The text for this morning's sermon is found in Romans chapter 11 verses 13 through 24.

Romans chapter 11 versus 13 through 24. Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. In as much then as I am

an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry in order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous

and thus save some of them.

For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance

mean but life from the dead?

If the dough offered as first fruits is holy, so is the whole lump. And if the root is

holy, so are the branches. But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild

olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree. Do not be arrogant

toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.

Then you will say,

branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in. That is true. They were broken off because

of their unbelief. But you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe.

For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God.

Severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in

his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off and even they if they do not continue in their unbelief will be grafted in

for God has the power to graft them in again.

For if you are cut from what is by nature, a wild olive tree engrafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree.

How much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.

Let's pray together.

Father, as we hear now that Saddam Hussein has been captured. We want as a people to pray that we renounce all vengeful spirit.

Our heart's desire for him is not his destruction, but his salvation.

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