Category: Salvation

A Miracle Witnessed in Chiang Mai, Thailand

This happened during our Missionary work in Thailand 2018-2024. In early 2020, a young lady from our church in Chiang Mai, Thailand, contacted my wife and explained that she and several friends planned to travel to Chiang Rai to bring her mother back to Chiang Mai for baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ.

My wife gladly agreed.

That Saturday afternoon, after a four-hour drive, they called to let us know they were about an hour away. We had already prepared the baptismal water and were praying in anticipation of their arrival.

At that point, we knew nothing about her mother’s condition.

When they arrived, we walked outside to greet them. As the back passenger door opened, three young people carefully helped this precious Thai mother into a wheelchair.

It was immediately clear that she could not walk.

As we entered the baptism room, I realized her condition was even worse than I first thought. Not only could she not walk—she could not speak. The only sounds she could make were grunts.

She was visibly terrified.

Her eyes reflected fear and confusion as she looked around the room. At that moment, I knew she did not need questions—she needed peace.

I stepped into the baptismal waters beside her and began to pray, asking the Lord Jesus Christ to calm her fears and touch her life.

As we prayed, peace slowly came over her.

Holding her gently in my arms, I said, “Mom, I now baptize you in the Name of Jesus Christ.”

Then something happened that none of us will ever forget.

As she came up out of the water, she suddenly stood upright on her own. She stepped out of the baptismal tank and began walking around the room saying, “I’m hungry! I’m hungry!”

Tears filled the room as we witnessed the miracle the Lord Jesus had performed for this precious mother.

Until that day, she had only known Buddhism, as is the case for most Thai people. Yet on that day, Jesus entered the room, saw the faith of these young believers, and responded with a miracle that astonished everyone present.

Later, her daughter explained that her mother had spent years in a mental institution before eventually becoming bedridden for many more years at home.

We had known none of this beforehand.

But the Lord Jesus knew.

Over the years, I have witnessed many miracles and healings, but I can honestly say this was unlike anything I had ever seen before.

Glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Continue Reading

This testimony is an excerpt from Chapter 2 of my book, Faith Unto Salvation, where I share personal experiences, biblical teachings, and the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore the book here:

Faith Unto Salvation

Many people talk about being ‘born again’… but few stop to ask what Jesus actually meant.

Some think it’s just a feeling.
Others believe it’s simply a confession.

But when Jesus spoke about being born again…
He spoke clearly — and He meant something specific.

Let’s go straight to the Scripture.

The Scripture

“Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — John 3:5

These are not casual words.

Jesus said:
👉 “Except a man…”

That means this is not optional.

What Does It Mean to Be Born of Water?

Being born of water is not a mystery when we compare Scripture with Scripture.

In Acts 2:38, Peter said:

👉 “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…”

Baptism in water is directly connected to the remission of sins.

It is not just a symbol — it is obedience to what was preached.

When a person is baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, they are identifying with His death, burial, and resurrection.

You can also see this in Romans 6:3

What Does It Mean to Be Born of the Spirit?

Jesus said we must also be born “of the Spirit.”

This is the promise of the Holy Ghost.

In Acts 2:38, Peter continued:

👉 “…and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

This is not reserved for a select few.

It is a promise.

The Spirit of God dwelling within a person brings transformation — not just outward, but inward.

This is also referenced by Apostle Paul to the Church at Rome — in Romans 6:4

How John 3:5 and Acts 2:38 Work Together

When we look at John 3:5 and Acts 2:38 together, the picture becomes clear:

• Born of water → Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ
• Born of the Spirit → Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost

Scripture does not contradict itself — it confirms itself.

👉 To understand Acts 2:38 more clearly, read here:
https://anchorofhopepublication.com/acts-2-38-meaning-explained/

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🔥 Why This Matters

Jesus did not say this as a suggestion.

He said:

👉 “Except a man be born again…”

That means this is the way into the Kingdom of God.

