Transformative Faith: Embracing the Gospel's Truths

 

Summary

In our conversation today, we delved into the profound journey of faith and understanding, as shared by Dr. John Gerstner. His story is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the truths of Christianity. Dr. Gerstner recounted his conversion experience, which occurred when he was 18 years old. Despite being raised in a nominally Christian household, it wasn't until a pivotal conversation at the Philadelphia School of the Bible that he truly grasped the gospel's message. This encounter marked the beginning of his faith journey, even though he initially held an Arminian perspective, believing his faith was solely his own doing.

We also explored the influence of Jonathan Edwards on Dr. Gerstner's theological development. Edwards' concept of the "Divine and Supernatural Light" highlights the Holy Spirit's role in not only converting the soul but also in deepening one's understanding and appreciation of the gospel over time. Dr. Gerstner shared how, like Edwards, he experienced moments of spiritual awakening that enriched his faith and understanding of God's decrees.

Our discussion touched on the challenges many Christians face in their spiritual growth, particularly the struggle to reconcile difficult doctrines like predestination. Dr. Gerstner emphasized the importance of embracing these doctrines as they are revealed in Scripture, rather than dismissing them due to personal discomfort. He noted that true Christian joy and assurance come from aligning one's beliefs with the truths of God's Word, even when they challenge our natural inclinations.

In closing, we reflected on the necessity of a genuine, experiential relationship with Christ, one that transcends mere intellectual assent. Dr. Gerstner's life and teachings remind us that the Christian journey is one of continual growth, marked by moments of profound spiritual insight and a deepening love for the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Conversion and Understanding: Dr. Gerstner's conversion experience underscores the importance of truly understanding the gospel. It wasn't until he encountered a clear presentation of the gospel that he realized its significance, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating the truth to our hearts. [02:58]

2. The Influence of Jonathan Edwards: Edwards' teachings on the "Divine and Supernatural Light" illustrate how the Holy Spirit deepens our understanding of the gospel over time. This ongoing process of spiritual awakening is essential for a vibrant Christian life, as it continually renews our appreciation for the excellency of Christ. [05:13]

3. Embracing Difficult Doctrines: The discussion on predestination reveals the necessity of accepting challenging doctrines as they are presented in Scripture. True faith involves trusting God's wisdom and goodness, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend. [19:58]

4. The Joy of Christian Assurance: Genuine Christian joy stems from a deep, experiential relationship with Christ. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the assurance of God's presence and the truth of His Word. [12:16]

5. Continual Spiritual Growth: The Christian journey is marked by ongoing growth and transformation. Moments of spiritual insight and awakening are vital for deepening our faith and understanding, reminding us of the sweetness and grace of the gospel. [10:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - Introduction to Dr. John Gerstner
- [01:05] - Dr. Gerstner's Conversion Story
- [02:36] - Encounter at Philadelphia School of the Bible
- [03:28] - Initial Arminian Beliefs
- [04:26] - Influence of Jonathan Edwards
- [06:01] - Edwards' Spiritual Awakening
- [07:37] - Gerstner's Early Christian Experience
- [09:11] - Subsequent Spiritual Growth
- [12:16] - Experiencing God's Presence
- [14:20] - Sweet Communion in Worship
- [17:00] - The Importance of Joy in Faith
- [19:08] - Struggling with Doctrines
- [21:02] - Understanding Predestination
- [24:34] - The Seriousness of Rejecting God's Truth
- [26:28] - Modern Idolatry and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 3:5-8 - Jesus speaks about being born of the Spirit.
2. Ephesians 1:17-18 - Paul prays for the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
3. Romans 8:28-30 - The doctrine of predestination and God's purpose.

