rlschultz has left a new comment on your post "Joe Krohn Touches on the Real Issue: Not Only Fals...":
It is difficult for some laity to believe that denominational leaders can be so brutal and dishonest. They may falsely assume that their sect will protect from the evil world which lurks outside the church walls. Carnal sins are certainly capable of ultimately producing unbelief, when left unchecked by the proper use of Law and Gospel.
Staying busy with church work can produce a type of complacency where private study of the Word is substituted with busy work. Congregational operation should be orderly and decent, but not just for the sake of the congregation. Larger congregations always run the risk of producing cliques and yes-men. Satan would much rather deceive with false doctrine from leaders than with pet sins.
There used to be a time when we were often reminded that sanctification always follows justification:
Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure
by the Cross are sanctified.
Now, we get how-to __________ Bible studies instead of study of the Lutheran Confessions.
I am convinced that many leaders are afraid that if more laity studied the BOC, their little fiefdoms would fall apart. Christians with doctrinal discernment would wield the Sword of the Spirit. Only the Holy Spirit, through the Means of Grace, can produce a fearless faith that will stand up to bullying, apostate leaders.
