“THE RICH”

 

January 11, 2026

 

Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.”

​

As it was in the days of Jesus, so it is today: our lives are focused on our wealth. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer, and those in the middle are losing all around. Our financial portfolio will not bring us closer to God, and we must face that reality. You cannot buy your way into a right relationship with God, nor will it secure God’s salvation for you, not even if your church tells you otherwise. It isn’t a sin to have financial means, but how that wealth affects your witness of God’s love will always be a problem. If our God isn’t the "One True God" but is money instead, that will always lead to sin.

 

In the days of Jesus, wealthy Jews had sold out their nation, including family members, to the Romans. Jesus saw this as a problem and spoke against it. More than once, Jesus told his followers that a wealthy person has a problem “entering the Kingdom of God.” This means that wealthy people often struggle to live a Godly life. As it was then, so it remains today: the wealthy want more and more but refuse to contribute their fair share to the well-being of others. They refuse to recognize that they have the means, God’s blessings, that could make life better for others, yet they don’t care. Do you?

 

In first-century Palestine, the wealthy purchased a comfortable lifestyle, while those less fortunate were often cast aside, and too many paid with their lives. At that time, as it is today, there was more than enough wealth to provide for everyone, but the heart to do so was clouded by the lust for more of whatever makes the rich happy. They gladly paid the Romans their share because they had plenty left over for themselves. But the wealthy today don’t even want to do that; they want it all and buy political favors to assure it. They would rather pay a corrupt government and its politicians than use that money to help the less fortunate, out of their own fear and insecurity. Do you know anyone like this?

 

As it was in the time of Jesus, so it is today. We have blindly and selfishly chosen to follow the rich and powerful. Even as they move further away from the love of God and live lives filled with arrogant judgments, greed, selfishness, chaos, divisions, and hate, we who claim to be Christians seek to imitate their every move rather than those of Jesus. We buy the lies, as Israel did, and follow leaders who are ungodly and filled with sins and carnal lusts, seeking only dominion over others and to satisfy their greed for more wealth and power, and whatever they desire. It is truly the blind leading the blind. Whom are you following?

 

1 Timothy 6:9-10, 9 But those who want to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and in their eagerness to be rich, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pains.

 

The problem isn’t having wealth, it’s in your attitude toward that wealth and what you let it do to your relationship with God and your witness to the world. In this text, Paul presses Timothy and us to consider that even the desire to get rich is a sin to be avoided. We should instead cultivate godliness and contentment. But in today’s world, the lust for wealth dominates even the most moving sermon; it destroys one's faith in God and replaces it with faith in power and money; it takes you out of the hands of God and chokes you with the selfishness, greed, and wantonness that is never satisfied and never ends. Is this where you are? Have you stopped your mad dash through life long enough to ask yourself these questions? If not, will you do it now?

 

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

 

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

​

​

IS THIS YOUR KIND OF FAITH?

 

January 4.2026

​

James 2:14, What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but does not have works? Surely that faith cannot save, can it?

​

We’re often told to “go into the world and make all believers.” But is that truly the essence of God’s message to humanity? More often, this instruction seems to come from those in authority—encouraging loyalty and the flow of tithes and offerings—rather than from the heart of the divine. From the very beginning, God’s message has been simpler and far more personal: “Live in a manner that is acceptable and pleasing to Me in all you say and do, and be a citizen of My Kingdom.” How many people do you know who truly live this way? And perhaps more importantly, what keeps you from doing so yourself?

 

Too often, we fail to live in a Godly manner because our religious leaders and institutions have not shown us how. Their inability stems from their own shortcomings—they struggle to live out the principles they preach. Around the world, every religion faces the ongoing question: “Which path should we take?” For many, the path chosen is the one that brings material gain and earthly rewards. If we are honest, this is how grand “monuments” and impressive structures are built in the name of God, while the true needs of God’s children go unmet. The real message of too many religious leaders today is not about how to live a life pleasing to God, but about supporting the institution and its teachings—even when those teachings miss the mark.

 

As we begin this new year, let’s use it as a genuine opportunity for deep self-reflection. More than just marking another birthday, let’s look inward—into the depths of our hearts and souls. Consider: Did God give you this life so you would be tied only to the stories and experiences of ancient people whose world is so different from yours? Does that make sense? Is that truly the God you believe in? The ancient teachings exist to remind us that God was alive and active in their day, just as God is present and real today. These teachings are a foundation—a starting point upon which we are called to build our own living faith and relationship with God, relevant to our own time and place.

 

But what about the Bible, the Tanakh, the Torah, the Qur'an, and other sacred scriptures? Aren’t they God’s Word that we are meant to obey? Not in the sense they are often presented today. These writings are not direct instructions from God to us, but rather reflections of what ancient authors understood to be God’s message for their own people and circumstances. The world they inhabited is quite different from ours. Still, the essential wisdom about how to live a Godly life—a life that pleases God and sets an example for others—remains timeless. Even before these teachings were ever written, the heart of righteous living was already present. God’s Word isn’t confined to ancient stories and poems; it lives in the deeper truths and in how we bring those teachings to life in our own actions today.

