The Lord’s Day and Its Significance
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
Release Date: 06/18/2025
Self-Righteousness: The Subtle Distance from the Father's Heart
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse continue their deep dive into the Parable of the Prodigal Son by examining the often-overlooked character of the elder brother. While the younger son's rebellion is obvious, the elder brother's self-righteous moralism represents a more subtle—and perhaps more dangerous—form of lostness. Through careful exegesis of Luke 15:25-32, the hosts explore how religious performance, resentment of grace, and merit-based thinking can keep us far from the Father's heart even while we remain close to the Father's house. This conversation...
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The Parable of the Lost Son: A Portrait of Regeneration and Repentance
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
What happens when a son demands his father's life essence, squanders it in a far country, and returns expecting servanthood? In this theologically rich episode, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb conduct a detailed exegetical study of Luke 15:11-24, revealing how the Parable of the Lost Son illustrates the core doctrines of regeneration, repentance, and double imputation. Through careful attention to the Greek text and systematic theology, the hosts demonstrate how this familiar parable captures the entire ordo salutis—the order of salvation. From the son's rebellion and spiritual death to his...
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The Parable of the Lost Son: The Father's Grace as Central Message
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
What if the most famous parable in Scripture isn't primarily about the prodigal son at all? In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb begin an in-depth exploration of Luke 15:11-32, arguing that this beloved parable is fundamentally about the Father's lavish, shocking grace rather than the son's waywardness. The hosts unpack how Jesus uses this story to reveal God's character as one who not only forgives repentant sinners but elevates them to the status of beloved children and heirs—a grace so radical it scandalizes our human sensibilities. They also examine...
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Sin's Presence vs. Sin's Power: The Christian's True Freedom
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
What does it mean to be truly free from sin as a Christian? In this compelling New Year's episode, Jesse Schwamb explores John Owen's powerful 17th-century treatise on Romans 6:12, unpacking the crucial distinction between sin's presence and sin's dominion in the believer's life. Drawing from Owen's pastoral wisdom, this episode challenges listeners to examine whether sin merely dwells within them or actively rules over them. Through practical diagnostic questions and theological clarity, Jesse demonstrates how union with Christ breaks sin's reign while acknowledging the ongoing battle...
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The Paradox of Divine Humility
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In episode 475 of The Reformed Brotherhood, host Jesse Schwamb explores the profound theological question: "Is God humble?" Through a careful examination of Philippians 2 and the narrative of Pharaoh in Exodus, Jesse unpacks how Christ's incarnation represents the ultimate act of divine humility. This episode reveals how Jesus—fully God and fully man—humbled himself through obedience to the point of death on a cross. As we approach the Christmas season, this timely reflection helps us understand that Christ's humility isn't just a theological concept but the very foundation of our...
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Grace That Makes Us Willing
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this solo episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb explores the profound theological underpinnings of Jesus' parables in Luke 15. With co-host Tony Arsenal absent due to illness, Jesse takes listeners through the "deleted scenes" – insights and reflections that often occur off-mic – about the parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin. These stories reveal God's relentless pursuit of sinners and set the stage for the upcoming discussion of the Prodigal Son parable. Jesse unpacks how these parables demonstrate not just God's willingness to receive sinners, but His active seeking...
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Rejoicing in Being Found: The Divine Delight in Redemption
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this theologically rich episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into the Parable of the Lost Coin from Luke 15:8-10. They explore how this parable reveals God's passionate pursuit of His elect and the divine joy that erupts when they are found. Building on their previous discussion of the Lost Sheep, the brothers examine how Jesus uses this second parable to further emphasize God's sovereign grace in salvation. The conversation highlights the theological implications of God's ownership of His people even before their redemption, the diligent efforts He undertakes to find...
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The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In episode 471 of The Reformed Brotherhood, hosts Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal begin a multi-part series on Jesus's parables of lost things in Luke 15. This first installment focuses on the Parable of the Lost Sheep, exploring how Jesus uses this story to reveal God's disposition toward sinners. The hosts examine the contextual significance of this teaching as Jesus's response to the Pharisees' criticism of his fellowship with tax collectors and sinners. Through careful analysis of the text, they unpack how this parable not only rebukes religious self-righteousness but also reveals the...
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Caught in the Net: Living Faithfully Until the Final Sorting
Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love
In this thought-provoking episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse dive deep into Jesus's parable of the dragnet from Matthew 13:47-50. They examine how this often-overlooked parable reveals profound truths about God's kingdom, final judgment, and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked. The hosts explore the rich Old Testament connections, particularly to Habakkuk, and demonstrate how this parable complements the parable of the wheat and tares while emphasizing the judgment aspect of God's kingdom. Through careful textual analysis and theological reflection, they...
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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...
info_outlineIn 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 day in the Old Testament to the first day, the Lord’s Day, in the New Testament. This shift highlights its fulfillment in Christ’s resurrection, which establishes a new rhythm of worship and rest for Christians. The hosts also tackle the complex issue of Sabbath observance in persecuted regions, addressing how believers might navigate the challenges of gathering for worship in secrecy or under threat.
Throughout the episode, Jesse and Tony reflect on why the Sabbath remains vital in the Christian life. They emphasize that while Christ is our ultimate rest, the weekly observance of the Lord’s Day continues to foster spiritual growth, communal worship, and reliance on God’s provision. The discussion is punctuated with practical insights, theological clarity, and a pastoral heart for the global church.
Key Points:
- The Sabbath as a Creation Ordinance: The Sabbath was established at creation as a perpetual moral obligation for all humanity, commemorating God’s work in creation and providing a rhythm of rest and worship.
- The Sabbath’s Fulfillment in Christ: As a ceremonial law, the Sabbath pointed forward to Christ’s redemptive work, which fulfills the deeper rest and reconciliation it symbolizes.
- The Transition to the Lord’s Day: Following Christ’s resurrection, the Sabbath shifted to the first day of the week, reflecting the new creation in Christ and the church’s ongoing commitment to gather and worship.
- Sabbath Observance in Persecuted Regions: The hosts thoughtfully consider how Christians in areas of persecution might navigate the challenges of gathering for worship, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, humility, and reliance on God’s providence.
- The Sabbath as a Blessing, Not a Burden: The weekly observance of the Lord’s Day is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, worship, and rest, reminding believers to trust in God’s provision and fully rest in Christ.
Questions for Reflection:
- Why is the Sabbath considered a moral obligation for all humanity, and how does it reflect God’s character?
- How does the shift from the seventh day to the first day (the Lord’s Day) enhance our understanding of Christ’s work in redemption?
- In what ways can Christians balance rest and worship on the Sabbath to experience its full blessing?
- How should Christians in persecuted regions approach Sabbath observance while navigating safety concerns?
- What practical steps can you take to make the Sabbath a meaningful day of rest and worship in your life?