Special Teachings for New Believers – Part Two “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”—Luke 1:80 (ESV) One of God’s consistent patterns throughout Scripture is this: before He launches His servants into their divine assignment, He leads them into the wilderness. The wilderness is not a place of punishment but a sacred classroom where God shapes the soul, strips away distractions, and builds spiritual strength. As a newly born-again believer, if you desire to grow deep and strong in your walk with Christ, you cannot bypass this wilderness season. It is God’s chosen environment for developing spiritual maturity. The Pattern of the Wilderness When God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He did not take them directly into the Promised Land. Instead, He led them into the wilderness for forty years—a time of testing, provision, and spiritual formation. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.”—Hosea 11:1 (ESV) They were spiritually immature, dependent, and still entangled in old mindsets. In the wilderness, God fed them daily, taught them obedience, and revealed Himself as their sustainer. By the time they entered Canaan, they had been forged into a people ready for battle and capable of walking in covenant faith. Similarly, John the Baptist, though born into a priestly lineage, withdrew to the wilderness. There, he grew strong in spirit and became a powerful voice preparing the way of the Lord. “Among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist.”—Matthew 11:11 (ESV) Why was John so spiritually significant? Because he embraced the wilderness. He allowed God to prepare him away from the noise of society. What Does It Mean to “Dwell in the Wilderness” Spiritually? This is not about moving into a literal desert. The spiritual wilderness is a season of consecration—a deliberate choice to withdraw from worldly influences, pleasures, and distractions so that God can do a deep work in your heart. The wilderness is spiritually symbolic of a place where you are alone with God. It is where your faith is purified, your character is shaped, and your dependence on Christ is strengthened. To “dwell in the wilderness” means: Breaking ties with ungodly relationships and old sinful habits. Letting go of worldly entertainment and environments that weaken your devotion. Embracing solitude, prayer, and the study of God’s Word. Trusting God as your provider, even if obedience means losing a job or income. Letting Go to Grow You must be willing to lose now in order to gain later. This is the essence of discipleship. “Then Jesus told his disciples, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”—Matthew 16:24–25 (ESV) You cannot carry your cross and cling to the world at the same time. Growth demands separation. If you were once surrounded by worldly friends who encouraged sin—those you drank with, partied with, or gossiped with—you must now choose a new path. Even if it means loneliness for a season, embrace it. That loneliness is sacred. It is where Christ meets you most intimately. If you’re engaged in a career or business that dishonors God—such as selling alcohol or operating unethically—do not hesitate to walk away. God will not abandon you. Just as He fed Israel with manna in the desert, He will provide for you. “But the woman was given the two wings of the great eagle so that she might fly from the serpent into the wilderness, to the place where she is to be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time.”—Revelation 12:14 (ESV) God has already prepared a place for you—a spiritual wilderness where you will be nourished and protected. Do not fear the loss. His provision is faithful. For Women of God If you’re a young woman, be willing to let go of worldly fashion that draws attention to the flesh rather than glorifying God. Discard immodest clothing and choose a lifestyle of holiness. Even if people mock you or say you’ve lost your mind, be unashamed. The world may call you foolish, but Christ calls you faithful. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”—Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) Why the Wilderness Is Essential The wilderness is where Christ becomes your only teacher. There, you are undistracted by the noise of culture, career, or crowds. You give Him undivided access to transform your life. That’s why spiritual growth happens so rapidly in the wilderness. “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’”—Isaiah 40:3 (ESV) If you skip this season, you risk remaining spiritually stagnant. Many Christians have walked with Jesus for years but show little transformation because they never surrendered to the wilderness. They stayed in the comfort of the world, and so God could not mold them. Embrace the Voice of Conviction Do not ignore the still, small voice urging you to surrender something, leave someone, or walk away from a sinful pattern. These are wilderness invitations. Each one is a door to deeper intimacy with Christ. “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?”—Matthew 16:26 (ESV) To bear fruit for God, you must first be pruned. To be pruned, you must first be willing to dwell in the wilderness. So, walk away from the world. Step into the wilderness. There, God will meet you, feed you, and form you.Then, when your day of public ministry or purpose arrives, you will not be found lacking. The Lord bless you.Shalom.
