Huw Fulcher, Cardiff

It’s testament to God’s grace that the verses I would take with me would be different depending on what part of my life you asked me in! The fact that the Bible has verses that cover every season of the Christian life is a joy to know in itself. Similarly with songs, my favourites have changed over the years, I have a bit of an “all or nothing” personality (as my wife can tell you!) and I find that this seeps into songs and songwriters! Despite my yo-yo like tendencies it really is a blessing to know that our God is not like that, His Words endure for eternity and are always relevant.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:3-4

For me, these two verses are becoming more and more an anthem in my life for many different reasons. The fact that not just our dependence but even our existence rests in Him fills me with such hope. Our Lord is with us day and night carrying us through this life giving us what we need daily. While these verses weren’t instrumental in my salvation they strongly bring it to my attention now with the definitive fact that God saves, I am nothing but a wretched sinner. I definitely think that this would be a great encouragement to me on the island; knowing that God’s provision for me is not connected to my proximity to civilisation!

This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23

This verse is such a mix of sorrow and joy that I think it encapsulates our mourning of sin and joy of Christ on the cross so well! God from before the world began put our plan of salvation into action, Jesus willingly came to this earth and offered Himself up to be killed by His creation. While Peter was talking about the lawless men that existed at the time we are still complicit! It strikes me to the core that I am one that helped nail Jesus to that cross but it equally fills me with joy that this was planned. This is a verse I am finding more and more helpful when I am faced with the opportunity to sin. Remembering my part in the crucifixion of my Saviour but also remembering the grace of God through it.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

While I have a wide array of men and women I could choose from throughout history I’ve decided to go with John Bunyan. I only recently learned of the life of Bunyan and the suffering he faced for the sake of the Gospel and would think he would make a good candidate to cheer us both while being stuck there! On top of that I would love to find out why he wrote books with exceedingly long titles like The Holy War – The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Man-soul (The Holy War Made by Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the Regaining of the World).

Which song would you take to the island?

This is a real tough one as there are so many to choose from! If I definitely had to settle on one song I think it would be Higher Throne by Keith & Kristyn Getty:

There is a higher throne
Than all this world has known,
Where faithful ones from ev’ry tongue
Will one day come.
Before the Son we’ll stand,
Made faultless through the Lamb;
Believing hearts find promised grace—
Salvation comes.

Hear heaven’s voices sing;
Their thund’rous anthem rings
Through em’rald courts and sapphire skies.
Their praises rise.
All glory, wisdom, pow’r,
Strength, thanks, and honor are
To God our King, who reigns on high
Forevermore.

And there we’ll find our home,
Our life before the throne;
We’ll honor Him in perfect song
Where we belong.
He’ll wipe each tear-stained eye
As thirst and hunger die.
The Lamb becomes our Shepherd King;
We’ll reign with Him.

While it’s not a classic hymn like And can it be or It is well with my soul I think the lyrics capture the hope and expectation of Heaven incredibly well. I’ve chosen this particular song because it has helped me for a while keep my eyes fixed on my inheritance in Heaven and the knowledge that this present Earth will pass. Singing those words has comforted me greatly in times of suffering and stress, knowing that while I press on now there is a glory beyond compare that awaits. When I’m washed up on the beach of this desert island a reminder that my current circumstances are but a speck compared to the eternity that awaits will keep me going I’m sure!

Maybe controversially, I think that the Kings Kaleidoscope version of Higher Throne is better than Keith and Kristyn’s. If you’re wondering what tune I’ll be singing, it will definitely be this one!

Joe Toplis, Newport

A very big thank you for asking me to do this; it is a real privilege to write among some great brothers and sisters of Christ. It has taken a lot for me to not be that guy who will say Genesis 1:1 - Revelations 22:21.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

This verse was one that always stuck out to me having becoming a Christian. It was a warning that became ingrained into my mind and as a super energetic young Christian, one warning I would surely never stumble at … oh. The problem I had was I used to cut this verse short, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”. No wonder I kept messing up! There, in front of those words I would recite to myself, were the words to help me, but I never took notice, “Watch and pray”. I thank God, in His grace He showed me and helped me understand His word. I thank Him that now I can ready myself in daily life by reading the bible and coming to Him in prayer. I'm not saying my prayer life is perfect by any means, but there is that opportunity to come to God and ask for his strength to overcome temptation and live for Him. Thank you Lord!

For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8: 38-39

These verses have always been a comfort to me, I have always struggled with the question, ‘how could God love me’? He does, and so much more than I could possibly manage, wow! He loves me with a perfect love that nothing can stop, not even death. An unmeasurable and endless love!