 

We all journey through life along a common path; our true differences are not found in our societies, cultures, traditions, or beliefs, but in the choices we make as we walk this road. At the heart of it, there are two ways to live: by following our own desires—"your way"—or by embracing the higher calling, "God’s Way." I strive to follow the “Way” that Jesus taught, and I have discovered that many others, across different backgrounds and faiths, teach similar truths. Studying these perspectives has shown me that the core message remains the same. When we align ourselves with this path, we enter into a right relationship with God, the creator and sustainer of all existence. This is not just a spiritual ideal—it is, in the truest sense, the “Ultimate Reality.”

 

The UCCA and I have much to accomplish in the year ahead, and with your support and prayers, I am confident in our shared success. As we move forward, you’ll notice many changes, but the heart of our message will always remain. We need to become more visible, foster strong local communities, and expand our outreach—but we cannot do this alone. Building a true church is not something we create for you; it is a calling for each of us to answer together. Our purpose is to help you flourish in faith. If you believe in a living faith, don’t keep it hidden—join with us, and together we can share this message with the world and lead others toward a better, God-centered way of life.

As we come together with a shared purpose, let us awaken and revive the deep truths within our hearts—the message God intended for each of us since before time began. This message cannot be found in any book, ancient or modern, nor in the doctrines of religious institutions. It is discovered within our souls, in that “Still Small Voice of God,” gently guiding us as He opens our hearts and minds to the profound truths of His unconditional and everlasting love.

 

If you are searching for a place to nourish your spirit and a home for your weary or wandering soul, you have found it. God has opened this door, and we welcome all who come in peace. Here, you’ll find listening ears for your struggles, words of comfort for your heart, and open arms when you need them most. This is what “church” truly means: gathering in the presence of God’s children, walking together in the Light of His Love. Will you join us, take your place at our table, share in our community, and discover that you are home and loved—just as you are, just as God created you? This is our church, our community, our fellowship, our gathering. Wherever we come together in love, we bring it with us.

 

We warmly encourage you to reach out—we are here with open hearts, ready to connect. If you’re searching for a “faith for today,” a “faith whose time has come,” and desire to be a part of it, you have found it. The next step is yours: how will you embrace it? My hope is that you will make this faith your own, join us on this journey, and help support our mission. Whatever differences may exist among us, they are far outweighed by our shared vision, our love of God, and our dedication to unconditional love for one another. Is this the kind of faith you desire?

 

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

​

​

2026 NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE

 

January 1, 2026

​

Proverbs 14:34, Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.

 

Today marks the beginning of 2026. As we enter this year, it would be to our advantage to take some time to examine and reflect on where we are in our lives. I’m not talking about your successes, relationships, or failures. I’m referring to your standing in the Eyes of God, the most essential aspect of our lives, even though in today’s world you wouldn’t think so. As I examine this place and time, I see growing multitudes of individuals who have lost their way. Once again, they are running toward the lusts of their hearts, with little to no concern for anyone else or the finality of where their life on this earth will end. They are as others have been throughout history, lost in their sins because they have rejected righteousness and have let go of God’s hand to fill their own desires.

 

You live in sin when you live in any manner outside the reflection of godliness. You live in sin when unrighteousness is your way, because you will not accept what you must do to live as God designed and created you. To be righteous, a person must live in a “right relationship with God.” A life that will be acceptable and pleasing to God and an example of “God with you” for the world to see and desire to follow.

 

Is that you? If you answered “yes,” then does the world and God see that in you, hear that from you, and is it evident in all you say and do? Does your righteousness include accepting others as God created them, with all their differences? Does your righteousness include a genuinely compassionate understanding of all others, to the point that you are driven to help them? Is your righteousness genuine and Godly as it should be, or is it founded in dogmatic theologies that are outdated and unfounded, supported only because the “church and its interpretation of an ancient book” says so? Is your righteousness centered on the teaching and realities taught by Jesus, or on your reliance on what your church tells you that “he did for you?” All Jesus ever did was teach humanity the truths of living in righteous Godliness and show us that it could be done if you desired it above all else, including the dogma of your time. His stories, as we are told, reflect the past; his message is timeless and only relevant when applied to the place and time where God has placed us.

 

Do you live a life of righteousness grounded in the realities of the life God has given you, in the place and time where God has placed you? Or are you lost in ancient myths, miracles, and supernatural, pagan-founded stories that modern knowledge and understanding refute? There is no right relationship with God except in the here and now; what ancient people understood and did has nothing to do with what God has for you today, except to teach the lessons they learned from their mistakes, failures, and a few successes. Are you living in righteousness, or are you living for yourself and your lust for wealth and power?

 

As we begin our journey through this new year, each of us should pause to examine ourselves. Are you living in righteousness or in sin? There is no middle ground; you are one or the other. You can’t be almost or halfway Godly; there is no such thing. You are either living, reflecting the love of God in all you say and do, or living in sin, separated from God’s love by your own selfish wants and desires.

 

There is little to no true Godly living among most people in our country today. I see few, if any, people living the truth of God and a righteous life. We must correct our lives to exalt our nation, awaken and revive it for all God would have us be, rather than for all we seek for ourselves. When we do, perhaps God will forgive our sins and restore us to unity and peace, for ourselves and for those who follow. It’s a choice we must make. What will it be for you? Will you turn from your wicked ways and serve the LORD, or not? As for me, I will commit myself into His hands and trust in His love and direction. I will do what I have been called to do and send messages to all who will listen. Perhaps that will be you.

 

The UCCA plans many changes for the coming year. We hope you will join us in supporting our ministry and humble efforts. Pass on the message and tell the world. They are waiting, hungering, and thirsting for righteousness. Tell them you found the way and show it to them. That’s what the Apostles and first-century followers of Jesus did; shouldn’t you do the same? The world is ready and in dire need of a “faith for today,” and I believe the message God has placed on my heart is a “message whose time has come.” Silver and gold I have none, but what God has given me, I gladly give to you. Take it and share it with your world as well. And may we all come together as one, and may peace, unity, and God’s blessings be ours once again. That decision is yours. What will you choose?

 

A BLESSED AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!

 

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

Sr. Pastor and President, Unitarian Christian Church of America (UCCA)

 

“WHY ISN’T THERE PEACE ON EARTH?”

 

December 28, 2025

​

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

 

The title of today’s message is a question that many often ask. It is a question addressed by almost every faith and by scholars across academia. If our leaders cared, they would be voicing this concern. There is a universal and straightforward reason. Perhaps it’s because “we would rather have what we want instead of what God wants for us.”

 

We see this in every walk of life. In our political leaders, in the rich and powerful, in the power of the corporations and institutions that influence our economies and way of life, we see it in the people we work with, go to school with, worship with, and even in those closest to us. Our lives, from those far away to our families, are filled with the selfishness, greed, wantonness, and “lusts of the flesh” that we follow instead of “what God wants for us.” We don’t listen to God, see His direction, or live as examples of His Love, because we are too busy chasing windmills and feeding our admiration and affection for the image in our mirror. There is no peace because we have let go of God’s hand that was leading us to it.

 

Psalm 34:14, Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

 

Peace among the family, the clan, tribe, village, country, and all the earth has been the hope and purpose of religion from the beginning. We are further from that hope today than ever before. Unity and peace are the door that opens us to endless possibilities that will never be ours until we get those two right and make them the foundation of our lives. Where there is division of God’s children, there is no peace. Where there is blame, discourse, and hate among God’s children, there is no peace. We may all be different individuals, races, creeds, religions, and other aspects that make us who we are. But at the base of it all, we are all of “one species of beings,” and the “Image of God” is within us all and gives us life and being. All of our differences combined will not separate us from that reality. Other species of beings, especially our primate cousins, have all embraced how God created them. And in doing so, they have survived to this day. They also argue, scream, and yell at each other in anger; some even fight and harm one another, but ultimately they come together as one. We, humans, are still misguided on this issue, and don’t seem to mind as long as we get what we want.

 

Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

 

There can be no peace where there is no genuine compassion. What is genuine compassion? It is a state of mind, a conscious and subconscious effect on the person that draws them into the life of others. Not just the outward, worldly being of others, but into a connection with them that goes beyond the physical. You are genuinely compassionate when you look at all others, not just a select few, and see them in such a way that their hurt, pain, and suffering become yours, as does their joy and happiness. You are genuinely compassionate when there are no judgments in your mind toward others, when you feel for those who are separated, segregated, rejected, and left alone. You see the needs in others' lives and are compelled to help at all costs. Genuine compassion must be an integral part, perhaps a foundation, of who you are and manifest in all you say and do. You do no harm, violence, aggression, or hurt to anyone in any way, for that will only do the same to you. And you take that compassion and use it to build the peace that will save the world from self-destruction.

 

Our world lacks genuine compassion. We replace it with quips, platitudes, and mental and physical pleasures we mistake for compassion. When the tears and pain of a total stranger you see from a distance truly touches your heart until you cry too, then you are close to genuine compassion. It isn’t “feeling sorry for someone,” unless your sorrow drives you to do something to help or comfort them. Genuine compassion is missing today in every aspect of society, even among close friends, family members, and anyone who is not just like us. We have walked away from God’s will for our genuine compassion, pushed it aside, and replaced it with the “lusts of our wants.” And we wonder, where is the peace in this world?

 

John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."

 

Now, to answer our question. “Why isn’t there peace on Earth?” It’s because we reject the unity that God created within us, because we lack “genuine compassion,” and because we don’t want to listen to God. Perhaps it’s because we are blinded by the lusts of our lives that feed us with the desire for more and more, even when we already have enough. Indeed, we struggle and live in divisions and rejections because “we would rather have what we want instead of what God wants for us.” Is that you? The first step to solving this issue is accepting your responsibility for it, turning from it (repentance), and walking forward with God (salvation). What better way to end a tough year than to accept your responsibilities, close that part of your life, and open it to a new, better, and blessed way? What will you choose?

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

​

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

 

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv., UCCA

Sr. Pastor and President, Unitarian Christian Church of America (UCCA)

​

​

Christmas Message 2025

​

December 25, 2025

​

Luke 2:40, The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon him.

​

Christmas is not merely the celebration of Jesus' birth. It symbolizes an ideal, a hope, a promise, and a way of life that has endured for centuries—not because of a supernatural miracle, but because of the “Will of God” that communicated with Jesus and inspired him to speak to you. Christmas centers on the baby who grew into a man fulfilling God's will and dedicating himself to delivering the message God entrusted to him for the world.

​

We do not need to celebrate the birth of a “king,” a “savior,” or a “propitiation for our sins;” we celebrate the one who brought “God’s message” to humankind and showed us that we can live in godliness if we choose to.

Christmas marks the end of one season and the beginning of another. We remember the lessons we have learned and look forward to the new ones to come. We celebrate in various ways, overlooking the “reason for the season.” Or we confuse it with myths and stories of deeds beyond human explanation, becoming distracted from the message and lost in the myths, miracles, and fantasies of our minds. And when we do, we can’t see the reality of what we are to learn. We look past the obvious and fail to grasp God’s purpose, as we do with most of life.

​

God spoke at Jesus's birth, walked with him throughout his life, and spoke to us through the message He gave Jesus to tell us, as seen in Jesus's life. We should remember more than just his birthday; in fact, that is the least part of his life we are to know, especially when it distracts us from his truths.

​

The Jews did not celebrate the birth of a child. Childbirth was a “miracle” if both the mother and the baby survived; a large percentage (approximately 50%) did not. Aside from the accounts in Matthew and Luke concerning Jesus (which are historically inaccurate in every respect), there are only two references in both Testaments to a “birthday,” and neither carries a positive meaning. In that place and time, only a “king” or “emperor” would be remembered with a birthday. But in the pagan world of the Roman Empire, birthdays were remembered and celebrated, so where did Christmas, as we know it, come from, Israel or “the Empire?”

So, what about Christmas? What should we do, and why? We, who consider ourselves “Christians,” should look upon the birth of Jesus as it was. The beginning of a life that still speaks to the world after all these centuries, not because of someone “special,” but because a man was born who listened to God, followed His directions, and passed on a timeless message, doing so as an example for you to follow.

 

Though distorted, misunderstood, misused, and ignored by most, the “truths” he spoke can still be found. The message God gave him for you remains relevant in our lives two thousand years later, as it has been from the beginning and will be until humanity is no more. Though many are looking in all the wrong places, misled by those with ulterior motives, and confused by the words we hear from those who don’t know the truth, it is still there for those who “seek” to “find it,” and those numbers are growing rapidly. We will never be truly “free” from the grip of this world until we let go of it and take the “Hand of God,” just as Jesus did. From his birth to the cross, Jesus walked with God to show you where to go, what to do, and the way to the “Path of Righteousness.” Your Christmas question is, “Are you following Jesus?”

It’s Christmas, a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The best way to do that is to accept what this day truly means. It is more than a remembrance of a birth. It is a call from God to all who will hear the message Jesus taught, follow his example, and walk the “Way” he walked from the manger to the cross and into the arms of God. What is the “Way of your life?”

 

Christmas is about remembering a birth, not of Jesus, however you accept him, but of the beginning of another step in the journey of humankind toward living in the "Will of God." A reminder that though we follow his teachings and example, he wasn't the first or the last, even though, to many, he is the most important, and in that is their blessing. It doesn't matter how we relate to Jesus and the stories about him; what matters, and is most important to him, is that you understand and accept his message and apply it to your life so that others will do the same. We celebrate his birth with a special day not just to remember him, but to renew the message he brought to all humankind. When you do this, you are truly having a merry Christmas. I hope that's you.

It isn't about a birthday celebration; it's about the message you are to learn and apply to your life, just like Jesus. That's the true meaning of Christmas.

 

Merry Christmas, may you find its true meaning and apply it to your life.

 

Peace and Blessings to you all and your loved ones,

“Studies show that churches are created when you share your faith with others. Please “share” our messages, and make them your invitation for others to join with you. They may never know if you don’t invite them.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv., UCCA

​

​

MARY'S WAIT WITH GOD

December 21, 2025

​

Matthew 1:23, 23 “Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

​

This is the last Sunday and week before Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Of all the lines of scripture describing this event, I look at this one as revealing a truth that is too often overlooked. Like others with a traditional Christian background, I have heard sermons and preached a few that take these accounts and walk us through the story. But I now believe God has brought us to a place and time when humanity needs to look deeper at this event and answer the question, "What does this mean?"

​

Childbirth was one of the most traumatic, dangerous, and frightening experiences a young woman could face. The mortality rate for both mother and child was approximately 50% in that place and time. Today in America, it is 18/100,000. At that time, there were no doctors, emergency rooms, hospitals, or trained nurses to assist; no antibiotics for infections; no anesthetics for pain; and no sterile room for labor or delivery. The mother was separated from the father and all males. She was attended to by female family members, friends, and neighbors, hoping some were experienced midwives. The process was long and painful, either taking place on a bed low to the floor or with the help of a "birthing stool." None of this would ease the pain or lessen the danger. Water, balms, salves, oils, massage, and prayers were the only treatments available. Every young woman facing this event knew and feared that she was facing imminent suffering and pain, and that the chances of death were tremendous. How do you think Mary felt?

 

I don't know whether shepherds were reminded of God's presence, but I have to believe that Mary already knew. Not about God within the baby she carried, and she knew she didn't have to wait until the birth for God's presence with her. God was with her and gave her strength and comfort at all times. She didn't think about the danger when she focused on God's presence with her. Her faith in God's love let her look forward to the labor and agony of bringing her child into the world. Her faith in God told her, "God was with her," just as God is always with us all. And she knew that if she left this world, she would be with God then, too. She didn't need shepherds to tell her something she already knew. The question is, "Do you?"

 

God is with each of us at every moment of our lives, even when we reject Him. God is with us in all we say and do, even when much of it is ungodly or in rejection of God's will for our lives. God is with us because, without God, we would not be; we would not have been created; we would not exist; and our life could not be sustained. God gives us life from birth, sustaining it every split second until He calls us back into His presence. Knowing that "God is with you," are you happy with what He sees?

