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.
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Divine Comedy (version 2 Dramatic Reading), The by Dante Alighieri (1265 - 1321)
Valerio Di Stefano
The Divine Comedy (in Italian, Divina Commedia, or just La commedia or Comedia) is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri in the first decades of the 14th Century, during his exile from his native Florence. Considered the most important work of Italian literature, the poem has also has enormous historical influence on western literature and culture more generally. Dante represents the three realms of the afterlife in his three canticles (Inferno--Hell; Purgatorio--Purgatory; Paradiso--Parad ...
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Welcome to the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival Podcast. Each episode presents a live, unscripted session that took place on Festival stages in 2018 and 2019. The lineup includes legendary editor Tina Brown, Pulitzer Prize winner David Blight, biographer Jung Chang, Shakespearean scholar Stephen Greenblatt, bestselling authors Bernard Cornwell, Madeline Miller, Margo Jefferson and Jeanette Winterson plus the matchless Joyce Carol Oates, and many more. You’ll hear about topics as di ...
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In 1 Corinthians 12:7-10, the apostle Paul includes the "word of wisdom" in his list of gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Dr. David K. Bernard explains what the word of wisdom is, how it operates, and how it can benefit believers, particularly those who serve in leadership roles. For more on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts, avai…
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What do a notable Swiss Reformed theologian from the mid-twentieth century and Oneness Pentecostals have in common? More than you might think. Dr. David K. Bernard reviews what Karl Barth had to say about the nature of the Godhead and the plan of salvation, and Barth's significance for Oneness Pentecostal theology. For more on this topic, see Dr. B…
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The Bible offers descriptions of Hell that seem contradictory at first glance. For instance, Jesus described Hell both as a place of "outer darkness" (Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30) and as a "furnace of fire" (Matthew 13:42, 50). Dr. David K. Bernard considers these scriptural descriptions and what they tell us about the place we call Hell. If you enj…
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Is it biblically acceptable for Christian couples to use in vitro fertilization (IVF) if they are unable to conceive children naturally? Some Christian groups object to the practice because it can lead to the destruction of leftover human embryos. Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the United Pentecostal Church International's pro-life stance and how i…
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Should Christians Belong to Secret Societies?
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Early Pentecostals taught that believers should not be part of so-called "secret societies" such as the Freemasons where members are bound by an oath. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the biblical rationale behind this teaching and why a Christian's greatest loyalty should be to God's kingdom. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a …
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In John 14:23, Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him" (NKJV). If there is only one God, why does Jesus use the plural pronouns "we" and "our" in this verse? Dr. David K. Bernard responds with an examination of John 14. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a…
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Paul wrote that it is God's will for believers to experience sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). What is sanctification, and how does it happen? Dr. David K. Bernard explains what sanctification is and how it works in the life of a Christian. Dr. Bernard also reviews how Christians, and especially Pentecostals, have thought about sanctification a…
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In Revelation 20, John described a vision of a one thousand-year period known as the millennial kingdom during which Satan is bound and believers live and rule on earth with Jesus Christ. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of this one thousand-year period and how it fits into the overall timeline of Scripture. If you enjoy this podcast,…
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Dr. David K. Bernard explains why it is important for Apostolic Pentecostals to engage in the political arena and how ordinary believers can make a difference politically without alienating those they are trying to reach with the gospel. You can learn more about the work of the National Apostolic Christian Leadership Conference at naclc.org. If you…
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How Should Christians Respond to Unwanted Thoughts?
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How should Christians respond to unwanted thoughts that are contrary to God's Word such as hatred, profanity, or lust? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard outlines what we can do when evil thoughts enter our minds and how we can deter them in the future. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred …
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Is Oneness Pentecostalism a Modern Invention?
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Some critics argue that Oneness Pentecostalism is a modern religious concoction seasoned with a dash of ancient heresy. Dr. David K. Bernard refutes this claim by citing evidence of key Oneness Pentecostal doctrines both in the New Testament and throughout church history. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or…
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In the Old Testament, God commands His people to commit what could be described as mass genocide. For instance, in 1 Samuel 15:3, God orders King Saul to attack Amalek and spare nothing within the city, including women, children, and livestock. Dr. David K. Bernard explains how these incidents fit within the larger framework of Scripture, including…
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How Do We Know What Books Should Be Included in the Bible?
