Page 35 - Foundations

possible, however, to have zeal that is not in accordance with knowledge (Romans 10:2).

Because of people’s strong emotional attachments to their beliefs, and the anger that arises in their
soul when they encounter teaching that is contrary to what they have previously received, I frequently
find myself urging those who write to me to exercise the fruit of the Holy Spirit, while ruling over
their fleshly passions.

Galatians 5:22-24
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility,
self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Yahshua have
crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

It really is not possible to make progress in God’s kingdom apart from exercising the fruit of the
Spirit. If a Christian does not manifest the patience to listen intelligently to what another is saying,
they cannot benefit from what is shared. If a man or woman is not humble, they cannot be taught.
Therefore, I entreat those with disagreements to clothe themselves with the Spirit of Christ. Carnal
believers who are irascible, quick to speak and slow to hear, condemn themselves to remain fixed
in error.

If you find that some of the things I share in this series relating to beginnings are contrary to what
you were taught by others, I exhort you to manifest the patience to intelligently consider what is
shared. I entreat you to pray to the Father, asking Him to disclose to you truth and error and to lead
you in the path of understanding. I fully anticipate that many, indeed most, readers have been taught
something different. (I was.) It will require patience on your part to search the Scriptures, laying
aside all bias. You will have to rise up in spirit and rule over any emotions that are stirred up due to
a personal affinity to an individual, group, church, denomination, or to a doctrine itself. If your goal
is to apprehend truth and walk in the understanding and wisdom of God, you should do well.

As important as truth is, I believe it is even more important that believers demonstrate love for one
another. The apostle Paul wrote:

I Corinthians 13:1-2
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong
or a clanging cymbal. And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge...,
but do not have love, I am nothing.