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

These beautiful words show us the gift of salvation. If someone asks you why you’re a Christian, show them this. I remember sitting in church looking at the cross at the front (something I had not paid much attention to) when it hit me, this verse shows us who Jesus is and why He died on that cross for us. For so long Jesus was just a good role model to me; someone I could emulate to be a good person. ‘Good people go to heaven right? And I’m good.’ Well, I wasn’t, and I was so unaware of how far short I fell of God’s glory. I could never be good enough on my own but this verse shows me how I could be, I need Jesus! When God put this on my heart, it was like I couldn’t think of anything else. Over and over again I would think, ‘I need Jesus’, and even though I tried to fight it for a bit, I gave my heart to Jesus and asked him to be my Lord and Saviour. When I think back to when I did, the line from Amazing Grace comes to mind: ‘How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed’. I did nothing to gain salvation but “by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

I would have to choose Charles Spurgeon, not just to compare beards but to listen to him speak about Christ. I was first introduced to his work at my first Christian conference. Many friends had recommended his ‘Morning and Evening’ daily readings book and I remember thinking, ‘it just repeats itself every year’? Thankfully, the Christian faith is a journey where we don't stop growing and it's amazing what the Lord reveals to us as we grow more and more. Spurgeon has always been known as being cross-centred and his theology is cross-shaped and that was always something that resonated with me.

Which song would you take to the island?

I honestly didn't think choosing a hymn would be as difficult as it has been. So, after much deliberation I've chosen ‘I need Thee every hour’ by Robert Lowry. I always find myself singing this hymn to myself; at home, in the car and in work (I try and count it evangelism if I sing it in work). The words just say it right, the world tells us to be independent but I can't be, I am Christ-dependent. Dependent every hour.

I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.

I need Thee, oh, I need Thee;
Every hour I need Thee;
Oh, bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.

I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their pow’r when Thou art nigh.

I need Thee every hour, in joy or pain;
Come quickly and abide, or life is vain.

I need Thee every hour; teach me Thy will;
And Thy rich promises in me fulfil.

I need Thee every hour, most Holy One;
Oh, make me Thine indeed, Thou blessed Son.

Andrew Davies, Llantarnam

I am grateful for the opportunity to remember the mercies of God in my past, to reflect on His goodness in the present, and to rejoice at the glorious future He has promised. My desire is to live every day by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. I want to become more like Him. And I look forward to the day when, with all believers, I shall see Him face to face.

It is almost impossible to highlight specific verses because the entire Bible has been my inspiration and strength over the years. Similarly, there are so many people I would love to meet on the island.  And the hymn books contain such a rich tapestry of truth that I am disappointed not to be able to take them. But as I am under orders I will have a go!

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I had been labouring to find happiness and to know God for myself but had become heavy laden with failure. It was all about me. Then a sermon of my father’s on the hypocrisy of Ananias and Sapphira shook me to the core and shattered my pretence. The simplicity and directness of the Saviour’s invitation came home to me with great sweetness. I realised that the promise of rest was not found in faith as such but in His Person. It is all about Him! He is the rest! At great cost to Him the gift to me was free! So, believing His word, I came to Him one Saturday evening in my bedroom and asked Him to receive me. The following day at the end of the evening service in the “second meeting” I publicly acknowledged Him by raising my hand. An elderly saint and elder shouted “Hallelujah”, and my father, the pastor, said, “I can shout it louder than you, Harry!”

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Archibald Alexander, of Princeton, a minister for 60 years and a Professor of Divinity for 40 years, died on October 22, 1851. As he lay dying, a friend heard him quote this verse and whisper: “All my theology is reduced now to this narrow compass”. To which I can say a resounding, “Amen”. 

Archibald Alexander

 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

I have quoted this verse at every wedding I have conducted in 53 years of Christian ministry and it has never ceased to move me. How wonderfully gracious God is to unworthy sinners! What is greater than to know His ever-smiling face and to serve the cause of such a Friend?

I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. Psalm 118:17

On February 25^th, 1981, I was in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, London, awaiting major spinal surgery the following day. Pam, my wife, had left, and I was on my own, feeling very nervous. I read the four passages of Scripture scheduled for that day (a practice I have followed over the years). One of them was this verse, it stood out like a beacon and the room filled with a sense of the presence and peace of God. It was a very special moment in my life.

