The Assurance of Grace in the Lord's Supper
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Release Date: 12/04/2024
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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The Gospel That Transforms
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In Episode 430 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse begin their exploration of Paul’s letter to the Colossians, focusing on Colossians 1:1–12. This section introduces the key themes of the epistle, including faith, hope, love, and the transformative power of the Gospel. The hosts emphasize that the Gospel is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, both globally and within the lives of believers, demonstrating the sufficiency of Christ in all things. They also discuss the importance of spiritual wisdom and understanding, which enable believers to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord....
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Hearing God's Voice in Your Decisions
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Episode 429 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse explore the topic of hearing God's voice and discerning His guidance in everyday decisions. The discussion begins with an affirmation of God's active presence in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit and transitions into a theological exploration of how the Spirit leads Christians today. The hosts tackle common questions such as how to determine God's will in decisions like career choices, relationships, and daily activities, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, prayer, and reliance on God's Word. The episode delves into the...
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Loving Imperfect Churches
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal tackle an issue that resonates deeply with many Christians: how to love and remain content in imperfect churches. The discussion begins by addressing the challenges of navigating differences in worship practices, theological preferences, and church traditions while maintaining love and unity within the body of Christ. The hosts emphasize that no church is perfect and that contentment often requires humility, submission, and a deep understanding of God's sovereign placement of His people in specific congregations. Tony...
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Why the Church is Central to Christian Life
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Explore the final article of John Knox's Scott's Confession as we discuss the gifts freely given to the church, the true marks of a biblical church, and the role of the church in Christian perseverance. Dive into the importance of confession, absolution, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Learn how Knox's theology applies to modern church life and why the church is central to every believer's faith journey. In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse conclude their series on John Knox's Scott's Confession by exploring the final article, "The Gifts Freely Given to the...
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Sovereignty, Authority, and Prayer
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into Article 24 of John Knox's Scots Confession, focusing on the role and responsibilities of civil magistrates. The hosts explore Knox's perspective on the divine ordination of government structures and leaders, as well as the Christian's response to those in authority. They wrestle with Knox's strong assertions about honoring and loving civil leaders, even when their personal values or policies may seem at odds with biblical principles. The conversation transitions into a broader discussion about how modern Christians approach...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the theological depths of the sacraments, focusing particularly on the Lord's Supper as articulated in the Scots Confession. They explore the intricate relationship between faith and the sacraments, emphasizing John Knox's perspective on the spiritual and mystical union believers experience through the Lord's Supper. The hosts discuss how this union is not merely symbolic but a profound means of grace that assures believers of their faith and salvation.
The conversation also touches on the nature of assurance in faith, as discussed in the Westminster Confession, highlighting the tension between the assurance given by the Holy Spirit and the believer's subjective experience of it. They stress that the sacraments, while ordinary in appearance, are extraordinary in their spiritual significance when apprehended by faith, serving as a means for believers to partake in the grace of God.
Furthermore, Schwamb and Arsenal address the broader implications of sacramental theology within the church, including the importance of church discipline and the proper administration of the sacraments. They encourage listeners to reflect on their own experiences with the Lord's Supper, urging them to approach the sacrament with reverence and faith, trusting in the Holy Spirit's work to bring forth fruit in their spiritual lives.
Key Points:
- The Lord's Supper is a means of grace that provides believers with assurance of their faith and salvation through a mystical union with Christ.
- The sacraments require faith to be effective, serving as more than mere symbols but as channels of divine grace.
- John Knox's theology emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between the signs and the realities they signify in the sacraments.
- Assurance of faith is a complex topic, with the Holy Spirit continually testifying to believers of their status as God's children, regardless of their subjective feelings.
- Proper administration and understanding of the sacraments are crucial for maintaining church discipline and spiritual nourishment.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does your understanding of the sacraments impact your experience of the Lord's Supper?
- In what ways can you cultivate a deeper appreciation for the spiritual realities signified in the sacraments?
- How does the concept of assurance in faith influence your daily walk with Christ?