Transition

 

There are two types of people in the world. One, there are “the people of God”, that is, the Church, and two, there are “the not-people-of-God”, that is the world and any other religion. When someone is baptized into the one, holy, Apostolic Church, there should be a radical transformation that takes place in their life. This is about transition from living in a worldly manner like the culture in which you currently reside. To living in a way that is focused on loving God, loving your neighbor, and pursuing holiness.

This concept needs to be given careful and articulate thought. Drive away from your mind the image of the typical American Evangelical church, which is really just a showy performance, usually led by a rock band performing for the audience to watch. This so called “worship music” is then followed by an inspirational and typically money based “sermon”, where the speaker is emotionally, and psychologically manipulating those in attendance.

If you are careful and thoughtful about the history of the one, holy, Apostolic Church, you will see that what is sold today as American Evangelicalism is nothing like how the Church has worshipped over the last twenty centuries. A genuine worship service is based around prayer, the reading of Scripture, beautiful music, candles, incense, and beautiful icons. The worship service is not about being entertained, listening to a long sermon, and simply watching others perform.

Historically speaking, the one, holy, Apostolic Church did not have long wooden benches upon which to sit. Instead, everyone stood and there were a few places to sit for those who are elderly or handicapped. The entire service is about being involved in worship, in singing, and in communal prayer. One of the most important aspects of the worship service is about staying focused on what is being said, what is being prayed, and what is being sung. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by worldly thoughts, vain entertainment, or concerns about what you will be doing the rest of the week.

Think of your mind like an airport, if or when airplanes arrive, you do not need to watch them, think about them, or entertain their distraction. Focus on your love for God, your desire for holiness, and the hundreds of images around the sanctuary, which are a cloud of witnesses, who have lived lives that are a good example for you to imitate. Do not be like the world who allow themselves to be distracted by vanity, wealth, comfort or pleasure.