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With the Pope once again in the global spotlight, questions about his authority—and the authority of the church he leads—are drawing renewed attention. Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim an unbroken line of leadership stretching back to the apostles. According to this view, today’s bishops—and ultimately the Pope—stand in direct succession to the apostle Peter. But how strong is this claim? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines whether there is credible historical evidence for an unbroken chain of authority—and whether such a lineage, even if proven, would establish theological authority. Dr. Bernard discusses: The origins and development of apostolic succession claimsThe biblical role of Peter in the early churchThe difference between historical continuity and doctrinal authorityWhy apostolic teaching—not just succession—is essential to the identity of the churchThis timely episode brings clarity to a complex and often misunderstood topic, helping listeners evaluate competing claims through the lens of Scripture. If you’ve ever wondered how to assess claims of church authority—or what truly defines the New Testament church—this episode offers thoughtful, balanced, and biblical insight. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Are there any “Heaven or Hell” rules Christians must follow in order to be saved? If so, what are they and how should we understand them? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this frequently-asked question which often arises in discussions about holiness, not only among Oneness Pentecostals, but across conservative Christian communities. Dr. Bernard provides biblical insight into: The difference between living by faith and falling into legalismThe vital connection between faith and obedienceHow to approach holiness without reducing it to a checklistWhat this question reveals about how we view our relationship with GodIf you’ve ever wrestled with what God truly requires of believers, this episode offers clarity, balance, and a deeper understanding of Scripture. Apostolic Life in the 21st Century is a podcast dedicated to answering questions about the Bible, Christian living, and current issues from a biblical perspective. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Can We Really Do Greater Works than Jesus? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In John 14:12, Jesus made a remarkable promise: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” But what did He mean? Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and demonstrated power over nature itself. How could believers possibly do “greater” works than these? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard provides clear, biblical insight into this passage. Rather than pointing to greater individual miracles, he explains how Jesus’ words reveal the expanded scope of His work through the church—empowered by the Holy Spirit and fulfilled through the global spread of the gospel after Pentecost. Discover how this promise applies to believers today and what it reveals about the ongoing mission of the church. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Did Jesus Go Preach in Hell? What happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? Christians around the world pause each year to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We commemorate His crucifixion on Good Friday and celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday—but what does the Bible say about the time in between? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines key passages such as Acts 2:27 and 1 Peter 3:19, which are often interpreted to mean that Jesus descended into Hell and preached to imprisoned spirits. Did Christ actually go to Hell? Was He preaching to the lost? Or are these verses commonly misunderstood? With careful attention to Scripture, Dr. Bernard offers a clear and biblically grounded explanation of what Jesus was doing between His death and resurrection. This episode helps listeners separate tradition from biblical teaching while deepening their understanding of Christ’s finished work. As Easter approaches, this timely discussion will strengthen your confidence in the gospel message and provide clarity on one of the most frequently asked questions about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

How to Pray with Spiritual Seekers Apostolics are rightly passionate about praying with those who are seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but some approaches can become overly emotional or place unintended pressure on seekers. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard offers practical guidance for praying with others in a way that avoids manipulation, honors the work of the Spirit, and upholds sound doctrine. This episode provides valuable insights for pastors, altar workers, and anyone who desires to see people genuinely receive the Holy Ghost according to the pattern of Scripture. For more on this subject, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Is It OK for Christians to Sue? An Apostolic believer recently asked an important question: If a Christian is injured in an accident, is it wrong to seek compensation through legal action? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a real-life situation involving an auto accident that resulted in injuries and property damage. The listener wondered whether forgiving the person responsible means they must also give up pursuing compensation for medical expenses, damages, or pain and suffering. Dr. Bernard examines biblical principles related to forgiveness, personal responsibility, civil law, and Christian conduct. He explains how believers can maintain a Christlike spirit while navigating situations that involve loss, injury, and legal accountability. This episode offers practical guidance for Christians seeking to apply Scripture faithfully in complex real-world circumstances. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

