November 2008 Update

Baby News. Our little girl has arrived, 8 lbs, 8 ounces, 19.5 inches long. As planned, we have named her Jasmine Grace. Now Jada has a baby sister to spend time with instead of always being stuck with three older brothers. We’ll see how she adjusts and pray that she plays well and takes good care of her (at least until Jasmine is old enough and big enough to defend herself). I truly don’t care for hospital newborn photos, so we’ve included one we took ourselves. As you can see, she looks like all newborns do: cute, little, squishy, wrinkly, pink, etc. Thanks so much for your prayer for Jasmine, and for Carrie as she was carrying her for the last nine months. The pregnancy, labor, and delivery all went very smooth and we give our great God the glory for His grace and blessing in it all. (For pictures see the blog posts from October 14th and 15th)

Ministry News. I think you all know what Carrie is busy with at the moment. For those of you not sure... she’s recovering from childbirth, taking care of a newborn, trying to pay attention to Jada so she doesn’t get too jealous of the new baby, mothering the three older boys, and babying the biggest boy too! (That’s me, Jon, if you didn’t catch it). I’m pretty busy as well. With Carrie so busy with the new baby, I’m taking over much of the homeschooling. We’ve just started a new Science curriculum so it’s good timing for the transition from mom to dad as teacher. In addition to the homeschooling, I’m attempting to lend a hand around the ‘house’ (the travel trailer we’re living in right now) so that Carrie doesn’t get too overwhelmed (okay, that last statement was a little generous as Carrie is such a hard worker that it’s really not that much more work for me... but I try). I’m also preparing for teaching next semester. I’ll be teaching a class on Church History as well as teaching the Book of Daniel and one other class yet to be determined. On top of that, I’ll be starting the book of Luke at the church so I’m preparing for that as well. This is my first time teaching Church History at the Bible College and I’m really looking forward to it. Anyone who knows me a little knows how much I love history, and when you truly enjoy what you’re teaching it typically makes the class go really well. The same is true of Daniel - that I really enjoy the book - so it should be a great class as well. That being said, please continue to pray for the time of preparation and the classes themselves. We will only be in the States for a short time now that the baby is here. We need about two months to get her U.S. Passport, her Tanzanian visa, and to get her started on the basic immunizations (when you live in a place where people die every day from things that the last couple of generations in the U.S. have forgotten the names of, you really appreciate good vaccinations and immunizations). So, as we remain in Southern California for the next two months, I will also be volunteering in ministry locally. Please pray the Lord would use us for His glory while we’re here for this short stay.

Electronic Info. It’s not fancy, but I have managed to erect a basic website to compliment the already existing blog. Please take a minute to check it out at http://www.thelangleyclan.org. The best source for regular information, pictures, thoughts, funny stories, and even mini-sermons, is still the Web Log, or Blog, which you can find on the Internet here: http://thelangleyclan.blogspot.com. There’s a link to it from the website as well.

Contact Us. We’d really love to take advantage of the opportunity of being here to visit those we haven’t had a chance to visit yet. Please email or call if you’d like to arrange something. Our contact information is below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Co-laboring. There are many ways that we co-labor together with others. Several individuals, as well as a few churches, have partnered with us financially, and in that way have provided for our needs in order that we might serve the Lord and His people as we do. In addition to these co-laborers, many dear brothers and sisters in Christ have partnered in prayer, and in that way have also supported us in serving as we do. Still others have co-labored with us by providing housing and/or a vehicle to drive while in the U.S., or by meeting little needs here and there as they arise (and they always do). Others have partnered with us by speaking to their pastor and inviting us to come and share at their church. And some have done several, or even all of these things. But there is also another way to co-labor with us in this ministry, and that is side by side. This isn’t for everyone, and we’ve had some tell us plainly that they’d rather just use the money that the trip would have cost to financially support the work. But we have had several people contact us about doing a short-term trip, and we are still praying for others who will want to come out for even longer periods. If you’re interested in either, short or long term, or in co-laboring in any other way at all, please get in touch with us. We’d love to hear from you and discuss the possibilities. If you’d rather remain anonymous, please contact the Far Reaching Ministries office. Their contact information is also listed below. Mungu akubariki sana!