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the pivotal moment in Dr. Gerstner's life that led to his conversion, and how did it change his understanding of the gospel? [02:58]

2. How did Jonathan Edwards' concept of the "Divine and Supernatural Light" influence Dr. Gerstner's theological development? [05:13]

3. What challenges did Dr. Gerstner face in reconciling difficult doctrines like predestination, and how did he address them? [19:58]

4. How does Dr. Gerstner describe his experience of God's presence when reading the Bible? [12:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the Holy Spirit's role in conversion and spiritual growth, as discussed by Dr. Gerstner, align with the teachings in John 3:5-8? [02:58]

2. In what ways does Ephesians 1:17-18 reflect the ongoing process of spiritual awakening and understanding that Dr. Gerstner experienced? [05:13]

3. How does Romans 8:28-30 help us understand the doctrine of predestination, and why might this be a challenging concept for some Christians? [19:58]

4. What does Dr. Gerstner's experience of joy and assurance in his faith suggest about the importance of a personal relationship with Christ? [12:16]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own conversion experience. Was there a specific moment or conversation that illuminated the gospel for you, similar to Dr. Gerstner's experience? How did it impact your faith journey? [02:58]

2. Jonathan Edwards' teachings on the "Divine and Supernatural Light" emphasize the Holy Spirit's role in deepening our understanding of the gospel. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to illuminate your understanding of Scripture this week? [05:13]

3. Dr. Gerstner struggled with the doctrine of predestination before accepting it. Are there any doctrines or teachings in the Bible that you find challenging? How can you seek understanding and acceptance of these teachings? [19:58]

4. Dr. Gerstner described feeling God's presence when reading the Bible. How can you create a routine or environment that helps you experience God's presence during your Bible reading? [12:16]

5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your spiritual growth. What steps can you take to be more open to the Spirit's guidance and transformation in your life? [02:58]

6. Dr. Gerstner emphasized the importance of aligning one's beliefs with the truths of God's Word. Are there areas in your life where your beliefs or actions may not align with Scripture? How can you address these discrepancies? [19:58]

7. Reflect on a recent moment of spiritual insight or awakening. How did it affect your relationship with Christ, and how can you cultivate more of these moments in your daily life? [10:16]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Understanding the Gospel
Understanding the gospel is not merely an intellectual exercise but a profound spiritual awakening that transforms one's life. Many people grow up in Christian environments without truly grasping the essence of the gospel. It is only when the Holy Spirit illuminates the truth to our hearts that we can fully comprehend its significance. This understanding marks the beginning of a genuine faith journey, as it did for a young man who, despite his religious upbringing, only truly encountered the gospel's power during a pivotal moment in his life. This encounter is a reminder that the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in opening our eyes to the truth and leading us into a deeper relationship with God. [02:58]

"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt a deeper understanding of the gospel. How did it change your perspective or actions, and how can you seek more of these moments in your daily life?


Day 2: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Spiritual Awakening
The teachings of Jonathan Edwards emphasize the "Divine and Supernatural Light," which refers to the Holy Spirit's work in deepening our understanding of the gospel. This process is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey of spiritual awakening. As believers, we are called to continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to renew our appreciation for the excellency of Christ. This deepening understanding enriches our faith and draws us closer to God, allowing us to experience His presence in profound ways. The journey of faith is marked by these moments of awakening, which are essential for a vibrant Christian life. [05:13]

"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding of the gospel today? Consider setting aside time for prayer or meditation to seek His guidance.


Day 3: Embracing the Mystery of Predestination
The doctrine of predestination is often challenging for many Christians to accept. However, true faith involves trusting in God's wisdom and goodness, even when His ways are difficult to comprehend. Embracing these challenging doctrines as they are presented in Scripture is essential for spiritual growth. It requires humility and a willingness to submit to God's sovereignty, recognizing that His plans are higher than our own. By aligning our beliefs with the truths of God's Word, we can find assurance and peace, knowing that He is in control of all things. [19:58]

"In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will." (Ephesians 1:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one difficult doctrine or aspect of your faith that you struggle to accept? How can you seek understanding and trust in God's wisdom in this area today?


