Author Archives: pastordavesimpson

Unknown's avatar

About pastordavesimpson

I'm an unexpected pastor. Why unexpected? Because no one is more surprised than me that I'm a pastor. See the "About" page on my blog for more info.

Some Thoughts about Depression and Suicide

Posted on August 25, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(Yesterday after the “normal” sermon about the book of Ruth, I spent a few minutes discussing a couple of things I felt called to share.) While I was away on vacation, Robin Williams died. It was amazing how much his … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Pastors | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Hail To The Redskins – and Farewell

Posted on June 19, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Picture a buck-toothed 5th-grader with a crew cut and Husky-sized pants. It’s winter 1973 and he’s on his way to school in Richmond, VA. That’s a burgundy and gold jacket he’s wearing. If you look close, you’ll see that those … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Football | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Better Than an Arc Reactor – A Superhero Pentecost Sermon

Posted on June 10, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(You can hear this sermon here. It’s based on Acts 2:1-21.) Late this week I read an excellent blog post by Pastor Ed Strietelmeier about Superheroes and Pentecost. I was going to preach about something else on this Pentecost Sunday, … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Sermon | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

What Must I Do To Be Saved? (Plus a story about a free hot dog)

Posted on May 16, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

I’ve had more requests for this sermon based on Acts 16:16-34 than any in a while. I think it’ s because it’s a clear explication of grace. At least I hope it’s not just because of the hot dog story … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith, Lutheran Theology, Martin Luther, Salvation by Grace | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Heaven Is For Realz #feelgoodism

Posted on May 1, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

How did I end up going to see “Heaven Is For Real” last Saturday afternoon? I’m teaching a Bible Study on the afterlife, and the movie (and book) about four-year old Colton Burpo’s visit to “heaven” is inevitably a topic of conversation. … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Movies | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Easter, The Last Two Minutes

Posted on April 23, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(After I was done with the prepared part of my Easter Sermon, I spoke from my heart for a bit. Here’s sort of what I said – it wasn’t written down until now and it was a little different at … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Jesus’ Wife Gets a Date

Posted on April 16, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

As surely as political attack ads proliferate prior to polling, stories with supposed challenges to Christianity pop up in newspapers and magazines right before Christmas and Easter. One year it’s “The Gospel of Judas,” the next it’s “The Jesus Tomb.” … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

“The Jesus Parade” – a Sermon for Palm Sunday

Posted on April 14, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

John 12:12-27 Have you ever been to a Christmas parade? I remember going when my sister and I were little kids. We would get there early to get a spot where we could sit on the curb with mom and dad … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Noah, the Film: A Rant, a Review, and a Recommendation

Posted on March 31, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Justice and mercy. Those are the big themes of the new Darren Aronofsky version of Noah that opened to huge ticket sales and significant controversy this weekend. In the midst of big-budget CGI effects – supposedly the most complex ever produced … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Movies | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Forbidden Brownies (Our Story)

Posted on March 19, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

In our bickering about whether Genesis 3 is literally true or allegory, we miss the real Truth: either way, Genesis 3 is Our Story . . . Once upon a time, my mom made the most amazing brownies.  When they … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 6 Comments