Apples and Oranges: A Comparison

have you ever tried to prove a point by drawing a comparison between your point and another situation?  If you, perhaps you have been accused of comparing apples and oragnes.  If you have, you may want to check out this article posted over at the American View.

Apples and Oranges: A Comparison

What Kind of Man Are You? – Part 12

The Prudent Man

Prudent:  subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly, sensible

I. A Prudent Man Keeps Knows How to Control Himself (Pro 12:16)

A. This word fool has the idea of one who is thick-headed, hardened and stubborn.  His wrath is easily seen because it is easily incurred.  This is a man of deep passion, meaning his easily flies off the handle.  His prone to fits of rage sometimes over the least little thing. 

B. I must note this is not a righteous anger or indignation.  It is not wrong to be zealously angry when evil is seen.  This is an anger caused by stubbornness and selfishness.  Often times one can be mistaken for the other. 

C. However, a prudent man is one who can keep himself under control.  He may have the same circumstances as the fool, but he knows how to deal with it.  This is not to say the prudent man never gets angry.  When he does get angry, as we all are prone to do, he knows that flaring up will only serve to worsen the situation, not solve or help it. 

D. I tell this to our students all the time.  When they are caught retaliating someone else’s error, I explain that when someone does something bad to you, and then you go and tell the teacher, one person gets in trouble.  When you fight back against them instead of telling your teacher, now two people get in trouble.  Anger is a deadly weapon and we must learn to keep it in check.

E. I can recall back in high school an occasion where my stupid actions had actually served to infuriate my teacher, Pastor Wilkes.  I never knew it till the next day when we talked about it.  I was dealt with, but the entire time Pastor Wilkes was calm and collected.

F. This is grace under fire.  Patience is more than just a virtue, it is a command.

II. A Prudent Man Knows How to Keep Things to Himself (Pro 12:23)

A. A Prudent man is not provocative.  He is not looking for the most outlandish things to say, just to get a reaction.  He knows better than to say things for the purpose of stirring up strife and debate.  I used to be guilty of this type of things.  There were times in college where I would purposefully walk into a room and say something theologically just to start a debate, or pick a fight.  I did the same things in chat rooms as well.  The prudent man knows there are some things that are better if he just keeps them to himself. 

B. He will not say something harmful to another person.  That can be easy to do.  Have you ever had someone say something to you, only for the purpose of hurting you?  Perhaps it was even a true statement, but something that just didn’t need to be said.  A prudent man stays away from that type of thing.

C. I believe gossip could be placed under this heading.  Some things just need to be concealed.  Could you imagine if Pastor Laitres walked around telling everyone everything he knew about other people?  Keep in mind, he would not be lying or making anything up.  That would be horrible for people trust him and confide in him things they don’t want others to know.  They come to him for help.  Even though he would not be lying by making these facts known, it would not be prudent.  There are times when all the truth does not need to be known by everyone.  Who hear would like to stand up and give every personal detail about every facet of our lives.  We would all leave embarrassed.  Too much information!  It doesn’t need to be known. 

III. A Prudent Man Knows What He is Talking About (Pro 13:6)

A. It is interesting to see who calamities often times reveal a man’s character.  When such a situation arises, it is easy to see who is prudent and who is foolish.  At this time, both are easily seen.  A prudent man has the knowledge to deal with such an event, the fool has nothing from which to draw is seen for who he is.

B. A prudent man deals with knowledge, he is known for it.  He will not speak or act without first having the knowledge that allows him to do so.  He is one who knows how to learn and study.  He is not afraid of knowing more, he wants it!  We may recall that it is the fool that hates knowledge.  Ignorance seems to be a virtue in our day and age. 

