How the Electoral College works

The people of the United States elect a president every four years, but not directly.  Last night my family shared a meal with some friends and we watched what was taking place in our nation.    During the day and evening questions were asked about the Electoral College.  How does it work?  What is the importance of it?  Even, why do we have it?  Well, here are some thoughts on how it works and why we have it.

1.     Every four years, in November it is called a presidential election year.  Each state holds an election for president in which all eligible citizens may vote. Today citizens vote for a "ticket" of candidates that includes a candidate for president and a candidate for vice president.

2.     The outcome of the vote in each state determines a slate of electors who then, in turn, make the actual choice of president and vice president. Each state has as many electors as it has senators and members of the House of Representatives, for a total of 538. (The District of Columbia gets three electors even though it has no representation in Congress.)

3.     In December, the electors meet in their respective state capitols to cast their ballots for president and vice president. States may or may not require their electors to vote with the popular majority, and they may or may not give all of their electors to the winner of the statewide popular vote.

4.     These ballots are opened, counted, and certified by a joint session of Congress in January.

5.     If no candidate wins a majority of the electoral votes or if the top two candidates are tied, the House of Representatives selects a president from among the five candidates with the most votes. Each state's delegation has a single vote. The Senate selects a vice president by the same process. (This hasn't happened since 1876, but it almost happened in 2000.)

What does this mean in practice? It means, that the candidate who receives the most votes nationwide does not necessarily become president.  The reason for this is there is no national election for president, only separate state elections! For a candidate to become president, he or she must win enough state elections to garner a majority of electoral votes. Presidential campaigns, therefore, focus on winning states, not on winning a national majority.
It also means that — at least in theory — electors can spoil the popular will and vote for a candidate not supported by the voters of their state. In practice, however, electors are pledged to cast their votes in accordance with the popular vote, and "faithless electors" who go against the popular vote are extremely rare. 

The question is often raised: Why not a popular vote?   Here is an attempt to give some modern and historical perspectives:

In 1787, no nation like the United States existed anywhere in the world.  The "founding fathers" were debating many aspects of government.  Practices and policies alike were often intensely debated.  They often looked to history, philosophy, and the Bible for guidance and understanding.  Through this process it became clear what they did and did not like about existing governments in Europe and around the world.  Not all of them agreed — in fact, many of them disagreed completely with one another.  At times they even had heated debates both in person and on paper via letters sent to one another.  Debates on important issues such as how much power the people should have, how much power the states should have and the roles and power limitations of all the branches of our government were hot topics.   When it came to the Electoral College this system was a compromise on two important issues:

1.     The first was how much power the people should have.

2.     The second was how much power small and large states should have.

When considering the Electoral College these are two central issues.  In 1787, it was not at all clear whether “democracy” would work. In fact "democracy" was a bit of an uncertainty in the minds of many.  The idea of a true democracy raised fears of mob rule.  This had happened in a few places during and after the Revolution and many wanted to ensure it did not happen again.  It is important to keep in mind that The United States was intended as a Republic not a Democracy, in which the people would govern themselves only through elected representatives.
Because the role of the president was so important, most of the framers thought that the people couldn't be trusted to elect the president directly. Instead, they should elect electors, who would convene as a "college of electors" to consider the available candidates and pick the best man for the job.
Before the Revolution, the British colonists did not have much awareness of being an American. They may have identified themselves instead with the British Empire and with their own colonies. Even after the Revolution, loyalty to one's state often still came first. The Constitution was intended to unite the states under a single national government — but not entirely. Small states like New Jersey feared that if they formed a union with the other twelve states, they would be swallowed up under the influence of more populous states like Virginia and New York. Virginia and New York, of course, thought that they should have the most influence. That is why the states have equal representation in the Senate but representation by population in the House of Representatives: it was a compromise that allowed large states to “let their voice” be heard but still allowed small states to keep their identities and fight for their interests.
When it came to voting for president, the framers of the Constitution decided that the states should do the voting, not the people. It is important to keep in mind that there was no consciousness of the United States as a single nation; it was, literally, a union of separate states. So voting for president was to take place by state, so that each state could have its say. The compromise between big and small states was extended to the Electoral College, so that each state has as many electors as it has senators and members of the House of Representatives combined. Big states still have the most influence, but small states aren't completely lost in the national vote.