 

When we accept that "God is with us," we accept that His love is ours. It is an exchange we make between God our Father and ourselves. We are then to allow that love to become our love and project it to all others as God does to us. This is the "Living Evidence" of "God with us," for all the world to see, as a reminder that God is with them too. God's love is projected from God to you to all who share your life. The presence of God envelopes all that is, and indwells in all that lives. Is this the God that you know?

 

When we honestly look at the teachings and example of Jesus, it is clear that God was with him, and that he says and demonstrates that God is with you, too. The difference is that Jesus embraced it, allowed God to rule and reign in his life, and lived to reflect that reality to the whole world, as an example for you to follow. Are you following? If so, you will be an example, too.

 

The shepherds knew "God was with them." Mary knew God was with her. Jesus knew God was with him. God's presence was evident in their lives. Is God visible in your life? Do you know God is with you? If so, how are you treating him?

This week, Mary will face her fears. Many of us will do the same. Mary put her trust and hopes in the reality of her faith, which assured her that God was with her. She saw God in the life she was living. She would teach her son to do the same, and he would take that message, magnify it, spread it, and live it in all he said and did. We are to do the same. The question is, "Are you?"

 

Christmas is more than a time to celebrate a birth. It is a time to renew, revive, and awaken your connection with God and to remind yourself and the world. God is with us. And ask the question, "Am I with God?"

 

Romans 8:31, What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

 

God is with us; thus, nothing that happens in our lives can separate us from that truth, except ourselves. When you turn from God's love, place your will above His, and live in ungodliness and sin, you tell yourself that you are alone, that you are your own god, and that your will replaces God's will. It is then, though God is still with you, that your heart is empty and you are truly alone. God is with us when we reach out, take His hand, and live our lives to please Him. Do you?

 

Light a candle.... God's light of the world is bright. You have no light without Him; you walk in darkness. God is with you when His light leads the way.

​

“Studies show that churches are created when you share your faith with others. Please “share” our messages and make them your invitation for others to join with you. They may never know if you don’t invite them.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

 

ARE YOU GOD'S CHILD

December 14, 2025

​

Today is the third Sunday that many observe as “Advent,” the time of anticipation for Jesus's birth. Some will mark this day with a reading from Psalm 146, which is a “Praise for God’s Help.” However, as I read this Psalm, I was shown a message I want to share with you. I imagined myself sitting with Jesus while we read the Psalm, and this is how he explained it to me.

​

We explore the birth of Jesus in various ways, across different cultures, and for many reasons. This Psalm predates Jesus's birth but conveys a message Jesus taught that is central to his coming. Today, that message helps us understand why we celebrate Jesus and what his life should teach us about ourselves. Jesus said, "I am God's child," and everyone knew they were too. Are you God's child?

​

Psalm 146:7, Who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets the prisoners free.

​

Indeed, we should “praise the LORD,” for all that makes up our life. We must recognize and accept that without the “life-force” within us, the “Spirit of God,” we would not exist. When we think of the birth of Jesus, we are also reminded of our own birth, not to recall the event itself, but to acknowledge it as a “Gift from God.” Then we should examine ourselves in light of Jesus's witness and teachings to see whether we, too, walk in his ways. Jesus was the teacher and the example. Are you learning from him and following his path?

​

The Gospels and other accounts of Jesus' life show that he stood up for those oppressed by governments, rulers, overseers, and authorities. He fought for their rights and encouraged them to speak up. We read stories of him feeding the hungry and healing the sick. We often forget that a key part of the gatherings Jesus and his followers held was around a meal, and he didn’t turn anyone away. We should follow his example today. He looked at those imprisoned and oppressed by the authorities of his time and treated their struggles with kindness and understanding. This wasn’t only about those in prison; he saw, as I do today, how many are “imprisoned” by circumstances that control their lives—oppressive governments, employers, relationships, and within our families. He spoke of freedom and showed us the way to it, if not physically, then in the Spirit. Do you do the same?

​

Psalm 146:8, The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

 

Too often in our “Christianized world,” we read these words and think of Jesus. We should interpret the words as Jesus would. To Jesus and all the Jews, there is only one “LORD,” which is why it is correctly written in all capitals. Jesus may be seen as “Lord” of your faith, but only God is to be recognized as “LORD” of your life. Jesus, your “Lord” and “Teacher,” can guide you, but only God is the “LORD” of that path and the destination that path leads to. Jesus is said to have healed the blind, but I don’t need a supernatural miracle to open the blindness in my heart, mind, and spirit; all I need is to follow Jesus’ teachings and trust in the same “LORD” he did. We are all “bowed down” even if we fail to realize it. We are bowed to the sins of our lives, the corruption of the world we live in, and the choices we make. We bow to blindly follow teachings that defy logic, common sense, and the understanding God gave us at birth. We fail to live in a “right relationship” with our God. Instead, we close our eyes to the reality God presents to us and bow to the commands of those we give authority over us. And we refuse to seek the righteousness that God reveals.

 

Psalm 146:9, The LORD watches over the strangers; He upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.

​

We live in a country and world that has turned away from godliness. Those who are less fortunate than we are; are just as much a “child of God” as you are. They may not be “just like you,” but in God's eyes, they are loved equally. You are not a special, separate individual or group; you are “one of many,” created to come together as one, to serve the purposes of our “One Creator and God,” and to be all we were designed and created to be. But we refuse to do so. Is that you?