There are several lessons I have learned from that evening. The first is the importance of the daily discipline of reading God’s Word. This is how God speaks to us and if we close our Bibles we cut ourselves off from the source of our strength. Secondly, it is the truth that must govern our emotions. My feelings might have got the better of me had I allowed them. But the Word of God straightens out and controls our thinking. Thirdly, the Lord surprises us with joy. I had not anticipated the fact that each chapter I read that evening would exactly suit my circumstances, especially Psalm 118. Nor had I expected the room to fill up with His presence. But it did.  Fourthly, my calling in life was to declare the wonderful works of God, of which His triumph over sin, death and hell in the Cross and Resurrection is the greatest work of all.

                                                             

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3

On Sunday morning, March 1^st, 1981, just three days after surgery, I listened to a sermon on tape, preached on this verse by Dr Martyn Lloyd Jones. He spoke movingly of the great Author of our salvation, the great cost, and the great glory to come. A few hours later Pam came in to visit me and said, “the Doctor died this morning”.  I had just heard him speak of the glory; now he was there! “Glory, glory dwelleth in Immanuel’s land”.

Who would you like to find on the island?

I would like to ask Paul lots of questions, including whether he wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews! I am sure Martin Luther would be great company. John Calvin and Jonathan Edwards would certainly stretch and deepen my understanding. My brother Wynford and I would resume our many fishing trips. But as I am allowed to meet only one person it would have to be my father. His direct, powerful, evangelistic preaching; his personal encouragement and love; the roundedness and godliness of his life have been the major influences, under God, for my life. As a boy I would sometimes go into his study (not an office!) and find him on his knees, weeping before God for lost souls, mine included. He never turned me away; he was never too busy to see me, just like my heavenly Father. I should like to see him again. Thank God, one day, I will. And it won’t be on a desert island!

Which song would you take?

Thankfully, many hymns and songs remain in my memory. But when mind and memory begin to fail I would read over and over again John Newton’s matchless hymn. Hopefully, I might still be able to sing it. In tune!

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,

And drives away his fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast.

‘Tis manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest.

Dear name, the rock on which I build,

My shield and hiding place,

My never-failing treasury filled

With boundless stores of grace.

Jesus! My Shepherd, Brother, Friend,

My Prophet, Priest and King,

My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,

Accept the praise I bring.

Weak is the effort of my heart,

And cold my warmest thought;

But when I see Thee as Thou art,

I’ll praise Thee as I ought.

Till then I would Thy love proclaim

With every fleeting breath;

And may the music of Thy Name

Refresh my soul in death!

John Newton, 1725-1807

David Norman Jones, Brisbane, Australia

They say that your whole life flashes before you as you drown. Landing on a desert island presupposes such a near death experience. Having survived the experience, I now have time to reflect on what I saw in that movie of my life. But first of all I would read Psalm 139 to remind myself that God has not abandoned me on this island and left me to my own devices.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? Psalm 139:7

As you read this psalm you will either be thrilled or threatened by it?  Does it make you want to run from God or does it make you want to run to God? That's what David does in this Psalm. He’s not a fugitive on the run, on the contrary, he’s in fellowship with God. He’s reveling in the relationship he has with God through Christ. Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the Hospice movement, said: “Christianity is not an insurance that nothing bad will ever happen to you, it’s an assurance that whatever happens, you will not be alone.”

You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” John 3:7

John 3:7 was the verse that brought me to faith in Christ, aged 17. Peter Trumper was preaching that night in my home church in Haverfordwest and during the course of his sermon he quoted these words of Jesus: “You must be born again”. I instantly knew that was true, that God existed, that I didn’t know him, and I needed this new birth. I cried out to him and he heard me and brought me into his kingdom. That was 52 years ago.

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

This year is the 45^th anniversary of my ordination. I have served churches in Wales, London and Australia and this verse from Colossians has been like a rudder to keep me on course in ministry. I have taken it as a kind of ministerial motto over the years: “to get as many people over the finishing line in the best shape possible”.

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ Philippians 3:20

In 1993, Ruth, our three children and I moved out to the world’s largest desert island – Australia. As you might imagine, that was a huge decision for us as a family. We always expected to be coming back to Wales. We even gave our kids unpronounceable Welsh names to remind them of their roots, but Philippians 3:20 reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven”. Home is not where you come from, it’s where you are going to.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Our friend, Paul Jones, who was suddenly taken from this life on his way home from the Aberystwyth Conference. He was always very good company. I can’t wait to catch up with him. He’s at the back of this picture and that’s me on the left!

Which song would you take to the island?

