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Prayer as the Christian’s Lifeline

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

Release Date: 05/07/2025

Counting the Cost, Gaining Everything: The Joy of Kingdom Surrender show art Counting the Cost, Gaining Everything: The Joy of Kingdom Surrender

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this thought-provoking episode, Tony and Jesse delve into Jesus's twin parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. They explore the profound economic metaphor Jesus uses to illustrate the incomparable value of the Kingdom of Heaven. Through careful examination of both parables, they discuss what it means to "count the cost" of following Christ while simultaneously recognizing that no earthly sacrifice can compare to the infinite worth of gaining Christ. The conversation moves between practical application—considering how believers assess value in...

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When Weakness Becomes Strength: Finding Hope in the Quiet Work of God's Kingdom show art When Weakness Becomes Strength: Finding Hope in the Quiet Work of God's Kingdom

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this illuminating episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony explore Jesus' parables of the mustard seed and leaven found in Matthew 13. These seemingly simple parables reveal profound truths about God's kingdom—how it begins imperceptibly, grows irresistibly, and transforms completely. The hosts delve into what these parables teach us about God's sovereign work in both our individual spiritual lives and the broader advance of His kingdom in the world. Believers can find hope in understanding that God intentionally works through what appears weak and insignificant to accomplish...

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Small Yet Mighty: The Quiet Power of Christ's Kingdom in Matthew 13 show art Small Yet Mighty: The Quiet Power of Christ's Kingdom in Matthew 13

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal explores Jesus' parable of the leaven from Matthew 13:33, revealing profound insights about the nature of God's kingdom on earth. This short but powerful parable illustrates how the kingdom of heaven operates not through outward glory or conquest, but as a hidden, transformative influence throughout the world. Tony examines how this parable connects thematically with other parables in Matthew 13, showing that believers are called to be like leaven - seemingly small and hidden, yet profoundly impacting the entire "loaf" of society. This...

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The Theology of the Ordinary: How Jesus Reveals God's Kingdom Through Mustard Seeds show art The Theology of the Ordinary: How Jesus Reveals God's Kingdom Through Mustard Seeds

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb explores Jesus' parable of the mustard seed from Matthew 13. The seemingly insignificant mustard seed grows into a mighty tree, providing a profound metaphor for God's kingdom—beginning in humble, ordinary ways yet expanding to glorious fulfillment. Jesse unpacks how this parable challenges our expectations of power and glory, revealing that God intentionally works through what appears small and insignificant to manifest His mighty power. This episode offers a meditation on God's kingdom, which operates contrary to human...

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Cultivating True Assurance: What Jesus Teaches Us Through the Parable of the Tares show art Cultivating True Assurance: What Jesus Teaches Us Through the Parable of the Tares

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this profound episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb delve deeply into the Parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30), exploring its implications for Christian assurance. Building on their previous discussion, they examine how this parable speaks to the mixed nature of the visible church, the sovereignty of Christ over His kingdom, and most significantly, the doctrine of assurance. Through careful theological reflection, the hosts unpack how true believers can find solid ground for assurance not in their own works or fruit-checking, but in the promises of Christ...

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The Wheat Among Weeds: Christ's Call to Faithful Endurance show art The Wheat Among Weeds: Christ's Call to Faithful Endurance

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In episode 465 of The Reformed Brotherhood, hosts Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb explore Jesus's parable of the wheat and tares (weeds) from Matthew 13. This thought-provoking discussion examines Christ's startling teaching that good and evil will always coexist within the visible church until the end of time. The brothers carefully unpack the theological implications of Jesus's command not to separate wheat from weeds prematurely, challenging our natural tendency to judge others while offering wisdom about God's sovereign plan for final judgment. This episode wrestles with difficult questions...