​

Our society has rejected those among us who do not conform to our expectations or support our political, social, and religious dictates. We live in a time when the oppression of others, which was gradually being eliminated, has now shifted toward absolutism. Instead of coming together to fulfill God’s plan for humankind, we seem to want to divide ourselves into castes, groups, cults, parties, congregations, and denominations. We are our worst enemies; we don’t need a Satan because evil is the choice we make for ourselves.

The Psalmist warns us that our wicked ways lead to our downfall. This has been God’s warning to humanity from the start. We refuse to accept the reality God has shown us. We either live our lives in the "Way of God" or we endure our lives in the "way of the wicked." What will your choice be?

 

The wicked are those who refuse to live in godliness, those who chase after the lusts of their hearts and seek self-gratification and exaltation above all else. The wicked are those who choose to see others only through the darkness of themselves, judging them, rejecting them as God has made them, and doing all they can to destroy the lives of others to please themselves. The wicked are those who see others as unworthy and less than what they themselves deem proper, even though they misunderstand and have no proof to support their charges other than how they choose to feel. They are wicked because in all these things they have put themselves above the Will of God; they have put themselves where only God should be, for “judgment” of another's life is in the hands of God alone. Does this sound like you?

 

The way of God is living in a right relationship with Him. That means acting in a way that reflects God's love toward all humankind and all creation, just as God does and as Jesus demonstrated. We walk in God's path when we seek the message Jesus and others shared with us, the guidance they provide, and the light they shine so we can follow. Life is a journey; the way we live is a testimony to God and the world of what is in our hearts and the health of our souls. Nothing or no one can live your life for you; it is yours and yours alone. No institution, government, society, or culture can cause you to stray from God’s Path—you must choose it yourself. They may tempt you, but the decision is yours. Who you truly are inside will be reflected in the witness you present before God and the world. What does God see in you? What witness are you projecting that the world should want to follow? We forget that children watch and follow in our footsteps. Where are you leading them?

 

Each of us anticipates Christmas in our own way. We may follow others in certain traditions and beliefs, but the true meaning of Christmas is found within ourselves. It is what we know in our hearts, how we feel about the world we live in, and those who share this world with us. During this time of year, we look forward to Christmas and what it means to us personally—inside our hearts and minds—and how it shows in our lives.

 

The most important lesson we should learn from our Scripture today is that there is “One True God,” and the “LORD” is with each of us at all times. How we relate to our Creator should be the focus of our lives, as it is reflected in all we say and do. We will never be what God designed and created us to be until we accept all others as God created them to be and recognize that God’s desire for humankind is for us to come together, love one another, live in unity and peace, and let God be God, and you be His children. Are you God’s child?

​

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

​

ARE YOU IN GOD'S HANDS

​

December 7, 2025

​

John 13:7, Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

 

Jesus said, “Later we would understand.” It’s been 2,000 years; how long will it take for us to understand? Everything Jesus taught and exemplified with his life said, “I am living in God’s hands.” “I walk the way, God’s Way,” because I hold to God’s hand. I travel the “Path of Righteousness,” because I hold to God’s hand. We must ask ourselves today, "Am I in God's hands?" whose hand guides my life, and why? This isn't what most of us have been taught. In fact, this question asks us, "Are you living your life as Jesus did?" And, isn’t it time we understood his message?

 

Are you doing what Jesus did? When we examine what Jesus's life would have truly been — not what the church claims, but what social science disciplines reveal about the time, place, society, faith, and world he lived in — we see a different Jesus than the one we've been told about. Only then does his message become clear. And it is then that we realize it wasn't "his message," but one sent from God to all of God's children. And, in this is the true beginning of understanding.

 

The Christian faith was founded by men who did not personally know Jesus, nor the specific time or place where he lived. In reality, they did not know the faith Jesus followed and didn’t want to. These men were motivated by self-righteousness and a desire to control others. They crafted a 'Christ' who never existed and used this figure to influence pagan masses and gain power. We replaced the 'message Jesus brought' with illusions of greatness that have led us down a path of self-righteousness, divisions, and destruction. Instead of understanding the simple teachings of a first-century itinerant Jewish Rabbi, we are indoctrinated into the illusion of a 'god-man called the Christ.' Jesus revealed the truth of God's presence in our lives—the way to love God and how to show that love by living godly lives and embracing peace and acceptance of all others, just as God dwells within each of us.

 

We have been indoctrinated into dogmatic theologies that ignore reality and told that this is the "mysteries of faith"; we are to accept these creeds, tenets, and precepts without question and bow to the self-appointed authorities of the church. A church that declared itself “Orthodox” and condemned all who questioned it, all who searched for the truth, the heretics. Jesus questioned the "authorities" in his day; he spoke out against their domination and abuse. He walked in a "new way," the way of God, and the people heard the truth; it set their hearts and minds free from the indoctrination and power of the so-called religious leaders, and those leaders had to stop him before he stopped them. They did stop the man, but they only amplified his message until “The church” made it its own.

 

The first "followers of Jesus" did not revere him as more than what he was—"a man with a message from God." They did not see Jesus as the prophesied Messiah the Jews expected; no Messiah would be crucified, and that Jewish Messiah would be a military leader, not a Jewish Rabbi. Jesus did not meet those standards. Therefore, everyone who claimed he was who he wasn’t was corrected by the Jews, including Jesus' Jewish followers. He was not a “Christ,” he was “God’s Messenger,” and until you accept him as he was, you will never know the truths God sent him to tell you, you will never truly understand.

