Tag Archives: Grace

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

Celebrating Grace – Excerpt from Ten Year Ordination Anniversary Sermon

Posted on May 22, 2017 by pastordavesimpson

I can identify with Paul’s anger. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul was angry at anything – or anyone – that contradicted or got in the way of the message of Grace he was called to preach. Paul had … Continue reading →

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“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

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

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

“Philomena” – A Film Review and Reflection on What it Means to Be a Christian

Posted on December 3, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

“Your pain is penance for your sin.” That’s what the nuns said to Philomena as she screamed in agony.  Her newborn was breech; death was a real possibility for both Philomena and the baby.  But the nuns refused to call … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Movies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Hello, Friend

Posted on October 2, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Monday afternoon as we left the hospital I was angry.  I was angry that my daughter had to endure another infusion treatment for her Crohn’s Disease – 4 hours hooked up to an IV of God knows what chemicals.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Parenting, Prayer | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

Do I HAVE To? (No!)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

I was talking with someone about universal salvation.  As I’ve said and written before, the idea that everyone gets saved at The End appeals to me, but I don’t think that’s what the Bible as a whole teaches.  If I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

Auditioning for Heaven (and a gratuitous Wayne’s World reference)

Posted on June 4, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

I started yesterday’s sermon by sharing with the congregation my latest quest to be a game show contestant.  Two weeks ago I went down to DC and auditioned for a new trivia-based  show.   I can’t tell you the name … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Game Shows | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment