Outside Ourselves
Outside Ourselves with Kelsi Klembara features conversations about God’s gift of faith. What does it mean for saving faith to stand outside of our abilities and works? Join Kelsi as she explores questions about the Christian faith with theologians and theology lovers. New episodes every other week. Outside Ourselves is a part of the 1517 Podcast Network.
Latest episodes
Jul 1, 2025 • 40min
Law and Gospel in Jane Eyre
In this episode of Outside Ourselves: Summer Break, author, 1517 contributor, and internet theology whiz kid, Amy Mantravadi discuss theological themes in Charlotte Bronte's novel, Jane Eyre. Amy makes the argument that Jane's character development traces a law-gospel dynamic with Jane moving from a place of shame and condemnation to ultimately, resurrection.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Amy:Broken Bonds: A Novel of the ReformationFollow Amy on XAmy's Substack
Jun 17, 2025 • 36min
Severance and a Theology of Suffering
Kelsi talks with pastor, author, and 1517 contributor, Bradley Gray, about themes of suffering in Apple TV's series, Severance. The two explore how the show reveals humanity's inability to escape suffering before turning to the Christian answer for pain, grief, and ultimately death.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Bradley:Read "The Wounds We Run From" at 1517Brad's Book, Finding God in the DarknessBrad's Substack
Jun 3, 2025 • 43min
Wicked and the Gift of Limitations with Ken Sundet Jones
In this first episode of Outside Ourselves Summer Break series, Kelsi chats with Reformation Theology professor (and Broadway Musical Buff), Ken Sundet Jones, about the connections between Wicked and a theology of glory/theology of the cross. The two focus in on Elphaba's desire to live without limitation and where this desire leads - ironically not to freedom and goodness, but to wickedness and bondage.Show Notes:1517 Podcast Fundraiser1517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Ken:The Iowa's Preacher ProjectWicked and the Limits of Freedom
May 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Sin and the Christian Life with Luke Kjolhaug
Kelsi is joined by author and pastor, Luke Kjolhaug, to talk about his new book, Sinner Saint: A Surprising Primer to the Christian Life. Luke lays out a biblical defense of simul iustus et peccator, or the idea that in this life, the Christian remains wholly sinful while also being wholly justified. The two talk about the importance of imputation when it comes to understanding the simul, what sanctification really is, and both the offense and good news of the sinner-saint doctrine. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Luke: Buy Sinner Saint: A Suprising Primer to the Christian LifeLuke’s talk on the Christian as Sinner Saint
9 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Dangers of Gospel Drift with Jared C. Wilson
Jared C. Wilson, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and author at For the Church, dives into the essential themes of his book, *Lest We Drift*. He outlines five dangers of drifting from gospel-centrality, emphasizing the importance of grace and Christ's righteousness in spiritual assurance. Wilson also addresses the fragmentation within evangelicalism, influenced by political divisions and social media, and urges believers to maintain their focus on gospel-centered preaching amidst cultural shifts.
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h
The Urgency of Grace with David Zahl
David Zahl joins Kelsi to talk about his new book, The Big Relief: The Urgency of Grace for a Worn-Out World.David Zahl is the director of Mockingbird Ministries and editor-in-chief of the Mockingbird website. David and his wife Cate reside in Charlottesville, VA with their three boys, where David also serves on the staff of Christ Episcopal Church. He is the author of Seculosity: How Career, Parenting, Technlogy, Food, Politics, and Romance Became Our New Religion and What To Do About It and Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious View of Yourself. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Dave: Preorder The Big ReliefMockingbird MinistriesListen to the Mockingcast
Apr 8, 2025 • 59min
Assurance of Salvation with Mark Mattes
Mark Mattes, a Professor of Theology and Philosophy at Grand View University, dives into the complex world of assurance of salvation. He critiques decision theology, suggesting it often leaves believers wondering if they're truly saved. Instead, he highlights that salvation is primarily God's work, emphasizing the biblical metaphor of new birth. Mattes argues for a faith rooted in Christ's promises rather than personal performance, advocating for the significance of sacraments in providing assurance. He also discusses the illusion of free will and the true nature of divine grace.
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Forty Facets of the Ascension with Sarah Hinlicky Wilson
Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is back to talk about her latest book, Forty Facets of the Ascension. She breaks down the two Biblical accounts of the Ascension in Luke and Acts and talks about what the ascension tells us (and what it doesn't tell us) about Jesus as well as what it means for Christians. Find her kickstarter for the book linked below! Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is a prolific author of theology, fiction, and poetry. She is the founder of Thornbush Press and hosts the podcast Queen of the Sciences: Conversations between a Theologian and Her Dad. Born and raised in the U.S., Sarah has lived in Slovakia, France, and Japan.Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from Sarah:Forty Facets of the Ascension KickstarterSarah's WebsiteSarah's Podcast
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 12min
Legalism and the Book of Galatians with R.L. Solberg
In today’s episode, Kelsi chats with theologian and author R.L. Solberg about his apologetic ministry, which focuses on providing a defense of historical and scriptural Christianity in response to Torahism or the Hebrew Roots movement. Robert lays out some of the issues with Torahism before talking about his newest book, The Law, the Christ, and the Promise: A Verse-by-Verse Apologetics Bible Study through Galatians. One primary goal of the book is to show how Paul’s response to the Judaizers in his day still relates to the way we combat legalism in ours. The Law, the Christ, and the Promise is now available for preorder. R. L. Solberg is an author, apologist, and professor of theology based in Nashville, TN. He runs an apologetics/teaching ministry called Defending the Biblical Roots of Christianity and is known for communicating on complex topics with clarity and grace. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify YoutubeMore from R.L. Solberg:Preorder The Law, the Christ, the PromiseThe Biblical Roots YoutubeThe Biblical Roots WebsiteRobert's BlogFollow Robert on Instagram
Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 34min
A Very Friendly Debate: The Third Use of the Law
In a new segment of Outside Ourselves, Kelsi hosts theologians Robert Kolb and Steven Paulson for a debate on the third use of the law. Dr. Kolb argues the third use of the law is an essential way in which the law functions within the life of the Christian to guide them to serve and love their neighbor, or as he likes to say, to "give shape to their good works." In contrast, Dr. Paulson argues that, Biblically speaking ,there are only two uses of the law: the first use, which curbs evil, and the second which reveals our unrighteousness and drives sinners to Christ. His interpretation relies heavily on the Reformation doctrine that we are simultaneously sinful and righteous. Because of this, Paulson contends that the law always addresses the old man, functioning to accuse and kill, while the new man in Christ remains free from the law. For Paulson, the gospel alone—not the law—defines both good works and the Christian life. Show Notes:Support 15171517 PodcastsThe 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts1517 on YoutubeMore from Kelsi: Kelsi Klembara Follow Kelsi on Instagram Follow Kelsi on Twitter Kelsi's Newsletter Subscribe to the Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Youtube
