MAN vs. BOY?

Written By

KEN VENTURA

Stand up like a Man!

For I will demand it of you, and you will answer to Me.

God (Job 38:3)

The feminization of America and elsewhere around the globe has resulted in a “boyish generation” regrettably ill-prepared for the turbulent times in which we live and the coming onslaught of the Prince of this World.

Therefore, a read that has embedded within it the essence of the Son of Man – BEHOLD THE MAN – is of supreme importance, not only for its cultural enlightenment but for its courageous incursion as a major prophetic announcement to the Church in these last days.  

“Watch, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men (be brave), be strong” (I Corinthians 16:13) has far more to do with valiant opposition to the apostasy that grips today’s Church than you can fathom – this is no casual association – today’s “boys” proliferate in their apostate practices and we who claim the mantle of a man allow them their suffrage!  No wonder the women of this generation hold such contempt for males who bemoan their juvenile state of affairs and yearn for manly leadership lost in a bygone generation that was our best. 

Audacious pronouncement:  “The #1 Battle Facing America”- and you thought it was greed, selfishness, corruption in high places, etc. – these be but symptoms of our shameful condition – the cause abides elsewhere and this is what Ken Ventura calls “Man vs. boy.”  May I boldly declare, this is what is at the core of our malaise, confusion and cultural disintegration.  The narcissistic behavior known as the “me generation” has left us spiritually, emotionally, mentally and culturally bereft. 

I strongly urge you to get the book.  It was my honor to assist Ken in portions of his text – for I am convinced that if we “band of brothers” unwaveringly wish to lead this generation into the Church’s greatest hour – the momentous climax of the ages prior to His coming again in glory – then let us abandon our boyhood and become as His “companions who sit before you,” . . . for only then shall we be “men of a sign (or “wonder”)” to this generation – “For behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH” (Zechariah 3:8).

It is my conviction that only when we BEHOLD THE MAN who came as “My Servant the Branch” – then and only then shall we be that prophetic witness to the confusion about us all; hope amidst despair; and unvarnished truth in a world of uncertain sounds where boyish babbling “accuses and excuses” rather than stands forth to declare the truth that is in Christ Jesus, the Son of God and Son of Man.

-         Doug Krieger

Foreword to “Man vs. boy”: by David Conn

In light of the remarkable confluence of critical issues facing mankind, which are unprecedented in number and nature, “Man vs. boy” is one of the two or three most important books for a spiritually thirsty and hungry public during the opening decade of this millennium.

The message is powerful because it is personal in nature. The author’s words and phrases leap to your heart and will not turn loose until, by way of personal courage, we begin to see our own intimate history of humiliations, the guilt, and even the more graceful moments that are like quiet calls. For God indeed waits with loving patience for the golden times when we are signaled or even jolted by a surge of blessed messages such as we see in this book.

“Man vs. boy” offers a bonus of insights. Although the message is personal and heart-moving, there is the added certainty that we will gain deeper understanding into causes of world, national, family, or other interpersonal friction. It results from our naturally applying the author’s Man vs. “boy” list of criteria to every hurt, struggle and unanswered question in our past or future. “Man vs. boy” forces a realization that most human tensions stem from a vast segment of world and family leadership comprised of “boys” rather than Men. This book makes us see that throughout the world something is terribly lacking! With an extravagance of cultural diversity and relativism, we see little or no powerful effort to remedy the matter. Not, that is, until now!

Ken Ventura’s strengths and principles are long aligned with Truth, and he is sure of his purpose. The book is unwavering. It shows society how to energize a value that has become almost dormant. The theme is a Godly production of Men that will bring women the “Covering” of love, protection and respect that they purely deserve.

But why so bold and, as some might mistakenly think, audacious? I believe Ken’s approach is the way it needs to be. It is his essence, a spiritual conviction.

Remarkably, it is not just his spiritual conviction, it has an affinity with God’s Holy Word put forth in the Bible. And that is what makes this book so honest and compelling.

