Episodes

  • Suffering As a Means of Faith?

    Suffering As a Means of Faith?
    Feb 13 2026

    In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith examine Christian views of suffering and critiques the common idea that God sends hardship to create or strengthen faith. Drawing on Luther's reading of the Psalms and 2 Corinthians 3, they argue that faith comes first and suffering follows because faith is attacked, not produced, by affliction. They trace how mystical and modern evangelical traditions interpret suffering as a path to humility, conversion, and even divine compassion, including the notion that God must suffer to understand humanity. The discussion concludes by previewing Luther's break from these ideas and a clearer theology of the cross to be explored next time.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

    • A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco

    • Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann

    • The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation

    • Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
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    35 mins
  • Plainly Speaking and Preaching

    Plainly Speaking and Preaching
    Feb 5 2026

    On this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue to look at 2 Corinthians 3, where Paul contrasts the ministries of Moses and the Holy Spirit as law and gospel. They explore how the "glory" associated with Moses belongs to the law that kills and comes to an end, while the Spirit's glory gives life through resurrection and endures forever. They discuss common theological confusions that treat law and gospel as cooperative or parallel paths to salvation and argue instead that the gospel alone creates righteousness by promise. The episode concludes by showing how this passage shaped Luther's theology and sets up a new way of reading Moses through the lens of Christ and the gospel.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

    • A Reasoned Defense of the Faith by Adam Francisco

    • Stretched: A Study for Lent and the Entire Christian Life by Dr. Christopher Richmann

    • The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation

    • Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes, Translated by Dr. Derek Cooper

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Moses Accuses and Kills

    Moses Accuses and Kills
    Jan 28 2026
    In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Stephen Paulson finally arrive at 2 Corinthians Chapter 3, discussing the distinction between law and gospel, the authority of Paul, and the implications of Moses' ministry. They explore how the law, represented by Moses, is a ministry of death, while the gospel, delivered through Christ, offers life and assurance.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

    • The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation

    • Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • Attack on Grace

    Attack on Grace
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Stephen Paulson continue to talk about the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock. They discuss the nature of God's glory, the significance of worship, and the relationship between grace and the law. The conversation emphasizes that true worship is rooted in hearing God's word and receiving His promises. The episode concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding the distinction between law and gospel in Christian worship.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

    • The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation

    • Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • God's Presence, Favor and Glory

    God's Presence, Favor and Glory
    Jan 15 2026
    In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Stephen Paulson continue their discussion on Moses and Mysticsm. They explore the significance of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments and the deeper implications of his encounter with God, especially the moment when Moses asks to see God's glory. The conversation transitions into how this narrative has influenced both Christian and philosophical thought, particularly in relation to the law and its interpretation. Paulson emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the law and the gospel, suggesting that many interpretations mistakenly equate God's glory with the law itself, rather than recognizing it as a manifestation of grace and favor.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Being Family by Dr. Scott Keith

    • The Essential Nestingen: Essays on Preaching, Catechism, and the Reformation

    • Philip Melanchthon's Commentary on Ecclesiastes

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • Sublimation Message

    Sublimation Message
    Jan 7 2026

    In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith discuss the theological implications of divine favor, exploring Martin Luther's perspectives on the law, the role of suffering, and the significance of the incarnation. They discuss the transition from ascendant mysticism to a more democratized understanding of spirituality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's downward movement towards humanity.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    • Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

    • Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Following God's Backside

    Following God's Backside
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith look into the themes of mysticism, the nature of God's law, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. They explore the story of Moses in the cleft of the rock, discussing how this narrative illustrates the complexities of knowing God and the implications of the law. The conversation also touches on the teachings of Gregory of Nyssa and Pseudo-Dionysius, highlighting their differing views on the law's role in the believer's life. Ultimately, the episode examines how Luther critiques these perspectives and introduces the concept of 'subcontrario' as a means of understanding God's favor through the law.

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    • Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

    • Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • The Infinite Law

    The Infinite Law
    Dec 18 2025

    In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Dr. Stephen Paulson and Caleb Keith continue their conversation on the relationship between mysticism and the law. They explore the significance of the Ten Commandments, the theological implications of Moses' encounter with God in the cleft of the rock, and the perspectives of early church fathers like Gregory of Nyssa, Pseudo-Dionysius, and Maximus the Confessor.

    00:00 Introduction to Mysticism and the Law 01:45 The Story of Moses and the Ten Commandments 06:15 Moses in the Cleft of the Rock 08:34 Theological Perspectives on Moses' Experience 11:03 Gregory of Nyssa's Insights on the Law 14:03 The Relationship Between Free Will and the Law 18:20 The Trinity and Its Connection to the Law 22:03 God's Relationship to the Law 25:42 Understanding God's Favor and Glory 34:42 The Infinite Nature of the Law

    Show Notes:

    • Support 1517 Podcast Network

    • 1517 Podcasts

    • 1517 on Youtube

    • 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts

    • 1517 Events Schedule

    • 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education

    What's New from 1517:

    • Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional

    • Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi

    • Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird

    • Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales

    • Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug

    More from the hosts:

    • Caleb Keith

    • Steven Paulson
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins