The Pastor’s Studio with Paul Basden

S1E21: Charismatic Christianity: Signs, Wonders, and the Power of the Holy Spirit

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, we take a deep dive into the charismatic movement—what it is, what it teaches, and how it has shaped modern Christianity. From spiritual gifts and miracles to healing and speaking in tongues, we explore the biblical foundations of charismatic belief and discuss how different churches respond to these practices.

Join us as we unpack key questions:

What does it mean to be charismatic?
Are miracles, healings, and tongues for today’s church? (1 Corinthians 12:9-10)
How does Pentecost shape our understanding of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:17-18)
What does the Bible say about faith, healing, and God's will? (Matthew 9:35, Isaiah 53:5, Romans 6:23)
What are the different church perspectives on charismatic gifts?

Whether you’ve experienced charismatic worship firsthand or you’re just curious about the movement, this conversation will provide biblical insight, historical context, and practical wisdom on how to engage with different expressions of faith in love and unity.

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S1E20: Faith & Fundamentalism: Navigating Rigid Religion with Grace and Truth

Religious fundamentalism is often associated with rigid beliefs, sharp boundaries, and a no-compromise attitude—but is that what Jesus called us to? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden explores the roots of Christian fundamentalism, why it resonates with so many believers, and where it can fall short of Jesus' example of love and grace.

Key Takeaways:

✅ The historical and theological origins of Christian fundamentalism
✅ Why fundamentalism often leads to exclusion and division
✅ Jesus' and Paul’s warnings against legalism (Matthew 23:4, 1 Timothy 6:4-5)
✅ How to disagree with fundamentalists without dehumanizing them (Colossians 3:13)
✅ A call to live out faith with conviction and compassion

This episode challenges us to reflect on how we engage with those who hold rigid views—do we meet them with love, or with judgment of our own? Whether you’ve wrestled with fundamentalist thinking or simply want to have better conversations across theological divides, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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S1E19: Evangelical: Recovering the True Meaning of the Good News

The word evangelical is everywhere—but does it still mean good news? In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, Paul Basden dives into the history, theology, and controversy surrounding the term. What once stood for a movement centered on Jesus and the Gospel has, in many circles, become synonymous with political agendas. Can we reclaim its true meaning?

The true meaning of "evangelical"—rooted in the Greek word evangel, meaning "Good News"
How the movement started and evolved over 300+ years
Why many Christians are rejecting or redefining the term today
Navigating faith beyond political and cultural labels
What it really means to live out the Gospel message (Romans 14:17, Hebrews 12:2)

 

This episode challenges the modern understanding of evangelicalism and invites listeners to focus on what truly matters—Jesus, the Gospel, and loving others well. Whether you embrace the term or struggle with its baggage, this conversation will help you think deeper about your faith and its role in today’s world.

To Connect with Paul Basden [click here]
To Stay Up To Date with the Show [click here]
Want a Chance to be Featured on the Show? Email: ashlynn@ashlynnmckay.com

S1E18: Let's Talk About Sex: Understanding God’s Design for Intimacy Pt. 2 featuring Marriage Experts Warren and Sonya Jacobs

In this episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden welcomes marriage experts Warren and Sonya Jacobs to explore sex and intimacy from a biblical perspective. Drawing from their own marriage journey, they discuss the impact of purity culture, the importance of vulnerability, and the role of sexual intimacy in a thriving marriage.

 

Key Takeaways:

How purity culture shaped Christian views on sex and intimacy
The four pillars of intimacy in marriage—spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical
Why inviting God into your sex life can transform your marriage
Breaking unhealthy patterns and fostering deeper connection
How humility and confession lead to healing and intimacy

 

This candid conversation brings biblical wisdom, personal experiences, and practical advice to help couples strengthen their marriages and navigate intimacy with grace.

 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 The Celebration of Sex – Dr. Douglas Rosenau
📖 The Meaning of Marriage – Tim Keller
📖 Resources by Dr. Juli Slattery
📖 Resources by Dr. Michael Sytsma

Join us as we challenge the cultural narratives about sex and embrace God’s design for intimacy in marriage.

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