God Saves Us to Send Us — 1/15/2025 10:00 AM

Notes

God Saves Us to Send Us: A Call to Bold Evangelism

Shane Pruitt, National Director of Next Gen Evangelism for the North American Mission Board, shared an urgent and empowering message from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. The core of his sermon was clear: God saves us to send us. As followers of Christ, we are not just saved for our own benefit but for a higher calling—reconciliation with God and spreading His message of salvation.

Pruitt began by emphasizing that this transformation is not just internal; it’s the beginning of a new mission. Our identity as believers comes with responsibility. We have been entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18). Pruitt reminded us that this mission is not reserved for the "super-Christians" or the "all-stars" — there is only one superstar, and His name is Jesus. Our role as His followers is to know Him and make Him known.

One of the enemy’s most powerful tactics, Pruitt explained, is using our past to keep us sidelined. He encouraged the chapel audience, "The next time Satan tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future." The past does not define us; our identity in Christ does. Jesus has washed away our sins, and now we are equipped to boldly share the Gospel. No one is too far gone for Jesus to save. Pruitt’s challenge was clear: Don’t let your past hinder your present mission.

Pruitt outlined three essential aspects of the believer's call to evangelism:

1. Ministry: We are all ministers of reconciliation. This is not an option; it’s a command for every believer.
2. Message: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the message we are called to deliver. Jesus is the only solution to the world’s brokenness. In a world that says, "Follow your heart," Christians must respond, "No, follow Jesus."
3. Means: We have been given everything we need to share the message — prayer, boldness, and the Holy Spirit's power.

Pruitt passionately reminded the audience of the urgency of our mission. Heaven is real, but so is hell. Jesus is returning, and every day brings us closer to His return. Our calling is to plead with people to be reconciled to God. As Pruitt put it, “We are begging people to know Jesus.” And while the task is great, we are not alone. Jesus, in the Great Commission, promises His presence always (Matthew 28:19-20).

Ultimately, Pruitt reminded everyone that the purpose of life is not about us — it’s about God’s glory. "It is God’s ministry, message, and mission, and He invited us to come along." Every believer has been called to share the good news and serve the world for God’s Kingdom.

As we go about our daily lives, let us remember that God has saved us for a reason: to go and tell others about the transforming power of Jesus Christ. And as we step into this mission, we can do so with the boldness that comes only from Him.