Because of its Truth, “Man vs. boy” is infectious. By way of you it will affect others. I mean to say that if you’re a boyfriend it will affect your girlfriend; if you’re a girlfriend it will affect your boyfriend; if you’re a wife it will affect your husband; if you’re a husband it will affect your wife; and if you’re a parent it will affect your children. It is, as the Bible says, “quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, able to pierce even to the dividing asunder of bone and marrow, soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

But there is even a more important issue than the “bonus insights” I mentioned earlier: This book is a primer. It brings guidelines by which women can better discern the “boy” in the Man or the “Man” in the “boy” as the case may be. Because Ken Ventura’s criteria are obviously sound, even inarguable, we see how a Man or a woman becomes better equipped to discern the Man or the “boy” and to differentiate one from the other.

This book tells of growth, maturity, and the attainment of a responsible life. The author brings us compelling personal stories from the lives of several Men in which we learn events and discoveries that contributed to their growth as they gained a blessed courage and became Men. In other cases, enlightened women learn to become “Covered” (made whole and much stronger). Experience how women become new creations and forgiving people who are now able to survive earlier abuse and the anger engendered by it.

“Man vs. boy” is electric. It zings us. It is multifaceted, and it is a comprehensive delivery of the ways and wonders of how society’s critical need is fulfilled. The world needs Men. I know of no one who understands this near to the degree that Ken does. You can identify with this book, because it was written by a Man who has experienced these truths since childhood.

Toss political correctness to a wastebasket. Ride the mind of a Man who believes in the Way, the Truth and the Life; for he spotted a major weakness whereby “boys” give their “Keys” away and then go years without understanding how to retrieve them. Learn that every male can become a Man and hold his Keys intact for the critical tasks ahead.

Read the book boldly. You can trust it.

David Conn — January 2010 - Author – The Cult That Died & Lednorf’s Dilemma

Dedication:

This book is dedicated to building up and encouraging one of God’s greatest creations, people. My prayer for all Men and women who dare to succeed is that the insights on the following pages take you to the next level in your journey of overcoming the challenges in life. When all the scores are in and the last page of your life is written, your life will be a testimony for the fighting spirit of mankind and the overcoming Spirit of God.

Men this book was written for you. Keep “Man vs. boy” as a reference to help you navigate amidst life’s challenges. This book will train you on how to become a Man, how to walk as a Man in your Mandate, how to recapture your Keys of authority, how to close the Gates of your life where your enemies have gained access, how to identify the Covering, and how to walk in your Calling as the Patriarch God intended you to be. In short, this book is dedicated to training you how to win as a Man!

Women, it is all about Chapter 6! Chapter 6 represents 25% of this book and is dedicated to women who have been abused and mistreated by irresponsible males who are behaving as “boys.” Chapter 6 shows women how to overcome the epidemic problem of having been hurt and deceived by “boys” who have blamed them for their failures and problems. This chapter is specifically designed to equip women to better discern the difference between Men and “boys,” and to help them make relationship choices that will fulfill their identity and attract the Men of their dreams.

Not only is there hope for all women, but as women grasp the principle of the Covering, those long time wounds of their hearts will heal and their strength and femininity will flourish.

The words you are about to read will impart principles learned by very successful Men and women who honor our most reliable and trusted source, the Bible. For it is God our Father who is the true author of Men, and learning of Him will help you better understand your Great Mandate and Calling as you walk as the Man you are meant to be. Man was created in the very image of his Creator to take dominion over life’s challenges and circumstances within his sphere of influence. It is time for all Men to fully capture their original Mandate. Are you ready?

Ken Ventura - Man vs. “boy”:

Are you a Man or a “boy?” Outward appearances can be a window into a person’s heart and character, but don’t be fooled. Outward appearances do not always reveal the true substance and character of a Man. You may be a male, but this does not mean you are a Man. Thank God our hearts will always give us the true answer. Deep inside we know who we are, and we know who we are not. If you struggle with a clear answer, here are a few traits that will help you determine whether you are a Man or “boy?” You may find it helpful to ask others about the Man or “boy?” question. You will be surprised to find how much others can assist in determining whether you are a Man or “boy?”

