loader from loading.io

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

Release Date: 08/15/2025

Self-Righteousness: The Subtle Distance from the Father's Heart show art 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...

info_outline
The Parable of the Lost Son: A Portrait of Regeneration and Repentance show art 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...

info_outline
The Parable of the Lost Son: The Father's Grace as Central Message show art 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...

info_outline
Sin's Presence vs. Sin's Power: The Christian's True Freedom show art 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...

info_outline
The Paradox of Divine Humility show art 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...

info_outline
Grace That Makes Us Willing show art 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...

info_outline
Rejoicing in Being Found: The Divine Delight in Redemption show art 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...

info_outline
The Lost Sheep and the Seeking Shepherd show art 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...

info_outline
Caught in the Net: Living Faithfully Until the Final Sorting show art 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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Tony Arsenal and Jesse Schwamb delve into the profound significance of sharing personal testimonies as a way to reflect on God’s providence and glorify His work in our lives. Through their own faith journeys—Tony’s teenage conversion and Jesse’s early life in a faithful Christian household—they explore the transformative power of the gospel and the beauty of childlike faith. Along the way, they discuss how testimonies encourage others, strengthen the church, and remind us of God’s unchanging faithfulness across every stage of life. Whether you’re reflecting on your own story of grace or seeking ways to minister to others, this episode offers practical insights and encouragement to live out the gospel in word and deed.


Key Takeaways

  • Testimonies Reveal God’s Faithfulness: Sharing personal stories of how God has worked in our lives reminds us and others of His providence and sovereignty.
  • The Gospel and Testimonies Are Distinct: While testimonies are powerful, they are not the gospel itself but a witness to how the gospel has transformed individual lives.
  • The Role of Childlike Faith: Faith does not require deep knowledge or sophistication; even a child can grasp the gospel’s profound truth and respond in faith.
  • The Importance of Remembering: Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness strengthens our trust in His future promises, especially during challenging seasons.
  • Ministering to the Next Generation: Teaching children the gospel and nurturing their faith lays a foundation for lifelong discipleship and spiritual growth.
  • Testimonies Create Shared Connections: Sharing faith stories fosters community and builds relational “ruts” that guide others toward faith in Christ.
  • Encouragement to Share Regularly: Believers should be proactive in sharing their testimonies with others as an act of worship and witness.

Testimonies Reveal God’s Faithfulness

Tony and Jesse emphasize that testimonies serve as a powerful reminder of God’s providential hand in the lives of His people. Looking back on our spiritual journeys allows us to see the intricate ways God has orchestrated events for His glory and our good. As Tony reflects, even the smallest moments of conviction, growth, or change are evidence of God’s unchanging faithfulness. Sharing these stories not only strengthens our faith but also encourages others by showing them that God remains active and present in the lives of His people.

The Role of Childlike Faith

Jesse highlights the beauty of childlike faith, noting that faith does not require theological sophistication but a simple trust in Jesus. He recounts the profound blessing of growing up in a Christian home where faith was modeled daily. This early exposure to the gospel, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit, laid a foundation for lifelong spiritual growth. Jesse’s story reminds us that God’s grace works powerfully in the lives of children, and nurturing their faith is a vital responsibility of parents, teachers, and the church.

Ministering to the Next Generation

The hosts passionately discuss the importance of ministering to children, emphasizing the eternal impact of teaching them the gospel. Jesse points to the compounding blessings of early faith, while Tony reflects on how small seeds of spiritual truth planted in childhood can grow into lifelong faithfulness. They call on parents, teachers, and church members to pray for and invest in the next generation, trusting that God can use even simple acts of faithfulness to draw children to Himself.


Quotes

  1. "There was never a time I did not know the name of Jesus. That is such an underrated blessing and gift." – Jesse Schwamb
  2. "Testimonies are not the gospel, but they are a witness to the gospel's power in our lives." – Tony Arsenal
  3. "Faith is something so simple. It’s a small faith that can lay hold of a great and big Savior." – Jesse Schwamb