The King of Shame

Please read this post, but prepare yourself in advance for the graphic and disturbing truth revealed.

Is New Really Improved?
What truly separates modern man from those we study in books? We tend to study history through a telescope, as if our ancestors were somehow alien, instead of using the vision God gave us... up close and personal. Though the facts and figures of history are separated from us by a great gulf of time, they are not physically far away and out of reach like some distant galaxy. We can touch the past - with the gloved hands of the present - through the records and annals of historical knowledge collected and preserved through time. We can know and learn from our predecessors. We are not their superiors, but their descendants. We are neither their prosecutors nor advocates, but the gallery, learning from their past actions and the judgments of the Great Judge. We find ourselves living in the most historically egocentric generations of all time, deeming each generation before as successively inferior. We consider technological and scientific advancement proof of our preferred evolutionary status. And yet, for all of our research, scientific, technological, and industrial success, we are fools; for "The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.'" Psalm 14:1. At our core we are no different than our peers of old. Only now we use different blinders to avoid the greatest and harshest of realities. Now we use bigger, bolder, supposedly better methods and means of distracting ourselves from the truth of who we are: sinners all.

The Old
There is an Ammonite deity who goes by the name of Molech. He goes by various other names within the Semitic sub-cultures of the Levant region. The Punic peoples called him Kronos. Whatever the name, he is a god of great power, proving capable of destroying many kingdoms and cultures, and bringing great shame upon the peoples who worship him. In fact, in the Semitic language of Hebrew, his name is derived by taking the word for "king" and substituting the vowel points from the word for "shame". I shall call him ‘the king of shame’. It was this very king of shame that King Solomon allowed into the nation of Israel. And after giving time for repentance, God tore Solomon’s kingdom apart and took it from him, just like the children who passed through the fires of Molech were torn apart and taken from this world.

There are different historical accounts of the king of shame and the way in which the shameful worshiped him. They vary slightly, but as a whole they paint a clear picture. Like any god, past or present, the king of shame was worshiped so that the worshipers might somehow receive a benefit. The benefit desired by the worshiper is irrelevant. The fact that a person is willing to do whatever seems necessary to achieve that benefit is in itself the act of worship, regardless of the god being worshiped or the benefit being sought. Whether the god is ancient or new, famous, infamous or nameless, well respected, popular, or hated, the sacrificing of time, money, people, energy, thought, or prayer in order to achieve a desired benefit is an act of worship. For the worshipers of the king of shame, the way to achieve their desired benefit was to sacrifice life... specifically the life of a child.

Most people absolutely cringe at the idea of “child sacrifice”. They picture a young, innocent child, bound and gagged and cut open by the blade of a madman. Or maybe they’ve done research into the ways of worship of the various cultures of the world and can picture the bronze idol of the king of shame, arms outstretched over a pyre aflame, metal body heated to a radiant red. And then they can envision the priest taking the small child from the stoic parents and placing her upon the blazing bronze arms of the king of shame, watching her little limbs contract and disintegrate in the severe heat, and seeing what appears to be a smile on her face as her cooking facial muscles slightly curl her open mouth into the shape of laughter. Maybe now they will get what they really want.

The New
If I were to go to my local donut shop tomorrow morning to get a donut and a cup of coffee, I would find that the owners have placed a small statue of Buddha in the back corner of the store and have placed money, food, and incense in front of him as a sacrifice. They are sacrificing these things in order to receive a benefit they are seeking, presumably good business and/or happiness. If I were to look at the bank statements of certain people I know today, I would find that they have sent thousands upon thousands of dollars to a man or woman they saw on television who promised them good health and an incredible ROI (return on investment) directly from heaven because of their "faith". They, too, have made a sacrifice in order to receive a benefit that they desire, again, presumably wealth and happiness. I know those who sacrifice so much time and money to books and television shows and CDs that promise them the benefit of wealth, happiness, “spirituality”, etc. Whatever we sacrifice to for the desired benefit is the god we worship!

