Reformed Brotherhood | Reformed Theology and Brotherly Love

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse dive into Colossians 2:6-10, exploring the profound truths of walking in Christ and being rooted in His sufficiency. They unpack the significance of receiving Christ as Lord, emphasizing the importance of living a life grounded in faith and gratitude. The episode highlights the contrast between the fullness of Christ and the emptiness of worldly philosophies, warning listeners to guard against being taken captive by human traditions and false teachings.

The discussion emphasizes how Christ is the ultimate authority, with the fullness of deity dwelling in Him bodily. This fullness not only reveals His divine nature but also fills believers, enabling them to live lives conformed to His pattern. Tony and Jesse also touch on how the gospel stands apart as an alien knowledge — a divine revelation that cannot be conceived by human minds or traditions.

As they explore the text, the hosts discuss the practical implications of walking in Christ, from steadfast faith to gratitude and spiritual growth. They encourage listeners to seek a deeper understanding of Scripture, depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, and remain vigilant against anything that detracts from Christ's sufficiency and authority.

1. Receiving Christ as Lord: The episode begins by unpacking the command to walk in Christ as those who have received Him as Lord. This involves submitting to His authority and living a life rooted in His teachings.
2. Avoiding Empty Philosophy: The hosts warn against being taken captive by human traditions and worldly philosophies, which detract from the sufficiency of Christ and the gospel's divine truth.
3. The Fullness of Christ: They emphasize that in Christ, the fullness of deity dwells bodily, and believers are filled in Him. This profound reality shapes how Christians live and view the world.
4. Practical Christian Living: The discussion highlights the importance of spiritual growth, gratitude, and the necessity of being grounded in Scripture to guard against false teachings.
5. Union with Christ: The episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into the themes of baptism and union with Christ, to be explored in the next installment.

1. What does it mean to "receive Christ Jesus as Lord," and how does this shape your daily life?
2. How can you remain vigilant against being taken captive by worldly philosophies or human traditions?
3. In what ways does the knowledge of Christ's fullness and sufficiency transform your understanding of faith and worship?
4. How can you cultivate a life of gratitude in response to the truths of the gospel?
5. What practices can help you remain rooted and built up in Christ, especially amidst challenges to your faith?

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, hosts Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal dive into Colossians 2:1-5, exploring the riches of assurance in Christ and His sufficiency as the gospel message, means, and goal. The discussion emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ as the central figure of the gospel and how understanding His promises leads to true assurance of salvation. Paul's words in this passage remind believers that Christ is the mystery of God revealed, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. This assurance is not based on human works or intellectual reasoning but on the unshakable promises of God.

The conversation also delves into the connection between assurance and firmness of faith, highlighting how a deep, experiential knowledge of Christ enables believers to resist the plausible arguments and false teachings that can lead to doubt and instability. The hosts reflect on how true assurance equips believers to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of cultural pressures and competing philosophies. They stress the sufficiency of Scripture in revealing Christ and transforming lives, calling listeners to embrace the promises of God as the foundation of their faith.

Finally, the episode examines how assurance in Christ fosters a deeper sense of unity and love among believers, as Paul prays for the Colossians to be knit together in love and encouraged by their shared faith. The hosts challenge listeners to rest confidently in Christ's finished work, engage with their local church community, and trust in the covenant promises of God, which guarantee eternal life for His people.

1. Christ as the Gospel Message and Means: The episode underscores that Christ is not only the center of the gospel message but also the means and goal of salvation. Believers are called to apprehend Him by faith as revealed in Scripture.
2. The Riches of Assurance in Faith: Assurance of salvation is grounded in the promises of God, not in human works or intellectual reasoning. This assurance enables believers to resist false teachings and remain firm in their faith.
3. The Sufficiency of Scripture: The Bible sufficiently reveals Christ as the true mystery of God, equipping believers with the knowledge and wisdom needed for life and godliness. Returning to Scripture is essential for deepening one's understanding of Christ.
4. Unity in Love and Faith: Paul's prayer for the Colossians highlights the importance of being knit together in love and encouraged by a shared faith. Assurance in Christ fosters unity within the body of believers.
5. Resisting Plausible Arguments: The hosts discuss how assurance in Christ protects believers from being deluded by plausible but false arguments, emphasizing the need for a firm foundation in Christ-centered theology.