 

Jesus was a "messenger from God," a man who spoke "God's Truths" to the people, that those who would accept them and make them the focus of their lives would indeed be set free. They would be freed from the dogma and rituals of the establishment, free from the lies and mis-directions the religious leaders imposed on them. They would understand that the way to God is to forge a new path of living. We live in godliness when we reflect "God's Love" toward all humankind and demonstrate it through our care for all of God's creations. We are to "Love one another," as God loves us, and that must be without exception, conditions, or qualifications.

 

Jesus did not come to be the Jewish Messiah, or to be a "king," nor was he born to serve as a human sacrifice to atone for your unwillingness to live a godly life. He came to join those God has anointed and called to proclaim, "good news to the poor," to the poor in spirit, those lost within religious institutions, churches, and faith, and the dogmatic theologies that have led them astray. If your faith does not teach a "Godly way of living," you are following an institution and an ungodly faith; it's that simple.

 

We are taught to attend the "services," listen to the sermons, liturgies, and homilies, sing the hymns, bow to the authorities, and give all we can. But, are you taught to live a "Godly life"? Are you instructed to "love all others as God loves you," and how you are to do that? Are you told that the way you live in relationship to everyone God has sent into your world, and how you relate to others and all creation, reflects to God and the world who you truly are? Does your "service" include a "pledge to God" or a "creed to the faith"? God doesn't need or want your "creed or pledge." God doesn't require you to recite an oath, prayer, scripture, or sing a hymn. Instead, God needs you to do what Jesus and others have taught. God needs you to change your way of living. God needs you to hear the truth within the message Jesus brought and to change your life. Only then can we sing and praise; only then can we join in godly fellowship, share a meal, and experience the joys of living in godliness; only then is God truly with us. That is when we are in God's hands and when we finally and truly understand.

 

We all stray from the "Right Way" as we walk the path we choose in life. But God is always there, constantly waiting, watching, and hoping for the day you find your way back to the "Path of Righteousness" that we are meant to follow, back to the "Way to God," the path we are created to walk. Once more, we should strive to be living examples of all those truths Jesus shared with us, with the same determination and commitment he had, so much so that not even the cross would change our minds, cause us to stray, or separate us from God's hands. Are you in God's hands?

 

The message of Jesus is the same message found in all major religious and spiritual traditions. God spoke to each of their founders in a way they could understand so that they could guide their followers. We see it among Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and others; the message remains consistent. You are called to live in unity, peace, and compassion with all others and all of God’s creations. I hope you now understand, take God’s hand, and walk life's pathway with Jesus, me, and all those others who finally understand and live the message Jesus brought for us all. Are you in God’s hands?

 

“Faith is about recognizing that your life is in God’s hands, and that in His hands, there is greatness.” Gift Gugu Mona, Ph.D., Author, Poet, Philosopher

 

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

​

​​

WHAT DOES GOD SEE IN YOU

 

​November 30, 2025

 

Job 12:10, In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.

 

The key to this verse and God's essence are in “every living thing” and “every human being.” The connecting word is “every.” God unites; we divide. I will follow God’s and Jesus' example. It’s God’s will that all creation, “everything that is,” unites to form God's intended whole. Jesus never called or taught anyone to be a "Christian." There was no such thing. So, what did Jesus do?

 

Declaring 'I am a Christian' or any faith simply says, 'I am better than you.' The same applies to all religious labels. Living a godly life matters more than beliefs; the core teaching across religions is to 'love one another.' When God declares 'every human being,' no one is excluded, and if it’s good enough for God, it’s good enough for me.

 

Godliness shows in uniting people through unconditional compassion, not in cliques, denominations, or beliefs. This unity, ordained by our Creator, makes labels fade, revealing we all hold the same "Hand of God' led by Him. Living this way, God's love shines through, needing no words.

 

Jesus was surrounded by a mix of world faiths of that time, but there is no record of Him criticizing them. God revealed the truth to Jesus and loves us all equally, without division. Today, God calls us to ignore misleading religious dogma, abandon divisive teachings, and focus on His truths. We should move past our ancestors' mistakes and embrace the "Good News."

 

There is only one God, the Creator of everything that exists. In their own ways, all religions teach this truth. But humans have divided themselves into belief systems that oppose God's will and have used them since ancient times to destroy what God desires to unite. Each generation strives to progress and be better than the last; yet, every generation, from ancient times up to today, has failed to become what God intended us to be because we do not recognize the "Spirit of God" where it is and fail to accept it when we do. It is time we stop trying to be "gods on earth," which will never succeed. Instead, it is time to accept the truth that God created us all to live as one species and to work together to become everything God wants us to be as “His Family,” not as any specific belief system or one people above another. In the eyes of God, you are to accept them all, or you have received and have none.

 

We will never solve the problems of our world unless we come together to do so. We will never know "peace on Earth" until we unite as one people and make it happen. We will never experience the love of God until we set aside our differences and embrace each other as "God's family." When we do, we will progress like never before.

 

We are all different; no two of us are truly identical. That is how God designed and created us. Why do we fail to accept this? It’s the most basic lesson God tries to teach us, but we ignore it to praise ourselves rather than God. Humanity started with curiosity and a quest for answers. Our journey has taken us around the world and through countless generations. When groups settled, they developed within their communities, and God spoke to them in that place and time. We fail to realize and accept that God has spoken to every person who has ever lived, is living today, and will live in the future. The question is, are you listening?