In the last 35 years, my fellow Americans, some of them family members and close friends, have sacrificed sacred life to the king of shame in order to receive the benefit of health, wealth, and/or happiness. They have given various reasons and explanations to assuage the guilt of the truth, but the facts remain: 50,000,000 children (yes, that’s fifty million!) have been shamefully sacrificed for the benefit of happiness, health, or wealth in this country alone. You won’t find a lunatic legion of the criminally insane behind it all. You’ll find average, everyday people. Some of them so self-centered and egocentric that they can’t even recognize themselves as the shameful worshipers they are. Some of them scared and confused children who didn’t have a family that loved them enough to tell them the truth and help them through their difficult time. Some of them are dastardly and deceitful people of power and position whose agenda of self-promotion was the benefit desired and achieved. Most were simple people persuaded by pop culture, pop psychology, and the propaganda of relativism. Whatever the reason, whoever the scapegoat, the ultimate end was the sacrifice of a child’s life for the benefit of another person. Like those who lived before us, we continue to hand over our children to the priest of pleasure so that we might have less stress, or avoid responsibility, or do what feels right at the moment to achieve the desired benefit. We, like those before us, continue to stand by and watch as the child is placed into the welcoming arms of Molech, consumed by the torturous, burning pain of the saline or urea solution. Slowly and painfully the body is maliciously mutilated by the cocktail, while the child - piece by piece - falls into the the pyre below: the vacuum canister. Thus the sacrifice is complete, the benefit secured. The god of shame has been given his due, as have we, the shamed.

I shudder and weep at what is in store for us after the time of God’s mercy and patience is passed, and the cup of His wrath is full. Don’t mistake patience for passivity. Just as He is full of grace and will blot out the transgressions of those who repent and call upon His name, He is also righteous, and will blot out the wicked and unrepentant from this life and damn them to eternal punishment. These aren’t my rules or ideas. They’re His. Read it for yourself in His Word.

God was, is, and always will be SOVEREIGN

It's 8:11 pm California time on Election Day (not the theological kind) 2008. Barack Obama is being declared the President Elect of the United States of America. I am not shy about the fact that I did not vote for him because I believe him to be the lesser of many candidates for the job (not just in comparison to John McCain). That being said, he is the President Elect and the same Bible that clearly guided me to use my precious vote to elect a Godly man now clearly guides me to live in obedience to the laws and governing authorities so long as they do not contravene Scripture (Romans 13), and to live peaceably with all men, as much as is possible and within my power (Romans 12:18), even if I don't like their worldview, their record, their ideas, or their lack of Scriptural morals. The Scriptures also tell me to pray for those in authority over me, ie. the President, Congress and Federal Judges, the Governor, State Senate and State Assembly, the Mayor and Councilmembers, etc.

Most importantly is the Scriptural fact that God is sovereign and still in control of everything. I may not prefer the man taking office next year, or the policies that he has promised to enact, but that does not change me, my relationship with my Creator, or my duty to serve Him in love each and every day. I encourage you to read the previous article for further information, but let me summarize with this: God is in control. Yes, we are responsible to vote according to Scripture, but God is still sovereign over those who don't recognize His sovereignty. No matter what nation or community we live in or who is governing over us; no matter how wonderful or terrible they might be or we might perceive them to be; God's will for me and for you is much bigger than one Tuesday every four years. It was important to educate yourself and others about the candidates and issues and to prayferfully and Scripturally vote. Now that you've done so, continue on with the many other important tasks God has called you to. Continue to live a life completely sold out to Him, talking to Him, listening to His Word, worshiping Him with your voice, your time, your resources, and your very life. "Let your light so shine before men that they will see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Don't be distracted by things that don't go the way you wish they would have, but instead, continue to trust Him. He hasn't changed, nor has His plan or His will for you. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Political Activism, Radical Faith, and the Believer's Responsibility