1. How does understanding Christ as the center of the gospel transform your approach to Scripture and theology?
2. In what ways can you grow in assurance of your salvation through God's promises?
3. How can the sufficiency of Scripture guide you in resisting cultural pressures and false teachings?
4. What practical steps can you take to foster unity and love within your local church community?
5. How does reflecting on God's covenant promises deepen your confidence in His faithfulness?

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse delve into the complexities of Colossians 1:24–29, exploring Paul's profound theology of suffering and the mystery of Christ's indwelling presence. The discussion begins by examining Paul's statement about "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" and how this does not undermine the sufficiency of Christ's atoning work. Instead, they argue, Paul is emphasizing the role of suffering in the Christian life as a means of identifying with Christ and demonstrating the power of the gospel.

The hosts highlight how Paul models joy in suffering, presenting it as a privilege and a testimony to the transformative work of Christ in the believer's life. They reflect on how suffering serves as a tool to grow in spiritual maturity, deepen union with Christ, and proclaim the gospel authentically. By connecting Paul's message to broader biblical themes, they emphasize the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of trials, drawing encouragement from Paul's example.

Additionally, the conversation touches on practical applications for today, encouraging listeners to embrace their calling, even when it involves hardship, and to live in a way that reflects the hope of glory—the presence and power of Christ within us. This episode offers rich theological insights and challenges listeners to view suffering through the lens of God's redemptive purposes.

1. Understanding Colossians 1:24: The episode unpacks Paul's difficult statement about "filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions," explaining that it does not suggest any deficiency in Christ's atonement but highlights the role of suffering in the believer's life.
2. Joy in Suffering: Tony and Jesse discuss how Paul finds joy in his hardships, seeing them as part of his calling to proclaim the gospel and as a way to demonstrate Christ's work in his life.
3. Union with Christ: The hosts explore how suffering deepens the believer's experiential union with Christ, making His presence and power evident to the world.
4. The Role of Ministers: Paul's example serves as a model for pastors and teachers, emphasizing the call to serve and suffer for the sake of the church and the gospel.
5. Practical Applications for Today: The discussion concludes with encouragement for listeners to persevere in trials, embrace their God-given calling, and view suffering as an opportunity to glorify God.

1. How does Paul's theology of suffering challenge your understanding of hardship in the Christian life?
2. In what ways can you find joy in the trials you face, knowing Christ is present with you?
3. How can Paul's example of perseverance inspire you to remain faithful in your calling, even when it involves difficulty or sacrifice?
4. What does it mean for you personally that "Christ is in you, the hope of glory"?
5. How can suffering serve as a testimony to the power and sufficiency of the gospel in your life?

In this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse dives into Colossians 1:21-23, unpacking the profound and transformative truth of reconciliation in Christ. With Tony absent, Jesse takes the lead, exploring the scandal of reconciliation and how God, through Christ, has restored a broken relationship with His people. He delves into the radical message of the gospel, emphasizing how Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection not only redeemed humanity but also brought reconciliation to all of creation.

Jesse reflects on the nature of reconciliation, highlighting the transition from alienation to holiness, and the gift of being made blameless and free from accusation through Christ. He explains the implications of this transformation, both in the spiritual and physical realms, and challenges listeners to live in light of their new identity in Christ. This episode also touches on the cosmic scope of Christ's victory, which extends beyond humanity to encompass all of creation.

Throughout the episode, Jesse encourages believers to embrace their identity as reconciled children of God and to continue steadfastly in their faith. By grounding the discussion in a Reformed theological framework, he provides both practical and theological insights into the hope and assurance found in the gospel.

1. The Scandal of Reconciliation: Paul's message in Colossians highlights the shocking and profound truth that God reconciles alienated sinners to Himself through Christ's death and resurrection.
2. From Alienation to Holiness: Believers, once hostile and separated from God, are made holy, blameless, and free from accusation through Christ's bodily sacrifice.
3. Christ's Cosmic Victory: The reconciliation accomplished by Christ extends to all of creation, as He restores all things to Himself in a transformative and eternal way.
4. Faith and Perseverance: Paul's exhortation to remain steadfast in faith serves as a call for believers to continue trusting in Christ's sufficiency and work.
5. The Joy of Gospel Transformation: The transformative power of the gospel is not just personal but cosmic, changing individuals, relationships, and the entire created order.

1. How does understanding the scandal of reconciliation deepen your appreciation of the gospel?
2. In what ways can you live out your identity as someone who has been made holy and blameless through Christ?
3. What does it mean to remain steadfast in faith, and how can you cultivate this perseverance in your own life?
4. How does the cosmic scope of Christ's reconciliation shape your understanding of His lordship over creation?
5. How can you share the transformative power of the gospel with others in your daily life?