It was up to the states to decide how they ought to vote for their electors — and to a great extent still is, in fact. There is no national election for president, but rather fifty-one separate elections, one in each state and one in the District of Columbia. In the beginning, state legislatures voted for electors, who in turn voted for the president and vice president. Electors were free to vote for the candidate of their choice, but over time they were increasingly elected because they supported a particular candidate. By 1832, every state but South Carolina held direct elections for president, and electors were effectively bound to vote for a particular candidate. (South Carolina held out until 1864.)

Today, of course, every state allows citizens to vote.  Then it is the duty of the Electoral College to officially elect the President and Vice President of the United States.  Today, the number of electors is 538, based on the total voting membership of the United States Congress (435 Representatives and 100 Senators) plus three electors from the District of Columbia.

The electors are still not legally bound to vote for any particular candidate. An elector could, in theory, throw his or her vote to any candidate! Since each candidate has his or her own slate of electors, however, and since the electors are chosen not only for their loyalty but because they take their responsibility seriously, this almost never happens. (It last happened in 1988, when it had no impact on the outcome of the election.) Some states have laws requiring electors to cast their votes according to the popular vote.

In addition, a state doesn't have to throw all of its electors behind the candidate that receives the most popular votes in that state. Two states, Maine and Nebraska, assign one elector to the winner of each Congressional district and the remaining two electors to the candidate with the most votes statewide.

The original Constitution also did not take into account the development of political parties. Electors were to vote for two candidates for president. The man with the highest number of votes that was a majority became president, and the man with the second highest number of votes became vice president. In 1800, however, the Democratic-Republican Party nominated Thomas Jefferson for president and Aaron Burr for vice president, and because there was no separate voting for the two offices, the two men tied in the electoral college. The House of Representatives had to decide the issue. Afterwards, the 12th Amendment to the Constitution was passed, changing the system to what we see practiced today.

Let not your voice be Troubled!

Unless your head has been stuck in the sand you know that tomorrow will be a very important day in the life of our nation.  In less than 24 hours people across our nation will head to the polls and cast a vote. 

Much has been made about this election and as I listen to some Christians I am concerned.  It is as if the evidence of their Christianity is found and whether or not they voted.  I believe the Christian life is more than casting a vote, and it's more than wearing a sticker.  And yes I believe it's more than listening to a  certain musical style, and it's so much more than just putting on a T-shirt.

One thing is clear we have a civil and spiritual responsibility to be good citizens. We must not only be good citizens in this land we call America but we must be good citizens of the most high King and his kingdom.  Yes we have a civil responsibility to vote but we also have a voice of voice that sometimes we fail to use.  I'm glad that I live in America even with all that's wrong with America we are still a great nation!

Yesterday I shared a message from Jeremiah.  If you missed it check it out simply look for the title "A Nation in Peril" http://expectinganencounter.com/special.php.

Jeremiah warns of a catastrophe to avoid, he warns the nation of Israel that time has run out, and as a weeping prophet he stands lamenting same this summer has passed and the harvest has ended.  The point was clear:  there is a point of return of return for a nation, a people, and he's society. 

I fear that we have become a people who are absence from God's house on God’s day, because like the nation of Israel we have our idols we hold onto.  We have abandoned our faithfulness, and we have surrendered our commitments.   Here is our attitude today:   “Sure preacher we will come to church and be faithful so long as nothing else interferes.”  I really think we need to be concerned that were so unconcerned.  It really is time for all this silly church membership stuff to stop.  We can no longer look at the church as if it's a club.  We can no longer consider our offerings simply dues to the organization.  It is time to pay wake up and listen to God and ignore him no longer.  This is the time to be serious. 

This is the time for red-hot believers to be on fire for the King!  Sure the truth is unpopular.  That has ever been?  Must stand for the unvarnished truths of God's word.  Besides, what's the worst they can do? Take our life? The Bible says to be absent from the body to be present with the Lord.  So if someone in this world takes my life because I'm a follower of Jesus Christ I'll be kicking of gold dust in heaven… Is that really a loss?