Many people want to redefine what being “born again” means.

But the truth is not ours to redefine.

It is ours to receive.

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A Final Thought

Being born again is not just a moment…
it is a transformation.

It begins with repentance.
It continues with obedience — Baptism in Jesus name.
And it is fulfilled through the Spirit of God dwelling within.

This is not religion.

This is new life.

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Go Deeper

If you want to go deeper into this subject and others rooted in Scripture:

👉 https://anchorofhopepublication.com/books/

The Deceptive spirit Of Antichrist

People have heard much about the Antichrist.
Yet very few understand or even heard about the spirit of antichrist—what it looks like, how it speaks, and how easily it blends into everyday conversation.

It does not always come with open rebellion.
More often, it comes wrapped in words that sound peaceful, reasonable, and even compassionate.

I was reminded of this not long after arriving in Thailand.

Mr. Richardson, a Thai friend, came to visit our home. During our conversation, I shared with him my desire to find a building—to establish a church.

He smiled and asked,
“You want to have a church building here?”

I said, “Sure.”
I explained that my purpose in coming to Thailand was simple: the Thai people need to know who the True and Living God is—Jesus Christ is His Name.

Mr. Richardson paused, then responded with a tone of gentle skepticism:

“Ah… what’s the big deal? Everyone’s god is the same. He is just called by different names.”

Now, on the surface, that sounds harmless.
Even kind.
It sounds like unity.

So I answered him plainly:

“So you’re telling me we should all just hold hands, sing ‘Kumbaya,’ be one big happy family—and come together to worship your god, whether his name is Buddha, Allah, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, or Hare Krishna?”

What he said reflects a mindset that is becoming more common in our day.

A mindset that says:

• Truth is flexible
• Beliefs are interchangeable
• And ultimately… all paths lead to the same place

But the Word of God does not agree with that.

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself said:

“If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
— John 8:24

That is not a statement of inclusion.
That is a line drawn in truth.

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What Mr. Richardson expressed may sound appealing—
gentle, comforting, and non-confrontational.

But Scripture identifies this very thinking as something far more serious.

It is the spirit of antichrist.

Not because it openly opposes religion…
but because it quietly replaces truth with compromise.

The spirit of antichrist does not always deny God outright.
Instead, it redefines Him.

It says:

• “Jesus is one of many ways”
• “All beliefs are valid”
• “Let’s not divide over doctrine”

And in doing so, it removes the very foundation of the Gospel.

We are living in a time where the pressure to “go along to get along” is increasing.

Stand firm, and you will be called narrow.
Speak truth, and you will be labeled intolerant.
Refuse compromise, and you will be misunderstood.

But truth has never been determined by majority opinion.

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The danger is not always in what sounds wrong.

The danger is in what sounds almost right.

Why This Matters

Because deception in the last days will not always be obvious.

It will feel reasonable.
It will sound loving.
It will appear unified.

But if it denies who Jesus truly is—it is not from God.

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A Question to Consider

Are we shaping truth to fit the world…
or are we allowing the Word of God to shape us?

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Closing Thought

Unity without truth is not unity—it is compromise.

And the spirit of antichrist thrives wherever truth is quietly set aside
for the sake of getting along.

Opening Paragraph

Acts 2:38 is one of the clearest statements in the Bible about salvation. In this verse, the apostle Peter instructs those who were convicted in their hearts to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This shows that salvation is not just a confession of faith, but a response that involves repentance, obedience, and spiritual transformation.

In the previous post, Faith and Repentance: Vital Ingredients in Our Spiritual Foundation, we began to see what forms the foundation of salvation.

In this post, we take the next step and look at what that foundation actually looks like according to Scripture.

Body

On the Day of Pentecost, recorded in the Book of Acts, the people who heard Peter preach were deeply moved. They asked a direct question:

“Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Peter’s answer was just as direct:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)

This response reveals three essential elements:

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1. Repentance

Repentance is more than saying “I’m sorry.”
It is a turning of the heart—a decision to turn away from sin and turn toward God.