C. Often times in our fundamental circles,  we tend to discount or even abhor scholarly knowledge.  This is partly because we have seen institutes of higher learning turn good men into hardened reprobates.  They have tried to explain away God with scientific “fact” and philosophical “reason.”  That obviously is not something we can stand for.  But, as Romans 1 tells us, those are only fools professing themselves to be wise.  True knowledge is something to be desired and cultivated.  See Proverbs 2:1-5.  True knowledge leads to a greater relationship with God.

D. I think we also tend to cower away from knowledge because ignorance is bliss.  The less we know the less we are held accountable.  Some of us are just happy living life the way we do.  Knowing more might change that.  This is an attitude that must be broken.

E. Also notice, that this prudent man only deals in knowledge.  In other words, he is not going to spout off about things he knows nothing of.  I don’t give my opinions about sports too often.  Hey, do you think the Sox are going to go all the way this year?  I hope so, maybe I can get some free furniture from Jordan’s.  I really have no idea.  It always amazes me to watch all of these amateur anlaysists spout off about every topic.  These self-professed experts haven’t got a clue what going on, but they are very quick to give their opinion about it. 

F. The prudent man deals with knowledge, not rumor, innuendo, assumptions or half truths.  He makes sure what he is saying is first actually true.  He is not just going to pass on what he has heard someone else without first checking it out.  It would be wise for all of us to do this.  I wonder how many churches have been ruined because of this practice?

IV. A Prudent Man Takes A Good Look at Every Situation (Pro 14:15)

A. We have already talked about this verse when we discussed the fool, so we will only mention this in passing.

B. A prudent man takes a good look into a situation before jumping in.  He will not simply go on the advice of others or take a blind leap of faith.  He thinks the matter through.

C. Matthew Henry wrote the prudent man “tries before he trusts.”

D. When dealing with the Russians over arms treaties, Ronald Reagan used to tell everyone his motto was “Trust, but verify.”

V. A Prudent Man is A Practical Man (Pro 14:8)

A. A Prudent man is not easily taken in but hucksters and charlatans.  He is not easily fooled. 

B. This is the practical use of knowledge.  It is not merely an academic pursuit or ivory tower pride.  This is down-home, shoe strap, rubber meets the road practicality.   

C. This is simply the ability to think through a situation and handle it reasonably. 

New Post Over at the CPOMA Blog

I just finished posting a few thoughts over at the Consitituion Party of Massachusetts blog.  If you are interested, check it out by clicking on the link below:

http://www.cpoma.org/blog/?p=89

New Mother’s Day Booklet from Evangelist Dan Knickerbocker

Revival Ministries Publications Presents

New Mother’s Day Booklet

    “Mom’s Rules for Rearing a Godly Family”

A great Mothers Day Gift for the Church Ladies

1-40 copies @ $3.00  41- copies @ $2.00

 If your interested call me at 724-518-0442 and I’ll rush them before Mothers Day

What Kind of Man Are You, Part 11

The Good Man

Are you a good person?  Most people believe that they are. 

Some dictionary definitions:  morally excellent; virtuous; righteous; pious:, honorable or worthy; in good standing, the ideal of goodness or morality, pure, moral, conscientious, meritorious, worthy, exemplary, upright. 2. commendable, admirable, Having the qualities that are desirable or distinguishing

I. A Good Man Walks in the Right Direction (Pro 2:20)

A. In context, this is talking about the issue of purity.  In the preceding verses, we are told to stay away from the strange woman and her ways.  Remember, immorality is not manliness, as the world is so quick to assert.

B. But purity is far more than merely staying away from something.  It is to do just the opposite; it is to be walking in the right direction.  “Merely escaping immorality is insufficient for a man of wisdom, he must also progressively pursue good.”

C. Notice here, there is a way that good men follow.  We ought to be following after good men.  Paul said this of himself. 

C.  We do not become worshippers of mere men.  This becomes a temptation.  I remember people in college even holding their Bibles like on particular preacher did.  But we follow the godly examples they leave behind.

