Outlaw God

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Free Faith Not Free Will (HWSS 25) Mar 19, 2026

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In this episode, Dr. Steven Paulson speaks at the most recent Here We Still Stand Conference on Martin Luther's teaching in The Bondage of the Will. He explains that the human will is not free but bound in sin, continually resisting God rather than cooperating in salvation. Instead, salvation comes entirely from God's almighty action through His Word that creates faith from outside of us.

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Divine Election through Preaching Mar 12, 2026

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In this episode of Outlaw God, Dr. Steven Paulson and Caleb Keith continue discussing the story of Joseph and how it has been used to explain divine election, suffering, and the human will. They critique the common theological idea that God uses suffering to align human will with His will or to produce righteousness. Instead, they show how Luther's reading of the story points to God accomplishing election through preaching and absolution, not through suffering or human cooperation.

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When Suffering Replaces Preaching Mar 04, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson examine the story of Joseph in the pit and how it has been used in Christian theology to interpret divine election, sovereignty, and suffering. They trace how medieval mystics and nominalist theologians treated Joseph's suffering as God's chosen means of purifying and justifying the elect—effectively replacing preaching with suffering as the instrument of righteousness. The episode concludes by previewing Luther's break from this view, arguing that Joseph's story ultimately points not to redemptive suffering, but to the proclamation of the gospel.

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Perfecting Pain Feb 26, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven Paulson look into the themes of suffering and atonement as discussed in 1 Corinthians. They explore the historical context of suffering in early Christianity, the significance of the word of the cross, and the implications of mysticism and absorption theory. The conversation also touches on the influence of Martin Luther King Jr. and the impact of his theology on modern Christianity. The episode concludes with reflections on the role of preaching in understanding suffering for the Christian life.

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Mysticism Through Suffering Feb 19, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven Paulson continue their look into suffering, the theology of the cross, and the historical context of mysticism in relation to faith. They explore how suffering is perceived in Christian theology, particularly through the lens of Luther's insights, and discuss the implications of viewing God's suffering as redemptive. The conversation also touches on the challenges of cultural Christianity and the importance of external word in faith, culminating in a critique of Oseander's mystical interpretations.

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Suffering As a Means of Faith? Feb 13, 2026

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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.

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Plainly Speaking and Preaching Feb 05, 2026

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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.

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Moses Accuses and Kills Jan 28, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Steven 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.

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Attack on Grace Jan 22, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven 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.

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God's Presence, Favor and Glory Jan 15, 2026

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In this episode of the Outlaw God podcast, Caleb Keith and Dr. Steven 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.

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