Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously observed that “11 o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard reflects on that statement and its ongoing relevance for today’s church.Dr. Bernard also discusses the importance of multicultural ministry and shares practical, biblical insights on how churches can create a welcoming environment for people of every race, ethnicity, and culture. Drawing from his experience as a pastor and church planter in Austin, Texas, as well as his years of leadership within the United Pentecostal Church International, he offers guidance for both church leaders and individual believers who desire to reflect the unity of the body of Christ.Resources mentioned in this episode include:UPCI Statements Archive2023 Senior Pastor Survey ResultsAnchor Points by Dr. David K. BernardVisit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Will marriage exist in heaven? Why did Jesus say that people will "neither marry" nor be "given in marriage" in the resurrection?In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines Jesus’ response to the Sadducees’ question about marriage and the resurrection in Matthew 22:23–33. Dr. Bernard explains the theological significance of this passage and what it reveals about the nature of eternal life and the resurrection body.Dr. Bernard also thoughtfully explores what Scripture does—and does not—say about relationships in eternity, offering careful biblical insight along with informed reflection on how our connections may be transformed in the world to come.This episode provides a hopeful, Scripture-centered perspective for anyone seeking to understand Jesus’ teaching on heaven, resurrection, and life everlasting.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

How Do You Practice Spiritual Disciplines When Life Gets Chaotic?How do you remain spiritually consistent when life becomes busy, overwhelming, or unpredictable? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this practical and timely question by examining the spiritual disciplines that sustain a faithful Christian life.Dr. Bernard discusses essential practices such as prayer, personal study of the Bible, fasting, giving—including tithes and offerings—regular church attendance, and sharing your faith with others. He also offers personal insight into his own spiritual habits, explaining how he maintains spiritual focus and discipline during demanding or difficult seasons of life.Drawing from Scripture and decades of pastoral experience, this episode provides clear, biblical guidance for believers seeking to stay spiritually grounded amid the pressures of modern life. Whether you are navigating personal challenges, ministry responsibilities, or the everyday busyness of the 21st century, this conversation offers encouragement and wisdom for cultivating consistent and effective spiritual disciplines.Visit PentecostalPublishing.com to shop Dr. Bernard's full catalog of published works. Enter promo code DKB10 at checkout to save 10 percent on your order.If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Could genetic engineering bring extinct animals back to life? This topic raises ethical questions about God's role as Creator. As scientists pursue de-extinction, the podcast explores if this aligns with Scripture. The discussion includes the differences between beneficial gene editing and potential abuses. Listeners hear about the technical hurdles of resurrection and the ethical concerns of manipulating life. The importance of maintaining Christian ethics and government regulation is highlighted, inviting thought on pride and divine authority in science.

Is Christ's birth truly on December 25? Dr. David K. Bernard dives into this intriguing debate, examining historical and biblical evidence. He discusses the Christian liberty to celebrate dates and the uncertainties surrounding December 25, including pagan origins and shepherds' sightings. A compelling rationale links Zechariah's temple service to a December birth, yet Bernard emphasizes that the exact date is secondary to the importance of celebrating Christ's arrival. It's a thought-provoking exploration of faith and tradition!

Dr. David K. Bernard, General Superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International and expert on spiritual gifts, dives into the unique spiritual gift of the working of miracles. He explains why this miraculous ability is distinctive among believers. Discover how God intervenes through individuals, illustrated by a gripping story of a miraculous resurrection and extraordinary protection during critical moments. Bernard offers a deeper understanding of how these gifts function in the modern church, making it a must-listen for everyone interested in spiritual gifts.

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.

The discussion centers on whether Deuteronomy 6:4 supports a singular view of God or a Trinitarian perspective. Dr. David K. Bernard emphasizes the importance of context, arguing that the scripture addresses pagan beliefs, affirming God's singularity. He highlights that major translations interpret 'echad' as 'one' and shares examples of its use in the Bible to assert numerical oneness. Bernard also explains Jewish thought on the term and reinforces God's uniqueness through Isaiah's writings.

Can Christians really decree and declare blessings? A deep dive into the concept reveals both its allure and potential pitfalls. While faith is crucial, it's not about wielding Godlike power. Instead, the importance of aligning prayers with God’s will is emphasized, as shown through biblical examples of varying prayer outcomes. The discussion also touches on the distinction between spiritual and material blessings. Ultimately, it advocates for bold prayer while remaining submissive to God's sovereignty.

How do we differentiate between divine communication and our own imagination? Insights shared include the power of scripture as a truth baseline and the essential role of pastors in guiding believers. Listeners learn about the importance of discernment in interpreting miraculous signs, as well as the risks of constantly seeking them. Practical wisdom and testing impressions are highlighted as crucial steps in understanding God's voice. Personal anecdotes enrich the discussion, emphasizing that discernment is a journey built over time.