New Beginning Baptist Church

05/02/2026

01/26/2026

Can you explain why ice on firewood in a fireplace remains unmelted after five minutes at temperatures above 450 degrees?

01/26/2026

Name Variations and Historical Context
The historical figure commonly known in English as Jesus (from the Greek "Iēsoûs" and Latin "Iesus") is believed to have been originally named Yeshua (ישוע) in Hebrew/Aramaic, a common name in 1st-century Judea meaning "YHWH saves" or "salvation." This is a contraction of the longer Yehoshua (יהושע), the Hebrew name for Joshua in the Old Testament. The name appears in various forms across languages due to transliteration and translation over centuries.
Regarding "Yahusha" (or variants like Yahshua/Yahushua), this is a modern proposed transliteration popularized in the 20th century by groups such as the Sacred Name Movement and Hebrew Roots communities. They argue it incorporates "Yah" from YHWH (the Tetragrammaton for God) to emphasize divine elements, often citing interpretations of biblical verses like John 5:43. However, scholarly consensus holds that "Yahshua" or "Yahusha" is philologically impossible in ancient Hebrew, as it violates phonetic rules (e.g., implying a silent "waw" letter). It has no attestation in historical inscriptions, the Dead Sea Scrolls, rabbinical texts, or any pre-1900s sources. Experts like Michael L. Brown describe it as a modern invention without roots in biblical Hebrew or 1st-century usage.5b5a821924f5f36279d1da61 The authentic historical name remains Yeshua, as evidenced in ancient texts and linguistics.5453a740f608211747 Claims that names were altered by events like the Council of Nicaea (325 AD) are inaccurate; the Greek "Iēsoûs" predates it, appearing in 1st-century writings like those of Josephus.8ba666d63d30
Biblical Accounts (Christian Sources)
The primary sources for Jesus/Yeshua are the New Testament writings, composed between approximately 50–100 AD. These are religious texts but provide the earliest detailed narratives:
Pauline Epistles (c. 50–60 AD): The earliest Christian writings, authored by Paul of Tarsus. They focus on Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and teachings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15 describes his death and appearances). Paul, a contemporary, claims indirect knowledge through visions and associates but doesn't detail biography.
Gospels (c. 70–100 AD): Four accounts (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) portray Jesus as a Jewish preacher from Nazareth in Galilee, born around 4–6 BC during Herod's reign, baptized by John the Baptist, performing miracles, teaching parables, clashing with religious authorities, and crucified in Jerusalem under Roman prefect Pontius Pilate (c. 30–33 AD). Key events include the Sermon on the Mount, Last Supper, betrayal by Judas, and resurrection claims. Scholars debate authorship and historicity, viewing them as theological but containing historical kernels (e.g., baptism and crucifixion are widely accepted).
Other New Testament Texts: Acts of the Apostles (c. 80–90 AD) describes the early church and Jesus's followers. Epistles like Hebrews and Revelation emphasize his messianic role.
These texts were written in Greek, reflecting the Hellenistic context, and form the basis of Christian theology. While not neutral histories, they align with archaeological contexts like 1st-century Judea under Roman rule.
Extra-Biblical Historical References (Non-Christian Sources)
Beyond the Bible, Jesus/Yeshua is mentioned in several ancient non-Christian writings, primarily Roman and Jewish historians. Scholarly consensus affirms his existence as a historical person who was baptized and crucified, though details like miracles are debated. Here are the key references:
Josephus (Jewish Historian, c. 93–94 AD): In Antiquities of the Jews (Book 18, Testimonium Flavianum), he describes Jesus as a "wise man" who performed "wonderful works," drew followers from Jews and Gentiles, was accused by leaders, and crucified under Pilate. The passage has Christian interpolations, but an authentic core is accepted by most scholars. In Book 20, he mentions "the brother of Jesus, who was called Christ, whose name was James," referring to James's ex*****on in 62 AD. Josephus, a Pharisee and Roman collaborator, provides independent Jewish confirmation.ba77d132aa6f924bdd8d8563af2da6
Tacitus (Roman Historian, c. 116 AD): In Annals (Book 15), he notes that Emperor Nero blamed "Christians" (named after "Christus") for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. Christus was executed by Pilate during Tiberius's reign (14–37 AD), with the "pernicious superstition" originating in Judea. This is considered authentic and corroborates the crucifixion.f31fa76837d1a16ed3
Pliny the Younger (Roman Official, c. 112 AD): In a letter to Emperor Trajan (Epistles 10.96), he describes interrogating Christians who worshiped Christ "as to a god," sang hymns to him, and refused to curse him. This shows early Christian practices but doesn't detail Jesus's life.
Suetonius (Roman Historian, c. 121 AD): In Lives of the Twelve Caesars (Claudius 25), he mentions Emperor Claudius expelling Jews from Rome due to disturbances "at the instigation of Chrestus" (likely a misspelling of Christus), around 49 AD. This may refer to conflicts over Jesus's teachings.
Mara bar Serapion (Syrian Philosopher, c. 73 AD): In a letter to his son, he laments the Jews' ex*****on of their "wise king," comparing it to the deaths of Socrates and Pythagoras, implying divine retribution (e.g., destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD). Interpreted as a reference to Jesus.9d419e02fa3e
Jewish Talmud and Mishnah (c. 200–500 AD): Later compilations of oral traditions depict "Yeshu" (a derogatory form of Yeshua) as a sorcerer who led Israel astray, was hanged on Passover eve for heresy, and had disciples. These aim to discredit rather than deny existence, preserving early anti-Christian polemics.80c77e
Other Minor References: Thallus (c. 52 AD, cited by Julius Africanus) mentioned a darkness during the crucifixion, possibly an eclipse. Phlegon (c. 140 AD) noted similar phenomena. Lucian of Samosata (c. 165 AD) mocked Christians for worshiping a crucified "sophist." Celsus (c. 177 AD) criticized Jesus as a magician in The True Word.82efe0
No contemporary (during his lifetime) non-Christian sources exist, which is typical for a non-elite figure in antiquity. Atheist and agnostic scholars like Bart Ehrman affirm Jesus's historicity based on these.a4eed7fe3010a6755c "Christ myth" theories are fringe.
Archaeological and Other Evidence
Indirect support includes:
Inscriptions like the Pilate Stone (discovered 1961), confirming Pontius Pilate as prefect.
Ossuaries (bone boxes) from 1st-century Judea, including one inscribed "James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus" (debated authenticity).
A synagogue mosaic in Susya with "Yeshua" (Jesus) inscription, possibly from an early Christian site.bb4f67
No direct artifacts of Jesus himself, as expected for a itinerant preacher.
In summary, historical writings portray Jesus/Yeshua as a 1st-century Jewish teacher executed by Romans, inspiring a major religion. Details vary by source bias, but core facts (existence, baptism, crucifixion) are well-substantiated.

