Category Archives: Lutheran Theology

The Bible: God’s Word in Conversation with God’s People

Posted on July 2, 2019 by pastordavesimpson

The Bible is the Word of God. Sure. I agree with that. It’s in the constitutions of my denomination (ELCA) and its individual congregations: The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God. Inspired … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, ELCA, Faith, Lutheran Theology, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Are Atheists So Bad?

Posted on February 7, 2018 by pastordavesimpson

You know that saying about how there are no stupid questions? There are exceptions . . . A Facebook friend posted a link to this query on the Quora  question and answer website:  This may sound naive, but what keeps … Continue reading →

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

“Look! Here Is Water” – A Sermon about God’s Inclusivity with a Surprise Ending

Posted on May 8, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

The pivotal moment in today’s Scripture story is when the Ethiopian Official says to Philip, “Look! Here is water! What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” That’s why Philip was there in the first place. But he … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christian Living, Christianity, Christianity and Culture, Lutheran Theology, Sermon, The Holy Spirit | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

“I’m Not Very Religious”

Posted on October 26, 2016 by pastordavesimpson

I met her at the door after worship. This young adult had come to church at the behest of a family member. If enduring the service wasn’t bad enough, now there was no clear path to the exit;  she had to wait … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church, Lutheran Theology, Pastors | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

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

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