Robert Murray McCheyne’s hymn:

When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon radiant sun,
When I stand with Christ on high,
Looking o’er life’s history,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When the praise of Heaven I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

Chosen, not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Saviour’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show

By my love how much I owe.

John Funnell, Abersychan

Which verses would you take with you to the desert island?

Stuck on a desert island with no place to gossip the Gospel and with nobody to impart the love of Christ to, my soul would be in great torment. But trusting in God’s sovereignty I would have to accept my fate and seize the opportunity to ponder the below verses until a big fish comes to swallow me up and spit me back out in the Welsh Valleys.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Any relationship will fail if either party forgoes their responsibility to love and serve the other. Every Christian is bought by the atoning work of Christ, but our relationship with Him will not grow and bear fruit if we remain passive. God used this verse early on to stir my soul to live out my side of the bargain. I could see the Christian life is one of repentance and seeking God's grace to help me deny myself certain thoughts and behaviours that would offend Him who loved me first. Stranded on a desert island, I would be denied so much, I could do no other than pick up my cross and follow Jesus.

"What do you want me to do for you?" "Lord, I want to see," he replied. Luke 18:41

This verse leaves me in utter awe of our Saviour, it tells us so much of who He is.
The blind man was calling out for his Messiah, but all those gathered, silenced and suppressed him. Jesus, however, stopped and gave the blind man centre stage. Jesus asked a question he already knew the answer to, allowing the weakest person a leading voice among the scoffers.

Our Lord’s question is one of immeasurable compassion, it is an open question that can only be asked with full understanding that you will have to bear the cost for any answer that could be given. Even in such a short discourse we can see the abundance of God’s grace, how can we do anything else but praise and worship Him?

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10

Stuck on a desert island, the most productive thing you could possibly do is be still and know God. This verse would get me through the lonely periods, as I remember that, wherever I go, I will always have God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit with me.

I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Ministering in the Valleys is tough. Our church has a mixture of durable old saints, young single mums, men who have given up crime and vice under the gospel, refugees, those fighting social services for custody of their children, travellers, many battling with mental health issues, depression, anxiety and sickness. Through these wonderful brothers and sisters, the Lord has opened many doors for our church; and this verse is often spoken under my breath as I witness in the darkest communities.

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:18

This verse will give me the peace, in my isolation, the church will grow regardless of my feeble efforts. There is not an atom in the cosmos working against God’s sovereign will and on that spectacular final day, Christ will come for His bride.

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

The one who loved us first took on Himself our sin, why should I then so easily add to His burden? This verse will keep me from temptation during my confinement.

So Ananias went to the house, and when he arrived, he placed his hands on Saul. “Brother Saul,” he said, “the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized. Acts 9:17-18

Saul met with Jesus on the Damascus road and was completely broken before His perfection. The challenge Christ presents uncovered Saul’s sin and failures, but it was not until Ananias came to him and showed God’s love in fellowship that the scales fell from Saul’s eyes. Jesus is revealed through those who seek to be obedient to His word and action it out in relationship with others. This is why church is so important.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Founder of the confessing church, Pastor, Teacher, anti-Nazi dissident, theologian, author and spy. A man of vast intelligence who gave up everything for Christ. He was murdered in Flossenberg concentration camp, aged 39, for high treason weeks before the war’s end. Bonheoffer knew what it was to suffer for Christ, yet he remained strong, spoke out and stuck to the word. Bonheoffer had to ‘do church’ amidst the most extreme hate and I feel his experience could teach us all something as we minister in an ever increasing hostile world.

Which song would you take to the island?

Facing a task unfinished that drives us to our knees,
a need that, undiminished, rebukes our slothful ease,
we who rejoice to know you renew before your throne
the solemn pledge we owe you to go and make you known.

Where other lords beside you hold their unhindered sway,
where forces that defied you defy you still today,
with none to heed their crying for life and love and light,
unnumbered souls are dying and pass into the night.

We bear the torch that flaming fell from the hands of those
who gave their lives proclaiming that Jesus died and rose;
ours is the same commission, the same glad message ours;
fired by the same ambition, to you we yield our pow'rs.

O Father, who sustained them, O Spirit, who inspired,
Saviour, whose love constrained them to toil with zeal untired,
from cowardice defend us, from lethargy awake!
Forth on your errands send us to labour for your sake.

