He Is Risen! | Shawn Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

He Is Risen!

Red Rocks Church • Apr 7, 2026 • 48 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

On Easter weekend, Pastor Shawn Johnson shares how the overarching story of Scripture can be seen through decisions made at key trees: the tree in the Garden of Eden where Adam's disobedience brought sin and shame, the tree of the cross where Jesus paid our debt, and the eternal Tree of Life in Revelation. Through His resurrection, Jesus built a bridge from human brokenness to eternal fellowship with God. Believers are encouraged to stop living under the shame of the first tree and walk fully in the freedom and unconditional love provided at the cross.

Themes

Resurrection and SalvationFreedom from Shame and GuiltGod's Plan of RedemptionGrace and MercyEternal Life

Key Points

1.
The overarching story of the Bible centers on two decisions made at two trees: Adam's disobedience at the first tree brought sin into the world, while Christ's obedience on the cross provided justification and life.
2.
The cross of Jesus is frequently described in Scripture as a tree where He willingly bore our sins to pay the debt we deserved.
3.
Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve lived with no shame before God, demonstrating that shame was never part of God's original design for humanity.
4.
When Adam and Eve sinned, their immediate response was to hide in shame, illustrating how Satan uses guilt and shame to keep people isolated from God.
5.
While the rightfully earned wage of sin is eternal separation from God, Jesus satisfied divine justice by bearing our penalty Himself as a gift of grace.
6.
When believers put their faith in Jesus and confess their sins, God grants complete forgiveness and purifies them from all unrighteousness.
7.
Followers of Christ are declared new creations in Jesus, meaning they no longer have to carry spiritual handcuffs of past guilt or condemnation.
8.
Scripture opens in Genesis and concludes in Revelation with the Tree of Life, demonstrating that Jesus' resurrection builds a permanent bridge back into God's eternal presence.

Sermon Moments

“Don't you dare live under the shame of the first tree when you can walk in the freedom of the second tree.”

“The story of Pastor Shawn's friend Z-man jumping off a roof into a tree without considering how he would get down, illustrating short-sighted decisions with painful consequences.”

“Pastor Shawn remembering standing outside church as a young man feeling unworthy to enter, only to discover God's transforming grace.”

“The analogy of wearing handcuffs after being bailed out of jail to show how foolish it is for Christians to keep carrying guilt Jesus already removed.”

“We're not forgiven because we feel forgiven. We're forgiven because Jesus died so that we could be forgiven.”

“Easter was Him proving I have the right to build the bridge from the first tree to the eternal tree.”

“Satan isn't creative, he is just consistent—using the same lies of shame today that he used in the Garden of Eden.”

“Scripture starts with a tree in Genesis, centralizes on a tree at the Cross, and ends with the Tree of Life in Revelation, showing God's complete plan of eternal restoration.”

This Week

Get involved in the local church community by returning next week, joining a small group, or serving on a team.

Refuse to live under the shame of the first tree, choosing instead to walk in the freedom secured by Jesus on the cross.

Practice taking shame-filled thoughts captive when you feel not good enough, replacing them with the truth that you are a new creation in Christ.

Approach God in prayer with bold confidence, knowing you receive grace and mercy in times of need because of what Jesus did on the cross.

Confess any unconfessed sin directly to God, resting in His faithful promise in 1 John 1:9 to forgive and purify you completely.

Make a conscious choice each day to focus on the grace of the cross rather than dwelling on past mistakes or perceived shortcomings.

Actively declare in times of trial that the Lord is with you, taking courage from the fact that Jesus conquered the grave.

Remember This

Don't live under the shame of the first tree when Jesus died on the cross to set you free so you can walk in the life and hope of the eternal Tree of Life.

A Challenge for You

I just challenge you. Don't watch someone sing it. Get in. Sing it with us and declare it. I will get through this because the God of the universe, he stepped out of a grave on the very first Easter, which means he can step into my life today. I don't have to be afraid cuz the Lord is with me in Jesus name.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.