Introduction - The Great Mandate! (excerpts from the book – for acquiring the book, Press Here)

It is encouraging to know every Man was once a “boy.” Every Man has at one time displayed many of the characteristics listed in the “boy” category of the Man vs. “boy” list. A real Man will seek in his heart to be free of all “boyish” traits. The good news to all males is we are all called into a Great Mandate. This Great Mandate prescribes we start out as “boys,” then we grow into Men and overcome the world’s challenges set before us.

Every culture on earth agrees with this process, because it is a natural and God-given ordination. A male who remains a “boy” into adulthood is abandoning his God-given Mandate, and he has settled to remain a “boy.” A male who strives to become a Man will continue to press into his Calling until he becomes the full Man that God has called him to be.  I have a friend named Mark who is an incredible outdoorsman. He is a rugged survival trainer who is not afraid of much. He is considered a Man’s Man. Mark recently read the list of traits showing the difference between a “boy” and a Man. After looking at the list for a while, he said to me, “Sharks I can handle. Lions are no problem for me. I am not afraid of bears, wolves, poisonous snakes or critters of any kind. But how do I conquer this little ‘boy’ inside of me who keeps making me look like a fool? This little ‘boy’ is frightening to me. He is stronger than any animal I have encountered in the wild.” I told Mark that he asked a great question, and a question that will be clearly answered throughout this book.

It is very simple: Men conquer the “boy” within. Men fight to protect truth and the innocent, whereas “boys” blame, cower, and run. But again, don’t be fooled. Fighting doesn’t mean merely fighting outwardly against someone or something in the physical sense. A real Man will fight in his life by facing relationships head on, and he will take responsibility for the overall well being of those around him. This means he will not cower either emotionally or spiritually when challenged, and he will not blame anyone for anything, ever.  Read the Man vs. “boy” list again if you must. The list supports the point that all males are not necessarily Men.  Do any of the points on the list strike a chord in your heart? In short, the Man vs. “boy” list reinforces the ideology that a true Man will take responsibility for all of his God-given duties and problems, and the building and nurturing of healthy relationships with the loved ones in his life is his highest priority. 

America’s Greatest Untapped Natural Resource!

America’s greatest untapped natural resource is not our oil, gas or coal; it is our Men. Adult males who are walking as “boys” represent a vast and untapped potential asset for our country. Millions of struggling males in America could transform from liabilities to assets for their families and their country literally overnight, if only they are given the proper training and Truth about their Mandate.  Masculinity in males may be dormant, but know well that masculinity dwells in all males and is a force to be reckoned with. Let us tap into our greatest natural resource, and let us build Men!  America has become feminized and metro-sexualized because males have not successfully passed Manhood to their sons. Parents have coddled and pandered to their children to the point where the current generation of males don’t know how to be masculine, and they believe the lie that they need to be feminine in order to love and nurture. Nothing could be further from the truth. Men like George Washington, Winston

Churchill, Ronald Reagan and Martin Luther King have clearly shown us Men can and must be strong and masculine leaders to properly love and protect their families, as well as our national heritage.

The truth is the feminization of America is destroying our country.  It is rapidly leading this nation further into the secular progressivism that is driving us down the road to bankruptcy and destruction. Many who will be reading this book are Generation X males (born 1965 – 1985) or even Generation Y males (born after 1986). Statistics show 40% of the Gen X fathers in our country are fatherless, and they were not trained to become Men due to a huge shortage of healthy and masculine role models.

These untrained males are now adult “boys,” and they are going to put the final nails in the coffin of America if we do not rise up and retrain them now.

An even higher percentage of Gen Y fathers (the Net Generation) are fatherless because our country has continued to accelerate on a downward spiral with respect to traditional morality and family values. Many of these adult “boys” have grown up and are now fathers themselves, and most are truly at a loss regarding how to be a Man and how to raise their children properly. The Gen Y males certainly are not looking to the flailing Gen X males for masculine role models with confidence. The presence of Men in this generation is few and far to be seen. The decline of the Man will continue to propagate if something is not done. We must stop this epidemic if we are to save the family structure and America!