By Frank Houghton

Eddie Webster, Nottingham

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

The Lord is near to the broken-hearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18

This verse struck me several years ago because, up until that point, I thought the Christian life was meant to be easy. As a new Christian, I thought that obedience and holiness would come naturally. However, I soon found that there was even more reason to be disappointed in myself than I first realised. Each time I gave into sin I would be conflicted within; ‘I’m a Christian! Christ lives in me! But… I keep on sinning. I am making no progress in holiness. Why am I still the same?’. These thoughts would get me down, but upon reading this I realised that I was meant to be broken over my sin, and that through the experience of sorrow God was close by saving me from my sin and transforming me into his likeness! Praise God that he saves those who are crushed in spirit!

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord! Psalm 25:7

This has also been of help in times of brokenness. It requests God would not remember our sins but, as I pray this, I also gather assurance that he has forgotten them. His steadfast love on the cross is evidence that he has remembered me, and that he has removed my sin from me. Praise God that our sins (especially remembering those sins we commit in our youth!) have been slain on the cross and are remembered no more!

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

My sin has been dealt with on the cross! I have been crucified with Christ! The old reign of sin has gone; the new reign of Christ is here! He lives in me! This is such a great verse and there is much to expound from it. However, the part which has most helped me has been the second half where it speaks of living by faith in the Son of God. When I have realised my weakness and have been broken over my sin I then return to have faith in Christ. I no longer live according to the flesh, but now I live trusting in his unfailing love and strength to help me live for him. Praise God that he has come to live in us!

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith. Philippians 1:25

At times, however, I have wished that I was already with the Lord in heaven. The constant battle between the flesh and the Spirit is tiring; surely it would be better to be with the Lord in heaven! Paul also wrestled with this issue (Philippians 1:18-26). “To live is Christ”, he thought. Indeed, we live in Christ but “to die is gain”. He knew that it was far better to be with the Lord. Alas, it is not up to us to determine the time of our death. Rather, we have been called to deny ourselves, to take up our cross and to follow him. How to do this? We live for the joy and progress of others. This verse helps me remember my calling on earth when I would long to be with Christ right now. As we live in Christ, our lives are to be given in service of one another, encouraging and rejoicing with one another. Praise God that he has given us this great purpose of building one another up for the praise of his glory!

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

That is the great reason we exist, to glorify the Son, to boast in him! Our lives are to overflow with praise for God and Christ, for who they are and what they have done! I have been crucified to my sins and to the world! We now live, trusting and boasting in Jesus! Our weakness serves only to magnify his strength and power at work in us through the cross! May we all boast only in Christ and his cross as the power to save and transform lives!

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

Thanks to modern reprints (such as Banner of Truth’s Puritan Paperbacks) I have benefitted much from the writings of John Owen. His teaching is both thoroughly biblical and experiential; there is such nuance to his writing that I often find myself thinking ‘that’s exactly what it is like! That’s exactly the remedy I need!’. For instance, I recently read the abridged form of his work ‘On Temptation’, finding his application to be so precise and relevant to my life. I’m sure he would have been able to figure out how best to glorify God on a desert island!

It is also evident from his writing that he loved the Saviour and the Church very dearly, for he served faithfully till the end. The day before his death he wrote:

‘I am going to Him whom my soul has loved, or rather who has loved me with an everlasting love – which is the whole ground of my consolation… I am leaving the ship of the church in a storm; but whilst the great Pilot is in it, the loss of a poor under-rower will be inconsiderable. Live, and pray, and hope, and wait patiently, and do not despond; the promise stands invincible, that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.’

The great Pilot of the Church loves us, just as he loved the ‘poor under-rower’ John Owen. May we live and pray and hope and wait patiently, trusting that great invincible promise that he will never leave nor forsake us!

Which song would you take to the island?

There are perhaps too many favourite hymns to choose from, but I am always humbled when I sing this one. It strikes the perfect balance between our weakness and Christ’s power, grace and salvation. It is all of him! Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling!

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee;

Let the water and the blood,

From Thy riven side which flowed,

Be of sin the double cure,

Save me from its guilt and power.

Not the labour of my hands

Can fulfil Thy law’s demands;

Could my zeal no respite know,

Could my tears forever flow,

All could never sin erase,

Thou must save, and save by grace.

Nothing in my hands I bring,

Simply to Thy cross I cling;

Naked, come to Thee for dress,

Helpless, look to Thee for grace:

Foul, I to the fountain fly,

Wash me, Saviour, or I die.

While I draw this fleeting breath,

When mine eyes shall close in death,

When I soar to worlds unknown,

See Thee on Thy judgment throne,

Rock of Ages, cleft for me,

Let me hide myself in Thee.