The Fellowship of Faith
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Release Date: 05/21/2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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...
info_outlineIn 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 him, Paul appeals to him out of love, trusting in his faith and Christian maturity to guide his response to Onesimus, a former slave. Jesse and Tony also reflect on the deeper implications of Christian fellowship, or "koinonia," as a bond that transcends social and cultural divisions, uniting believers in Christ.
The episode challenges listeners to consider how they live out the gospel in their own relationships and communities. By highlighting the practical application of Paul’s teachings, Jesse and Tony encourage believers to reflect on their own love, unity, and willingness to forgive and reconcile.
Key Points:
- The Fellowship of Faith: Paul emphasizes the shared bond of faith, or "koinonia," between himself, Philemon, and Onesimus, which serves as the foundation for his appeal.
- Paul’s Rhetorical Approach: Rather than commanding Philemon, Paul appeals to him for love’s sake, trusting his Christian character and maturity to guide his response.
- Living Out the Gospel: The letter challenges believers to reflect on how they demonstrate forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity within their own relationships and communities.
Questions for Reflection:
- How does the concept of "koinonia" challenge your understanding of Christian fellowship and community?
- In what ways can you practice forgiveness and reconciliation in your relationships, as Paul encourages Philemon to do?
- What does it mean to live out the gospel in practical ways within your own sphere of influence?