II. A Good Man Desires the Acceptance of God (Pro 12:2)

A. We have another clear contrast here.  One who is accepted by God, one who is not.  In the world, the situation is exactly the opposite.  The one who is accepted by God will not be accepted in the world.  One who is accepted by the world will not be accepted by God.

B. Who do you wish to please?

C. Notice, you are not accepted by God just because you were created by God.  We are not all the Children of God as some have tried to assert.  Some just have this idea that God will accept me for who I am.  That is wrong.  Why, because you are wicked.  God cannot accept sin, he condemns it.  We are accepted only because of Christ.  I fear that we do not make that clear to people.  I remember hearing someone say, “Would you become a Christian if God could save you and not change one thing about your life?”  This is heresy.  Yes, you come to God just as you are, but at this point you never will return to what you once were.

III. A Good Man is Good to His Grandchildren (Pro 13:22)

A. A good man is one who cares for others.  This is a man who sacrifices here and now so that he will be able to not just give something to his children, but his children’s children.  He unselfishly loves and provides for the needs of others.

B. This is a man who wisely plans ahead. 

C. The opposite is the man who squanders all that he has on temporary possessions.  He often lives pay check to pay check, buying all the latest gadgets and gizmos for his pleasure.  He does not set aside for the future.

IV. A Good Man is Content with Goodness (Pro 14:14)

A. What if I told you, that you will always get what you want?  In a sense, that is true.

B. Here, God promised that the backslider is filled with his own ways.  He is filled with all the things that he wants.  He wants sin and wickedness, and he will get all that comes with that as well.

C. Notice where he backslides, in his heart.  In other words, he may look fine to everyone else, but his thoughts, emotions and intent are wicked.

D. The good man is satisfied from himself – he is content.  He wants what is right, and therefore gets it.  He makes it a point to follow after righteousness.

V. A Good Man Has Rewards of Mercy and Truth (Pro 14:22)

A. Those that devise evil, are in error.  They are wrong.  Now they don’t think that way.  They think that all is well and they are getting ahead, beating the system.  But, they are mistaken.  These are people looking for every excuse, every loophole and every possible way to do wrong, and get away with it.

B. But the man who is good is the one who actually has the reward coming to him.  He has two rewards headed his way.

C. Mercy – the truth is, even those wanting to do good, are still sinners.  They will fail in their attempts to always do what is right.  And what happens then, from Christ we receive mercy.  He is willing to forgive us.

D. Truth – Because we are at least attempting to do what is right, we can deal truthfully with each other.  We are not afraid of truth, it is our friend.  The wicked one fears truth out of fear of being exposed.  If the good man is exposed, there is no fear for he did nothing wrong!

VI. A Good Man is Comforted by the Watchful Eye of God (Pro 15:3)

A. Negative – God always knows what you are doing. 

B. Positive – God always knows what you are doing

VII. A Good Man has a Good Name (Pro 22:1)

A.  What kind of testimony do you have?

B.  It is interesting that this better than money, for some sacrifice their testimony for money. What are you willing to sacrifice your testimony for?

A Closing Thought:

The Bible tells us that there is none that doeth good.  Remember that the purpose of God’s law is not to make one good or righteous, but to expose the wickedness inside of us.  It is intended for us to see ourselves for who we really are, and therefore gain a greater dependence upon Christ and His finished work. 

More Programs Added

These are a few of the other programs I have added to the Delve into the Depths line-up.

 

Had enough? You can make a difference. Get involved! We’re the pro-family action center for Massachusetts — and beyond  Heard on the radio every Saturday at 10-11 am and Sunday at 7-8 pm on WTTT 1150 AM Boston – Heard here each Sunday evening.

American Inspirations

American Inspirations is a breif program featuring great, inspirational moments in the life of our nation, carried out by people from all walks of life—Pilgrims and patriots, preachers and presidents, activists, authors and entrepreneurs. Each one distinguished him or herself by taking a stand for their Christian faith—sometimes to applause and acclaim, and sometimes at great cost. Each encourages us to stand boldly for our faith and freedoms today.  Weekdays here on Delve into the Depths.