Day 4: Finding Joy in Assurance of Faith
Genuine Christian joy is rooted in a deep, experiential relationship with Christ. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is grounded in the assurance of God's presence and the truth of His Word. As believers, we are called to cultivate this joy by nurturing our relationship with Christ and seeking His presence in our daily lives. This involves spending time in prayer, worship, and meditation on Scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill us with His peace and joy. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, regardless of the challenges we face. [12:16]

"Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory." (1 Peter 1:8, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of joy in your relationship with Christ today? Consider specific practices or habits that can help you experience His presence more fully.


Day 5: The Journey of Continual Spiritual Growth
The Christian journey is marked by ongoing growth and transformation. Moments of spiritual insight and awakening are vital for deepening our faith and understanding of the gospel. These moments remind us of the sweetness and grace of the gospel, encouraging us to pursue a closer relationship with God. As believers, we are called to be intentional about our spiritual growth, seeking opportunities to learn, serve, and grow in our faith. This journey requires perseverance and a willingness to be transformed by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to shape us into the image of Christ. [10:16]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you desire growth? How can you take a specific step today to pursue this growth and deepen your relationship with God?

Quotes


Well, as far as I can be sure of my experience, R.C., I never really understood the gospel until I was about 18 years of age. My father was a Lutheran in the sense it was the Lutheran Church he stayed away from, and my mother from the Methodist Church, and while they were sympathetic with the gospel, they never got it over to me. [00:01:10]

Now, R.C., that’s far and away the most important half hour in my whole life. I think I was converted on that occasion. I certainly understood the gospel for the first time. It fascinated me beyond words. I had only one question then: How could I most fully serve Jesus Christ? [00:03:06]

Edwards, it seems more than anybody I’ve ever read has that interest and perception of the Spirit taking the Word to the soul, not only at conversion, but at subsequent points after conversion. And when I read his life it seems that there was almost an abundance of those sweet moments of awakening where the excellency of Christ just pervaded his spirit. [00:04:40]

But his problem was his inability to accept the clear teaching of the Bible, especially concerning the decrees of God, and this “Divine and Supernatural Light” experience which he had that he relates in his personal narrative as an experience which occurred about 20 years earlier which means that he was just around 20 years of age. [00:06:52]

I not just understood it and loved it, but it shaped my life. It determined everything. Even if I were not converted at that time, I nevertheless thought I was. I thought I was a Christian, and I thought the most important thing in my life was to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ, and all. [00:07:46]

When you mention these modern movements; none of them have any salvation flavor to me particularly. I understand the way. My only problem is that I don’t always do it, and I don’t always apply it, and I become apathetic about it, and that sort of thing, and it drives me to my knees to ask God to forgive me and give me more grace. [00:11:00]

But the presence of God is felt more in my experience, in your experience, I think any Christian person’s experience, and it is at other times where you’re reading the Bible especially. I can hardly ever pick up my little Bible and read it without having feeling of being in the presence of Jesus Christ. [00:12:00]

When I pick up the Scriptures, I wonder how anybody could doubt that this is the Word of God, because the assurance that I have of my own redemption and of the presence of Christ and of His hand on my life comes as I’m reading the text. And – but I find that people tell me every day that they’re not sensing that. [00:15:02]

If a person’s fundamentally unhappy, I’d almost guarantee that person isn’t converted unless the individual is in some way psychically sick and needs some kind of treatment by medical experts or something like that, it is absolutely abnormal for a genuine Christian person to be fundamentally unhappy. [00:17:00]

Once God says something, and you know He says it, and so on, this ‘adiaphora,’ or things indifferent, are very, very, important. This person who eats this meat offered to idols which Paul could enjoy and so on, would destroy himself or herself in the eating of it, because he’d be violating the will of God. [00:24:36]

But even when it’s clearly understood, and God chooses some and not others, There’re very, very few people in their natural state who are not utterly outraged by that, and yet you and I know that they who are outraged by this must first of all come to understand that’s the truth of God, and if they’re outraged, the place of excess of the audience is the failure. [00:26:00]

It’s a modern, semi-sophisticated form of idolatry. I know this is something you’ve contended with all your career. Our time’s running out, Dr. Gerstner, and I just want to thank you for this opportunity for probing your mind and your experience and for being with us today. [00:26:28]

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Transcript
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