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2. Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ

Peter specifically instructed them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. This was not presented as optional, but as part of the response to the Gospel. Baptism represents the washing away of sins and identification with Christ.

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3. Receiving the Holy Spirit

The promise did not stop with repentance and baptism. Peter said they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is the inward work of God that brings new life.

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What This Means for Salvation

Acts 2:38 shows that salvation is not simply a moment of verbal confession—it is a response to the Gospel that involves both obedience and transformation.

This ties directly into a deeper question many people ask:

Is salvation just a confession, or is it a transformation?

(You can explore that more fully here:
Is Salvation Just a Confession — or a Transformation?)

Conclusion

When we read Acts 2:38 in its context, we see a clear and powerful message:

Salvation is not passive—it is a response.

It begins with Faith, and because we have faith, repentance will come, then we will be obedient to wash away our sins through water baptism in the name of Jesus Christ. Then a transformed life through the power of the Holy Ghost will give us the power to be what the Lord desires for us..

Why Faith and Repentance Are Essential

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6

There are vital ingredients to our spiritual foundation, just as there are essential elements in a natural foundation.

In the natural, a strong foundation is made using water, sand, rock, and cement—often reinforced with steel rebar for strength and stability. If any of these ingredients are left out, the foundation is incomplete.

In the same way, our spiritual foundation is made up of four vital ingredients:

Faith,
Repentance,
Water Baptism in the name of Jesus Christ,
and the Baptism of the Holy Ghost.

This is our spiritual foundation. If any of these are left out, our spiritual foundation is incomplete.

Before any structure can stand, the foundation must first be laid.

If the foundation is not right, everything built upon it will be unstable.

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We begin with faith.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him…” — Hebrews 11:6

Faith is what brings a man to God.

It is the realization that God is real,
that His Word is true,
and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

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But faith is not just an acknowledgement.

When a man truly believes… for believe is an action word, not just said.

something happens within him.

There is a stirring.
A conviction.
A realization that he cannot remain the same.

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This is where repentance begins.

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” — Acts 2:38

Repentance is more than saying, “I’m sorry.”

It is a turning of the heart,
a change of mind,
and a decision to leave one path and begin walking in another.

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A man does not repent to find faith…

He repents because he believes.

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Faith brings a man to God,
but repentance is where he begins to turn.

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Without repentance, there is no true change.

A person may believe…
they may feel conviction…

But until there is a turning,
the foundation is incomplete.

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Just as a man cannot build a house without first preparing the ground…

Faith and repentance is the beginning of our spiritual foundation.

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So the question is not simply:

Do I believe?

But rather:

Has there been a turning in my life?

Have I begun laying the foundation…
or am I trying to build without it?

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Because faith and repentance are not separate ideas…

They are vital ingredients in our spiritual foundation.

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And this is only the beginning.

In our last study, we looked at what it means to be Born-Again, and how Jesus made it clear that entering the Kingdom of God is not a casual experience, but a true transformation.

As we continue, we now come to a very important statement that the Lord spoke to Nicodemus:

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — John 3:5

These words are not a suggestion.
They are not symbolic language meant to be loosely interpreted.

They are a direct and absolute requirement given by Jesus Himself.

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Greek Insight — “Water”

When Jesus said we must be “born of water,” the word translated water comes from the Greek word hydōr (ὕδωρ).

This word is used throughout the New Testament, and it consistently refers to literal water, not something symbolic or abstract.

For example:

• It is the same word used when John baptized in the Jordan River
• The same word used when Jesus was baptized
• The same word used when Philip and the eunuch went down into the water
• The same word used when Peter said on the Day of Pentecost, “be baptized… in the name of Jesus Christ”

In each of these cases, the meaning is clear — it is speaking of actual water.

