INITIATION TO TRUE WORSHIP ...REVEALING THE SPIRIT OF TRUE WORSHIP… PST. TAIWO AKINDELE

WHAT IS INITIATION? The action of admitting someone into a secret or obscure society or group, typically with a ritual the action of admitting someone into a secret or obscure society or group, typically with a ritual: "rituals of initiation" · "an initiation ceremony" synonyms: beginning · starting · commencement · institution · inauguration · launch · opening · instigation · actuation · origination · devising · inception · establishment · setting up · kick-off · induction · introduction · admission · admittance · installation · incorporation · ordination · investiture · investment · enlistment · enrolment · recruitment · baptism antonyms: completion · finish · expulsion •the introduction of someone to a particular activity or skill: "his initiation into the world of martial arts" synonyms: induction · introduction · admission · admittance · installation · incorporation · ordination · investiture · investment · enlistment · enrolment · recruitment · baptism antonyms: expulsion

synonyms: beginning · starting · commencement · institution · inauguration · launch · opening · instigation · actuation · origination · devising · inception · establishment · setting up · kick-off · induction · introduction · admission · admittance · installation · incorporation · ordination · investiture · investment · enlistment · enrolment · recruitment · baptism

synonyms: induction · introduction · admission · admittance · installation · incorporation · ordination · investiture · investment · enlistment · enrolment · recruitment · baptism

Initiation is a rite of passage marking entrance or acceptance into a group or society. It could also be a formal admission to adulthood in a community or one of its formal components.

In an extended sense it can also signify a transformation in which the initiate is 'reborn' into a new role. Examples of initiation ceremonies might include Hindu diksha, Christian baptism or confirmation, Jewish bar or bat mitzvah, acceptance into a fraternal organization, secret society or religious order, or graduation from school or recruit training.

A person taking the initiation ceremony in traditional rites, such as those depicted in these pictures, is called an initiate

Mircea Eliade discussed initiation as a principal religious act by classical or traditional societies. He defined initiation as "a basic change in existential condition," which liberates man from profane time and history. "Initiation recapitulates the sacred history of the world. And through this recapitulation, the whole world is sanctified anew... [the initiand] can perceive the world as a sacred work, a creation of the Gods."

WHY INITIATION? "this real valuation of ritual death finally led to conquest of the fear of real death."

[initiation's] function is to reveal the deep meaning of existence to the new generations and to help them assume the responsibility of being truly men and hence of participating in culture."

it reveals a world open to the trans-human, a world that, in our philosophical terminology, we should call transcendental."

to make [the initiand] open to spiritual values

RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL INITIATION A spiritual initiation rite normally implies a shepherding process where those who are at a higher level guide the initiate through a process of greater exposure of knowledge.

This may include the revelation of secrets, hence the term secret society for such organizations, usually reserved for those at the higher level of understanding.

An initiation is considered to cause a fundamental process of change to begin within the person being initiated. The person conducting the initiation (the initiator), being in possession of a certain power or state of being, transfers this power or state to the person being initiated. Thus the concept of initiation is similar to that of apostolic succession.

The initiation process is often likened to a simultaneous death and rebirth, because as well as being a beginning it also implies an ending as existence on one level drops away in an ascension to the next. Initiation is a key component of Judaism, Vaishnavism, Sant Mat, Surat Shabd Yoga, Wicca, and similar religious gnostic traditions.

DEFINITION OF WORSHIP Reverent honor and homage paid to God or a sacred personage, or to any object regarded as sacred.

Formal or ceremonious rendering of such honor and homage: They attended worship this morning.

Adoring reverence or regard: excessive worship of business success.

The object of adoring reverence or regard.

(initial capital letter) British (initial capital letter) British. a title of honor used in addressing or mentioning certain magistrates and others of high rank or station (usually preceded by Your, His, or Her).

True worship is simply define ; SPIRIT and TRUTH. John 4:24-26

Spirit in the sense that it is not rooted in the senses but rather in the innermost being.

Truth in the sense that sincerity is the characteristic of the spirit of that worship

True worship is God-centered worship True worship is God-centered worship. People tend to get caught up in where they should worship, what music they should sing in worship, and how the worship looks to other people. Focusing on these things completely misses the point. Jesus tells us that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). This means we worship from a pure heart!

True worship is felt inwardly, and then comes out through our actions True worship is felt inwardly, and then comes out through our actions. "Going through the motions" out of obligation is unpleasing to God, and is done completely in vain. He can see through all the hypocrisy, and He hates heartless worship (Amos 5:21-24)

A powerful example of this is the story of Cain and Abel, the first sons of Adam and Eve. They both brought gift offerings to the Lord, but He was only pleased with Abel's. Cain brought the gift out of obligation. Abel brought his finest lambs from his flock out of true faith and admiration for God.

AN EXAMPLE OF A WORSHIPPER: KING DAVID As far as worship, King David was a phenomenal example for all of us. He had a pure and grateful heart towards god and worshipped him with the entirety of his being. Many of the psalms reflect David's passionate heart for worship.

"It is good to give thanks to the LORD, and to sing praises to your name, O most high; to declare your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night" (psalm 92:1-2). I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised… (psalm 18:3a).

Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable (psalm 145:3). David was a man after god's own heart, because he truly glorified God in his heart!

HOW TO INITIATE WORSHIP IN DEVOTION TIME