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve into Colossians 1:15–20, one of the most profound passages in the New Testament that highlights the supremacy and preeminence of Christ. They explore how this passage serves as a theological anchor, emphasizing Christ's role as Creator, Sustainer, and Reconciler of all things. By unpacking the rich doctrinal truths within this section of Scripture, the hosts show how Paul's words both exalt Christ and address the sufficiency of His work for salvation and reconciliation.

The conversation begins by connecting the passage to Paul's broader purpose in Colossians—countering false teachings that diminish Christ's sufficiency. Jesse and Tony emphasize how this "Christological anthem" asserts Christ's universal relevance, not only as the Creator of the cosmos but also as the head of the Church and the source of reconciliation for all creation. They address the layered structure of the passage, reflecting on its poetic rhythm and theological depth, which together form a vivid picture of Christ's unparalleled authority and role in redemption.

From understanding Christ as the image of the invisible God to unpacking what it means for Him to hold all things together, Jesse and Tony draw out practical implications for believers. They challenge listeners to reflect on how Christ's preeminence shapes their worship and daily lives and encourage a deeper engagement with Scripture as the ultimate revelation of God in Christ.

1. Christ as the Image of the Invisible God: The episode explores how Christ reveals the nature of God to humanity, making the invisible visible. He is the fullness of God in bodily form, perfectly representing the Father.
2. Christ as Creator and Sustainer: Jesse and Tony highlight that all things—visible and invisible, earthly and heavenly—were created through Christ, for Christ, and are held together by Him. His sustaining power underlines His universal authority.
3. Christ as Reconciler: The discussion emphasizes that through the blood of His cross, Christ reconciles all things to Himself, securing peace and restoring creation. This reconciliation highlights His sufficiency for salvation and the futility of seeking anything outside of Him.
4. The Practical Implications of Christ's Supremacy: The hosts reflect on how Christ's preeminence demands our worship, shapes our understanding of salvation, and calls us to live in alignment with His lordship.

1. What does it mean for Christ to be the image of the invisible God, and how does this deepen your understanding of Him?
2. How does recognizing Christ as Creator and Sustainer impact the way you view the world and your place in it?
3. In what ways does the reconciliation achieved through Christ challenge or encourage you in your faith journey?
4. How can the truth of Christ's preeminence shape your worship and daily life?

n this episode of The Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse and Tony delve deep into Colossians 1:13-14, unpacking the Apostle Paul's rich theological message about being rescued from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Christ. The discussion centers on the transformative power of God's grace, emphasizing the joy and beauty of redemption, forgiveness, and union with Christ. Through Christ alone, believers are qualified to share in the inheritance of the saints, receiving full access to the privileges of being children of God.

Tony and Jesse explore the covenantal implications of the passage, showing how salvation is not based on human effort or merit but entirely on God's initiative. The conversation highlights the sufficiency of Christ in salvation, contrasting the gospel's message with works-based systems of theology. They also discuss how this passage reflects the broader themes of Pauline theology, including union with Christ, sanctification, and glorification.

The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the good news of the gospel, reminding them that salvation is a gift received through Christ alone. They urge anyone who has not yet trusted in Christ to consider the beauty of being transferred into the kingdom of light. This episode is a theological feast, offering both encouragement and practical insights for living out the gospel.

1. Rescue and Redemption in Christ: Believers are delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God's beloved Son, emphasizing God's initiative in salvation.
2. Union with Christ: Salvation is not merely transactional but relational, as believers are united with Christ and share in His inheritance.
3. Covenantal Theology: The passage underscores the covenantal framework of Scripture, showing how believers are brought into a new covenantal relationship through Christ.
4. The Sufficiency of Christ: The episode highlights Christ's sufficiency in salvation, rejecting works-based systems and affirming that salvation is entirely a gift of grace.

1. How does understanding that salvation is entirely God's initiative impact your walk with Christ?
2. What does it mean to you personally to be transferred from the domain of darkness into the kingdom of light?
3. How does the concept of union with Christ shape your understanding of your identity as a believer?

In Episode 430 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse begin their exploration of Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on Colossians 1:1–12. This section introduces the key themes of the epistle, including faith, hope, love, and the transformative power of the Gospel. The hosts emphasize that the Gospel is constantly bearing fruit and increasing, both globally and within the lives of believers, demonstrating the sufficiency of Christ in all things. They also discuss the importance of spiritual wisdom and understanding, which enable believers to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord.

