Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

What should a pastor do when a child sincerely wants to be baptized in Jesus’ name, but a parent refuses to give consent?

In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard offers biblical and pastoral guidance for one of the most sensitive situations a church may face. Apostolic Pentecostals believe baptism is part of the biblical plan of salvation described in Acts 2:38, but pastors must also consider the God-given authority of parents, the age and maturity of the child, and the long-term spiritual impact of their response.

Dr. Bernard explains why pastors should respect parental rights, follow the Golden Rule, and trust the grace and mercy of God while ministering to children and families with wisdom, patience, and compassion.

If you are a pastor, parent, youth worker, or believer seeking biblical clarity on baptism, parental authority, and pastoral responsibility, this conversation provides practical insight from an Apostolic Pentecostal 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.

Is war ever morally justified? Can Christians support military action while still following the teachings of Jesus?
In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the historic doctrine of “just war” and explores what the Bible teaches about warfare, national defense, and the use of force.
Prompted by current global conflicts and the reflection that often accompanies Memorial Day, this conversation addresses questions Christians have wrestled with for centuries. Drawing from Scripture, church history, and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard explains just war theory, the principles traditionally used to evaluate whether a war is morally justified, and how believers should think biblically about patriotism, military service, and international conflict.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
The fundamentals of just war doctrine
Whether the Bible allows for war in certain circumstances
The role of government in maintaining justice and order
How Christians should approach modern military conflicts
The tension between personal forgiveness and national defense
Whether you are exploring Christian ethics, seeking a biblical perspective on current events, or simply wanting to better understand this important subject, this episode offers thoughtful and balanced insight from an Apostolic perspective.
Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard features biblical teaching and answers to questions about theology, Christian living, and contemporary issues.
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.

In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses an important question about divine healing and the gifts of the Spirit.
In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul lists the “gifts of healing” (verse 9) among the spiritual gifts and makes it clear that not every believer operates in this gift (verse 30). Yet in Mark 16:18, Jesus said believers would lay hands on the sick and they would recover.
Is healing a special ministry given only to certain individuals, or is it a sign that can follow any Spirit-filled believer? Dr. Bernard responds to this important question, offering clarity and balance on a topic that is central to Pentecostal theology and practice.

For further study, see Dr. Bernard's book Spiritual Gifts, available at PentecostalPublishing.com. 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 does it really mean to be “called” to a ministry?
In Pentecostal circles, pastors often testify that God specifically led them to a church, city, or ministry assignment. Congregations likewise take comfort in believing their pastor was divinely directed, not merely hired like someone applying for a job.
But that raises an important question.
After seeing a church advertise a pastoral opening on Facebook, a viewer asked: If ministry is truly a calling from God, is it appropriate to post pastor vacancies publicly like any other job opportunity? Does that diminish the sacred nature of pastoral ministry, or can churches faithfully combine spiritual discernment with practical processes?
In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the biblical concept of calling, the relationship between divine guidance and church decision-making, and how ministers and congregations can navigate pastoral transitions in a Spirit-led way.
Whether you are a pastor, church leader, ministry student, or faithful church member, this conversation offers thoughtful insight into one of the most important aspects of church life and leadership.
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.

Should Apostolics pursue higher education, or does academic study put faith at risk?
In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses an important question facing many in the Apostolic movement. Should higher education be approached with caution, or is it essential to the future of the church? What is the proper perspective?
Drawing from his own academic journey and decades of ministry leadership, Dr. Bernard makes a compelling case for the value of education within the Apostolic Pentecostal movement. He explains why the church needs educated, Spirit-filled leaders and how believers can pursue higher education without compromising biblical convictions.
He also speaks directly to those wrestling with this decision, offering practical guidance for students, reassurance for parents, and vision for leaders who care about the long-term strength of the church.
Whether you’re considering college, mentoring the next generation, or thinking about the future of Apostolic ministry, this episode offers clarity, balance, and insight.
Apostolic Life in the 21st Century is a podcast dedicated to answering questions about the Bible, Christian living, and current events through a biblical lens.
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.