The link between the availability of vernacular translations of the Bible and the growth of the church is made clear by Harriet Hill in the current issue of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research. As Ms. Hill, a veteran Bible translator, explains, churches without access to the Scripture in their mother tongue tend to die or decline (as in Alexandria) while churches with vernacular translations tend to survive, even when persecuted (such as in Madagascar and China).

Well, the inevitable hand-wringing over today’s numerical date is in full swing. In some cities, mothers are demanding that their Caesarian procedures be postponed a day. Other worried citizens are planning to spend the day either hidden away or on a state of high alert, whatever that means. Meanwhile, the movie The Omen (remake of the 1976 film) is set to be released today, taking advantage of the 6-6-6 date for full marketing effect.

I had the privilege of addressing the New Attitude 2006 conference in Louisville Monday, leading a session on a Christian understanding of sexuality in light of contemporary challenges. It was a tremendous experience — just seeing all those highly committed Christian young adults was inspiring.

The Conservative movement within American Judaism is debating the issue of homosexuality, centered in the questions of the ordination of homosexuals as rabbis and the blessing of same-sex union. As with Christian denominations, the inescapable issue is the authority of the Bible. The Old Testament’s clear words of condemnation for all homosexual behavior would seem to be clear enough, but the Virtual Talmud blog offers this explanation:

Headlines around the world are announcing the publication of a “long lost” and “suppressed” ancient document, known as The Gospel of Judas. The announcement led to a frenzy of media coverage, ranging from responsible reports to outrageous sensationalism. According to some commentators, the publication of this new document will force a complete reformulation of Christianity and our understanding of both Judas and Jesus. In his commentary today, Dr. Mohler argues that, in fact, nothing of the sort is in view.

Bart Ehrman of the University of North Carolina and Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary engage in a vigorous on-line exchange over the question of the New Testament text at Beliefnet.com.

Last week, I was honored to present the Day-Higginbotham Lectures at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and to present plenary addresses to the Evangelical Theological Society/Southwest Region on the sufficiency of Scripture. I will be posting thoughts about these issues in coming weeks. The sufficiency of Scripture and the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura must remain central to any authentically evangelical theological method.

The doctrine of creation does not stand alone. The universe has not been set adrift in time without purpose or divine direction. The Christian affirmation of God requires an affirmation of His continuing sovereign Lordship over the created order. This affirmation sets the Christian worldview apart from alternative worldviews which recognize no continuing divine direction. Today, Dr. Mohler considers the Christian doctrine of Providence.