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Books such as Enoch, the Gospel of Thomas, the Epistle of Barnabas, and many others were composed at roughly the same time as the books in our Bible, but why were they not included as part of the "canon" that we know today? In this week's episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains why our modern Bible includes only 66 books, who decided what to include…
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In this week's episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses whether Christians should boycott companies with policies that contradict a biblical worldview and if they have an obligation to do so. 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 L…
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When should someone consider being rebaptized? Is it ever necessary for someone who was previously baptized in Jesus’ name to be baptized in Jesus’ name again? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this important question that has puzzled some believers. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast pla…
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Debates about the nature of the Godhead often reference the opening verses of the Gospel of John. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of this passage and what the apostle John intended to communicate to his readers, including us. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred…
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In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists nine gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. Notably, in verse 10, he includes "different kinds of tongues" and "the interpretation of tongues.” In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of these gifts and offers insight into how modern believers can engage with them. If you enjoy this podcast, leave…
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Is it a sin for Christians to swear an oath when entering certain professions or when called upon to testify in court? Dr. David K. Bernard looks at Jesus' teaching regarding oaths in Matthew 5:33-37 and how His words apply to Christians living in the modern world. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your p…
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Is every human a sinner from the moment of conception? Experience certainly shows that we do not need anyone to teach us how to sin - humans seem to gravitate toward sin naturally. Join Dr. David K. Bernard as he looks at what the Bible says about sin, the spiritual condition of humanity, and the remedy for our greatest need. If you enjoy this podc…
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In the Gospels, Jesus tells a rich young nobleman to sell all of his personal possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, promising, "you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21, NKJV). Jesus then told His disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of …
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Why Did God Allow Confusing Bible Verses?
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Why did God allow "confusing" verses to be included in the Bible? How can sincere people read the same scriptures and arrive at wildly different conclusions about their meaning? Why didn’t God give us His Word in a form that would be clear to every reader? Dr. David K. Bernard responds by reminding us of what Jesus said about the search for truth a…
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The New Testament makes several references to the "laying on of hands," particularly in connection with prayer, healing, and the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:18, Acts 8:17-19, Hebrews 6:2, etc.). What is the significance of this practice, and where did it originate? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the laying on of hands and how its proper use …
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As Christians commemorate the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they often make references to Jesus' blood. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the significance of Jesus' blood and what Christians mean when they cite its power to provide atonement for our sins. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or y…
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What Role Should Tradition Play in the Church?
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What role should tradition play in interpreting Scripture and in guiding Christian beliefs and practices? Some argue that church history and tradition are on equal footing with the Bible, while others advocate for eliminating "manmade" traditions altogether. Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this debate with a look at what Scripture says about traditi…
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Is Accepting Christ All It Takes to Be Saved?
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Many churches conclude their Sunday worship services with an invitation to "accept Christ as your personal Savior." Is this a biblical concept? What does "accepting Christ" truly entail? Dr. David K. Bernard addresses this important question by examining what the Scriptures have to say about accepting Christ and the components of genuine faith. If …
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Have you ever wondered why Christians historically have taught against saying so-called "cusswords"? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the Scriptures to explain why following Jesus Christ may require cleaning up your conversations. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. We also app…
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Does the vision John described in Revelation 5 demonstrate a distinction of persons between God the Father and Jesus Christ? Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the Book of Revelation to uncover the answer. 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 Ap…
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What do theological terms such as "church age" and "dispensation of grace" mean, and where did they originate? How do they fit within the framework of Bible prophecy and Oneness Pentecostal theology? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard explains dispensational theology and its implications. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a…
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In 2 Corinthians 6:14, Paul wrote, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Does this mean Christian singles should not date someone who doesn't share their faith? What if the "significant other" is a Christian but not an Apostolic Pentecostal? Dr. David K. Bernard discusses how Paul's statement applies to Christian singles who are co…
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Many Christian denominations have been publicly debating the question of whether same-sex unions should be sanctioned by the church. Dr. David K. Bernard explains the United Pentecostal Church International's stance on this issue and why the organization holds this view. For more information on the UPCI's teachings about human sexuality, see the or…
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How Is Jesus the Mediator between God and Men?
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In 1 Timothy 2:5, the apostle Paul wrote, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” Taken alone, this verse seems to indicate a distinction between God and Jesus Christ. Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Paul's statement fits with the whole of Scripture and its importance to understanding both salvation and…
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The apostle Paul told the Corinthians to “desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy” (1 Corinthians 14:1, NKJV). What is the gift of prophecy, and why is it important? Dr. David K. Bernard explains how this spiritual gift operates and the value it brings to the church. For more information on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's book Sp…
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In this Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode, Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the history of Pentecostalism in the United States to answer the question, "Was the United Pentecostal Church International founded on racism?" In this episode, Dr. Bernard references his books A History of Christian Doctrine - Volume 3 and Anchor Points. Both titles are a…
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What Should Personal Devotions Look Like?