There is nothing in the wording of John 3:5 that suggests a symbolic meaning.
Jesus was speaking plainly, just as He did in many other teachings.

This helps us understand that being “born of water” is not merely an idea or a metaphor, but something that involves a real response — one that aligns with what we see practiced throughout the Book of Acts.

When we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, the meaning becomes consistent and clear.

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Greek Insight — “Spirit”

When Jesus said we must be “born of the Spirit,” the word translated Spirit comes from the Greek word pneuma (πνεῦμα).

This word refers to breath, wind, or spirit, and throughout the New Testament it is used to describe the Spirit of God at work within a person.

Jesus had already used this same word just a few verses earlier:

“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof… so is every one that is born of the Spirit.” — John 3:8

Here, the Lord connects the idea of the wind (pneuma) with the work of the Spirit, showing that while it may not be seen with the natural eye, its effects are real and evident.

As we continue through the New Testament, we see this fulfilled when believers received the Holy Ghost. It was not merely an inward feeling, but a real and powerful experience — one that produced a visible change in their lives.

So when Jesus spoke of being “born of the Spirit,” He was pointing to a true spiritual birth — the work of God within a person that brings new life.

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Main Body

When Jesus said, “Verily, verily,” He was emphasizing something of great importance — something certain, something that cannot be set aside.

To be born again, He tells us, involves two elements:

• Born of water
• Born of the Spirit

This raises an important question:

What did Jesus mean by this?

Many today interpret this in different ways. Some say it refers only to a spiritual experience. Others suggest it is symbolic language. But when we allow Scripture to interpret Scripture, a clearer picture begins to emerge.

Throughout the New Testament, we see a consistent pattern when people responded to the Gospel.

On the Day of Pentecost, when the people were convicted in their hearts and asked what they must do, Peter gave a direct answer:

“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 2:38

Here we see the same two elements:

• Water — baptism
• Spirit — receiving the Holy Ghost

This was not presented as an optional step, but as the response to the Gospel.

As we continue through the Book of Acts, this pattern appears again and again. Those who believed did not stop at belief alone — they responded with obedience, and their lives were changed.

The new birth is not merely an idea or a confession. It is an experience that affects the heart, the direction of life, and the walk with God.

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Application / Reflection

This brings the question back to us:

Have we experienced what Jesus described?

Not simply a moment of belief,
but a true new birth —
one that involves both water and Spirit.

The words of Jesus are clear:

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

This is not meant to discourage, but to guide us into truth.

God has not hidden the path from us — He has revealed it plainly in His Word.

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Closing

The new birth is where the Christian life truly begins.
It is not the end of the journey, but the doorway into it.

And when we follow what the Scriptures teach, we do not walk in uncertainty — we walk in the assurance of what God has promised.

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Next article in the series:

“Repentance: The First Step Toward New Life”

John 3:3

One of the most direct and powerful statements Jesus ever made about entering the Kingdom of God was spoken during His conversation with Nicodemus. He was surprised by what the Lord Jesus spoke to him.

“Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:3

Nicodemus was a religious leader, a teacher in Israel, and a man familiar with the Scriptures. Yet Jesus immediately directed his attention to something deeper than religious knowledge or outward devotion.

The Lord spoke about a spiritual birth.

When Jesus said “Verily, verily,” He was emphasizing the absolute certainty of what He was about to say. It was not a suggestion or a philosophical idea. It was a divine truth. And this is what He taught Nicodemus.

No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they experience this new birth.

Nicodemus struggled to understand what Jesus meant. He thought in terms of natural birth and asked how a man could be born a second time.

But Jesus was speaking about something spiritual—a transforming experience that gives a person the power to live for God as they truly desire, in righteousness and holiness.

This is verified in Acts 1:8:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”
— Acts 1:8

Then in John 3:5 the Lord Jesus explained what the born-again experience entails:

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
— John 3:5

Just as every person must experience a natural birth to enter this world, the Scriptures teach that a person must experience a spiritual birth to enter the Kingdom of God.