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Choking Thorns or Bearing Fruit: The Battle for Your Devotion show art Choking Thorns or Bearing Fruit: The Battle for Your Devotion

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb conclude their three-part exploration of the Parable of the Sower, focusing on the final two soils. They examine the sobering reality of the thorny soil—where cares of the world and deceitfulness of riches choke out genuine faith—before unpacking the nature of the good soil that bears fruit. The discussion weaves together important theological concepts including divine regeneration, the dangers of idolatry, and what true fruitfulness in the Christian life looks like. Rather than causing believers to anxiously...

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Fertile Ground: Cultivating a Heart That Truly Hears God's Word show art Fertile Ground: Cultivating a Heart That Truly Hears God's Word

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb explores the profound depths of Jesus' Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13. While this parable might seem unassuming compared to others, Jesse reveals how it serves as the "granddaddy" of all parables—offering a God's-eye view of salvation through the ordinary imagery of farming. The episode examines why different people respond differently to the same gospel message, and challenges listeners to consider what kind of soil their own hearts represent. Through historical context and theological reflection, Jesse unpacks how this...

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The Parable of the Sower: Understanding Why the Gospel Takes Root in Some Hearts But Not Others show art The Parable of the Sower: Understanding Why the Gospel Takes Root in Some Hearts But Not Others

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this insightful episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, hosts Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb begin their series on Jesus's parables by examining the Parable of the Sower (or Soils). This foundational teaching from Christ reveals why some hearts receive the gospel message while others reject it. The hosts unpack the four soil types Jesus describes, exploring what each represents spiritually and how these patterns continue to manifest today. They emphasize that while the parable reveals different responses to the gospel, it also provides comfort for believers engaged in evangelism, reminding us...

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Categories Matter: How Divine Council Theology Undermines Christian Orthodoxy show art Categories Matter: How Divine Council Theology Undermines Christian Orthodoxy

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal tackles the concerning theological trend of "Divine Council Theology" and its recent resurgence within Reformed circles. He offers a critical analysis of Michael Heiser's influential work and its problematic popularization by Reformed figures like Doug Van Dorn and John Moffitt. Tony demonstrates how redefining the biblical term "Elohim" to include both God and created spiritual beings in the same ontological category fundamentally undermines the creator-creature distinction essential to Christian orthodoxy. Through careful...

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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 of the gospel might be clear and effective, noting that clarity is essential in ensuring the message of Christ is understood fully by its hearers. They also discuss the relationship between wise conduct, gracious speech, and the ability to answer others with the truth of the gospel. The importance of integrating faith into everyday interactions is highlighted, particularly when engaging with non-believers in ways that reflect Christ's love and wisdom.

The episode also delves into how Christians can faithfully live out their faith in a world of challenges, particularly on platforms like social media, where speech often lacks grace and wisdom. Jesse and Tony remind listeners of the high calling to let their words always be seasoned with salt, ensuring that every interaction serves as an opportunity to glorify God and share the gospel.

Key Points:

  1. Persistent Prayer as a Lifeline: Christians are called to devote themselves to prayer, not just as an occasional act but as a continuous lifestyle that reflects intimacy with God.
  2. Clarity in Gospel Proclamation: Paul’s request for prayer highlights the importance of presenting the gospel clearly and cogently, ensuring its full understanding by hearers.
  3. Gracious Speech and Wise Conduct: Walking in wisdom and letting speech be gracious and seasoned with salt are essential for effective evangelism and maintaining a Christian witness.
  4. Faith in Everyday Interactions: Integrating faith into daily life involves speaking and acting in ways that reflect Christ’s love and wisdom, especially in challenging environments like social media.

Questions for Reflection:

  1. How does your prayer life reflect your relationship with God, and in what ways can it become more consistent and intentional?
  2. In what areas of your life can you work to make your speech more gracious and seasoned with salt?
  3. How can you integrate faith into your daily interactions with non-believers in a way that reflects Christ’s love and wisdom?
  4. Are there specific people or ministries you can commit to praying for, as Paul asks the Colossians to pray for him?