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God's grace as revealed in Jesus, is central to a Lutheran understanding of spirituality.

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The concept of grace, which is central to Lutheran theology, can shape Lutheran education communities and schools in many ways -

1. Grace, in Lutheran theology, refers to the unmerited favor and forgiveness of God. Lutheran education communities can emphasize this concept by teaching students that their salvation and worthiness are not based on their own efforts or achievements but on God's free gift of grace. This can help create a sense of humility, gratitude, and a focus on God's love and forgiveness within the community.

2. Inclusion and acceptance: Grace also implies unconditional love and acceptance. Lutheran education communities can strive to create an environment where students, regardless of their backgrounds, abilities, or shortcomings, feel accepted and valued. This can foster a spirit of inclusivity, compassion, and support within the community.

As a teacher in Lutheran education, the concept of grace can greatly inform your role and contribution. Grace, in the Christian context, refers to the unmerited favor and love that God extends to all humans despite their flaws and shortcomings. The same can be endorsed through various attributes like acceptance, inclusion, individualised attention, selflessness and service. As a teacher, I reckon it is important to imbibe these values, so that we can be role models for the students in the school community.

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In session 1 and 4 I learned about Grace and the Bible.

A quote that stood out to me was that the Bible is God's Gift to us and has cultural and historical context in it.
I found this interesting because God’s love is thought to bring redemption and forgiveness. The same has been referred in the article "Salvation in Christianity" by BBC.

God is kind and would forgive you for your sins. Do not think God is angry. God has a friendly heart. When you confront devil, say him that yes, you deserve death but God is my saviour. In the YouTube video "Why you're probably reading the Bible wrong," Rob Bell, it has been brought forward that it is important to focus on the main message behind each story like in the case of the story of Jonah and not end up being mislead by the story.

What this means for me and my role is to accept all learners in the school community and make each one feel special. It is important that as an Educator in Lutheran School, I create a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters growth, acceptance, and personal development among your students.

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Enduring understanding:   - God’s word inspires and guides Lutheran education communities. 

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Enduring understanding:   - God’s word inspires and guides Lutheran education communities. 

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Every creation in nature indicates the existence of God around us. Surely, one has never seen God, but the sheer incidences, happenings and occurrences in life and our surroundings point us about its existence. Personal experiences like birth and death, natural calamities and many such events tell us that there is an Almighty running the show and everything that happens has been destined to happen, because he is the writer and director who wants this to happen in a manner which gives us not just happiness, but at times also sorrow, pain and a life long learning.

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Our understanding of God and Jesus comes through Bible. The online version throws light on different interesting verses which shows God reveals himself to us. One example is mentioned below:

Verses Hebrews 1:1-2

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.

How does God's Word form and inform Lutheran communities and my role?

Regular sessions in Chapel and Devotion every morning play a significant role in God's form and inform Lutheran education communities. Also, the Christian studies in the classroom also helps to build a foundation of Biblical study in Lutheran communities. Other activities include:

Pastoral studies

Connect Sessions - PD sessions

My role - Attending regular worship and prayer sessions. Being part of Connect sessions and giving reflection in each conversation.

My viewpoint - These verses express the idea that God communicated with humanity in different ways throughout history, primarily through the prophets in the past. However, in the "last days," the author of Hebrews asserts that God has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Hope, peace, sufferings happen in the universe as God has a message in different occurrences.

Another verse - the New Testament - Peter 1:16.

My viewpoint -

In this verse, the apostle Peter is emphasizing the firsthand experience he and others had with the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He contrasts their testimony with "clever stories" or myths, emphasizing the authenticity of their accounts. In Christian theology, the concept of God revealing Himself is central. Christians believe that God reveals Himself through various means, including Scripture, nature, and personal experiences. The verse highlights the importance of firsthand experiences with Jesus as a powerful way in which God's revelation occurred for the early followers of Christ.

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My first reflection -

Jonas Story from the excerpt from The Prodigal Prophet - Book from Timothy Keller.