Do you know why the Lord Jesus said,“Take care then how you hear”? (Luke 8:18, ESV) He gave this warning because He knew how easily even a believer—someone who appears to be standing firm—can fall, simply based on what they choose to listen to. If what you hear does not come from Him, it can lead you astray. Not everything deserves your ears or your heart. We are living in a time marked by spiritual deception and darkness. In these last days, there are three major areas that require extra discernment: Visions Dreams Revelations If your Christian life is built primarily on dreams you’ve had, visions you’ve seen, or revelations others have shared—while neglecting the Word of God—you are in serious danger. Whether those experiences are from God or not, if you’ve sidelined the Scriptures, the risk of being misled is far greater than you realize. We live in a time when people say things like: “I was taken to hell and shown those who eat certain types of candy or drink specific soft drinks like Coca-Cola are in torment.” “God showed me that every woman who enters marriage without being a virgin is an adulteress, and the only person she can rightfully marry is the man she slept with first—even if it happened before she was saved.” “I saw a vision that everyone who worships on Sunday is going to hell.” “Jesus told me that anyone who dreams about flying is destined for fire.” “If you’ve ever taken something dishonestly in your past—even if you have no way to repay it now—you must pay it back or else you’ll end up in the lake of fire.” “Swimming at the beach is sin. Using birth control sends you to hell.” And the list goes on… Now, let’s assume—just for argument’s sake—that some of these claims are true. The important question is:How do you know they are from God? Is it because someone you trust had a vision? Because it felt real? Or because you “just believe” them? Is that enough? Is personal conviction alone a trustworthy measure of divine truth? What if someone told you, “Black-skinned people carry the curse of Ham and must undergo a special chemical skin-lightening process in order to enter heaven”? Would you believe that too—just because they said they had a revelation? My brother, my sister, if you live by the Word of God, you already have sufficient truth. The Scriptures are complete, sufficient, and inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Even if someone tells you they saw homosexuals in hell, that shouldn’t shock you—because the Bible already says so. You don’t need a vision to confirm what the Word has made plain: “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”(1 Corinthians 6:9–10, ESV) When you walk by the Word, you are walking in light and safety. But if you rely solely on testimonies and supernatural experiences—accepting them blindly without testing them by Scripture—you will end up confused, anxious, and fearful. Truth and error will mix, and you will no longer know where you stand. Such a person is especially vulnerable to temptation and falling into sin. That’s why it is absolutely essential to know the Bible. Jesus said: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”(John 8:32, ESV) Be careful about what testimonies you listen to online—especially on platforms like YouTube. Be cautious about the preachers and influencers you follow. If your faith is not rooted in the Word of God, Satan will gladly offer you a counterfeit foundation, built on emotionalism, mysticism, or superstition. Don’t even take my word for it. Don’t blindly trust any human being.Trust the Bible. That’s enough—it is the surest foundation for your faith. Some will say, “The Lord told me to collect your hair and fingernails and wrap them in a red cloth so we can pray over them.” And when you ask for biblical support, they say, “It’s a revelation! You won’t receive deliverance unless you follow this instruction.” This is extremely dangerous!Reject such teachings. Others claim, “Unless you believe in me personally, you will miss the rapture.” That too is false! The Bible is clear: “Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.”(1 Timothy 4:1, ESV) Do not be quick to believe anything you hear, unless you have tested it through the lens of Scripture. May the Lord help us remain anchored in His truth.
