Apostolic Life in the 21st Century “By Their Fruits:” Is Jesus Dismissing Tongues?
Dec 8, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. David K. Bernard, the General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International and a noted scholar on Apostolic theology, tackles the debate around speaking in tongues and its biblical significance. He explains that while tongues signify a past encounter with the Holy Spirit, true evidence of faith lies in the lasting fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5. Bernard highlights that holiness and a Spirit-led life reveal genuine sonship, providing a fresh perspective on Matthew 7:16 in relation to contemporary belief.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Initial Sign Versus Abiding Evidence
- David K. Bernard distinguishes initial signs from abiding evidence of the Spirit and emphasizes both roles.
- Tongues can be the initial sign while fruit (love, holiness) shows ongoing Spirit-led life.
Pursue Holiness As Ongoing Proof
- Seek the fruit of the Spirit as the ongoing proof of God's presence in your life.
- Pursue holiness and allow the Spirit to lead rather than relying solely on a past experience.
Tongues Shows Past Experience Not Current State
- Speaking in tongues indicates a past yielded heart and a gift from God but doesn't guarantee present godliness.
- One can still be responsible to grow in grace after receiving that gift.