Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

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 claims
The biblical role of Peter in the early church
The difference between historical continuity and doctrinal authority
Why apostolic teaching—not just succession—is essential to the identity of the church
This 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 legalism
The vital connection between faith and obedience
How to approach holiness without reducing it to a checklist
What this question reveals about how we view our relationship with God
If 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.