As a way of involving all of you, this sermon contains two things: First, from time to time in the sermon I’m going to say, “Bless we the Lord.” I’d like you to respond by saying, “Thanks be to God.” Second, I’d like to use the following hymn to bring out a few points: LORD, 'TIS NOT THAT I DID CHOOSE THEE (Lutheran Service Book #573) 1. Lord, ’tis not that I did choose Thee; / That, I know, could never be; For this heart would still refuse Thee / Had Thy grace not chosen me. Thou hast from the sin that stained me / Washed and cleansed and set me free And unto this end ordained me, / That I ever live to Thee. 2. It was grace in Christ that called me, / Taught my darkened heart and mind; Else the world had yet enthralled me, / To Thy heav’nly glories blind. Now I worship none above Thee; / For Thy grace alone I thirst, Knowing well that, if I love Thee, / Thou, O Lord, didst love me first. 3. Praise the God of all creation: / Praise the Father’s boundless love. Praise the Lamb, our expiation, / priest and King enthroned above. Praise the Spirit of salvation, / Him by whom our spirits live. Undivided adoration / To the great Jehovah give.