"A certain amount of healthy and balanced concern about current trends in government and the community is acceptable, as long as we realize that such interest is not vital to our spiritual lives, our righteous testimony or the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. Above all, the believer's political involvement should never displace the priority of preaching and teaching the gospel because the morality and righteousness that God seeks is the result of salvation and sanctification." - John MacArthur, from 'Why Government Can't Save You' (emphasis mine)

I read the above quote from a book written by John MacArthur and it prompted my quick and sincere agreement. The fact is that as American citizens we have been blessed by God with the gift of a representative government (it's not a pure democracy, but that's a discussion for another time). God is sovereign and according to His sovereign plan we (American citizens) have been born into a constitutional republic called The United States of America. And this republic has a government that was designed and established not to give us rights, but to protect our God-given rights as the founders of this country understood them. Some of these rights and privileges have to do with voting and running for office, both being a means to have our voices represented in government, be it local, regional, state, or national. We should all thank God for the privilege of living in a country that honors and protects these rights, and we should be keen to make our voices heard and to use our gifts and talents in government according to God's will.

That being said, being a political activist, a politician, a talk show host, a banner bearer, a sign waver, or even just a simple, unknown voter, is completely moot in regards to the Kingdom of Christ if it is being done apart from authentic, biblical, disciplined, Christian faith. It is only the saving, sanctifying, transforming power of God that provides a worthy candidate for office. It is only by the saving grace of God in Christ Jesus and the resulting empowering of His Holy Spirit that a person blessed with the privilege of a vote can actually make full use of it for the Kingdom of Christ. I agree that more Christian believers should vote and get involved in their country's politics. The truth is, though, that most Americans who attend church and/or go by the name "christian" don't really know Christ very well, if at all. Most American "christians" don't truly call Him Lord; He is not their Master or the one whom they serve wholeheartedly. So what good would more "moral" or "traditional" or "conservative" people do in American politics. Those kinds of people are already a dime a dozen and most are doing terrible jobs, hurting more than helping (other than helping themselves to lobbyist monies, earmarks, and pork barrel spending)! And lest you think I'm throwing the baby out with the bath water, I know there are some truly awesome and sincere believers involved in American politics at many different levels who are doing a tremendous job representing the people, and Christ, in a totally corrupt and degenerate system. That's who we need more of. But, as John MacArthur so clearly points out in the above quote, the morality and righteousness that so many Christians are seeking for in American government and daily life is something that results from salvation and sanctification, not from legislation or politics. If only we could get our priorities straight as the Church of Christ here in America, maybe we truly could make progress towards having a government that actually represents us. If we, as the body of Christ, judged ourselves and allowed the sanctifying power of Christ to change our hearts; if, by the empowering of His Holy Spirit, we were vessels of righteousness bringing the truth, love, and power of the gospel to our communities; if we could do this - living as true disciples - then whatever true change in our society is possible according to the sovereign grace of God would take place. By working on the problem from the proper paradigm we'll find that we could possibly change our country one neighborhood at a time, accomplishing the very thing in our entire nation that we had originally hoped to convince our neighbors to do through legislation.

Regarding California Proposition 8

I know that for some this topic is painful, divisive, frustrating, and just plain emotional. But silence on my part does not show tolerance and love towards others, but rather a disregard for them by not being willing to politely explain the truth - which in itself is one of the most sacred responsibilities of true love.

Proposition 8, on the ballot in California this November, is not a long and confusing document. It is actually quite short and to the point, being only 14 words long. The entire text of Proposition 8 is as follows: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California."

So why are the two opposing camps spending so much money to convince voters to cast their votes one way or the other? Let's look at the "NOs" first.

