Proclaiming Christ Crucified
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Release Date: 03/05/2025
Demons and the Sovereignty of God
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into the topic of demons and spiritual warfare, exploring what the Bible teaches about these spiritual entities and their activity in the world. The conversation begins with an examination of Job 1, where Satan appears in the heavenly court to accuse Job, demonstrating how God’s sovereignty encompasses even the actions of the devil and his demons. The discussion emphasizes that while demons are real and dangerous, they operate under the ultimate authority of God, who uses even their actions to fulfill His purposes. The hosts...
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Understanding Spiritual Battles in Daily Life
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal tackle the often-overlooked topic of spiritual warfare, focusing on the biblical truths about angels and demons. The discussion begins by affirming the reality of Satan and his demons as active agents in the world, working to oppose God and deceive humanity. Drawing from both Scripture and personal experiences, the hosts emphasize the importance of being aware of the spiritual battles that Christians face daily and how these confrontations are a central part of our spiritual journey. The conversation highlights the need...
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The Lord’s Day and Its Significance
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this engaging episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal dive into the rich theological and practical significance of the Sabbath in Reformed theology. They begin by discussing the dual aspects of the Sabbath as a creation ordinance and a ceremonial practice, explaining how it is both a moral obligation for all humanity and a type that pointed forward to Christ's redemptive work. The hosts emphasize that the Sabbath is a blessing, not a burden, designed for rest, worship, and spiritual renewal. The conversation explores how the Sabbath transitions from the seventh...
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Capturing Knowledge That Glorifies God
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal takes listeners on a deep dive into the art and purpose of effective note-taking, particularly within the context of Christian living and theological study. With Jesse absent for this episode, Tony explores practical techniques to help Christians retain, process, and apply what they read, whether it be from Scripture, theological works, or even secular writings. Highlighting his own personal process, Tony emphasizes the importance of reading with intention and grounding all study in the ultimate goal of glorifying God and enjoying Him...
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Christian Unity in Action
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Paul’s letter to Philemon, unpacking its rich theological and practical implications. At the heart of the discussion is Paul’s appeal for Onesimus, a runaway slave who has become a Christian. Paul’s letter serves as a vivid demonstration of how the gospel transforms relationships, highlighting the themes of forgiveness, restitution, and reconciliation. The hosts reflect on the radical nature of grace, which not only calls for the restoration of broken relationships but also compels believers to go above and beyond in...
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From Slave to Brother
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal delve into the letter of Philemon, focusing on the transformative power of the gospel in relationships. They examine Paul’s heartfelt appeal to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who has become a believer and is now returning as a brother in Christ. The discussion reflects on the profound theological implications of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian unity, as well as the way the gospel subverts societal roles while upholding spiritual kinship. Jesse and Tony explore the delicate yet powerful language...
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The Fellowship of Faith
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode, Jesse and Tony dive into the letter of Philemon, exploring its rich themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian unity. As a follow-up to their study of Colossians, this episode highlights how the gospel transforms relationships and challenges believers to live out their faith in practical ways. Paul’s appeal to Philemon serves as a powerful example of applying theology to real-life situations, emphasizing the importance of love and mutual partnership in faith. The discussion unpacks Paul’s unique rhetorical approach in addressing Philemon. Instead of commanding...
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Lessons from Paul’s Closing Words
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into the final verses of Colossians 4, reflecting on Paul’s closing words and the rich theological and practical insights they offer. The discussion begins by addressing the significance of these often-overlooked sections of scripture, emphasizing their God-breathed purpose and the enduring lessons they provide for the church today. Paul's ministry partners, including Tychicus, Onesimus, and Luke, take center stage as Jesse and Tony explore how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes in His kingdom. The...
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Prayer as the Christian’s Lifeline
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony dive into Colossians 4:2–6, unpacking its rich themes of persistent prayer, evangelism, and the importance of gracious communication. They explore Paul's exhortation to the Colossian church, focusing on how prayer, wisdom, and speech are integral to a Christian's life and witness. The conversation emphasizes that prayer is not merely an action but a defining characteristic of the Christian life, reflecting the believer's intimacy with God and reliance on His grace. The hosts examine Paul's request for prayers that his proclamation...
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Understanding Christian Household Ethics
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb dives deep into the rich and challenging teachings of Colossians 3:18–4:1 on Christian household ethics. With Tony absent, Jesse takes the reins to explore the revolutionary and countercultural aspects of Paul's instructions to wives, husbands, children, and slaves. He emphasizes how these teachings, though often misunderstood or misapplied, are deeply rooted in the lordship of Christ and the call for submission, love, and service within the family structure. Jesse begins by highlighting the groundbreaking nature of Paul's...
info_outlineIn 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 in suffering, presenting it as a privilege and a testimony to the transformative work of Christ in the believer's life. They reflect on how suffering serves as a tool to grow in spiritual maturity, deepen union with Christ, and proclaim the gospel authentically. By connecting Paul's message to broader biblical themes, they emphasize the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of trials, drawing encouragement from Paul's example.
Additionally, the conversation touches on practical applications for today, encouraging listeners to embrace their calling, even when it involves hardship, and to live in a way that reflects the hope of glory—the presence and power of Christ within us. This episode offers rich theological insights and challenges listeners to view suffering through the lens of God's redemptive purposes.
Key Points:
- Understanding Colossians 1:24: The episode unpacks Paul's difficult statement about "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions," explaining that it does not suggest any deficiency in Christ's atonement but highlights the role of suffering in the believer's life.
- Joy in Suffering: Tony and Jesse discuss how Paul finds joy in his hardships, seeing them as part of his calling to proclaim the gospel and as a way to demonstrate Christ's work in his life.
- Union with Christ: The hosts explore how suffering deepens the believer's experiential union with Christ, making His presence and power evident to the world.
- The Role of Ministers: Paul’s example serves as a model for pastors and teachers, emphasizing the call to serve and suffer for the sake of the church and the gospel.
- Practical Applications for Today: The discussion concludes with encouragement for listeners to persevere in trials, embrace their God-given calling, and view suffering as an opportunity to glorify God.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does Paul's theology of suffering challenge your understanding of hardship in the Christian life?
- In what ways can you find joy in the trials you face, knowing Christ is present with you?
- How can Paul's example of perseverance inspire you to remain faithful in your calling, even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice?
- What does it mean for you personally that "Christ is in you, the hope of glory"?
- How can suffering serve as a testimony to the power and sufficiency of the gospel in your life?