Males must be trained to be Men, and the time is now. “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream.  It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where Men were free.”

Ronald Reagan – 40th President of the United States

Restoring Our Nation:

We all know “boys” who are fathers. Inside their hearts, many of these fathers are ashamed because they have unanswered and pressing questions regarding their Manhood. They do not know where to go, or who is able to pass on to them the legacy of being a successful Man and father. Many do not see there is a problem until it is too late. Some of the common questions for today’s fathers are:

• “How do I learn to raise my boys to become Men, when I was not taught or raised by a Man?”

• “How do I raise my little girls to become secure and self confident women who are covered with proper love and protection, when I have never seen what this looks like?”

If you know one of these fathers, or if you are one of these fathers, you are fortunate. There is hope! This book can be your ticket from desperation into freedom. There are many males who desperately desire with all of their hearts to overcome every obstacle thrown before them, but they do not know how to win. Their marriages are broken, they are suffering financially, their dreams are shattered, and many of their children are lost to seductions of modern society. Businesses are destroyed and lives are enslaved to a series of chains and the bondage of shame, debt and condemnation, all because somehow the secrets to success that made America great are lost in translation from one generation to another.

Furthering the problem, family connections and ties in America are rapidly disintegrating. More and more, family members split up and go their own way with minimal connection and communication with one another. The elderly have become “throw-away” people. They are put into nursing homes where they are sentenced to only commune with other elderly people and strangers. Precious relationships are lost, and the younger generations do not reap the blessings of wisdom and experience from their elders.

Many of these elderly are military veterans who represent some of the most mature and seasoned Men living today. These Men have overcome the fear of death on the shores of Omaha, the mountains of Iwo Jima, the lands of Korea, Viet Nam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and in many other battles over the past 70 years where liberty was challenged. These Men are a treasure of courage and character, but they are slowly disappearing.

Fewer and fewer trained Men are around to take responsibility for passing Manhood to the younger generation, and it is creating a huge void for the American family.

In generations past, the promotion of competition and character to males in our schools was the primary factor in developing healthy Men. Competition and character were encouraged in sports, academics, military, community involvement, family structures and in our overall patriotic world view. As our culture became feminized, competition and character were put on the back shelf as footnotes. From the time that legislators and judges began banning the Bible from public classrooms, competition was subtly labeled as “unfair,” and character no longer was taught as a primary emphasis.

Due to America’s educational institution’s disdain for the masculine world view, our schools have lost our nation’s core teachings of the importance of family and freedom, and we now teach secular humanism based on selfishness and entitlements. Equality has become our nation’s mantra, but in our zeal we have gone past equality into “sameness.” Many schools are teaching that males and females are the same, even though science, psychology and theology prove otherwise.

The emotional and physical make-up of males and females are entirely different. There is a glory in woman, and there is a glory in Man, but when the genders are blurred they both lose their glory. Sports, academics, community involvement and family structures have become a target for promoting neutered males and masculine females in the name of “equality” and “fairness.” As genders have become blurred, so have our moral boundaries. The final result being: we have an abundance of powerless and castrated males (“boys”) followed by a country full of unhappy, overworked and tired females.

In the name of “fairness,” we have done our children a huge disservice. We have coddled and pampered our children’s untrained wants and desires to the point where homes have become child centered and child ruled. Then we wonder why kids are running over us and why they are not succeeding in life the way God intended. We have to look at the cold and hard fact that we have taught and encouraged their poor behaviors. The fruit of our actions is undisciplined children who have skewed morality and poor character.

How do you ruin a male child and create an adult “boy?” You spoil and overindulge him. You abstain from disciplining him and you give him whatever he wants, whenever he wants it. You reward him for his disobedience. When he lies to you, give him candy. When he is selfish and demanding, you give him a new toy. When he is lazy and does not do his chores, you give him special treatment and reward him because he feels he is “entitled” to all of these things.