If you think your environment excuses you from following Jesus, think again. Many people believe that their circumstances prevent them from becoming true disciples of Christ. You might say: “I was born into a religion that opposes Christianity. How can I become a follower of Jesus—especially one who denies themselves daily to follow Him? I’m married to someone who rejects Christ. My whole family doesn’t believe in Jesus or even respect the Christian faith. Is it really possible for me to go to church, serve God, and live as a faithful believer?” The answer is YES.It is entirely possible if you are willing to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). You’re not the first to face a hostile environment. Throughout the Bible, there were people who encountered even more difficult situations than yours. Some overcame, and some did not. Let’s examine both. 1. Those Who Failed to Follow Openly John 12:42 (ESV): “Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue.” Here we see Jewish leaders who genuinely believed in Jesus—but they remained silent. They feared being expelled from the synagogue and rejected by their community. Their secret faith bore no fruit, because they were unwilling to confess Christ publicly. Jesus Himself warned against such hidden faith: Matthew 10:32–33 (ESV): “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Fear of man kept them from full devotion to Christ. This is a sobering warning for anyone tempted to stay silent because of societal or religious pressure. 2. Those Who Overcame the Pressure Thankfully, the Bible also gives us powerful examples of men and women who were in extremely difficult situations—yet they chose to follow Jesus boldly. Two such people are: Joanna, the wife of Chuza, an official in Herod’s court. Manaen, a close associate and foster brother of Herod. Joanna: A Courageous Disciple in the Palace of a Tyrant Joanna was married to Chuza, the household manager (steward) of King Herod. Herod’s dynasty was notorious for persecuting God’s people: Herod the Great tried to kill baby Jesus by ordering the slaughter of infant boys (Matthew 2:16). Herod Antipas, his son, had John the Baptist beheaded (Matthew 14:10). Herod Agrippa, his grandson, killed James and tried to execute Peter (Acts 12:1–3). Being part of Herod’s household meant being surrounded by hostility toward the Gospel. Yet Joanna, knowing the dangers, chose to become a disciple of Jesus—not secretly, but openly. Luke 8:1–3 (ESV): “Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.” Joanna supported Jesus’ ministry both spiritually and financially. Her courage and generosity were expressions of deep faith and devotion. She risked her life by openly aligning herself with Jesus. Her example reminds us that discipleship may cost us safety, reputation, or relationships—but the reward is eternal glory. Manaen: A Prophet from the Palace Acts 13:1 (ESV): “Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.” Manaen was raised alongside Herod Antipas—likely as a foster brother. They grew up in the same environment, had similar influences, and shared the same palace. But when Manaen heard the Gospel, he made a different choice. Instead of siding with power and politics, he chose Christ and was eventually recognized as a prophet and teacher in the early church. This is a profound testimony: Two men raised under the same roof—one a persecutor of God’s servants, the other a servant of the Living God. Manaen is a powerful example that your background does not determine your destiny. God can call and use anyone—even from the most unlikely of places—if they are willing to follow Him wholeheartedly. Conclusion: What’s Holding You Back? If Joanna and Manaen could follow Jesus from within the household of Herod—a family known for opposing Christ—what excuse do we have? These two will rise in the judgment and stand as witnesses against anyone who claimed their situation was “too difficult” to follow Jesus (cf. Matthew 12:41-42). If you’re married to a non-believer, or live in a home where Christ is rejected, don’t be ashamed. Proclaim your faith. Follow Jesus. Deny yourself. Be bold. “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”(Matthew 16:25, ESV) Like Joanna and Manaen, choose Christ—even when it costs you everything. He will honor those who honor Him (1 Samuel 2:30). Maranatha — Come, Lord Jesus!