Why does the "No On Prop 8" camp feel so strongly? According to what I've seen and heard in the television ads, Internet ads, radio ads, billboards, and conversations, it appears that opponents to Proposition 8 feel as if the passing of this law somehow takes away their rights. Whether this feeling of having their rights offended is something reasoned or learned, whether by thought or pure propaganda, the effect is the same: they are incensed and outraged that anyone would try to take their rights away from them. If I were a homosexual, I imagine that I would feel the same way. Especially if I hadn't considered all the facts.

But the fact is that under current California law (CA Family Code 297.5), all "domestic partners" are allowed the same exact rights as a "spouse". So in all actuality, to clearly define "marriage" as being between a man and a woman does not "strip", "remove", or "steal" any rights of domestic partnership. They already exist. Interestingly enough, the very law that gives all "domestic partners" this spousal equivalency, by it's very existence and wording, clarifies the natural reality that a "spouse" is by definition someone other than a "domestic partner", while at the same time maintaining equal access to health benefits and other privileges typically accorded a "spouse". If a homosexual couple seeks legal recognition as such, they "need only file a 'Declaration of Domestic Partnership' with the secretary of state, who adds it to a statewide database. (Cal. Fam. Code sec. 298.5(a), (b).) It's harder to redeem frequent-flier miles than to register as domestic partners." (Quoted from the blog of Oasis California, a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender organization in California - http://www.news.oasiscalifornia.org/2008/09/domestic-partnership-vs-marriage.html).

The only major difference in the State of California between a "marriage" and a "domestic partnership" is the title itself. Having said this, I can understand why homosexual partners would prefer the title of "marriage" over "domestic partnership". The title of "marriage" or being married just sounds right. It has history and legitimacy and strength. If a homosexual partnership can legally use this title, instead of the made-up title of "domestic partnership", it could theoretically help them to accomplish the sense of equality so longed for in the homosexual community. So... I can and do see why it's important for so many homosexuals in the State of California (and in other states for that matter) to see that Proposition 8 fails so they can continue their quest for "equality" as "married" persons and not just "domestic partners". Again, I would most likely be campaigning similarly if I were a homosexual.

So now let's look at the camp of those promoting Proposition 8 and the "Protect Marriage" campaign. Why do they want Prop 8 passed? If California "domestic partners" and "spouses" already have the same rights under California law, what's the big deal in just using the same title for everyone, regardless of being homosexual or heterosexual?

In theory, because of the current rights and protections under California law, it would seem that there is no real legitimate reason for fighting for a clear definition of marriage as that of a man and woman only. Whether you are a male or female "spouse", or a male or female "domestic partner", the only major difference in the State of California is the title itself. So why not allow "domestic partners" to call themselves "spouses"? There are a few reasons why the "Protect Marriage" folks feel the way they do. Let's take a closer look.

One of the reasons that you will here from many Prop 8 supporters is the fact that marriage always has been defined as being between a man and a woman. The word "marriage" carries with it a sense of honor, respect and commitment that's based on centuries of historical practice and observation (even despite the modern-day divorce epidemic). This is, of course, one of the reasons that this title is so sought after by homosexual partners over the title of "domestic partner". Historically, anything outside of marriage has been referred to as "an affair" or "liaison", be it heterosexual or homosexual. I have to say that I, too, am often frustrated by the re-defining of words that have for eons meant one thing but now mean another just because of popular culture or because "we say so". Whether this is in and of itself a strong enough reason to support Prop 8 is unlikely, but its still a piece of the puzzle.

Another reason given, and seen in many of the television and internet ads, is the lesson learned from the State of Massachusetts on this very issue. While it has been counter-advertised that these claims are "not true" by the opponents to Prop 8, I guarantee that I did due diligence to verify the information before posting it on this blog. It is a fact that in multiple cases the Sate of Massachusetts has taught homosexual marriage to young children and then used the State laws regarding homosexual marriage as their foundation for being allowed to do so. In both cases they did it without parental notification and when parental notification was requested by the parents they were denied. When one of the parents asked if they could remove their child from class for the days on which the topic was being taught, the Massachusetts courts told them NO.