The episode highlights Paul's unique relationship with the Colossian church, which he had not personally visited, and how his prayer for the church reflects his deep concern for their growth in faith. Tony and Jesse explore the central message of Colossians: Christ is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and the restoration of all things. They unpack how faith, hope, and love are interconnected in the Christian life, focusing on how hope in the inheritance laid up in heaven empowers believers to love others and grow in faith.

Listeners are encouraged to trust in the transformative work of the Gospel, which not only redeems individuals but also restores creation. The hosts remind us of the importance of hearing, understanding, and trusting the Gospel, as well as living it out through a life worthy of the Lord. This episode is a rich dive into the theological truths and practical implications of Paul's opening words to the Colossians.

1. The Sufficiency of Christ: Paul's letter emphasizes that Christ is sufficient for salvation, sanctification, and the restoration of all things. There is no need for anything beyond Christ to save or transform believers.
2. Faith, Hope, and Love: These virtues are central to the Christian life. Paul highlights the hope laid up in heaven as the foundation for the Colossians' faith and love, which are outward expressions of their relationship with Christ.
3. The Gospel's Power to Bear Fruit: The Gospel is described as constantly bearing fruit and increasing, both in the world and in individual believers. This demonstrates the active, transformative power of God's Word.
4. Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding: Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding, which enables them to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and to bear fruit in every good work.

1. How does the hope laid up in heaven impact the way you live your daily life?
2. In what ways have you experienced the Gospel bearing fruit and increasing in your own life?
3. How can you grow in spiritual wisdom and understanding to better walk in a manner worthy of the Lord?
4. What does it mean to you that Christ is sufficient for all aspects of salvation and sanctification?
5. How do faith, hope, and love work together in your relationship with God and with others?

Episode 429 of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse explore the topic of hearing God's voice and discerning His guidance in everyday decisions. The discussion begins with an affirmation of God's active presence in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit and transitions into a theological exploration of how the Spirit leads Christians today. The hosts tackle common questions such as how to determine God's will in decisions like career choices, relationships, and daily activities, emphasizing the importance of wisdom, prayer, and reliance on God's Word.

The episode delves into the distinction between natural and supernatural guidance, challenging the notion that the Holy Spirit only works through overtly miraculous means. Instead, Tony and Jesse highlight the Spirit's continuous involvement in sanctifying believers and guiding them through ordinary means, such as the application of God's moral law, personal inclinations shaped by biblical principles, and the counsel of mature Christians. They also discuss the balance between trusting God's sovereignty and taking active responsibility in decision-making.

Listeners are encouraged to develop a deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, not only in significant decisions but also in the seemingly mundane moments of daily life. With practical advice on seeking wise counsel, evaluating personal gifts, and aligning decisions with God's revealed will, the episode offers a comprehensive guide to navigating life's choices with faith and confidence in the Spirit's leading.

1. God's Will and the Holy Spirit's Guidance: The Holy Spirit primarily leads believers through God's Word and the moral law, but He also uses natural means like personal inclinations and external circumstances to guide decisions.
2. The Role of Wisdom and Counsel: Christians are encouraged to seek advice from pastors, mature believers, and their church communities as part of discerning God's will.
3. Balancing Natural and Supernatural Guidance: While acknowledging that the Holy Spirit can work supernaturally, the hosts emphasize His ordinary, continuous work in sanctifying believers and leading them toward holiness.
4. Practical Decision-Making: The episode provides a framework for decision-making, including evaluating moral considerations, personal desires, and practical constraints while trusting God's sovereignty.

1. How can I better recognize the Holy Spirit's work in my daily life and decision-making process?
2. What steps can I take to seek wisdom and counsel when faced with a major decision?
3. How does understanding God's moral law help me align my choices with His will?
4. How can I grow in trusting God's sovereignty while taking responsibility for my actions?

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Jesse Schwamb and Tony Arsenal tackle an issue that resonates deeply with many Christians: how to love and remain content in imperfect churches. The discussion begins by addressing the challenges of navigating differences in worship practices, theological preferences, and church traditions while maintaining love and unity within the body of Christ. The hosts emphasize that no church is perfect and that contentment often requires humility, submission, and a deep understanding of God's sovereign placement of His people in specific congregations.