What is the biblical relationship between the Father and the Son? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Oneness Pentecostals understand this vital question. Drawing from his book The Oneness of God, he unpacks the statement, “Although we do not believe that the Father is the Son, we do believe that the Father is in the Son.” Looking at key passages in the Gospels, Dr. Bernard shows how Scripture reveals the Father working in and through Christ, upholding both the full deity and genuine humanity of Jesus. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Can We Derive Doctrine from Bible Stories? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard Nearly 60 percent of the Bible is written in narrative form. Instead of presenting theology in systematic outlines, Scripture often teaches through stories, especially in books such as Acts. But can doctrine be established from these narratives? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a foundational question of biblical interpretation: How do we distinguish between what is merely descriptive in Scripture and what is prescriptive for the church today? Referencing his book Understanding God’s Word, Dr. Bernard challenges the common Western assumption that the propositional teaching of the Epistles carries more theological authority than the examples recorded in Acts. He explains why narrative passages are not secondary theology and why the practices of the early church matter for doctrine. With biblical clarity, Dr. Bernard explores how to properly interpret Scripture and why the example of the early church remains essential for believers today. This episode is a thoughtful and practical guide for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of hermeneutics, apostolic doctrine, and the authority of Scripture. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Episode 252: Should Women Wear Head Coverings When They Pray? In 1 Corinthians 11:5–6, the apostle Paul wrote that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered “dishonors her head.” Did Paul mean that women should wear a literal, physical head covering when they pray? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard carefully examines 1 Corinthians 11 and makes the case that a woman’s uncut hair is given to her as her covering. At the same time, Dr. Bernard acknowledges that in some cultures, Oneness Pentecostals practice wearing a literal head covering during prayer. While he does not believe this was Paul’s original intent, he expresses respect for those who observe this practice as a matter of conviction and cultural application. This episode offers thoughtful biblical interpretation, clarity on Apostolic practice, and balanced guidance for believers seeking to apply Scripture faithfully in today’s world. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book In Search of Holiness. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Family relationships are being reexamined across today’s culture, as more adult children choose to cut off contact with their parents in the name of “boundaries.” What began as a broader social trend is now affecting Christian and Apostolic families as well. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a challenging and deeply personal question: Does Scripture support an adult Christian cutting ties with Christian parents? With biblical clarity and pastoral sensitivity, Dr. Bernard explores the command to honor father and mother (Exodus 20:12), the role of healthy boundaries, and personal responsibility in strained relationships. Rather than adopting cultural narratives uncritically, this conversation invites believers to evaluate family conflict through the lens of Scripture. This episode was inspired by a recent article from The Federalist highlighting the growing trend of family estrangement. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Has the Church Replaced Israel in God’s Plan? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In light of ongoing global attention on the nation of Israel, many Christians are revisiting an important theological question: Has the church replaced Israel in God’s plan, or does God still have a future purpose for the Jewish people? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard offers a thoughtful, biblically grounded answer rooted in passages such as Romans 9–11 and Galatians 4. He explains that the church is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, with Israel playing a vital role in bringing forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God’s promises are fulfilled not by ethnicity, but by faith, as both Jews and Gentiles are invited into the church through the work of the Holy Spirit. At the same time, Dr. Bernard clarifies that this truth does not mean God is finished with the nation of Israel. Scripture indicates that God still has a purpose and plan for their salvation. This episode brings biblical clarity and balance to a complex and often emotional topic. If you’re seeking a scriptural perspective on Israel, the church, and God’s plan of salvation, this conversation is essential listening. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Does the Didache teach Trinitarian baptism? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the Didache, an early Christian document frequently cited in debates over baptism and early church practice. The Didache includes instructions to baptize “into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” as well as guidance related to fasting before baptism. But how authoritative is this document, and how should it be understood today? Dr. Bernard explores the historical background and reliability of the Didache and contrasts it with the clear teaching of Scripture and the practice of the early church. This episode provides thoughtful, biblically grounded insight into biblical baptism, church history, and Apostolic doctrine. Whether you’re a pastor, theology student, or believer seeking deeper understanding, this discussion will help clarify an important and often misunderstood topic. Subscribe to Apostolic Life in the 21st Century for more in-depth conversations on theology, Scripture, and living an Apostolic life today. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

Is abortion ever justified? Although the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling has been overturned, abortion remains widespread, and debate continues—particularly over whether there are circumstances in which abortion might be considered justifiable. Drawing from Scripture and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard addresses common objections often raised in public discussion, including cases involving rape, incest, and situations where the life of the mother is at risk. He explains the biblical principles Christians should consider when thinking about and discussing abortion, emphasizing both moral clarity and compassion. This episode is part of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, a podcast in which Dr. Bernard answers questions about the Bible, Christian living, and current events from a biblical perspective. 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.

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. Bernard 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 Apple Podcasts 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 Apple Podcasts or your preferred podcast platform. We also appreciate it when you share Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with family and friends.