"The Prodigal Prophet: Jonah and the Mystery of God’s Mercy" is a book written by Timothy Keller, exploring the biblical story of Jonah and its profound lessons about God's mercy.

Jonah's initial response to God's call to go to Nineveh is to run away, symbolizing the human tendency to resist God's will. The central message of Jonah is often seen as God's relentless pursuit of His people with mercy and grace. Despite Jonah's disobedience, God pursues him and uses unexpected means to accomplish His purposes. This emphasizes the unfathomable depth of God's mercy and His commitment to the redemption of all. Jonah's reluctance to bring God's message to Nineveh is a relatable aspect of human nature. The response of the people of Nineveh to Jonah's message highlights the transformative power of repentance. God's mercy is extended even to those who seem furthest from His grace, demonstrating that redemption is available to all who turn to Him in genuine repentance. The excerpt encourages reflection on aspects of God's nature, including His justice, mercy, and willingness to forgive, and how these attributes intersect in profound ways.

Second reflection

In the YouTube video "Why you're probably reading the Bible wrong," Rob Bell raises thought-provoking arguments about the common misinterpretations of the Bible.

One of the main points Bell makes is that people often approach the Bible with a narrow and literalistic mindset, resulting in a skewed understanding of its message. He suggests that the Bible should be read with an open mind, considering the different literary genres and historical contexts in which it was written.

Through the Jonas' story, he emphasises that don't focus on who is punishing or taking revenge, rather think of the bigger picture and message behind which states that do the

wounds that one has suffered would hold you back or would that help you to excel and spread love.

Overall, Bell's video has prompted me to reevaluate how I approach and interpret the Bible. It serves as a reminder to embrace a more open-minded and holistic approach, considering the historical context and overarching themes.

Questions to ponder -

1. What do we learn about GOD through this story?

2. What did .......(Bible character) .....learn?

Through this story, we learn God's nature of forgiveness, including His justice, mercy, and how these attributes intersect in profound ways.

The central message of Jonah is often seen as God's relentless pursuit of His people with mercy and grace.

Jonah learns about God's compassion for all people inspite of hatred and misdeeds.

PLANNING THE DEVOTION FOR STAFF/STUDENTS

Hook: Introduction to the story of Jonah - a disobedient prophet who is swallowed by a great fish.

Law:

1. Disobedience and the consequences: The story of Jonah reveals the consequences of disobedience to God's commands. Jonah was given a clear instruction by God to go and preach in Nineveh, but he chose to flee and go in the opposite direction. This disobedience led to him being thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish. This serves as a reminder that disobedience to God's word can have severe consequences.

2. Pride and prejudice: Another aspect of the law that can be highlighted from the story of Jonah is his pride and prejudice towards the people of Nineveh. Jonah initially resented the idea of preaching to them because of his preconceived notions about them and their wickedness.

Gospel:

1. God's mercy and forgiveness: Despite Jonah's disobedience and prejudice, God's mercy and forgiveness are evident throughout the story. God sends a great fish to swallow Jonah and preserve his life, and later he gives Jonah a second chance to fulfill his mission.

2. The hope of repentance: The story of Jonah also highlights the hope of repentance and the transformative power of God's word.

By using the story of Jonah as a devotion, students can be reminded of the importance of obedience to God's commands, of challenging their own biases, and the hope and assurance of God's mercy and forgiveness. It serves as a powerful reminder that no matter how far they may have strayed, God's love and grace are always there, ready to offer a second chance.

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God has created us for relationships and Christian spirituality finds expression in love, service and our vocations.

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1. How as a human can I forgive my enemies in the most respectable manner?

2. Should we as humans have some fear in mind when we do some misdeeds?

3. While planning devotion, what if the class is not able to arrive at the law or gospel I plan to do?

4. What if I interpret the Bible wrongly as I am not Christian and my understanding comes from the readings I have probably read once or twice?

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Only 1 out of 2 people in Australia are Christian. There is a new concept gaining importance that is "Spirituality".

