These videos consist of a series of questions answered by Dr. Biermann and Dr. Schulz on the issues of the two kingdoms, the Office of the Keys and other issues in Dogmatics.
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01 - What is the proper relationship between the church and the government?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains the difference between the right hand realm of and the left hand realm.
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02 - Is the doctrine of the two realms the same as the American ideal of separation of church and state?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann further explains that both realms are God's and that the church should be involved in the left hand realm.
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03 - Are the two realms the same thing as the two kingdoms?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann warns that we not confuse the two realms and the two kingdoms and reminds us that we should be active in both just as Satan is.
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04 - Is the mixing of the two realms related to American Calvinism?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that trying to create a "Christian" government is not what we should strive for.
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05 - Is the two realms doctrine the same as the law and gospel distinction or the two kinds of righteousness?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that Law and Gospel takes place in both realms and is connected to how we connect to God and the world.
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06 - What is the goal of the left-hand realm?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains what the role of the church (right hand) is in regards to the government (left hand).
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07 - How does the two realms distinction help balance proclamation and service in the church?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains how to balance the left hand needs of your community with our responsibility to proclaim the Gospel.
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08 - Is environmental activism appropriate in light of God's restoration of creation?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that we should be concerned about the environment and protect it but not a the cost of God's crowning creation man.
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09 - Is it ever appropriate for a pastor to enter into the left-hand realm of service?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann points out how it is difficult for a pastor to serve in the Left Hand Realm and uses the Military Chaplin as an example.
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10 - How should an LCMS pastor address participation in community prayer?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that when asked to speak at a civil event that is left hand work and if it is an ecumenical event it becomes much more complex and you need to be careful and thoughtful.
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11 - How should an LCMS pastor participate in community events when pastors in other denominations are involved?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann encourages you to be careful and thoughtful when asked to do a revolving civil event and make sure you have the support of the congregation.
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12 - Is the law of the left-hand kingdom the same as natural law?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann defines natural law as the will of God for creation so it has always been there even when man chooses to ignore it.
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13 - What value is there in teaching people about natural law?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains the Gospel frees me to live in the left hand realm and serve my neighbor and fulfill God's law.
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14 - Are we able to earn rewards by keeping the law?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann warns that if we do serve our neighbor with the motive of building rewards in heaven we are sinning.
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15 - Will God motivate me to serve my neighbor?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that the Law and Gospel provide the motivation and structure for serving my neighbor.
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16 - What does the two realms have to say regarding war?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that war is the responsibility of the left hand realm and Christians do have a Left Hand duty to serve and support he war.
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17 - If natural law is the basis for the left-hand realm, then are some systems of ethics better than others?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that some ethics are better than others but it needs to be based on God's natural law and not what is best for me.
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18 - Does a focus on ethics make us self-centered?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann warns that Lutherans believe they can do whatever they want instead of being free to follow God's law to serve others.
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19 - How does marriage fit into the two realms?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that marriage is part of the left hand realm.
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20 - Does marriage still have connections to the right-hand realm?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that marriage is the connection that God has to the church in the right hand realm.
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21 - What does Paul mean in Ephesians 5 when he speaks of a woman being subordinate?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that the order of the natural law makes all things subordinate.
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22 - How does one address current attitudes toward divorce among the church?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann discusses God's view on divorce and the churches acceptance of divorce.
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23 - What does Jesus mean when he speaks of divorce in Matthew 19?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains that Jesus in Matthew 19 speaks of marriage and divorce he was emphasizing the importance of marriage.
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24 - Is it appropriate to teach about marriage in church?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann encourages pastors to preach on things like marriage so people know what God's will is on these subjects.
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25 - Is a Lutheran school in the right or left-hand realm?
Joel Biermann
Dr. Biermann explains Lutheran schools are the work of the left hand realm in the role of their educating and disciplining the students.