 

You are not a privileged individual. In God's eyes, you are one of His children, loved equally. God watches how you treat others; perhaps that's His greatest test. Living a Godly life means seeing everyone through God's eyes, accepting them as He made them, and loving unconditionally. Godliness is living as God would—being His presence on Earth. God dwells within all creation, especially humans, through whom His essence is revealed. It's up to us to reflect this essence and unite in fulfilling God’s will. Rejecting others is rejecting God; accepting them fulfills His will and brings blessings.

 

Our Scripture reminds us that life is in God's hands, as it only comes from Him. It appears in many forms, known or unknown. From creation, God’s hand made everything and gave life to all living beings. You're no more special than any other creature, except in your own eyes. But what does God see? He sees all you say, do, and what’s in your heart. What does God see in you?

​

“If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true meaning of life.” Dalai Lama (1935-) Tibetan Buddhist Leader

 

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

 

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv

​

ARE YOU EVOLVING?

 

November 23, 2025

 

Baruch 1:19, From the time when the LORD brought our ancestors out of the land of Egypt until today, we have been disobedient to the LORD our God, and we have been negligent in not listening to His voice.

 

This Scripture verse, though seldom used, holds a timeless truth. It addresses the Jews but speaks to all of us: we've been disobedient and negligent in listening to God. This pattern has persisted through centuries—God speaks, but most ignore Him, leading to struggles. Today, we worship ourselves, wealth, and power, replacing God with worldly possessions and recognition. We cling to remnants of ancient beliefs, warped by greed. Instead of genuinely listening for God's voice, we only hear what we want—taking the easy way, following misguided leaders, and straying from the "Path of Righteousness.' Perhaps this describes you.

 

Recent archaeological discoveries suggest our species has been around for nearly a million years. While this number can vary, it’s clear we have a long history. Throughout these centuries, humans have evolved—after all, that’s how we were created. However, in today’s world, we have not acknowledged that our spirituality, faiths, and religions also need to evolve. This could be the most crucial aspect of our growth, yet it remains the least advanced.

 

Our ancestors engaged in spiritual practices that evolved from earlier religious interactions of their ancestors. Although we often link figures such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Solomon, their practices and teachings varied over time. This 'spiritual evolution' is part of God’s plan, with faith developing as our understanding and abilities grow—a process of continual growth for all creation. So, why haven’t we evolved as expected, and when will we?

 

When I reflected on this truth, I realized it is universal across all religions. As a species, we all evolve spiritually and religiously from generation to generation. However, for the past 2,000 years or so, we have refused to evolve spiritually or religiously, remaining in a state of religious limbo and becoming stagnant in our ability to connect with the aspects of our being that seek the divine. Our spiritual teachers have failed to see that they and their obsession with the ancient past are holding us back. They are standing in God’s way, blocking God’s plan for humankind by guiding our devotion and need for communion with the divine toward what people long ago did for themselves, instead of what we are supposed to do now.

 

Today we know that the Earth isn’t a flat disk covered by a blue bowl or the center of the universe. However, the faiths we follow believed that, and little else has changed with the dogma they declare. Abraham, Moses, all the Prophets, Jesus, and many others called the people of their time to wake up to what God would reveal to them. Why are we still repeating what they said instead of listening to what God is saying in the here and now? If God hadn't intended for us to evolve in every way, we would still be living in huts, walking wherever we need to go, living off the land instead of where we are now, so why should our faith be any different? That’s the problem with humankind today: we are spiritually living in a past that is long gone and no longer relevant to our current situation. I believe this is why so many are turning away from religion, leaving their churches and places of worship, and following “false prophets.” Perhaps that is you.

 

God remains eternal and unchanging, but our understanding and relationship with Him must be relevant to today. It should fit into our lives now and guide us through each decision and moment. What the ancients did or did not do holds little relevance to our current calling. Remembering the past serves as a foundation for today - learning from mistakes so we do not repeat them. However, dwelling too much on the past can cause us to get stuck, repeating the same cycles and errors. Instead, we should pass on lessons from history - celebrating their achievements, learning from their experiences, and avoiding their mistakes. We are to seek God’s guidance, as they did, and apply those lessons to our lives - growing, evolving, and living with God. While God's nature stays constant, our understanding must grow so we can grasp what He reveals today. Therefore, we must seek God’s guidance for the present. Do you?

 

At this moment, we come before God who has not bound us with creeds, confused us with scriptures, nor fenced us in with pledges, but has called us into unity, faith, and love. May we learn to cherish and embrace His grace so that we may walk together in respect, celebrate our differences with joy, and unite not in forced conformity but in service to God’s mission of love for all others within this place and time God has given us. Not that we would look back and remain there, but that we would grow into what God desires of us today, and be our foundation of hope for our future. We have stood still long enough; it is time to take that first step forward, into the “arms of God.”

 

“The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings.” Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Theologian, Philosopher

 

Indeed, the first step is to accept all others as members of God's family, just as God accepts you. Then we are to look at the world we live in and fill it with that love. Are you stuck in the past, or are you evolving?

 

Romans 15:33, “May the God of peace be with all of you. Amen.”

​

Unless noted, Bible Quotes are from "New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition" (NRSVUE)

​

Rev. Dr. Shannon Rogers, DDiv 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

​