The Sword of the Lord Broadcast

What a joy and delight it is each and every weekday to visit you by means of radio and of the internet. I trust that these broadcast will be a blessing to you. Our fifteen minute radio broadcast with Dr. Shelton Smith can be heard five days a week (Monday through Friday).

Old Fashioned Revival Hour

With Charles E. Fuller and the beautiful music of pianist Rudy Atwood and the Quartet and Choir. Now enjoy these broadcasts here Saturday evening and learn about this wonderful ministry that aired internationally from 1937 to 1968.

What Kind of Man Are You, Part 10

I. The Righteous Man Treats Sin Seriously (Pr 14:9)

A. To the fool, sin is no big deal.  It is something that, sure, may be a problem, but we can’t take it too seriously.  Only a hypocritical, puritanical legalist would do that.  This foolish man prides himself in being open-minded, tolerant, and a fun-loving guy.

B. So this attitude causes him not to take his own sin seriously.   He is the casual, social drinker.  He is the one who doesn’t see the problem in telling white lies at work, on his taxes or anywhere else.  He may not be the worst sinner in the world, but that is not the problem.

C. This fool also cannot see the sins of others.  He doesn’t condemn or judge people caught up in horrible sin.  What always amazes me is that when a preacher falls, there is always some church somewhere willing to give him a job and overlook his sin.  They cannot warn people of the danger ahead.

D. While some of us may not consider this the biggest problem in life, there are disastrous consequences to this attitude.  One of the 10 Principles of Prosperity in Reformer’s Unanimous states, “Small compromises lead to great disasters (little sins lead to big sins.”  This fool is headed to destruction, and he will not see it himself nor warn others about it.  Sin is deceptive and deadly.  Christians ought to see it for what it is.

E. As serious as that is, there is an even more offensive problem with this attitude.  Matthew Henry wrote, “They that make light of sin, make light of Christ.”  This blasé attitude toward sin makes a mockery of the Cross.  Christ died for sin.  If sin was no big deal, then the Cross was unnecessary and in vain.  You have offended an Almighty God and mocked His Son’s death.  No wonder the wages of sin is death…

F. On the other side of the coin, the righteous has favor with God, or acceptance with God.  Why?  The righteous man, has wrapped himself in the Righteousness of Christ given at the cross.  He has crucified that old body of sin.  We gain true righteousness at the Calvary and you cannot look at Calvary and not take sin seriously.

II. The Righteous Man Has Hope in Death (Pr 14:32)

A. A Man who is right with God has no fear in death.  Many people have an immense fear of death and aging.  That’s why we have such an emphasis on health food, anti-aging products and everything else under the sun to keep us from that fateful day.  That’s why Walt Disney had himself frozen.  

B. For the wicked man, he is driven out by his own sin.  He is in a hopeless situation.  The idea behind the phrase driven away is to be thrust out violently.  This is the death of the unrepentant.

C. Yet, for the Christian, we now this life is but a precursor to a much greater life yet to come.  This is far from the end, but merely a beginning.  We have no need to fear death.  John R. Rice was once held at gunpoint and asked that famous question; you’re money or your life?  He simply responded to the armed assailant, “Son, you can’t scare me with heaven.”  Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

III. The Righteous Man Has an Effective Prayer Life (Pr 15:29)

A. To those living in sin, being close to God is the farthest thing from their minds.  And that is the way it must be for God cannot dwell with sin.  Some people simply rejoice in this fact.  They want nothing to do with God. 

B. Of course, there is a problem here.  The further one moves away from God, the father one moves away from love, grace, mercy, forgiveness and protection.  Sure, God will grant your freedom, but are you willing to pay the price?

C. Yet, on the other hand, the righteous man has his prayers heard and answered.  Why?  He is close to God.  Those who are walking close to the Lord have the privileges that come along with that.  There, around the throne of God, they find protection, love, grace, mercy and forgiveness.  It is that simple.