The following video is simple and informative in regards to the potential legal ramifications if Propostion 8 is not passed:


Here is a video from the Family Research Council documenting the example of the five-year-old Kindergarten student being taught about homosexual marriage in Massachusetts:


Neither of these videos are intended by me as "scare tactics", nor are they untrue. They are simply examples of the potentialities in the State of California if "domestic partners" and "spouses" become one and the same.

It seems to me that the only thing "lost" by homosexual partners in the State of California - if Proposition 8 were to pass - is the possibility of being able to officially use the title of "married" or "spouse". And again, I have to be honest and recognize that I would prefer that title as well if I were in a homosexual partnership as the historically defined term is a respectable one. But that doesn't change the fact that the definition of marriage is what it is because the definition is what it is. I realize that sounds trite, but it's still true. The reason that marriage is defined as being a life covenant between one man and one woman is because a life covenant between one man and one woman is what marriage is. This definition was not some random thought of a homophobic heterosexual wordsmith. It's the actual definition, understood by those who first received the instructions regarding marriage from God Himself, and then recognized by the billions of souls and countless generations it was passed along to since. Even in cultures which have already changed the true definition of marriage, the truth of what marriage is and always was can still be found in that culture, if you look.

In the ongoing debate over this issue, locally and nationally, I often hear the term "traditional marriage" used. While I understand what is meant by that phrase - the traditional marriage of one man and one woman - I shy away from using it. Why? My perspective is a bit different, having traveled to and lived in other cultures. Where we currently live, it is traditional for a man to marry several women. Should I fight for this type of "traditional marriage"? The issue I have is with the word "tradition". I don't believe our primary motivation for belief, taking a stance, or "fighting" for something should be based upon tradition. It's like a friend of mine once said. His wife's family had a tradition of eating waffles every Saturday and he didn't like waffles. So he got rid of that tradition. The truth of God, His commands, His ways, His will - these always trump tradition. So if God says "traditional marriage" is wrong, then we should get rid of it. In the case of polygamy being considered "traditional marriage", God says it's wrong. In the case of one man and one woman being married, God says it's right, so that is what we should hold to. Not because of traditions, but because of the truth that our Creator communicated to us.

So, in an attempt to conclude my thoughts... It would appear that those who are currently protected as "domestic partners" under California law, really have nothing to lose other than the potential for using the titles "marriage" and "spouse" instead of "domestic partnership" and "domestic partner". But for those who believe that marriage is a sacred institution designed and defined by our Creator Himself, there is a clear reason for defending it as such. Additionally, there is the clear evidence of history that, ironically, provides us with foresight into what could, and probably would happen in California if the definition of marriage is not protected, and instead changed to include anything other than one man and one woman in covenant.

I have been honest and even tried to put myself into the shoes of the homosexual individual so that I might try to imagine their thoughts and feelings on the subject. For those who know me well you know why doing this is so important to me. Having done that, I cannot agree that the importance of what may be gained for the cause of the homosexual community by defeating Prop 8 is greater than the importance of what may be gained for the truth of God's Word and for the families who must live under the laws of the Sate of California should Prop 8 pass.

True love is honest. And though some people very dear to me will be very upset with me over these words, I must trust God with those relationships and honor His word and His truth above my own desires for avoiding conflict or the world's cries for "tolerance" as they define it.

Jasmine Grace pictures

Here's a few pics of Jasmine from days one and two. This will get you started, but for more pics visit our gallery here - http://gallery.me.com/thelangleyclan

Grace... Jasmine Grace that is!

We want to thank God for his goodness and grace to us. Carrie delivered our fifth child early yesterday, Monday, October 13th, 2008, at 9:35am in San Diego, California, USA. She was 8 pounds 8 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Her name is JASMINE GRACE LANGLEY and she and mom are both doing well. Carrie did a terrific job. Thanks for you prayer. We'll put up some pics soon.