Aids to sermon builder: Logos please turn on hearing aids and remove blinders
Read as the impetus for this post:
Why have you still failed to allow non-scriptural texts as the basis of sermons/homilies? It's not as if it is an esoteric practice.
Several Christian denominations allow sermons or homilies on liturgical texts as well as Scripture:
Catholic Church
The Catholic Church permits homilies on liturgical texts, particularly:
Prayers from the Mass, including collects
Other liturgical prayers and hymns
Texts from the Divine Office
Catholic homilies often connect Scripture readings with liturgical texts and seasons.
Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodox churches allow homilies on:
Liturgical prayers and hymns
Texts from the Divine Liturgy
Writings of Church Fathers used in worship
The Orthodox tradition views the liturgy itself as a bearer of divine revelation, making it a valid subject for preaching.
Anglican/Episcopal Church
Anglican and Episcopal churches permit sermons on:
The Book of Common Prayer texts
Collects and other liturgical prayers
Hymns and spiritual songs used in worship
The Anglican tradition recognizes the theological depth of its liturgical texts as worthy of exposition.
Lutheran Church
Lutheran churches allow sermons on:
Texts from their liturgical books
Confessional documents (e.g., Luther's Catechisms)
Hymns, especially those by Martin Luther
Lutherans view their confessional and liturgical texts as important expressions of their theology.
Other Liturgical Protestant Churches
Some other liturgical Protestant denominations, such as Methodists and Presbyterians, may also permit sermons on liturgical texts, though this practice is less common than in the above-mentioned traditions.
These denominations recognize the value of their liturgical heritage in conveying Christian truth and see liturgical texts as valid subjects for preaching alongside Scripture.
Why have you still failed to allow multiple scriptural texts as the basis of sermons/homilies (and now Bible studies which are often tied to the sermon texts)? It's not as if it is an esoteric practice.
Several Christian denominations incorporate multiple scriptural readings into their worship services:
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Mass typically includes:
First Reading (usually from the Old Testament)
Responsorial Psalm
Second Reading (usually from the New Testament epistles)
Gospel Reading
Eastern Orthodox Church
Orthodox Divine Liturgy includes:
Epistle Reading
Gospel Reading
Additional readings may be included on special occasions
Anglican/Episcopal Church
Anglican services often feature:
Old Testament Reading
Psalm
New Testament Reading (often from the Epistles)
Gospel Reading
Lutheran Church
Lutheran worship services commonly include:
First Reading (often from the Old Testament)
Psalm
Second Reading (usually from the Epistles)
Gospel Reading
Methodist Church
Methodist services typically follow a pattern similar to Anglicans:
Old Testament Lesson
Psalm
Epistle Lesson
Gospel Lesson
Presbyterian Church
While less uniform, many Presbyterian churches include:
Old Testament Reading
New Testament Reading
Gospel Reading
These denominations generally follow lectionaries, which are predetermined schedules of readings that often align with the liturgical calendar. This practice ensures a comprehensive coverage of Scripture over time and allows for thematic coherence in worship services across different churches.
I'm sorry but the American popular religion of a sermon on a single pastor-chosen passage is a historical anomaly. Please consider the historical norm when designing the sermon and bible study tools.
Orthodox Bishop Alfeyev: "To be a theologian means to have experience of a personal encounter with God through prayer and worship."; Orthodox proverb: "We know where the Church is, we do not know where it is not."