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Scriptures from the Holy Bible, King James (Authorised) Version of 1611
Book of Romans, chapter 11, verses 16 to 24




16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

17 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

Holy Bible -- King James Version


Selah (Pause, and consider these things)
By Leonard L Hamilton Jr, Encouraging Words Ministries

Bear with me for a simple example: imagine a team of some sort, whose members are close comrades and concerned with how it functions, how it performs for its owner. Your desire is to play on that team. An occasion arises where a player is removed from the team for good reason, and you are chosen to become a member. Are you therefor better than the other members? Is there cause for bragging and boasting? No. You did not become a member by virtue of your own skill or prowess, but rather by nomination. The team did not join you, but rather you were chosen to join the team. And if one of the original team members can be put out, how much more you, who were chosen?

Abide therefor in the Lord, Who is Righteous and Just and Worthy to be praised! Remember this, that the Kingdom (the team) is God's, and He will save whom He will choose to save, casting all others into eternal hellfire. But our election into "God's team" is assured when we accept Christ Jesus as personal Lord and Saviour, believing that He died on the cross and was resurrected from the dead to save our immortal soul as His Father- our Father- promised.

Have you been chosen for His team? God has promised to save all who claim His Son as Lord and Master. Follow Him, and let His Holy Spirit guide you daily. Let Him be your desire, and strive daily to be a member in good standing. The reward for those who do is eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven. When is the best time to decide? Right this very moment, for today is the acceptable hour of your salvation in Jesus!

Your Invitation

Pray to God and confess that you are a sinner, accept His Son as your Saviour, and determine to live a life that pleases and serves Him. No, its not always easy, and yes there will be temptations. But He will send His Holy Spirit to guide and instruct you, and place others around you for support and encouragement by His Word. There are Bible-believing churches to be found virtually everywhere where you may worship the Lord and become a beloved part of His Team!

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