01/25/2026

THE REAL HISTORY OF THE PRETRIBULATIONAL DOCTRINE
Our American Pretrib doctrine started with a Jesuit Priest, writing under Jewish pen name, through the founder of the Plymouth Brethren in England to Dwight L. Moody, a shoe salesman turned Sunday School Teacher, turned Evangelist.

“The Coming of Messiah in Glory and Majesty” by Ben Ezra, is the origin of the Pretribulational doctrine in the modern church. ‘Ben Ezra’ is the pseudonym for a Roman Jesuit priest named Manuel (sometimes Emmanuel) de Lacunza (1731 – 1801). The pseudonym may have been a way of making the work acceptable to Jewish readers and diverting attention from the station of the author.

This is the first mention of the doctrine, outside of a few obscure references from the writings of the Church Fathers. Prior to this book, there was a brief introduction to the subject by another Jesuit, a man named Rivera, who was heavily involved in the Spanish Inquisition. Prior to that, there is no reference to the Rapture being before the Tribulation in either Catholic or Protestant literature. Some will object that it was taught by the Church Fathers but Lacunza took a collection of less than ten sentences, from as many authors, and developed it into a six hundred page book.

The book was taken to England, where it was translated by a man named Edward Irving, a minister of the Church of Scotland. It was Irving’s translation, available here, that fell into the hands of John Nelson Darby, the founder of a sect called the Plymouth Brethren. Darby was fascinated by this book, originally believing that it was written by a converted Jew. The ideas overtook him and consumed his life. His doctrine was changed forever and his writings are the foundation the Pretrib Rapture Fairy Tale in the English speaking world.

From a different angle, a young girl from Scotland, Margaret MacDonald, a very early Pentecostal and follower of Irving, had a vision of a secret rapture where those “Baptized in the Spirit” were taken out of the world prior to the Tribulation. This vision established the Pre-Trib Rapture as a solid doctrine in Pentecostal Churches. John Darby would later meet Ms. MacDonald and they would compare notes. There is no doubt that her vision served to cement the doctrine in the mind and heart of John Nelson Darby.

In 1867, an American Evangelist by the name of Dwight L. Moody visited England. It was there that he met Darby, who taught him the basics of dispensationalism, including the idea of a Pretribulational Rapture. Moody came home, thrilled with his newfound doctrine. He did not have the theological background to understand all of the implications of Dispensationalism, but as an Evangelist, he could not miss the implications of the teaching that Jesus could return at any time.

Soon after, Darby made a trip to the United States. While in the States, he met a theologian named C. I. Scofield. Scofield went on to publish his annotated Bible, which became the standard for American Protestants and Evangelicals for a hundred years. In the Scofield Reference Bible, the Jesuit doctrine of Rivera, Lacunza, Darby, McDonald, Moody and Scofield is presented as Gospel Truth and established fact. This despite the fact that Scofield’s fellow theologians begged him not to do it and at least one member of his editorial staff resigned over the issue.

The Doctrine was almost instantly picked up by every evangelist in America… The idea that Jesus could return at any minute, scared the Hell out of sinners who flooded the altars and filled the offering plates. It was about to die out, having lost its shock value in a world that did not believe in God anyway. Then came the Left Behind books and movies. Suddenly, the Christian world was on fire with the doctrine of a Pre Tribulation Rapture… Suddenly, the whole world was staring at the clouds.

Our American Pretrib doctrine started with a Jesuit Priest, writing under Jewish pen name, through the founder of the Plymouth Brethren in England to Dwight L. Moody, a shoe salesman turned Sunday School Teacher, turned Evangelist. (Moody had no formal Bible training.) Moody brought it back to the United States… From there, it was spread by the graduates of Moody Bible Institute and throughout the Evangelical Churches. It was reinforced by the notes in the Scofield Bible, which many preachers considered to be almost as inspired as the Scriptures themselves. After that, it got picked up by the writers of a series of novels that became movies… and the rest is history.

I defy anyone to find even the words Pretribulational Rapture in the writings of any American church or denomination, prior to Moody’s return from England…

This is the real, historical history of the doctrine. It may be fully researched. I have made available here, the entire six hundred plus page book that started it all… Welcome to Jesuit Land!
https://promusement.live/2016/05/22/the-real-history-of-the-pretribulational-doctrine/

PRAY-THINK-PRAY

David…

Our American Pretrib doctrine started with a Jesuit Priest, writing under Jewish pen name, through the founder of the Plymouth Brethren in England to Dwight L. Moody, a shoe salesman turned Sunday …