Does this sound grimly familiar to the socialistic world view that we have tolerated in this nation? It is abusive to rear children in such a manner. An entitlement mentality has crept into American culture, and a plague of irresponsible “boys” is the consequence. The end result of this type of upbringing is a male child who remains a “boy” indefinitely. The “Peter Pan” syndrome develops and he becomes the eternal child.

We are headed to becoming a welfare state. We have overindulged our kids to the point where they are the most obese and spoiled children in the world. It is no wonder they grow up and expect entitlements. We have trained them to be self-focused and over-indulgent. Why should they work hard and earn their way? Doesn’t family and government owe them food, shelter, healthcare, money and happiness? Can’t they just fill out a form and demand their rights and receive all the benefits? Can’t males just remain “boys” forever?

We will lose our Republic in the next generation if we do not stand up now. Abraham Lincoln said, “The philosophy of the classroom today is the philosophy of the government tomorrow.” We must teach our children to rule and govern themselves in the manner that our forefathers envisioned. Instead of teaching our children to be self-governed, in many cases we allow a socialistic school system to work against our core values as a nation. While we are busy worrying about money and working to keep roofs over our heads, the entitlement mentality of our education institutions is seducing the hearts and minds of our children.

These “New Age Un-progressives” are attempting to brainwash and indoctrinate our children with the final solution of socialism in the public arena. I prefer the term “Un-progressive” and Un-social,” because they are neither progressive nor social. They oppress freedom and they destroy the culture and family structure at every level of society. Their hijacking of the label “progressivism” and “socialism” is an example of their deceptive tactics. They do not promote social progress. They promote control and blame. Of course, they have repackaged it to look pretty as they steal precious life and freedoms from our children.

New Age Un-progressive ideology attempts to capitalize on immature people’s unrealistic and selfish desires. In a child’s mind, everyone should get what they want when they want it, without doing the work. They want the trophy, but they do not want to practice. They want the cookies, but they do not want to eat their vegetables. Competition has become a bad word, when winning is supposed to be the reward of achievement.  Happiness has become our expected right, when our founding fathers clearly said in the constitution that “pursuit” of happiness is our actual God-given right.

Our nation does not have the right to bear the title as the best and strongest nation in the world without earning it. We do have the right to strive for that title and obtain it through Godly principles. Our constitution’s founding principles of freedom, self-government and liberty demand that we obtain this status based on our willingness to fight for righteousness, and our ability to achieve through good character. Success and freedom are definitely not free - or easy.  Every mature Man knows that in the real world you have to earn your way. In the real world the ultimate joy is personally overcoming great challenges. In the real world lions eat Bambi, and the fearful quail that fly away too soon get killed. In the real world there is an entirely different job description between male and female; equal in importance, equal in necessity, but completely different in description. In the real world a “boy” is expected to become a Man. In the real world Manhood is earned through obedience to God.

A Revolution of Character:

Men in America are crying out for a revolution of character. After a full generation of poor training and teaching, the American male is left emotionally and spiritually crippled. If you are discouraged, defeated and have lost the hope and inspiration for victory, may you be touched by the heart of God. May you be revived to a life of joy and understanding through the principles written in this book. May the winds of wisdom reveal to your heart that every Man is designed and ordained to overcome the “boy” within.

The Apostle Paul of Tarsus gave clear instructions when he encouraged us to take off the “boyish” nature working against our Great Mandate, and simply put on the new Man we are called to be. Paul also made it very clear that God gives all Keys of authority to us for the building up and edification of our loved ones. If we attempt to use authority for selfish desires or to control others, we will bring hurt, shame, destruction and loss into our families, and we will pay a devastating price beyond our comprehension.

“Man vs. boy” will show you that putting on your new Man can be as easy as changing into a new set of clothing. Once your Manhood is established, you can then use your Keys of authority to fulfill the Great Mandate prepared for you. The training and principles outlined in this book will ensure you march forward to build your lives and your families with an eternal victory. Your victory will influence and contribute to your local community, and in turn it will bring you the joy and peace of God that passes all understanding. It simply is a choice.

