

Apostolic Life in the 21st Century
David K. Bernard
A podcast dedicated to helping modern-day believers live out the teachings of the first century church. This podcast is part of the teaching ministry of Dr. David K. Bernard, the general superintendent of the United Pentecostal Church International.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 15, 2024 • 20min
Was the UPCI Founded on Racism?
Join Dr. David K. Bernard, an author and historian of Pentecostalism, as he delves into the complex origins of the United Pentecostal Church International. He tackles whether the church was founded on racist principles and provides a nuanced examination of its historical context. Dr. Bernard highlights the movement's commitment to racial inclusion, the challenges faced amidst societal pressures, and the ongoing journey toward unity and representation in a diverse congregation. It's a thought-provoking discussion reflecting on faith and fellowship.

Jan 8, 2024 • 10min
What Should Personal Devotions Look Like?
Dr. David K. Bernard, a specialist in spiritual practices, shares insightful tips on deepening faith in daily life. He emphasizes the importance of personal commitment to prayer and Bible study, guiding listeners to integrate these devotions into their routines. The discussion highlights the balance between consistent prayer and adaptability, advocating for meaningful connections with God over rigid rituals. Dr. Bernard also explores essential disciplines like fasting and community involvement as pillars of a healthy spiritual journey.

Jan 1, 2024 • 14min
What’s Ahead for the UPCI in 2024?
Dr. David K. Bernard, a prominent leader in the United Pentecostal Church International, discusses the highlights of 2023 and anticipates exciting developments for 2024. He shares insights into the church's significant growth in church planting and youth engagement, especially at the North American Youth Congress. The conversation covers plans for global outreach, the expansion of Ersin College into a university, and establishing a new district in Quebec. Bernard’s optimistic vision emphasizes financial stability and innovative initiatives for community engagement.

Dec 25, 2023 • 10min
Should Christians Celebrate Jewish Feasts?
In this insightful discussion, Dr. David K. Bernard, a leading voice on the intersection of Christianity and Jewish traditions, dives into whether Christians should adopt Jewish feasts like Passover over traditional holidays. He unpacks the historical context, revealing how early Christians celebrated these festivals. Dr. Bernard emphasizes the importance of understanding Christian liberty while exploring the spiritual significance of these feasts as foreshadowings of Christ. It's a thought-provoking look at customs, faith, and personal conviction.

Dec 18, 2023 • 12min
How Do You Read a Book So Quickly?
Dr. David K. Bernard, a prolific reader known for finishing over 100 books annually, shares his tips on reading faster and retaining information. He discusses the transformative value of reading compared to passive media, emphasizing how it fosters imagination and critical thinking. The conversation explores his disciplined reading habits across various genres, including biblical texts. Finally, David shares exciting reading plans for 2024, encouraging listeners to embrace books for growth and ministry.

Dec 11, 2023 • 11min
How Do You Avoid Ministry Burnout?
Dr. David K. Bernard, an experienced leader in ministry, shares his hard-earned wisdom on navigating the pressures that can lead to burnout. He highlights the importance of recognizing personal limits and setting healthy boundaries. The conversation dives into practical strategies for maintaining balance in ministry and family life. Dr. Bernard emphasizes self-care practices, such as engaging in hobbies, fostering relationships, and prioritizing rest, to sustain emotional and spiritual health amidst the constant demands of leadership.

Dec 4, 2023 • 13min
What Does "Born of Water" Mean in John 3:5?
Dr. David K. Bernard, a biblical scholar, discusses the meaning of 'born of water' in John 3:5, exploring its connection to baptism and the new birth experience. The podcast delves into the significance of this phrase in Christian theology and its application for believers today.

Nov 27, 2023 • 15min
Does 1 John 5:7 Describe the Trinity?
Dr. David K. Bernard, a renowned expert on biblical theology, delves into the complexities of 1 John 5:7 and its implications for the Trinity. He explores various Bible translations and highlights the significance of textual criticism in understanding God’s oneness. Bernard discusses historical controversies, including Erasmus’s role and the manuscript evidence, challenging traditional views and presenting a relational perspective of God. His insights promise to enlighten anyone intrigued by this debated scripture.

Nov 20, 2023 • 11min
How Do You Build a Ministry Team?
Dr. David K. Bernard, an experienced church planter and pastor, shares invaluable insights on building effective ministry teams, particularly in resource-limited environments. He discusses the transition from solo leadership to collaborative approaches and emphasizes the power of delegation and mentorship. Bernard offers practical strategies for fostering leadership skills through shadowing and training, helping to empower future leaders. His personal anecdotes from church planting journeys make the conversation both relatable and inspiring.

Nov 13, 2023 • 18min
Israel, Hamas, and Bible Prophecy
Dr. David K. Bernard, an expert on biblical prophecy and modern geopolitics, delves into the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, analyzing its profound implications. He discusses the historical roots of the violence and how it ties into biblical predictions about Israel's role in the end times. Dr. Bernard highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while advocating for peace and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians. He also touches on the rising anti-Israel sentiment and its connection to scripture, urging listeners to maintain hope.