Hannah Payne, Cardiff

I love a challenge and the idea of being stuck on a desert island sounds quite exciting (being a ginger I would definitely need to take factor 50). However, like many times in my life, if I didn’t have the word of God, good godly people in my life or encouraging song lyrics I know I would have fallen at so many hurdles. Therefore, this exercise has been very helpful in reminding me how grateful I am to God for his constant guidance, patience with me and for his providing.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

I was going to cheat and bring whole chapters and psalms as there are so many great passages that have helped me (Isaiah 53, Psalm 46); but I have tried to be disciplined and chosen key verses.

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understandings. Proverbs 3:5

As a child, I had this verse on my bedroom wall. I think it was one of the first verses I learned off by heart. It has been a verse that has followed me throughout my life and really helped me through hard times. This verse definitely helped me when I was a relay worker for UCCF, as I had to trust that God would provide for me financially. It accompanied me when I moved miles away from home to go to University. It's supported me when bullied at school, through applying and searching for jobs and even through my pregnancy. To constantly say "I need to trust in the Lord with everything" (which as a sinner isn't always in my nature to do) has really shown me his incredible guidance and protection over me, even in times when I'm scared of an outcome or situation. 

Those who honour me, I will honour. 1 Samuel 2:30

This is my favourite verse. When I was growing up I loved to run, I ended up running for Yorkshire and really wanted to get better and better. Races, however, started to move from Saturdays to Sundays and as a Christian I knew that I should be honouring God on Sundays by worshipping him, instead of doing my own thing. My mum wrote this verse in the front of my Bible and it has been a real eye opener to me. I did run on Sundays (my parents let me decide) but I didn’t enjoy it and the more I read this verse the more I knew I should stop. I ended up stopping and I don’t regret it. I love my Sundays now, meeting with God’s people, worshipping him and growing in knowledge of him. This verse especially helped me keep grounded when moving to University, even though I messed up so much at University, God constantly brought me back to him by this verse.

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

The person I would like to find on the island would be Jim Elliot. His bravery and desire to tell the Aucas people of Ecuador about God, no matter what the circumstances, is incredibly humbling and challenging to me. The quote found in his diary is incredible:

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”

This man was murdered by the Aucas people, but God still used this and years later the tribes became Christians. It is an amazing story of forgiveness as his wife went to work with them. WOW!

Here is more about his story: http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/church-history-for-kids/jim-elliot-no-fool-11634862.html

Which song would you take to the island?

There are SO many songs I would take. I had “Before the throne” at my baptism and I LOVE “And can it be” but I think the song that has challenged me most would be “There is a Redeemer”. I love the last verse which says “When I stand in glory, I will see his face…” wow what a thought! Will he be pleased with me or disappointed?

There is a redeemer
Jesus, God's own Son

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah

Holy One

Jesus my redeemer

Name above all names

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah

Oh, for sinners slain

Thank you, oh my father

For giving us Your Son

And leaving Your Spirit

'Til the work on Earth is done

When I stand in Glory

I will see His face

And there I'll serve my King forever

In that Holy Place

Thank you, oh my father

For giving us Your Son

And leaving Your Spirit

'Til the work on Earth is done

There is a redeemer

Jesus, God's own Son

Precious Lamb of God, Messiah

Holy One

David George, Maesycwmmer

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

“To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One.  Isaiah 40:25

I am not able to say exactly when I was converted. I made a profession of faith when I was eleven and became enthusiastically involved in the life of the local church, but I suspect that I was not converted until I was about sixteen. I had purchased the book, “The Sovereignty of God” by A. W. Pink, and reading it shattered my world. It confronted me with the God of the Bible. The living God who is utterly without equal, who controls everything, who alone is true God who will not brook a rival or settle for anything less than the first place in my affections. God graciously used that book not only to humble me and bring me to repentance, but also to shape and fix in my heart foundational convictions about God, in a way no other book has – apart from the scriptures.

Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. Psalm 145:2-3

The Lord once used these words to drive me to serious self-examination. They describe the acme of devotion to God, and barely a day passes without my considering them. Every day? Even on days when it seems my desert island is sinking beneath me? Will I bless and praise Him then?

