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.