David K. Bernard

Does God know every detail of the future—including every decision we will make? In this week's episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, I explain what Scripture reveals about God’s foreknowledge and human freedom. 📷 bit.ly/AL21Ep289 📷 youtu.be/HvNUBxqv3vE

I uploaded pictures from trip to Tanzania, includes bird & animal photos. david.jdbernard.com/world/af…

Last Fri-Sat: sectional rally & leadership seminar, Joliet, IL, Presbyter Brent Brosam. Sun: Hillsboro, MO, Pastor Tim Theissen. Mon-Fri: in office, St Louis. Tues PM: 3-hour Soteriology class, UGST. Wed-Thurs: Urshan University Board meetings, home smoke alarm & car repairs.

I read A. Mechell Dickerson, “The Middle-Class New Deal: Restoring Upward Mobility and the American Dream”; many good points such as jobs training, vocational education, affordable housing; too much faith in government programs; emphasizes disparities

Does the Bible require someone to stay in an abusive marriage? What if Scripture is used to justify abusive behavior? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, I address these questions in light of Scripture. 📷 bit.ly/AL21Ep288 📷 youtu.be/EQAMmSaUbPU

I read Maritza, Garcia, “Counseling and the Church: An Apostolic Approach to Wholeness and Mental Health”; excellent new PPH resource; complementary relationship of pastoral guidance and professional, faith-based counseling; advice for pastors, counselors, church-related clinics

I read Jim Lanshe, “When We Make Machines Our Gods: Restoring Moral Order in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”; helpful new book; AI is a useful tool but needs human discernment, judgment, control; must not make it source of authority or allow it to make moral decisions

2 weeks ago: Tues-Mon: Trip to Mwanza, Tanzania, National Conference, spoke 5 times; day visit, Saanane Island National Park. Last week Tues-Fri; in office, St Louis; board meetings of United Insurance Solutions, UPC Foundation, UPC Properties, UPC, Loan Fund; religious lawyers

Sat: Austin Metro Section Fellowship. Sun: Georgetown, TX, Pastor Jonathan Bernard, new building, good attendance, great spirit. Mon: Loan Fund meeting, NAM Church Planters Zoom call. Celebrated 18th birthday of Elijah Bernard, our oldest grandchild.

I’ve finally posted all my travel photos, including 7 folders of Korea. Korea 7 documents the founding and growth of the UPC of Korea from 1965 to 2025 (with some church photos in Korea 1). david.jdbernard.com/world/as…

I read A. Wess Mitchell, “Great Power Diplomacy: The Skill of Statecraft from Attila the Hun to Kissinger”; fascinating historical account of the development, need, and value of skillful diplomacy

I read 2 helpful new PPH books: (1) Derald Weber, LA District superintendent, “Called, Equipped, Sent: A Pastor’s Blueprint for Developing Preachers”; excellent resource. (2) Daniel Segraves, UGST professor emeritus, “Signs and Wonders: Learning to Use the Gifts of the Spirit.”

Mon-Fri: in office, St Louis. Mon PM-Wed AM: Senior Leadership Retreat; exciting plans for finances, digital evangelism, etc.; anointed ministry of Bryan Parkey, strong move of spirit, prophecy. Thurs-Fri: 2 presentations at UGST Symposium. Fri PM: LifeSprings entrepreneurs.

Did the doctrine of the Trinity emerge from the study of Scripture or is it a product of Greek philosophical influences on the postapostolic church? Listen/Watch now as we explore church history for the answer. 📷 bit.ly/Al21Ep285 📷 youtu.be/EYPM4Ct5ihE

Last week: vacation, South Padre Island, TX; swimming, birding, reading, eating seafood, organizing & uploading Korean photos to my amateur photography website; had to do a little work. New bird photos: Hooded Warbler (female); Hummingbirds.

I read Sara Copple, “The Life Story of Reverend Timothy Bar David Urshan and Beloved Wife, Anna Corbin Urshan”; missionaries to Middle East 1922-1948; inspiring new biography of brother of Andrew & Ben, whose story has been overlooked because he ministered overseas.

I read (1) Scot McKnight, “Jesus, People, Pharisees: Exploring the Conflict in Galilee”; Pharisees opposed Jesus’ preaching of a new kingdom. (2) Sarah Ruden, Perpetua: “The Woman, the Martyr”; martyred AD 203, based on her journal, rare document by woman in antiquity.

I read (1) Souvankham, “How to Pronounce Knife,” fictional short stories of Laotian refugees who emigrate to America, sometimes comical but mostly sad & dark; (2) detective novel by Sue Grafton.

Sep 23-25: at home preparing for General Conference. Sep 26-Oct 2: in Salt Lake City, UT, General Conference. Sat: rest, prep. Sun-Fri: participated in 30 meetings, events, services in 6 days, preached Thurs PM, taught Fri AM. Strong unity, smooth business, outstanding services.

Does church history offer any evidence of converts being baptized in Jesus' name? On this week's Apostolic Life in the 21st Century podcast episode, we examine early Christian writings to find the answer. Listen/Watch now. 📷 bit.ly/AL21Ep284 📷 youtu.be/pkg3jEkbNm8