Category Archives: Christianity

HATE WON’T WIN – A Sermon After Charleston (Psalm 27:1-6)

Posted on June 22, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton. 45 years old Depayne Middleton Doctor. 49 years old. Cynthia Hurd. She would have been 55 years old today. Susie Jackson. 87 years old. Ethel Lance. 70 years old. Reverend Clementa C. Pinckney. 41 years old. Tywanza … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Racism, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Dave’s Letter to the Church at Millersville (The Power of the Gospel)

Posted on May 4, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

I wrote Sunday’s sermon in the form of a letter to my congregation based on the beginning of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome (Romans 1:1-17). The letter was read aloud by the lay worship assistant, interspersed with commentary by me. Here is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church, Sermon | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Who Is My Neighbor (in Baltimore)?

Posted on April 29, 2015 by pastordavesimpson

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” – (Luke 10:29) Who is my neighbor? That’s my question as I sit in the safe sanctuary of suburbia and view the havoc in Baltimore … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Racism | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How Is Jesus Like a Lump of Coal?

Posted on December 4, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

It’s Countdown to Christmas Time, and that means the sneaky spooky spying Elf on the Shelf is back. Like a member of the North Korean Secret Police, the little informer keeps tabs on folks and reports back to the Dear … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Christmas | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Racism and White Privilege: Reflection and Confession

Posted on November 26, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

(NOTE: This post contains strong opinions and some strong language. Please keep in mind that this is my personal blog, and is not an official expression of my church or denomination.  Also, if the language bothers you more than the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Racism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Death With Dignity? (The question of Physician Assisted Suicide)

Posted on November 7, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

“Agnes” had lived long enough. The disease ravaging her lungs had downsized her once vigorous lifestyle. She couldn’t spend her days “out visiting.” Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren had to come to her now.  Not too long ago, just getting out … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, ELCA, End of Life, Lutheran Theology, Psalm 139 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Grace and Consequences

Posted on October 6, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II entered St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican.   Mehmet Ali Ağca was waiting with a gun. Ağca pulled the trigger. Four bullets hit the pope, and he was rushed to the hospital where he … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Lutheran, Lutheran Theology | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Grace? I Object!

Posted on October 3, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

I have heard all the objections to grace. I have spoken them myself. The primary objections are these: It’s too easy! It’s not fair! I hear them every time I teach or preach about grace. I heard some of them yesterday in … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Lutheran, Lutheran Theology, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

If I Have Gay Children: Four Promises From A Christian Pastor/Parent (Reblogged from John Pavlovitz)

Posted on September 26, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

A friend who is the parent of a gay child sent me this link to a post on Pastor John Pavlovitz’s blog. It obviously resonated with them.  I think the post is quite awesome and well worth of sharing: If I Have Gay … Continue reading →

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

“. . . in the best possible light”

Posted on September 25, 2014 by pastordavesimpson

Just a quick thought . . . We deepen division and obliterate even the possibility of relationship when we define those with whom we disagree according to the most extreme proponents and positions of their convictions. What if we stopped awfulizing religions (or lack thereof), political … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Martin Luther | Tagged , , | 2 Comments