To understand good works is to understand vocation. The first call of the Christian is to receive the gifts of our Lord by the Holy Spirit we give gifts in love to others. The charge is to love others with a good conscience. A good conscience only comes through faith in full satisfaction of Christ’s cross and empty tomb. The Epistle James provides a faithful model of how to understand and teach good works. He is very critical of lazy Christians, but his exhortation to them is not to do good works outside of faith (James 1:18, 2:22; 2:24). John 15:5 shows us the need to hear the Law of our Lord, understanding that we are connected to Christ the Vine in faith. Our works flow from the works of Christ, and we joyfully and freely serve as our Lord has already served us.

Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to continue our study on good works.

Find your copy of the Book of Concord - Concordia Reader's Edition at cph.org or read online at bookofconcord.org.

Study the Lutheran Confession of Faith found in the Book of Concord with lively discussions led by host Rev. Brady Finnern, President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and guest LCMS pastors. Join us as these Christ-confessing Concordians read through and discuss our Lutheran doctrine in the Book of Concord in order to gain a deeper understanding of our Lutheran faith and practical application for our vocations.