RE: “We are brought into this union with God through His Word and Sacraments which create and sustain faith.”

In this regard, I think it’s important to acknowledge the Holy Spirit by name with gratitude and praise. For “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:3 ESV).

It is by the Holy Spirit that the sowing of the Word produces fruit (Matt. 13:1-9, 18-23; Gal. 5:22-23) and we are sustained in this saving faith (John 14:16, 26).

Luther’s explanation of the third article of the Apostles’ Creed also comes to mind.