loader from loading.io

Remembering God's Faithfulness

Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

Release Date: 08/15/2025

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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

info_outline
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...

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