Below the only way we lose is if we sat in silence and if we are absent because of our apathy.    Many Christians today think the politicians have the answer, others think the counselor has the answer, or the psychiatrist has the answer.  But I'm telling you the answer does not come from our humanity, the answer for our problems come only from God himself!

And we need parents today who will teach their children right and wrong, we need parents who will stand even when it's unpopular to do so.  We need husbands to love their wives as has asked us to do has asked us to do.  We need wives to love their husbands and Scripture has asked us to do. We need to stand up and call sin, what it is: sin.  We need to point people to their only hope in that is Christ the Lord!

Whatever the outcome of this election, keep in mind that the hope of the kingdom of God does not rest in the backs of donkeys and elephants, but the hope of the world rest in Jesus Christ!

HALLOWEEN: RECEIVE, REJECT, OR REDEEM?

Throughout my ministry there have been people who have come to me and asked my opinion concerning the subject of Halloween.  Often I receive a text message or email on Halloween from my friends that say “Happy Reformation Day!”  My own wife, whom I love dearly, cannot stand Halloween.  She despises this holiday with a passion.

The question has always been raised in my mind: How should Christians respond to Halloween?  Should we receive the holiday, reject the holiday altogether or can we redeem it?

First, let's talk about some fun facts concerning Halloween:

·      Halloween is celebrated by millions of people each year worldwide.

·      Halloween is the Second highest grossing commercial holiday only to Christmas.

·      A quarter of all candy sold annually in the USA is for Halloween night.

As we consider Halloween let us remember that this day carries with it a lot of baggage.  Few holidays have a history as strange as that of Halloween.    One could stand to make a case that this day is a celebration of Reformation Day!  Often it is referred to as the Eve of “All Saints Day.”    You might say it is not Halloween but rather it is Hallelujah! 495 years ago this Halloween a little monk (Martin Luther) nailed 95 Protestations to the church door in Wittenberg.

At the same time, Halloween commemorates activities, ideas, and philosophies that the church has been at war with since its inception.  It is the night when ghost and goblins walk abroad, luring young minds into a darkened world.  It's hard for me, and others to understand this curious mixture of both light and darkness, good and evil.

Halloween: It’s Origins

Generally speaking it is fairly agreed-upon that Halloween had its origins in Celtic festivals.  These festivals marked the end of summer.  In the Celtic festivals there was a popular festival called the Festival of Samhain.   There are two schools of thought on this festival.  One suggests that the basis of this festival was human sacrifice.   Others want to suggest that the origins of Halloween arise not from human sacrifice but from a festival of the dead celebrating supernatural intensities bringing on the onset of winter. 

Whichever origin you want to take, I think both are pretty dangerous.  Here is what has happened in our culture: Halloween has been rejected as demonic or pagan, and today it is relatively accepted as harmless fun for children, yet we continue to let our children dress in ghost and goblins and skulls and skeletons. 

The British culture made some contributions to Halloween, as we know it.  In fact most of the actual traditions and practices of the holiday developed out of the medieval Christian holy day known to us as All Saints Day.   In the early 4^th century people begin to practice the celebration to remember the martyrs of the early Roman persecutions.  However by the 9^th century, festivals begin to shift in their focus.  The original intent was being lost, and almost forgotten.  By the end of the 12^th century, All Saints Day was a well-established moment in the Christian year, and by the end of the Middle Ages this day was among the most important days.  In fact the church had declared it one of the six days of obligation, marked by high masses and prayers.  It had become a holiday that affirmed the collective claims that the dead had on the living.  The masses also served as insurance against hauntings from ghost.  These ghosts were generally understood to be dead relatives who visited their kin to rectify wrongs committed against them while they were alive.  As night fell All Saints Day had arrived.  The bells would ring for the souls in purgatory; these were people who were in spiritual suspension.  An intermediary space said to be between heaven and hell.  On this day Saints would pray prayers and offer penance for their sins before the Day of Judgment.  Churches would make sure that their bells were in good shape and in working order.   It was an effort to ward off the demonic spirits.

