This is the second part of a series by Mike Winther entitled Transforming a Nation. It was given at Central Valley Presbyterian Church on May 1st 2016. As we deal with the issues of our civil society or the areas of government, the world has a lot of tools to deceive us. We are more deceived than we think, and sometimes we don't even know when we are misled.

Part of the mission of IPS is to figure out what the truth is and how to apply it. Mike talks about how we can be more discerning and better citizens. In part one, Mike spoke about how the government falls short. These lectures should be a launching point to help you know more about the proper role of government. This lecture dives into strategies for transforming the nation from education, being discerning, and investing in a long-term approach.

You'll Learn:

• [05:40] Last time we talked about why we lose elections. We can't really be trusted to vote if we don't know what good government looks like.
• [07:08] How do we train our children to know the whole truth when we don't know ourselves?
• [09:30] In debates, candidates tell us what they think we want to hear. It might be a better idea to research their voting record.
• [12:53] We need to be wary of new media that gradually persuade us to be big government. We need to be discerning about our media and candidates.
• [14:37] We want gain without pain. How much sacrifice would we make and energy would we expend to change the culture?
• [15:01] Myth #1 It doesn't matter if I vote. It's a myth that we can't make a difference.
• [16:52] God is a covenant God. If you obey His commands He will do these things for you.
• [17:42] We confuse the decreed will of God with the preceptive will of God.
• [20:55] Myth #2 is that we are out of time. Don't get sucked into the idea that only the next election matters. Energy needs to go into changing hearts and minds 10 or 15 years down the road.
• [22:39] Myth #3 I don't care about his or her personal life, only their public performance. Romans 13
• [24:21] Myth #4 The president is the most powerful person in the world. Not according to the Constitution.
• [27:34] Myth #5 A good president will fix things.
• [28:08] Myth #6 A bad president will destroy America.
• [28:32] Myth #7 I have to vote for the lesser of two evils.
• [31:12] Does God expect us to determine the outcome of the presidency? God wants us to be faithful in the means not the outcome.
• [34:28] When you vote ask yourself if you can check that box in good conscience with the Lord.
• [35:12] 1. We need to learn and study what actually is a good government. 2. We need to teach things. We need to share what we've learned with others.
• [37:39] 3. Don't support our opposition. Don't support your opponents with time and money. Be aware of what organizations, unions, and media actually stand for.
• [41:07] 4. We need to make sure that we're using our money for the best use possible. Commit your tithing to the church.
• [42:58] Political parties. By focusing on two parties, we get rid of all ideas except for these two sets of ideas.
• [49:47] Transformation doesn't begin in the White House. It begins in our house.

Your Resources:

• Transforming a Nation, Part 1: Understanding the Problem
• Books to browse
• Carroll Quigley