Blessed be the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! Let us study the Word of God together. Luke 21:37–38 (ESV)“And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.” Have you ever asked yourself why Jesus, during His final days in Jerusalem, chose to spend the nights not in someone’s home, but sleeping on the Mount of Olives? It wasn’t because He lacked a place to stay or had no one to welcome Him. On the contrary, Jesus had many followers—some of them wealthy and influential—who would have gladly hosted Him. For example, Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man and one of Jesus’ secret disciples. After Jesus’ crucifixion, he boldly approached Pilate to ask for Jesus’ body, and offered his own new tomb for the burial. Matthew 27:57–58 (NIV)“As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him.” Another example is the homeowner who provided the upper room for Jesus and His disciples to celebrate the Passover. According to Scripture, this was a well-furnished room in a multi-story house—clearly belonging to someone of means. Mark 14:13–15 (ESV)“And he sent two of his disciples and said to them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him, and wherever he enters, say to the master of the house, “The Teacher says, Where is my guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” And he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready; there prepare for us.'” So, the question remains: Why did Jesus choose to sleep outdoors on the Mount of Olives instead of staying with His followers in Jerusalem? The Scriptures and context suggest two primary reasons: 1. To Pray in Solitude Jesus was a man of prayer. Prayer wasn’t an occasional activity for Him—it was central to His earthly ministry. He often withdrew from the crowds to spend time in intimate communion with the Father. The Mount of Olives, a quiet and secluded place just east of Jerusalem, provided the ideal environment for this. Luke 22:39 (NIV)“Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.” He preferred a place free from domestic distractions—no hosting duties, no interruptions, no noise. He understood that focused prayer demands a still heart and a quiet setting. This serves as a powerful lesson for us: when we pray, we must also be intentional about our environment. The quality of our surroundings can influence the depth of our communion with God. Even in Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount, He wrestled in prayer the night before His arrest (Luke 22:44). His choice of that location was not random—it was purposeful, habitual, and spiritual. 2. To Be Early in the Temple The second reason Jesus stayed on the Mount of Olives was so He could be early in the temple. He had a divine mission to teach the people every day, and He wanted to be the first one there to fulfill that responsibility faithfully. Staying in people’s homes—though hospitable—often involved delays due to domestic routines and preparations. Consider the time He visited Mary and Martha: Luke 10:38–40 (NIV)“Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!'” Jesus understood that such distractions, while well-meaning, could hinder the urgency of the mission. When He stayed on the Mount of Olives, it allowed Him to simply wake up, perhaps wash, and walk a short distance to the temple—ready to teach. The Mount of Olives is only a few hundred meters from the Temple Mount, making it a strategic place to rest and rise early. As a result, He became a model of spiritual diligence. The people saw His discipline and were inspired by it. Scripture says: Luke 21:38 (ESV)“And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.” His commitment drew others. They began waking up earlier and earlier so they wouldn’t miss His teaching. He didn’t just tell them what to do—He lived it before them. Spiritual Lessons for Today Just like in Jesus’ day, the Lord still “rises early”—so to speak—to meet with His people in His house. Those who love Him, those who belong to Him truly, also rise early to seek Him. Spiritual hunger always shows itself in action. But today, many believers are being spiritually crippled by two great hindrances: sleep and indifference. Oversleeping and apathy are among the top reasons people miss worship services or arrive late. These two enemies dull our spirits and rob us of divine encounters. Scripture warns us about the dangers of spiritual slumber: Mark 13:35–37 (ESV)“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come… And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” Also, Luke 22:46 (NIV)“Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.” There is no prayer that can remove laziness or sleepiness. The only remedy is decision and discipline. When Jesus found Peter, James, and John sleeping during a critical moment of prayer, He didn’t rebuke a demon—He simply told them to wake up and pray (Matthew 26:40-41). So you, too, must make a deliberate choice: rise early, go to the house of God, seek His face, and be spiritually alert. If your church is far, plan ahead. Stay near the church the night before if needed. Attend a night vigil and sleep nearby if possible. But whatever it takes, be in God’s house early, ready to worship and receive His Word. Arriving late because of sleep, or showing up with no hunger for God, is displeasing to the Lord. In fact, on such a day, it might be better to stay home and rest—because you may not receive anything at all. Final Exhortation Reject the spirit of slumber. Reject spiritual laziness.Wake up early. Go to church. Show the Lord that you honor His Word and His presence. Those who seek Him early will surely find Him. Proverbs 8:17 (ESV)“I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” Maranatha! The Lord is coming soon. Let Him find you awake, active, and seeking Him. May the Lord bless us all.