Why We Give Beyond Ourselves | Shawn Johnson | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Why We Give Beyond Ourselves

Shawn Johnson

Red Rocks Church • Nov 2, 2026 • 53 min

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

Summary

Pastor Shawn Johnson teaches that giving and sacrificing for God's house is never about guilt or pressure, but about joyfully joining in God's mission to make heaven more crowded. By stepping out in faith to give beyond comfortable surpluses—just as King David refused to offer what cost him nothing—believers actively participate in eternal life-change, baptism, and salvation. As we sacrifice to build God's kingdom, God not only reaches lost souls through our obedience, but also transforms our own hearts, families, and legacies in the process.

Themes

Sacrificial GivingGenerosityThe Great CommissionKingdom ExpansionLegacy & FamilyOvercoming Financial AnxietyEternal Purpose

Pastor's Points

1.

Launching a fifth Denver-area location in Southeast Aurora (E470 & Garden Trail) to reach growing communities with the gospel.

2.

Buying current church buildings back from the bank to eliminate mortgage debt, save millions in interest, and secure debt-free facilities for the next generation.

3.

Building 20 church buildings in Nepal to expand the global church and reach international communities with the hope of Jesus.

Key Points

1.
Red Rocks Church exists to remind everyone that God loves them right where they are, sees their pain, and forgives their sins through Jesus Christ.
2.
Believers are called to actively carry out Jesus' Great Commission by going out to make disciples, baptize new believers, and teach Christ's commands (Matthew 28:19–20).
3.
Biblical generosity is rooted in a willing, joyful heart prompted by God rather than guilt, shame, pressure, or manipulation (Exodus 25:1–8).
4.
Following King David's example, true sacrificial giving involves offering God sacrifices that actually cost us something rather than giving out of comfortable surplus (2 Samuel 24:24).
5.
Sacrificing for God's house is never about building human real estate or church portfolios, but about advancing God's kingdom and making heaven more crowded.
6.
Reallocating small everyday spending choices over two years allows believers to participate meaningfully in eternal kingdom investments.

Sermon Moments

“Pastor Shawn's reminder: "We exist as a church to make sure that you know that God loves you right where you're at today... there's no miracle our God can't do."”

“King David's declaration of sacrifice: "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing."”

“The practical coffee and burrito illustration: saving $25 a week by eating at home adds up to $2,600 over two years for eternal kingdom impact.”

“Greg and Chrissy Bachelor's three levels of giving: the comfortable level, the uncomfortable sacrificial level, and the "Oh crap, this is going to take some faith" level.”

“Pastor Shawn giving up his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycle during the first Building Stories campaign to lead the church by example in sacrificial giving.”

“Pastor Shawn's 13-year-old son Ashton sharing at dinner: "Dad, I want to be remembered as being generous like you are."”

“Overcoming panic with purpose at the Lakewood campus: God reassuring Shawn during a panic attack by showing him baptisms and saying, "I used your sacrifice to change that person's life."”

This Week

Pray and ask God to speak directly to your heart regarding your level of financial commitment to His kingdom.

Evaluate your daily spending habits to identify simple lifestyle adjustments (such as eating out less or making coffee at home) that can be reallocated toward eternal giving.

Challenge yourself to move beyond a comfortable giving level into a sacrificial, faith-filled commitment that costs you something meaningful.

Involve your family and children in conversations about generosity to pass down a spiritual legacy of trusting God with your finances.

If you feel called to give to God's kingdom but hesitate to give locally, support another gospel-preaching church actively expanding Christ's work.

Submit your commitment prayerfully and bring your commitment card to the altar as an act of personal worship and dedication to God.

Whenever you see people getting baptized or surrendering their lives to Christ, take a moment to "peek" and thank God for allowing your sacrifice to play a role in their salvation.

Remember This

When we step out in faith to sacrificially give beyond ourselves, God uses our resources to bring people into eternal salvation while transforming our own hearts, families, and legacies in the process.

A Challenge for You

God, would you speak to us about whatever it is we're going through right now? Would you remind us that you are still the God who does miracles and we can cling to you in desperate times... build our faith as a church like never before and remind us that we get the opportunity to prepare the way for your Son who is coming back.

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