This new birth is more than a simple profession of belief. It is the beginning of a transformed life.

When a person truly encounters the Gospel and responds to God with faith and obedience, something changes within them. We are endued with power from on high, our heart is renewed, our lifestyle changes, and we begin walking in a new life with Christ.

This does not happen with just a confession of faith or a personal acknowledgement of our belief. For this reason the Scripture says:

“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
— James 2:19

If simply saying “I believe” were enough, then even the devil could be saved.

Jesus did not present the new birth as optional. He presented it as essential.

“Ye must be born again.”

These words still stand today as one of the most important truths in all of Scripture.

Continue the Study — #4

This article is part of a Scripture journey exploring how the Bible describes entering the Kingdom of God.

Next article in the series:
“Born of Water and of the Spirit — John 3:5”

Luke 13:23–24

“Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.” — Luke 13:23–24

When someone asked Jesus the question, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” the Lord did not respond by giving a number. Instead, He gave a warning and an instruction: “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.”

The word strive comes from the Greek word agonizomai, which means to struggle, to contend, or to exert earnest effort. Jesus was teaching that entering the Kingdom of God is not something casual or careless. It requires sincerity of heart and a genuine response to God.

In another place Jesus used similar language when He said, “The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it” (Luke 16:16). Both passages present the same picture: the Kingdom of God is open and being preached, but those who enter must respond with sincerity and determination.

These words of Jesus stand in contrast to the common idea that entering the Kingdom is easy or requires little response from us. The Lord’s own teaching shows that it involves a sincere heart that is willing to pursue God and respond to His truth in obedience.

The invitation of the Gospel is open, but Jesus did not present the Kingdom as something to drift into. He called people to press toward it with sincerity, humility, and faith.

This is also a theme I explore more deeply in my book Faith Unto Salvation: Is It a Confession or an Experience?, where the Scriptures are examined to understand what the New Testament truly teaches about being Born-Again.

Luke 16:16

Jesus made a statement that challenges the casual approach many people have toward the things of God.

“The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.” — Luke 16:16

Notice the wording the Lord used. He did not say the Kingdom would be entered casually or by simple agreement. He said that men must press into it.

The word “press” speaks of effort, determination, and desire. It paints the picture of someone who sees something valuable ahead of them and refuses to remain where they are.

The Words of Jesus Challenge Casual Belief

In our modern religious culture, many have been taught that salvation requires little more than confession — a simple verbal acknowledgement of belief. Yet when we read the words of Jesus, we see a very different picture.

The Pursuit of the Kingdom

In fact, the Lord spoke often about seeking, knocking, striving, and entering in. These words therefore describe an active pursuit of God.

This is why the message of the Gospel always carries with it a call to transformation.

As a result, when a person truly begins to seek the Kingdom of God, something begins to happen within them.. Their heart changes. Their desires begin to shift. What once satisfied them no longer does. They begin to hunger for righteousness and truth.

This pressing is not about human effort earning salvation. Rather, it is the response of a heart that has seen the value of the Kingdom.

Jesus illustrated this in another place when He spoke of a man who found treasure hidden in a field. When the man realized the value of what he had discovered, he sold everything he had in order to obtain that field.

That is what happens when someone truly sees the Kingdom of God.

The question we must each ask ourselves is simple:

A Question for Our Hearts

How deeply do we desire the Kingdom of God?

Is our pursuit of God something casual and occasional? Or have we begun to press toward Him with a sincere heart?

“The words of Jesus remind us that the Kingdom is not something we drift into. It is something we pursue with faith, humility, purpose, and a heart that longs for truth.”

And the beautiful promise of Scripture is that those who truly seek Him will not seek in vain.

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.” — Matthew 5:6

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Jesus said the Kingdom of God must be pressed into. What did He mean by pressing into the Kingdom of God?

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