Choose this day whom you are going to serve. Are you going to serve your selfishness and be a “boy,” or are you going to serve self-sacrifice and be a Man? It is our job as males to become Men who walk in righteousness and authority. It is our duty to be Men who display a loving and responsible character to those around us. All of us can receive our destiny to become Men who will not blame others for our failures, and become Men who walk in love as we fulfill our Great Mandate.  Abraham Lincoln was correct when he said, “A nation divided will not long stand!” There is a battle raging between Man and “boy,” and the outcome has not been decided. So who is going to win? Is it going to be the Man, or is it going to be the “boy?” For each one of us only time and providence will tell.

For those of you who are searching for a greater understanding of your purpose in life as a Man; for those of you who know God can and will fulfill all of your heartfelt needs and desires, but you are just plain stuck; for those of you who know God has deposited deep within you something very special just waiting to be released, this book is for you.  Well, the truth is, there are simple answers, they just are not easy ones.  (Ronald Reagan – 40th President of the United States)

TABLE OF CONTENTS – “Man vs. boy”

Chapter 1: From “boy” to Man

Called to Overcome

How a “boy” Becomes a Man

Ken

Should I Follow Joe Into Battle?

When Manhood Fails to Happen, Everyone Suffers

Who Can Stand Before Envy & Jealousy?

You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

Father Issues

Bob

Diagnosing the Man

Obtaining Manhood

Chapter 2: Overcoming and Obtaining Manhood

Why is Man vs. “boy” So Important?

Obtaining Your “Man Diploma”

The Bar Mitzvah

The Band of Brothers

The American Dream

Facts Vs. Truth

Sorry Vs. Forgiveness

Chiropractic Adjustment

Defeating Fear

Brian

Chapter 3: Your Keys

Men Who Behave Like “boys”… and Lose

What are a Man’s Keys?

A Man’s Heart: The Relational Tool

Overcoming Depression

Diagnosing With The Victory Scale

Mike, One Man’s Total Victory

Capturing Your Keys

Diagnosing Your Keys

Repentance

Taking Your Keys Back

Keys of Power

Recovering All The Keys

Chapter 4: Your Gates

Rebuilding Your Gates

Identifying the Open Gates

Identifying Emotional Enemies

Your Spiritual Enemies Want Your Keys

Declaring War

John

Closing the Gates

John’s Victory

Needs Vs. Neediness

Destroying Mr. Cruelty

Overcoming Rejection

John’s Testimony – Walking in Victory

Chapter 5: The 5 Callings

Understanding the 5 Callings

The 5 Callings of the Corporation

Knowing Your Calling – What Motivates You

What’s Your Calling?

Why Understanding the Callings is Important

Walking In The Wrong Calling

Judging Other Callings

God’s Corporation: Ephesians 4:11

Modern Day Indulgences

Many Are Called, But Few Chosen

Chapter 6: For Women: The Covering

PART I: Sarah

Act I – The Father’s Covering

The Covering From Conception

The “uncovered” Woman

Forgiveness

Act II – The Husband’s Covering

Sarah’s Personal Testimony

PART II: Kathy, Your Father Loves You

Kathy’s Covering

Understanding Her Covering

Kathy Forgives Her Dad

The Power Of a Loving Father Figure

PART III: Overcoming Abuse

Maria

Does She Feel Beautiful?

Pam’s Knight in Shining Armor:

Chapter 7: Walk Like a Man!

The Patriarchal Man

Making your Life a Fortress

Scott

Getting My House In Order

Prayer For Sarah and Setting Boundaries

Enforcing Your Boundaries

Relational Circles

The “No Codependency” Clause

Chapter 8: Behold The Man!

The Perfect Man

Jesus in History

A Governor Beholds The Man

The Original Band of Brothers

Zechariah Beholds The Man

Isaiah Beholds The Man

Our Role Model and Hero

The Real Man, Jesus

The Glorified Man

Reflecting Our Role Model

Today’s Battlefield

He Will Build It, and He Will Come

Jesus and His Father

Men Called to Love

Famous Quotes From Men:

Vince Lombardi

Abraham Lincoln

Winston Churchill

Theodore Roosevelt

Ronald Reagan

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