Author: Jason Hamstra

Jay: We’ve been exploring the concepts of grace and judgment. We’re trying to understand if there’s an intersection between these two, as was suggested at our last meeting. One idea proposed was that grace might follow judgment. This leads us to consider their relationship in terms of timing and sequence.  Additionally, we’ve discussed the idea…

Jay: Last week we discussed the concept of grace as illustrated in the Kingdom of Heaven parables. These parables not only describe grace but also include elements of judgment. We struggled to reconcile grace and judgment, despite Jesus’ teachings seemingly bringing them together. The five parables in focus were the Ten Virgins, where the bridegroom…

Jay: We’ve been exploring Jesus’ parables, comparing and contrasting them. So far, we’ve delved into the Mustard Seed, Yeast, Pearl, Hidden Treasure, Net, Virgins, and the Bags of Gold (or Talents).  A couple of key insights have emerged from this study. Firstly, Jesus’ ministry emphasizes change. One significant change is the concept that the Kingdom…

Jay: We’ve been exploring the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven is here and now, a change in thought, action, and perception that Jesus aimed to establish throughout history. As we examine the parables where Jesus mentions the Kingdom of Heaven, we ask ourselves: What characteristics of this kingdom are being revealed? What perceptions of…

Jay: We’ve been working through the idea that Jesus’ ministry is about change, particularly in terms of perception, ideas, and actions related to the Kingdom of Heaven being present here and now. This contrasts with the traditional view of the Kingdom of Heaven as something belonging to the past or future, or existing elsewhere. The…

Jay: We’ve been discussing some of the teaching methodologies in Christianity, particularly focusing on establishing prior knowledge. A significant theme we’ve delved into is the concept of change, notably the transformative nature of Jesus’ ministry, which emphasizes a shift in thinking.  This change revolves around the understanding that the kingdom of heaven is not distant…

We’ve been discussing cognitive dissonance and prior knowledge in relation to the ministry of Christ. We’ve explored how Christ’s teaching methods help navigate through cognitive dissonance.  Over the last two weeks, our focus on prior knowledge has led us to the idea that Christ’s ministry is centered around change. This change implies a new way…

Jay: Last week, we explored the teaching methodology of Jesus Christ and His ministry. A foundational element in education, we noted, is establishing or recalling prior knowledge. We spent time discussing this, particularly the prior knowledge Jesus might have been trying to establish as a foundation for his teachings. As the conversation evolved, a theme…

Don asked me to contribute a short series building on Michael’s recent exploration of cognitive dissonance. Michael covered themes such as grace and judgment. Don specifically requested that I examine the teaching methodologies Jesus might have used during His ministry. As Michael eloquently discussed, cognitive dissonance frequently appears in Christ’s ministry, exemplified by phrases like…