• Bonus Episode: Beneath the Lyrics: The Theology behind ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’
    Dec 19 2024

    In this special bonus episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden takes us on a journey through one of the most beloved Christmas carols, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Written by the prolific hymnwriter Charles Wesley, this timeless carol is not just a beautiful song—it’s rich with deep theology and biblical truths.

    Join Paul as he unpacks the carol verse by verse, exploring its profound message about the birth of Christ:

    • The biblical references behind the carol’s powerful lyrics
    • Wesley’s vision of Jesus as Immanuel, God with us, and the Prince of Peace
    • How the song captures the wonder of the incarnation and the hope of salvation
    • A reflective reading of the carol to inspire your Christmas season

    Perfect for those who love the beauty and depth of traditional carols, this episode will deepen your appreciation for the story of Christ’s birth and the eternal truth of God’s love. Let the words of this hymn fill you with peace, joy, and the true spirit of Christmas.

    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

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    10 mins
  • The Power of Belief: How to Share Your Faith with Love and Respect
    Dec 12 2024

    #11 In this insightful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden unpacks the concept of belief—what it is, how it shapes our lives, and why it often becomes a source of contention. Drawing from personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical guidance, Paul explores how Christians can hold their beliefs with conviction while respecting the freedom of others.

    Join us as Paul dives into key questions surrounding belief and its role in our relationships and faith:

    • What is belief, and how does it make sense of our lives?
    • Why beliefs can divide—and how to avoid turning convictions into coercion
    • The biblical call to express faith through love (Galatians 5:6)
    • Practical ways to share your beliefs respectfully and keep meaningful conversations alive

    Perfect for those seeking to navigate conversations about faith and values with grace, this episode offers a roadmap for fostering understanding and connection in a divided world. Discover how to model Christ’s approach to sharing beliefs—through love, humility, and respect.

    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

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    6 mins
  • Keeping Christ in Christmas: How to Navigate Holiday Conversations in a Secular Culture
    Dec 5 2024

    #10 In this festive episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden delves into three hot-button topics surrounding Christmas in today’s world. From nativity scenes and “Happy Holidays” greetings to the controversy over “Xmas,” Paul offers thoughtful perspectives on how Christians can celebrate Jesus’ birth with grace and confidence in a pluralistic society.

    Join us as Paul unpacks these timely questions and provides guidance for meaningful, Christ-centered holiday interactions:

    • Why “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays” can both reflect Christ’s love
    • The history and meaning behind abbreviating Christmas as “Xmas”
    • How to approach holiday traditions in a way that honors Jesus and respects others
    • Living out an incarnational life of love in an increasingly secular world

    Perfect for those who want to navigate holiday conversations with joy and thoughtfulness, this episode reminds us that Jesus remains the heart of the season—no matter the words or traditions we use to celebrate Him.

    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

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    7 mins
  • Home for the Holidays: Navigating Family Conflict and Finding Peace During the Holiday Season
    Nov 21 2024

    #9 In this heartfelt episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden explores the challenges of family dynamics during the holidays, especially when relational gaps are widened by political and cultural divides. With Thanksgiving and Christmas approaching, Paul shares the story of a family torn by tension and offers practical, biblical wisdom for navigating these difficult conversations with grace.

    Join us as Paul provides insights into how believers can bring peace to their families and reflect Christ’s love during the holiday season.

    • Understanding how the “war of words” is damaging relationships
    • Biblical guidance on “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15)
    • Practical steps to engage in meaningful, respectful conversations
    • Replacing conflict with connection through humility and kindness
    • How God’s grace empowers reconciliation and healing in families

    Perfect for those hoping to bring unity to their homes this holiday season, this episode offers hope and tools for fostering Shalom even in the face of disagreements. Discover how to create an atmosphere of peace and grace, guided by Jesus’ example of love and reconciliation.

    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

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    10 mins
  • Facing the Devil: A Biblical Perspective on the Devil & Demons
    Nov 15 2024

    #8 In this powerful episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden tackles a challenging topic that many believers ponder: what is the true nature of the Devil, and how should Christians view him?

    Far from a caricature with horns and a pitchfork, the Devil represents a real and complex adversary. Paul explores two contrasting views on Satan: one that instills fear and another that reveals the Devil’s limitations in light of Jesus’ victory. This episode encourages listeners to live confidently, armed with biblical truths about evil and the power of Christ.

    • Unpacking the Devil’s role as portrayed in Scripture and Christian tradition
    • Understanding Jesus' triumph over Satan and why Christians need not live in fear
    • Insights from C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther on spiritual warfare
    • Practical guidance on facing demonic influence and resisting evil in today’s world

    Perfect for those seeking a deeper, balanced understanding of Satan and demons, this episode invites you to live boldly in faith, recognizing God’s sovereignty over all things—including the powers of darkness.

    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

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    10 mins
  • Liberal or Conservative? Understanding Jesus Beyond Political Labels
    Oct 31 2024

    #7 In this timely episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, host Paul Basden addresses a question many believers wrestle with: where would Jesus fit on today’s political spectrum? Raised in a world that often labels Christ as either liberal or conservative, Christians find themselves divided and challenged by these simplistic views.

    Join us as Paul dives deep into the teachings of Jesus, exploring a perspective that transcends modern political divisions and illuminates His true message.

    • Key moments in Jesus' ministry that challenge political labels
    • Biblical insights on authority, justice, and compassion
    • Discovering a balanced approach that prioritizes faith over partisanship
    • How to reflect Christ's love in a polarized society

    Perfect for those seeking to go beyond the culture wars and live out an authentic faith in today’s world. Learn how to foster unity and understanding, guided by Jesus' words and actions, even in the face of division.

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    + 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

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    10 mins
  • Celebrity Pastors: When Shepherds Lose Their Way
    Oct 17 2024

    #6 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he tackles the controversial topic of celebrity pastors.

    Explore the dangers of idolizing religious leaders and discover the biblical model for pastoral ministry.

    • Understanding the true role of pastors as shepherds
    • Biblical examples of good and bad shepherds
    • The dangers of fame and fortune in ministry
    • Balancing pastoral compensation with servant leadership
    • Recognizing the signs of a pastor losing their way

    Perfect for believers seeking to understand the proper role of church leadership and how to support their pastors in a healthy way. Learn how to discern between godly shepherds and those who have fallen into the celebrity trap. Gain insights on how to pray for and encourage your spiritual leaders while maintaining a Christ-centered perspective on church authority.

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    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

    Produced by AM Socials

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    12 mins
  • Creation vs. Evolution: Finding Faith in the Age of Science (Part 2)
    Oct 10 2024

    #5 In this thought-provoking episode of Uncomfortable Conversations for Christians, join host Paul Basden as he continues the discussion on Creation and Evolution. Building on last week's foundation, Paul explores how Christians can thoughtfully engage with evolutionary theory while maintaining strong biblical faith.

    • Understanding God-guided vs. atheistic evolution
    • How God works both directly and indirectly in creation
    • The Christocentric view of creation
    • Historical Christian perspectives on evolution
    • Engaging in grace-filled discussions about origins

    Perfect for believers seeking to reconcile scientific understanding with biblical faith, or anyone wrestling with questions about evolution and Christianity. Learn how to approach this complex topic with wisdom and grace while keeping Christ at the center of your worldview.

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    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

    Produced by AM Socials

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    9 mins