Over time several rituals were added to the celebration of the mass.  In England churches purchased extra candles and torches for processions during All Saints Day celebrations.  Bonfires were built in graveyards to ward off any coming spirits.

After the Reformation in the 16th century the rituals of All Saints Day came under attack from the Protestants.  Because of the association with the doctrines of purgatory, Saints and prayers for the dead the reformers denounced purgatory and rejected the idea that the living could influence the condition of the dead by their prayers.  The reformers also rejected the belief that Saints could function as mediators between humans and Christ.   Various Protestant leaders such as Thomas Cranmer tried to abolish Halloween practices and rituals, but the Catholic leaders made sure it died a slow death and faithfully tired to revive them.

Nevertheless, by the end of Elizabeth's reign official practices surrounding All Saints Day (Halloween) and Hallowmass had been eliminated.  However, the more popular customs that grew out of this continued among the common people.  It had now become ingrained in the culture. 

Over time, Halloween traditions developed apart from any religious connotations.  Although the initial religious celebration had in mind to remember those who lost their lives during immense persecution, what grew from that practice was diversity in ideas and a declining fortune for the holiday. 

As you can see, Christians should be very thoughtful in their approach to Halloween. This is but a brief overview of the issues at hand.  In Scotland and Ireland and England Halloween was observed throughout the 19^th century and into the 20^th century.  During these times there was immigration to North America and with it guess what?  They brought Halloween.  It had become a strong tradition of disguising and pranks, and Halloween continues to evolve today in the world we live in.

Halloween for the follower of Christ:

So, should the Christian reject, receive or redeemed the day?  Halloween does have an uneasy history with the church.  And rightly so, Christians have not always been sure what to do with the holiday.  Is Halloween redeemable, does it cause us to compromise our faith, are there ramifications concerning our religious purity? Or is there an opportunity for us to emphasize certain aspects of our own faith within the holiday?

There are 3 positions as I see it:

1.     Halloween is “the Devil Day” and we should reject it.

The Christian church has tried to deal with Halloween in many ways throughout the centuries it has been rejected as demonic and pagan holiday.  And for many, this is the only option.  When the most recent examples comes from a well-known individual, Pat Robertson, who called Halloween the “Festival of the Devil.” He suggested that participating in Halloween was a mistake for Christians and wrong.

In rejecting this holiday out right, I think Robertson and others fail to ask the question:  To what extent does something's evolution from pagan roots prohibit our participation?  Albert Mohler, makes an observation that there has been a shift in Halloween from a pagan ritual to merely a commercial fascination with the dark side. 

I agree that dressing up, as witches and goblins is a tricky and risky issue, I ask people among our church not to dress and scary costumes.  But to think that putting on a scary mask or makeup opens us up to the dark supernatural side is a bit naïve, it would take a lot more than that to open up some dark experience with the enemy.  Still, I do believe however, that we as parents should be careful that not to promote or cultivate a mindset that would begin to grow in a young child's mind in that direction.   That my friend is where my fear for Halloween lies!  It's not that one costume on one night is going to ruin the child forever, but that it begins perhaps a curiosity, into the darker aspects of that evil reality. The war is between light and darkness and we need to be careful not to subject our young minds to the evil influence.

I do see a problem with the blanket rejection position of Halloween.  First, it is very hard, if not impossible, for those who insist on rejecting certain holidays to be consistent.  Should we reject other holidays because there is a propensity toward excess, or roots in something ungodly?  If that were the case then we would have to reject Thanksgiving!  How horrible would that be?  I mean after all gluttony is a sin, and who on Thanksgiving not stuff their stomachs with too much food and pie?  We would also have to reject Christmas, as it is today, because the idea of going into debt for Christmas is really against what the Scripture teaches but it is what the culture pushes. Not to mention the culture commercialism of almost all the holidays.  Even Easter with the bunny would be in question. 

The second major issue that I see with a blanket rejection of Halloween, is that this assumes that the evil world will taint the faith of the Christian.  I would ask you to read Mark 7:21-23.  Jesus seems to make the point that the fruit of our lives whether tied to holiness or sin is found within our heart.  If our hearts are prone toward sin, than sin we will!  Sin indeed corrupts, but the sin we should worry most about is not what is in the world, but it's the sin in our hearts that matters most.  We see the reject position falsely assumes that sin is what we do rather than who we are.