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Many Christians begin a new year by committing to develop and strengthen their walk with Christ. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses the spiritual practices and disciplines that can help believers deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or …
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In this special New Year's Day episode, Dr. David K. Bernard reviews the highlights of the past year while looking ahead to what 2024 may bring. 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 friend…
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Should Christians Celebrate Jewish Feasts?
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Should Christians replace holiday celebrations like Christmas and Easter with the Jewish festivals outlined in the Old Testament? Jesus and His earliest disciples observed the feasts of Israel, so why don't modern Christians do the same? Dr. David K. Bernard answers this timely question in this special holiday episode. If you enjoy this podcast, le…
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In this special episode, Dr. David K. Bernard discusses his reading habits and how he routinely finishes more than 100 books per year. He shares his secret for reading books quickly and retaining information. This conversation is for anyone who is serious about developing their mind and enhancing their ministry. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a f…
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Ministry is a never-ending responsibility. Consequently, many leaders struggle to maintain balance and prioritize family relationships, personal and spiritual health, and rest. Dr. David K. Bernard shares practical advice gained from his own experiences in ministry and leadership on how to avoid burnout in the face of hectic schedules and constant …
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What Does "Born of Water" Mean in John 3:5?
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John 3:5 quotes Jesus as saying, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” What does the phrase "born of water" mean, and how does it apply to us? Dr. David K. Bernard examines the biblical text to provide an answer. For further study on this topic, see Dr. Bernard's…
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Some have cited 1 John 5:7 (“For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one") as evidence that the Scriptures teach a plurality of persons in the Godhead. To make matters more confusing, many modern translations include the reference to “three witnesses” (NLT) or “three that testify…
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Team ministry may seem like a great leadership concept, but how do you build a team when resources, including potential volunteers, are limited? Dr. David K. Bernard draws on his experiences as a church planter and pastor as he outlines steps any leader can take to start developing a ministry team today. For more church leadership insights related …
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On October 7, 2023, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on the nation of Israel, killing approximately 1,400 Israelis and kidnapping 241 hostages (https://bit.ly/473w8sN). Israel retaliated with an invasion of Gaza intended to rescue the hostages and destroy Hamas. The conflict continues to rage more than a month …
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Dr. David K. Bernard shares insights gained from his time as a church planter and pastor on navigating change and preparing for future growth. For more information on this subject, see Dr. Bernard's books Growing a Church and Spiritual Leadership in the Twenty-First Century. Both titles are available at PentecostalPublishing.com. Use the promotiona…
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How do we determine the boundaries between areas of Christian liberty, as described by the apostle Paul in Romans 14, and non-negotiable biblical principles and commands? What is Christian liberty, and how far does it extend in the church and the life of the individual believer? Dr. David K. Bernard reviews what the Bible says about the topic of Ch…
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Is Adam to blame for the fact that most of us must work to earn a living? Is work part of God's curse on humanity for sin? Dr. David K. Bernard looks at Genesis 3:17-19 to discover how we should view our daily tasks in light of Scripture. If you enjoy this podcast, leave a five-star rating and a review on iTunes or your preferred podcast platform. …
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“Servant leadership” is a popular buzzword in Western culture. At first glance, this may seem like a contradiction. A servant performs duties on behalf of others, often for those in positions of power. The individuals who occupy those positions of power are usually considered leaders. If this is the case, how can someone be a "servant leader"? Dr.…
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What Is the UPCI Doing to Prevent Sexual Abuse?
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The US Centers for Disease Control estimates that more than half of all women and almost one in three men will be the victim of some form of sexual violence during their lifetime. Those are sobering statistics. Unfortunately, these types of crimes are sometimes perpetrated by church members and leaders. In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard shares …
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Why Don't Apostolic Pentecostals Wear Jewelry?
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Paul told Timothy that Christian women should "adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array" (1 Timothy 2:9, KJV). What does this mean for believers living in the modern world, and how do we define "costly array"? Dr. David K. Bernard explains the meaning of Paul's …
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What Does the Bible Say about Church Government?
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The United Pentecostal Church International Manual, the handbook by which UPCI churches and ministers operate, notes that the organization practices a "congregational form of church government." What does this mean? More importantly, what does the Bible say about church government? Dr. David K. Bernard looks to the New Testament for clues on how ch…
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What Is Happening at General Conference 2023?
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UPCI General Conference 2023 will be held this week at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard previews what will be happening at this year's conference, and he shares reports of what God is doing around the world through the United Pentecostal Church International. If you enjoy this podcast, leave…
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