This course was one of pioneering series to teach Lutheran doctrines and practices to the lay members in the Lutheran Church in Singapore. It was conducted from October to December 2020 taught by LCS pastor Rev Lim Kim Hock who did a wonderful job.
Below are some reflections by the students of this course.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Pastors who made Lutheran 101 lesson possible for members of LCS. I am a Lutheran for the past 41 years now. But if anyone would have asked me earlier why I chose to be a Lutheran and not any other denomination? I would have been in the crossroads not knowing how to reply that question. After attending this course, I have a better understanding of the Lutheran doctrine to a certain extent. The contents of the subject were vital to what Lutherans believe in regards to the justification of faith by grace alone. I would personally encourage every member to attend this course that provides teaching/learning the Lutheran doctrinal insights in details. The only setback for me from this course is that it is a “crash” course of one hour per week. Pastor Lim has to rush through the topics knowing that time is catching up with him to cover as much as he could, and that reduces or denies the opportunity of participants wanting to know more by asking certain questions related to that particular topic. It’s like “If you do all the talking, you don’t get any information”. My suggestion for future courses is to allow a minimum of 2 hours inclusive of breakout discussion sessions with a 15mins break. Once again, I thank the Lord all the pastors for putting this together for us. Kudos to all the pastors.
— Nelson Duraiarasan, YCCL
As I was thinking about my future and life, I felt that attending this course may help me. I learned more about God and to trust him with my worries. As a result, I thank God for the peace, joy, love and confidence he gave me
– Martina Lee, JCC
The pathway to heaven is narrow.” My thought once you’re saved, you’re ok, or do I or I’ve been taking things for granted. What must I do to earn favour from God? Misconceptions, misunderstanding…. Through this course which is well taught and enjoyable, I’ve a better understanding what Lutheran’s faith is all about which l took for granted. I do not fully understand how God’s works. If we’re not careful, we can be mislead by conflicting doctrines even among Christians. That’s why we have so many denominations and some might deviate from the truth. And I’m very excited for the next level once we completed the basic. We’ll cover more in depth. Since its also conducted via online (zoom), it makes it even easier for us to join. There will be a breakup session where we can share our thoughts and views. We’ll get to know other members and have fellowship and be uplifted. Come and You’ll be blessed…
— Joel Tan, YCCL
Lutheranism 101 Part 1 course deepens my knowledge in the doctrine of Christianity and the Lutheran faith.
The Christian faith is summarized in the Ten Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, and the Lord’s Supper. The Christians believe in the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and two natures of Jesus (divine and human).
The theological foundation is on the doctrine of justification by faith, reflected by ‘sola’ (‘alone’). We are justified for salvation by grace alone from God, through faith alone in Christ alone, who is revealed in Scripture alone. The heart of the Lutheran faith is all the Scriptures point to Christ alone. (This differentiates Christian Protestant from Roman Catholic.) Our certainty of faith is based on God’s promises to save us in the future, through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. The Gospel (“Good News”) is that God accepts sinners unconditionally and forgives them because of Christ.
We are sanctified through the Means of Grace – the gifts of God for forgiveness of sins and eternal life. We achieve this through the Word, Sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion) and Absolution. The Lutherans baptize babies and believe that Jesus’ body and blood are “in, with, and under” the bread and wine of Holy Communion. (These differentiate the Lutheran from other denominations.)
We study the two great doctrines of the Bible – Law and Gospel, to ensure that we do not fall into antinomianism and legalism.
I look forward to taking Lutheranism 101 Part 2 and topical courses.
— Lanny Widjaja, LCOR
I have learnt how to be better able to
- Explain to others what being a Lutheran is..
- Engage other non Christians or Christian of other denominations on theology
- Be strengthened In my faith through understanding the why of what we believe and also practice in our church
— Caroline Ho, BLC
My interest to study this course was to get to know more about faith in the Lutheran context. This course is a foundational study that’s easy to understand even for someone who’s new in their faith journey.
It was an amazing experience to learn more on the combination of both the Bible and the Lutheran doctrines. My faith and understanding of Lutheranism have grown stronger in a personal level.
So I encourage all of you to attend the next Lutheranism 101 course. I am sure you will be blessed just as I have been blessed.
— Cathy Kwan, LCOR
We often hear “only what you do for Christ will last”. In Lutheranism 101, i am reminded that “It is not what we do but what God has done with what we did that counts!”. This spins popular and reformed theology on its head! This is a course and book that examines our lutheran beliefs and heritage that is so often blanketed by floods of popular Christianity and work based theology. The book is easy to read and the classes are easy to understand, spiced with interesting and sometimes candidly uncomfortable discussions. You will enjoy it! Solomon
— Solomon Lee, QLC
