of his favorite Bible study resources.
For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Understanding God's Word, available from PentecostalPublishing.com.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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How Is Jesus Both God and Man? Jan 03, 2022

Show notes

Jesus Christ had a twofold identity - He was both God and man. Most questions about the Godhead can be resolved if we properly understand this reality. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard examines what the Scriptures say about the dual identity of Jesus.
For an in-depth exploration of this topic, see Dr. Bernard's books The Oneness of God and The Oneness View of Jesus Christ. Both titles are available at PentecostalPublishing.com.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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What's Ahead for the Church in 2022? Dec 27, 2021

Show notes

The past two years have been unpredictable and chaotic. From the ongoing global pandemic to rising inflation to political and cultural unrest, the challenges facing the world are numerous. In addition, Western culture continues to drift further from biblical values with each passing day. Considering all of this, what does the future hold for the church?
In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses these challenges and the corresponding opportunities they represent. He looks ahead to the coming year and shares his thoughts on what is needed to minister effectively in these turbulent times.
For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century, and The Apostolic Church in the Twenty-First Century. Both of these titles are available at PentecostalPublishing.com.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
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How Can I Be More Effective in Ministry? Dec 20, 2021

Show notes

Dr. David K. Bernard has an extensive résumé. He currently serves as the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International. He previously served as the founding pastor of New Life United Pentecostal Church in Austin, Texas, a thriving congregation that has planted 16 additional churches. Dr. Bernard also is the founding president of Urshan College and Urshan Graduate School of Theology. He earned both a master's and a doctor of theology degree in New Testament from the University of South Africa and a doctor of jurisprudence from the University of Texas, as well as an undergraduate degree in mathematical sciences and managerial studies from Rice University. In addition, he has written nearly 40 books, primarily on the topics of theology and church growth.

How has Dr. Bernard achieved these accomplishments while also making time for family? In this episode, he shares the time and relationship management techniques that have helped him remain effective in ministry over several decades. His advice can help you increase your personal effectiveness in the ministry to which God has called you.
For more information on time management in ministry, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century, available at PentecostalPublishing.com.
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 21st Century with your family and friends.
Thank you for listening!