Article 1 -

"Spirituality is something that people self-identify with or as. You don't sign up for anything to be a spiritual person. You're allowed to move in and out of different things, and to sample things and try things out," she said.

"It's practical to be flexible, and to be adaptable, and to be interested in new things. So the people who are spiritual seekers are flexible and adaptable and they're looking for the things they can use in different circumstances."

In my opinion, spirituality is different for every individual and one has to find one's own peace with the same and this would help to make or build one's identity.

Video - 2 big incentives to spiritually in Australia

1.Oldest culture in the world - living on Earth and they are in danger are the Aboriginal people - they believe that we took their land, we took their culture - we are aware of the sacred - colonisation in reverse and this is coming back to us

2. There is need to develop a deep spiritual relationship with the land and respect the land where one dwells.

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Reflection 1

Trinity - Father - Son and the Holy Spirit

Nadia Bolz-Weber's quote captures the essence of the Trinitarian nature of God and presents it as a beautiful dance of creation. The quote emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuality and communality within the Trinity, highlighting the mutual relationship of giving and receiving. Different analogies have the same meaning that symbolises the different components of the Trinity, e.g Lover, loved and beloved.

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According to Zacchaues, every one should approach religious texts with an open mind, embracing diverse perspectives and examining the historical and cultural contexts in which they were written. The comparison of Scripture to a gem with seventy faces emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the what Zacchaeus says and encourages individuals to explore different dimensions and interpretations. This notion is further supported by the existence of four Gospels in the New Testament, each offering a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus.

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According to the Article from BBC,

Grace is the term Christians use to describe God’s unconditional love for everyone, whether or not they have behaved as he wants them to.

Because God’s love is thought to bring redemption, some Christians believe that salvation does not need to be earned through good works. Instead, it can be achieved by believing in God and his son, Jesus Christ.

According to the Youtube Video Luther, God is kind and would forgive you for your sins. Do not think God is angry. God has a friendly heart. When you confront devil, say him that yes, you deserve death but God is my saviour.

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What is important in Lutheran Education?

Key beliefs include compassion, forgiveness, Justice, service, empathy and appreciation. Also, it is essential to value each individual as a unique person created and loved by God.

Furthermore, working in partnership with students, families and others in building relationships and community is of utmost importance.

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My belief and purposes, and how do we live out our beliefs 

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My belief and purposes, and how do we live out our beliefs 

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For me as an educator,  it is important to impart education and help my learners gain from the knowledge I possess and in return I gain from their life experiences. This would help both to gain from each other and help the learners hone their skills und educate themselves to become better humans for the community.

The motto of GSLC which is Service, Respect and Identity overlaps with my life philosophy and my culture back in India. Respecting others, serving the community and helping each to build and create their identity are some beliefs that I resonate with.

As an Educator at Lutheran School, it is important that I appreciate the uniqueness of each student and let each to learn and support to the best of his/her ability.

At Lutheran school, each child is a unique creation of God. Lutheran schools aim to provide a Christ centred quality education for young Australians. The gospel of Jesus Christ informs all learning, teaching and human relationships.

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In session 3 we learned about the Community which stood out for me.

What this means for our school that we as a Lutheran school value community because it recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and the importance of living in harmonious relationships with others. Community is seen as a fundamental aspect of human existence and a key component of a holistic education. By fostering a sense of community, Lutheran Education aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

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Lutheran education is centred in the belief that God invites all people to join God in ongoing creation and care for the universe.

In terms of the "why" of Lutheran education, creation theology emphasizes that God is the creator of the universe and everything in it, including human beings. It affirms the intrinsic value and dignity of each individual, as they are created in the image of God.

In terms of the "how" of Lutheran education, creation theology influences the approaches and methods used in teaching and learning. It encourages a holistic and integrated approach to education, recognizing the interconnectedness of all subjects and the relevance of faith in every aspect of life. Lutheran education emphasizes the integration of faith and learning, viewing all disciplines as a way to explore and understand God's creation.

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Critical questions - Connect - Challenge 

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Critical questions - Connect - Challenge 

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Definitely, grace is important in daily lives and we should also educate the students the same.

