Wheat, Tares, and Discernment
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Release Date: 10/09/2024
Teaching and Admonishing One Another
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Colossians 3:18-4:1, diving deep into the transformative power of Christ in shaping Christian character and community. They discuss how the peace of Christ and the message of Christ should define the daily lives of believers, emphasizing the importance of embodying virtues such as compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. The hosts remind listeners that putting on Christ is not aspirational, but rather a reality that defines the Christian life, as believers grow into the character already granted to them through their...
info_outline
Hidden with Christ in God
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives into Colossians 3:1-11, exploring the profound theological truths about our union with Christ and how it transforms our identity, behavior, and perspective. Jesse emphasizes the Apostle Paul's call for Christians to seek the things above, set their minds on heavenly matters, and put to death earthly desires. With Tony absent this week, Jesse unpacks the richness of this passage solo, offering practical insights and reflections on living a Christ-centered life. Jesse begins by discussing the "two addresses" believers inhabit:...
info_outline
Dying to the World with Christ
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Colossians 2:13-23, focusing on the sufficiency of Christ and the freedom believers have in Him. The conversation begins with a discussion on the legalistic practices that Paul warns against, such as strict food regulations, festivals, and other ceremonial laws, which are described as shadows pointing to the true substance—Jesus Christ. The hosts emphasize that Christ's work on the cross has fulfilled all these requirements, liberating believers from the constraints of legalism and empty religious rituals. The episode...
info_outline
Circumcision of the Heart
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
n this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Colossians 2:11-15, a passage rich with theological truth about our spiritual transformation in Christ. The discussion begins by examining the concept of spiritual circumcision, not performed by human hands, but accomplished by Christ Himself. This circumcision represents the cutting away of our sinful nature, symbolizing the inward renewal that comes through faith in Jesus. The hosts emphasize how this spiritual reality is tied to the Old Testament covenant sign of circumcision, demonstrating its fulfillment in Christ....
info_outline
Captive to Christ, Not the World
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse dive into Colossians 2:6-10, exploring the profound truths of walking in Christ and being rooted in His sufficiency. They unpack the significance of receiving Christ as Lord, emphasizing the importance of living a life grounded in faith and gratitude. The episode highlights the contrast between the fullness of Christ and the emptiness of worldly philosophies, warning listeners to guard against being taken captive by human traditions and false teachings. The discussion emphasizes how Christ is the ultimate authority, with the fullness...
info_outline
Understanding the Mystery of Christ
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, hosts Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal dive into Colossians 2:1-5, exploring the riches of assurance in Christ and His sufficiency as the gospel message, means, and goal. The discussion emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ as the central figure of the gospel and how understanding His promises leads to true assurance of salvation. Paul’s words in this passage remind believers that Christ is the mystery of God revealed, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. This assurance is not based on human works or intellectual...
info_outline
Proclaiming Christ Crucified
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse delve into the complexities of Colossians 1:24–29, exploring Paul's profound theology of suffering and the mystery of Christ's indwelling presence. The discussion begins by examining Paul's statement about "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" and how this does not undermine the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. Instead, they argue, Paul is emphasizing the role of suffering in the Christian life as a means of identifying with Christ and demonstrating the power of the gospel. The hosts highlight how Paul models joy...
info_outline
The Scandal of Reconciliation
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse dives into Colossians 1:21-23, unpacking the profound and transformative truth of reconciliation in Christ. With Tony absent, Jesse takes the lead, exploring the scandal of reconciliation and how God, through Christ, has restored a broken relationship with His people. He delves into the radical message of the gospel, emphasizing how Christ’s sacrificial death and resurrection not only redeemed humanity but also brought reconciliation to all of creation. Jesse reflects on the nature of reconciliation, highlighting the transition from...
info_outline
All Things Through Him: Christ's Supreme Relevance
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into Colossians 1:15–20, one of the most profound passages in the New Testament that highlights the supremacy and preeminence of Christ. They explore how this passage serves as a theological anchor, emphasizing Christ's role as Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler of all things. By unpacking the rich doctrinal truths within this section of Scripture, the hosts show how Paul’s words both exalt Christ and address the sufficiency of His work for salvation and reconciliation. The conversation begins by connecting the passage to...
info_outline
From Darkness to Light
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve deep into Colossians 1:13-14, unpacking the Apostle Paul's rich theological message about being rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ. The discussion centers on the transformative power of God's grace, emphasizing the joy and beauty of redemption, forgiveness, and union with Christ. Through Christ alone, believers are qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints, receiving full access to the privileges of being children of God. Tony and Jesse explore the covenantal implications of...
info_outlineIn this episode, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal of the Reformed Brotherhood delve into the parable of the wheat and tares, offering an insightful discussion on the challenges of discerning true believers from false ones. They explore the theological implications of this parable, emphasizing the responsibility of Christians to recognize the true Church while acknowledging that individual believers do not hold the authority to make these determinations independently. This conversation underscores the importance of understanding the roles and responsibilities within the Church, particularly regarding church discipline and the power of the keys.
The hosts discuss the historical and eschatological elements of the Church's authority, drawing connections to the biblical narrative of Adam's role in the Garden of Eden. They highlight the parallels between the parable's servants and the responsibility of guarding the faith, suggesting that vigilance and discernment are crucial for the Church's health and integrity. By examining the significance of ecclesiastical authority, Jesse and Tony provide a nuanced perspective on the visible and invisible Church and the implications of these distinctions for both individual believers and church leaders.
Throughout the episode, the Reformed Brotherhood emphasizes the need for collective discernment within the Church, stressing that proper church discipline, including excommunication, has real consequences for believers. They advocate for a deeper understanding of ecclesiastical authority and the marks of the true Church to ensure that Christians are aligned with a congregation that faithfully adheres to biblical principles.
Key Points:
- The parable of the wheat and tares illustrates the challenge of discerning true believers within the Church.
- Individual Christians do not have the authority to determine who is a true believer; this is the role of the Church's leaders.
- The Church's authority is rooted in biblical principles, with the power of the keys being a significant theological concept.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does the parable of the wheat and tares inform our understanding of who belongs to the true Church?
- What are the implications of church discipline and excommunication for individual believers?
- How can Christians discern the marks of the true Church in today's diverse ecclesiastical landscape?