D. Again, the principle being taught here is that your relationship with God is directly related to the amount of sin you allow into your life.  This is yet another reason why we ought to take sin seriously.

IV. The Righteous Man Makes His Parents Proud. (Pr 23:24)

A. “Wise, godly living, in obedience to the parent’s discipline, not only benefits the child; it also benefits the parents.”

B. “It is the duty of children t study how they may gladden the hearts of their parents, and do it yet more and more.”
 
V. The Righteous Man is A Bold Man (Pr 28:1)

A. What is it that separates us from the great heroes of the faith we love and cherish?  Have you ever thought about that?  As I study the lives and biographies of great men of God in the past, I often find myself wondering, how could they do that? 

B. I would love to have seen Martin Luther standing at the Diet of Worms declaring, “Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason – and I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is held captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” 

C. I wonder how a man such as David Livingstone could leave a prosperous medical career behind, risk life and limb everyday as a missionary in Africa and then look back on it and say, “People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so much of my life in Africa. Can that be called a sacrifice which is simply paid back as a small part of a great debt owing to our God, which we can never repay?-Is that a sacrifice which brings its own blest reward in healthful activity, the consciousness of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a glorious destiny hereafter?-Away with the word in such a view, and with such a thought! It is emphatically no sacrifice. Say rather it is a privilege. Anxiety, sickness, suffering, or danger, now and then, with a foregoing of the common conveniences and charities of this life, may make us pause, and cause the spirit to waver, and the soul to sink, but let this only be for a moment. All these are nothing when compared with the glory which shall hereafter be revealed in, and for, us. I never made a sacrifice.” 

D. I wonder how Jim Elliot, who left everything behind to only to be eaten of cannibal in South America declare, “He is no fool who give what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot loose.”

E. What makes these men so bold?  It is closeness to God that only the righteous man can enjoy.  They can take bold steps of faith for they know intimately the God who will protect them. 

New Page Added

Just to let you know, I have added my doctrinal statement to this website.  Some people have been asking me for it, so here it is.  You can find it above under the “Beliefs” tab.

A New Program Welcomed

 

“The American View” is a weekly, one-hour, nationally syndicated program, distributed by “Radio America” to more than 35 cities in 22 states. It addresses current events and issues from the perspective that America’s roots stem from God, the traditional family and a Constitutional Republic.

Co-hosts Michael Anthony Peroutka and John Lofton take issue with many of the political and media elite from the right and the left as they tackle these topics with knowledge, wit and humor. This fast-moving program also features hard-hitting interviews from a non-partisan, principled perspective. Both men believe the Democrats and Republicans are two Big Government peas-in-a-pod who have left the American people with no real political choice at all about anything.

 

Michael Anthony Peroutka, a former Federal employee until he realized that at he was doing was un-Constitutional, was the Presidential candidate of the Constitution Party in 2004. He graduated from the University of Baltimore School of Law and is the co-founder of “The Institute On The Constitution,” a nationwide educational program about our important founding document. Peroutka is also on the Board of Trustees of The Conservative Caucus Research, Analysis & Education Foundation. He lives in Maryland with his wife Diane and their three children.

 

John Lofton, a “recovering Republican” who lives in Maryland, once worked for George H.W. Bush and former Sen. Bob Dole at the Republican National Committee. He has been a columnist for the “Washington Times,” Editor of the “Conservative Digest” magazine and Editor of the American Conservative Union’s “Battleline” newsletter. Lofton has also been an adviser to the Presidential campaigns of Michael Peroutka and Pat Buchanan.

“The American View” will air Sunday nights here on Delve into the Depths. 

Kevin Thompson on ABC News

No, I’m not kidding.  I was on the ABC evening news ast night.  Find out more about it on my other, political blog:

http://voteyourconscience.wordpress.com/2007/03/01/did-you-see-me-on-tv/