2.     Halloween is innocent therefore I should receive it.

To accept Halloween as innocent is both ridiculous and foolish.  I think if you have even the most basic informed understanding of the history of Halloween, you will be concerned, and cautious in your practices.   Light is at war with the darkness, and we cannot stick our heads in the sand and ignore that fight. 

3.     Halloween does have its issues and we should seek to redeem it.

Just how Christians ought to feel about redeeming Halloween is and will always be a tricky subject.  In order to navigate the waters effectively and successfully, we must distinguish between the cultural aspects of Halloween and religious aspects of the holiday.

In the past the church has tried to redeem the religious aspects of the holiday by adding it to the churches calendar.  And as a pastor, this issue is a real struggle, because not everyone shares the level of knowledge, or the desire to redeem this day.  I truly believe there should be no pressure placed upon others to participate on this day, and for those of us who do commence to engage this day, we should do so wisely  and with caution.  We should thoughtfully walk through this day fighting for truth and being light.

I believe Martin Luther was wise as he a reformer concerned with Halloween’s association with the evil spirits.  He said on one occasion: “The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield the text of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him for he cannot bear scorn.” 

Perhaps instead of fleeing the darkness in fear, we should view Halloween as an opportunity to mock the enemy who has no power over us because any power he possesses, has been broken by the power of the cross!

The Truth in Love!

On Sunday mornings we have been studying at Immanuel Baptist Church 1st Corinthians chapter 16.  Verse 22 is very interesting. As I stop and contemplate this text today, its truth causes me to stop and consider all of those who do not have faith in Jesus Christ.  Paul said, “ if anyone does not love the Lord–the curse be on him. Come, O Lord!”  Please understand that Paul is not mad, he simply telling the truth. I know that Paul was not bad because in verse 24 he says my love to all of you. He tells the Church of Rome in Romans 9:3, “For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh”

Paul publicly expressed his love for the saints. Paul said I LOVE YOU!  You don't love people if you're not willing to tell them the truth.  Sometimes people say things like, “Brother Steven we could have more people if you would be so direct.” Or  “If you would not be so passionate…” If I have it right, and I believe I do, If you don't like gospel preaching, than just hold on, because there will be none in hell.  There will be no Gospel singing, no praising.  If you know the Lord and you don't like gospel preaching you are going to be miserable in heaven…  I have decided, I'm going to do all I can, as I can, to drag others into the kingdom of God with the gospel!

And so if you want a weak watered-down feel-good message, there are plenty of Manzi-pansy preachers in our culture who will do that for you.  I'm not here to tickle your ears, I'm not here to put a pacifier in your mouth, and I’m certainly I'm not here to change your diaper!  God has given us a job to do and how can I do my job if I am forced to hold your hand?   Don’t get me wrong, I want to be a source of encouragement to you but at some point we have to learn to hold our own head up!

I'm here to preach the gospel, to train you in the Scriptures, and encourage you to change this world.  I love you that is why I preach so hard to you!   In fact that is honestly why I preach so along to you.  It amazes me today; people say we don't have very long attention spans…  But we can go to 2 1/2 hour movie and not complain that it's too long, we can sit down and watch an hour TV show, with meaningless temporal commercials, but we can't listen to the gospel being preached for more than 20 min. without complaining…

I believe the Lord is glorified when we love Him and each other and when we tell each other the truth, and hold each other accountable.  CONCLUSION: If the Lord permits, I hope we can have possessions to give, places to go, people to grow, and person to glorify.

Pastor on Politics - October

Friends if you live in Arkansas this is important!

Marijuana use is an important moral issue that faces our day!  Legalizing marijuana should not be an answer to the common acceptance of it.    It is important that we vote against this!  I  encourage all my friends to do so as well. Below is a list of reasons to vote against this ballot initiative. Share them with friends, or in worship folders or sermons as you have opportunity.

NO DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION NEEDED – To qualify as a patient permitted to smoke marijuana one needs only a doctor’s certificate, not a prescription.