Tony and Jesse explore the regulative principle of worship, explaining how it guides many churches and believers in determining what is appropriate for corporate worship. They also highlight the importance of approaching church leadership with charity and seeking to understand the reasoning behind certain practices, even when they differ from personal convictions. Through their reflections, they encourage listeners to prioritize the peace and purity of the church over secondary or tertiary disagreements.

Ultimately, the hosts remind listeners that Christ has placed His name on His church, including its diverse and imperfect members. They challenge believers to love their local church deeply, embrace its members as family, and trust that God is working through the imperfections to sanctify His people. Whether wrestling with worship preferences or theological nuances, the episode calls Christians to a higher standard of love, patience, and submission to Christ's body.

1. Understanding Church Contentment: Contentment begins with recognizing that no church is perfect and trusting God's sovereignty in placing us within specific congregations.
2. Navigating Worship Differences: The regulative principle of worship provides a framework, but differing interpretations require humility and charity in handling disagreements.
3. Prioritizing Church Peace and Unity: Maintaining the peace and purity of the church often means setting aside personal preferences and embracing the diversity of the body of Christ.
4. Practical Steps for Growth in Contentment: Engage with church leaders to understand their reasoning, approach disagreements with humility, and focus on the spiritual disciplines evident in the congregation.
5. The Call to Radical Love: Loving the church means loving its people as Christ does, despite their imperfections, and committing to serve and grow together as a family.

1. What steps can I take to grow in contentment with my local church, even when it doesn't align perfectly with my preferences?
2. How can I approach church leadership with concerns about worship practices in a way that fosters unity and understanding?
3. In what ways am I prioritizing love and unity in my church over personal theological or practical preferences?
4. How does recognizing the church as Christ's body change how I view its members and practices?
5. Am I willing to submit to the church's leadership and trust God's placement of me in this congregation, even when I disagree with certain aspects?

Explore the final article of John Knox's Scott's Confession as we discuss the gifts freely given to the church, the true marks of a biblical church, and the role of the church in Christian perseverance. Dive into the importance of confession, absolution, and boldness in proclaiming the gospel. Learn how Knox's theology applies to modern church life and why the church is central to every believer's faith journey.

In this episode of the Reformed Brotherhood, Tony and Jesse conclude their series on John Knox's Scott's Confession by exploring the final article, "The Gifts Freely Given to the Church." They discuss the significance of the church as the central place where God's gifts, including the gospel, sacraments, and discipline, are administered to His people. Knox's theology highlights the role of the church in sustaining believers and ensuring their perseverance in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. The conversation emphasizes the importance of confession and absolution as key elements of worship and spiritual renewal within the community of faith.

The brothers also reflect on Knox's prayer at the conclusion of the confession, which calls for the confounding of God's enemies, the boldness of His servants in proclaiming the Word, and the spread of the gospel to all nations. They explore how this prayer encapsulates Knox's vision for the church as a place of purity, worship, and mission. The episode considers how theology must translate into action, shaping the lives of believers and their engagement with the church.

Finally, Tony and Jesse encourage listeners to persevere in their faith by remaining actively engaged in the life of the church. They emphasize the importance of daily worship, prayer, and regular participation in the church's ministry as means by which believers are sustained and renewed in their walk with God. The discussion ties Knox's historical theology to the challenges and opportunities faced by contemporary Christians.

1. The Church as the Center of God's Gifts: Knox emphasizes that the true church is where the Word is rightly preached, the sacraments are faithfully administered, and discipline is executed according to Scripture. The church is the primary means of grace for believers.
2. Perseverance of the Saints: Knox's theology underscores that true Christians will persevere to the end, not because of their own strength but through the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit, often mediated through the church.
3. Confession and Absolution: The importance of regular rhythms of confession and the assurance of absolution within the church is highlighted as critical for spiritual renewal and growth.
4. Knox's Vision of Purity and Mission: The final prayer in the confession calls for the purity of the gospel, the boldness of the church in proclaiming it, and the spread of God's truth to all nations.
5. The Role of the Church in Christian Life: The episode explores how the church is central to the believer's faith, not just as a place of worship but as a community where believers are encouraged, challenged, and spiritually nourished.

1. How does Knox's theology challenge modern views of individualism in the Christian life?
2. Why are the true marks of the church—preaching, sacraments, and discipline—so important for sustaining believers?
3. In what ways can you actively participate in the life of your church to grow in your faith?
4. How can Knox's final prayer inspire your own prayers for the church and its mission?
5. What role does confession and absolution play in your understanding of worship and renewal?