It puzzles me that if we are always gracious to our students, would they actually stop committing wrong deeds, stop disrespecting their peers and elders.

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First Evidence - God made the world good and there was a purpose behind it. 

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First Evidence - God made the world good and there was a purpose behind it. 

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God creates or makes people. Each one of us is unique and this uniqueness helps me as an Educator to plan and teach my students in a way such that I cater to their needs. In my opinion, the Creation theory can shape my work with students by fostering respect for diverse beliefs, integrating science and faith, promoting critical thinking and scientific literacy, and engaging in meaningful discussions about ethics and values.

I ponder on the idea if my efforts are enough to meet the diverseness and uniqueness in each individual student I teach. At times, I might be able to meet my students needs, but at times I might fail.

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Article - "God looks after the universe we created" - (Barch)

My reflection

The idea that "God continues to create" can be connected to the concept of ongoing creation and evolution in various religious beliefs. In many religious traditions, God is seen as an eternal and creative force that constantly brings new ideas, creations, and developments into existence. This notion aligns with the belief that the universe is continually expanding and evolving.

New ideas which come to my mind are stated below:

Science is a gift of God created by mankind which works with physical, measurable data: to use science to discredit God or usurp the place of God, is false science. However, it is important here to distinguish between the areas of faith and reason.

What puzzles me is how to justify the students the ethical dimension of science when they are learning the Creation Theory and Religion?It might be challenging to explain students the difference between faith and reason.

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Lutheran education emphasizes the integration of faith and learning, viewing all disciplines as a way to explore and understand God's creation. It also promotes critical thinking and inquiry-based learning, encouraging students to explore and appreciate the wonders of God's creation through observation, investigation, and reflection. Furthermore, creation theology emphasizes the importance of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment, instilling in students a sense of care and concern for creation.

The concept of Creation Theology raises a variety of questions and issues that I can explore through research, conversation, and reflection. Some possible questions and avenues for exploration include:

1. Does the concept of Creation Theology imply a specific religious worldview?

2. How does Creation Theology interact with scientific understandings of the origins of the universe, life, and humanity?

3. How does Creation Theology shape our understanding of humanity's place and purpose in the world?

4. What are the implications of Creation Theology for environmental ethics and sustainability? Explore how the belief in a divine creator affects attitudes and actions towards the environment.

5. How does the concept of Creation Theology influence social justice and human rights issues?

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1. Lutheran Education values community because it recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual and the importance of living in harmonious relationships with others. Community is seen as a fundamental aspect of human existence and a key component of a holistic education. By fostering a sense of community, Lutheran Education aims to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students can grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

2. Learning about community has informed my understanding of my role and contribution by highlighting the significance of interconnectedness and shared responsibility. I have come to recognize that my actions and choices can have an impact on others, and that I have a role to play in creating a positive and inclusive community.

3. I explore these questions, I engage in various activities such as:

Reading books or articles on community building, social psychology, or ethics.

Engaging in discussions and dialogues with individuals who have different perspectives and experiences of community.

Participating in community service or volunteering activities to gain firsthand experience of working together for a common purpose.

Reflecting on personal experiences and observations of community dynamics and considering the lessons learned.

Seeking guidance from mentors, educators, or community leaders who can provide insights and support in exploring these questions.

4. Remember that exploring questions about community is a lifelong journey, and there are no definitive answers. It is through continuous learning and engagement that you can deepen your understanding and contribute meaningfully to the communities you are a part of.

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An unresolved issue or question I have is about resource material and planning for my devotion lessons and Christian Studies lessons, as I am a Hindu and have never read the Bible.

My learning plan is to use the structure I learnt in Session 4 - where I learnt to use Hook, Law, Gospel and connect the same with the staff or my students.

As a result I will be able to have a rough outline how to structure my devotion and continue with the same. I would still need some part of more observation under other colleagues and take on further from there.

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What kind of support can be provided to schools or school children to support Lutheran beliefs and values? Are they some special events for the same?