LIFETIME PASS TO SMOKE MARIJUANA – The doctor’s certificate, unlike a prescription, never has to be renewed and the patient never has to be reevaluated. The certificate is good for a lifetime.

ALMOST ANYONE CAN QUALIFY AS A PERMITTED PATIENT – The list of conditions that would qualify a patient for smoking marijuana is lengthy and includes intractable, chronic pain, a condition that cannot be verified by a doctor.

PHARMACIES WILL NOT BE INVOLVED – Pharmacies and the tight control they utilize to control drugs and prevent abuse aren’t allowed under the act – instead only thirty or so loosely supervised dispensaries will be established.

THOUSANDS WILL BE ALLOWED TO GROW THEIR OWN MARIJUANA – If a qualifying patient lives more than 5 miles from a dispensary – and that may describe hundreds of thousands of Arkansans – that patient can either grow his own marijuana or designate someone else to grow it for him.

THE AMMA MASQUERADES AS SOUND MEDICAL PRACTICE – If the smoking of marijuana was sound medically – groups such as the FDA, the American Medical Association, and the American Cancer Society would support and endorse the smoking of marijuana – and they have refused to do so. But even if they do in the future, I for one still will find it  morally reprehensible

MARIJUANA USERS WILL HAVE TO BE TOLERATED BY EVERYONE – Employers, landlords, and school authorities will not be allowed to exclude or reject patients who have qualified to smoke marijuana.

THE LAW CANNOT BE ENFORCED – The provisions of the act purporting to provide control and prevent abuses are incapable of being effectively enforced.

 THE AMMA IS REALLY ABOUT LEGALIZING MARIJUANA FOR RECREATIONAL USE  -- The out-of-state group, the Marijuana Policy Project, that is driving and financing the AMMA reveals on its website that its ultimate objective is the full legalization of marijuana for recreational use.

Brothers and sisters in the Lord, the damage of this law, if approved by the voters of Arkansas, would be immense! Please pray, vote, and encourage others to do the same.

Cultivating an intimate relationship with God

 One of the themes that God has been working in my heart,  is the theme of  spiritual intimacy.   I believe that the King wants to live through each one of us.   also believe that the only way that he will be seen active in our lives is if we are in a love relationship with him.

 So much of what we do in the church is to cultivate a culture of doing.   I contend that if we're going to develop a spiritual intimate walk with God we must be something before we ever do something.

There is a spiritual intimacy that I desire with God and as a result there is a reaction in my heart when I interact with my Creator.  I want to have an intimate walk with God so that my life is naturally producing fruit,  naturally responding in crisis,  and naturally giving God praise throughout the day.   I have noticed that when I am living in connecting with the Almighty it seems I get more done accidentally than I do on purpose.   I can explain it it just seems to be the way it is.

One of the things I've also noticed is that not all believers arrived at maturity at the same time. I think this is unique in the kingdom life.   This frustrates many people because we live in a culture that wants everybody to be the same.   the challenge for us is to allow God's Spirit to naturally flow through us rather than trying to force God spirit to work.

 If we will let him his grace will work in our life.   Paul talked about this in the book of Titus.   in chapter 2 verse number 12 Paul tells us that God's grace works not only in salvation but it also teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions. That same grace teaches us to live self controlled and up right Godly lives in this present evil age.   that same grace is at work in our lives as we wait for the blessed. Of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ. The grace he gives us is the foundation of our hope.

 Because I'm developing a relationship with God that is intimate,  I will be driven to love others loving others is a tangible expression of loving God.   genuine love for others is seen as I live an intentional,  active,  and genuine life.

 Because I'm developing a relationship with God that is intimate,  I will be driven to serve others. service will be the overflow of super-abounding devotion. Service will flow out of intimacy with God, naturally!   As a follower of Jesus Christ service is the natural part of my life.   Service is expressive of that which God places within me. God’s call on my life is real and my response to that call will express his nature.  As  I hear and heed his call I receive his nature!   Service is most often done best in what most of us would call ordinary!

This is Kingdom Living. It’s being before doing. We do what we do because of who we are.