It’s hard to believe that the SBC Pastors’ Conference is less than two weeks away. I hope you are planning to join us in Phoenix, Arizona June 11-12. We have 12 preachers from 12 average-sized Southern Baptist Churches who will be lifting up the name of Jesus as they preach expositionally through the book of Philippians. Including today, we have only 11 days left before the conference. I am posting a call to pray for one speaker each day until the day of the conference. I hope you will take a moment each day to pray for these men as they finish up their sermon preparations.
John Onwuchekwa will be the second preacher on Sunday night. He will be preaching Philippians 1:12-26. John is the Lead Pastor of Cornerstone Church in Atlanta. He is a gifted preacher of the Word of God, and we are excited to hear from him as he exalts the name of Jesus from Philippians 1:12-26.
Perhaps reading through the text of Philippians 1:12-26 will help you as you pray. The text below is from the new Christian Standard Bible published by Holman Bible Publishers. The preachers at the conference will be preaching from the CSB.
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, 13 so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. 14 Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. 15 To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. 16 These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; 17 the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. 18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice 19 because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ. 20 My eager expectation and hope is that I will not be ashamed about anything, but that now as always, with all courage, Christ will be highly honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 Now if I live on in the flesh, this means fruitful work for me; and I don’t know which one I should choose. 23 I am torn between the two. I long to depart and be with Christ—which is far better— 24 but to remain in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. 25 Since I am persuaded of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that, because of my coming to you again, your boasting in Christ Jesus may abound.
This video that was recorded at SWBTS and was previously published here at SBC Voices may also help you as you pray. John shares some ways that we can be praying for him at the end of the video.
John Onwuchekwa PC Interview from SBCPC on Vimeo.
Thank you for praying! We hope to see you in Phoenix!
