Bernard Lewis, Newport

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

Saved in my early teens, I had the privilege of seeking God’s help as I worked out what to do in life. One evening having discussed with my parents my future and their expectations I sought God in my devotions. I was shocked that this verse was the focus that evening. I was convinced of God’s will for me to enter full-time Christian service, but was advised by wise older Christians to get the best education I could, so studied for a B.Ed and began teaching along with my wife who I had met while training.

Thus says the Lord. Exodus 4:22

The next phrase, rather than verse, to change our lives was in the question posed in a sermon, “Where are the men who will preach ‘Thus says the Lord?’” The following day I began the process that led me to study for ministry at London Seminary. I am so grateful for those years, because they took the jumble of Bible verses of my faith and gave me an ordered doctrinal conviction that has undergirded my ministry since.

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

I have often found it difficult to ‘return’ to situations which happened between my first and second year at LTS. The Lord particularly helped me at the Beginning of Year Service. The late Wynford Davies preached a powerful message from this verse. My focus was set and I am grateful to say that God has used that verse many times since to encourage me at different times.

For a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 1 Corinthians 16:9

Towards the end of my years at LTS I received an invitation to serve as pastor of Hitherfield Road Baptist Church in London. We were uncertain that this was the right place, because another invitation had come the same week. We prayerfully sought the Lord asking that He would be gracious enough to give us an answer before the end of year service. In our devotions the night before we felt that the Lord wanted us to accept the first invitation as I read 1 Corinthians 16:9.

For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; Habakkuk 2:3

As with all ministries there were challenges and at one point feeling my efforts were totally in vain, I began reading Sinclair Ferguson’s ‘Discovering God’s Will’. As part of his argument he cited this verse. I knew I could continue my ministry confident that God would work His purposes out at His time. Two years later the goals that I had at that time were raised by others and accepted as the way forward for the church.

See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:10

The assumption that South London was to be my place of ministry until retirement was totally overthrown when my wife and I became conscious of a call to overseas ministry. To do this God used Jeremiah 1:10. God showed me that He still had a concern for the nations and that ministry is wider than the local church. (I did not appreciate the application of the latter lines until a few years later).

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27

We fought that call tooth and nail, until the Lord broke me in my devotions reading John 10. Although calling others to discipleship, the Lord showed me that I was not actually prepared to follow Him. That was a painful experience!

What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:2

Although we accepted the call we still struggled with its practical demands. I felt totally inadequate to train church leaders, but again with an open Bible the Lord gave the ministry statement as I read, it seemed for the first time, 2 Timothy 2:2. That verse has shaped the whole of my ministry since. The journey has not ended there are countless other verses that scream for attention.

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

Assuming my wife has not died before me, I would like the company of the late Roy Hicks, a mechanic, from Pembrokeshire, and secretary of Cosheston Mission. He and his fellow church members taught me the primacy of prayer and gave a wonderful model to follow. He and his wife practised hospitality (supper on Sunday night) and taught us how to fellowship around the Word after the service ended.

Which song would you take to the island?

‘Tis finished! The Messiah dies,
Cut off for sins, but not His own:
Accomplished is the sacrifice,
The great redeeming work is done.
’Tis finished! all the debt is paid;
Justice divine is satisfied;
The grand and full atonement made;
God for a guilty world hath died.

The veil is rent in Christ alone;
The living way to Heaven is seen;
The middle wall is broken down,
And all mankind may enter in.
The types and figures are fulfilled;
Exacted is the legal pain;
The precious promises are sealed;
The spotless Lamb of God is slain.

The reign of sin and death is o’er,
And all may live from sin set free;
Satan hath lost his mortal power;
’Tis swallowed up in victory.
Saved from the legal curse I am,
My Savior hangs on yonder tree:
See there the meek, expiring Lamb!
’Tis finished! He expires for me.

Accepted in the Well-beloved,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
I see the bar to heaven removed;
And all Thy merits, Lord, are mine.
Death, hell, and sin are now subdued;
All grace is now to sinners given;
And lo, I plead the atoning blood,
And in Thy right I claim Thy Heaven!