It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.  Isaiah 49:6

These astounding words never fail to fill me with admiration for what God has done. They are the Lord’s words to His Servant (the Messiah) concerning the extent of His mission. In the light of the backslidings and rebellion of Israel, few might have expected the Lord’s plan to restore sinful Israel to enjoy any success. But the Lord promises that His work of redemption will be far grander than anyone could ever have imagined, for His Servant will not only be salvation to Israel but to the Gentiles too! I would think about that during my daily paddle and praise God that His salvation had even reached my little island!

This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.  And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day. John 6:39-40

Over the years, I have often quoted these words to reassure God’s people of His will concerning them. The words immediately follow Jesus’ assurance that there is nothing uncertain about the success of His mission, and they assure the security of His people. He says that all of His people, every single one of them, is secure. Not one will be lost or destroyed. Not even death will separate us, but in the last day He shall raise us up in resurrection glory.

One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord. Psalm 27:4

I have been troubled by intrusive thoughts connected with PTSD through the past year, and I have found it helpful to regularly centre my thoughts on these words, and to behold the beauty of the Lord. When the Psalmist speaks of being in the house of the Lord to behold the beauty of the Lord, he is speaking of the tabernacle, of course, where the beauty of the Lord was seen in several ways: God’s condescension to dwell among His people in that tent pitched in the centre of the camp; God’s revelation symbolised in the lampstand, and the law of God contained in the Ark of the Covenant; God’s faithfulness in sustaining His people, symbolised by the table of showbread; and God providing atonement at the altar of sacrifice.  

Such shadows are now past for God has condescended to dwell amongst us in flesh; and we have the revelation of His word, and the table of the Lord where we are sustained by bread, and receive the cup that speaks of atonement through His blood. Obedience in the Word and sacraments is chiefly what the Christian needs to live a life pleasing to God.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:28-29

I am guessing that many others would also want to take Romans 8:28 to their island, but the word ‘for’ means we must also take verse 29 which explains what the ‘good’ is. Verse 28 is not a verse to glibly quote when people are having to face catastrophe, not all things are good. But verse 29 assures me that even the worst things the Lord is wisely and powerfully using in His purpose to conform us to the image of His Son. This perspective shines light into the darkest circumstances. But we must still use these words with care – I have sometimes cringed to hear these words thoughtlessly quoted to others overwhelmed by troubles.

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

I have to choose someone who has died. If I cannot assume that Elizabeth was drowned in the storm that washed me up on the island and so choose her, then it would be John Calvin. Under God, he massively shaped the course of world history and continues to be a global influence to this day. It would be so challenging and exciting to be discipled by a man of such impressive piety.

Which song would you take to the island?

Almost without fail for more than thirty years every Lord’s Day morning I have quoted or sung Isaac Watts hymn, ‘How pleased and blessed was I to hear the people cry, “Come, let us seek our God today!”’ It has enabled me always to approach public worship with thanksgiving and joyful anticipation as every time I enter the place of worship I habitually bring to mind the closing stanzas (especially the last three lines):

May peace attend thy gate,
And joy within thee wait,
To bless the soul of every guest!
The man that seeks thy peace,
And wishes thine increase,
A thousand blessings on him rest!

My tongue repeats her vows,
Peace to this sacred house!
For there my friends and kindred dwell;
And, since my glorious God
Makes thee His blest abode,
My soul shall ever love thee well.

However, as I shall be alone on my island, I would find my inability to participate in public worship a little depressing, so it will have to be Elizabeth Smith’s 1869 translation of a hymn from the 1545 Strasbourg Psalter:

I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art,
My only trust and Saviour of my heart,
Who pain didst undergo for my poor sake:
I pray Thee from our hearts all cares to take.

Thou art the King of mercy and of grace,
Reigning omnipotent in every place:
So come, O King, and our whole being sway;
Shine on us with the light of Thy pure day.

Thou art the Life, by which alone we live,
And all our substance and our strength receive;
O comfort us in death’s approaching hour,

Strong-hearted then to face it by Thy power.

Thou hast the true and perfect gentleness,
No harshness hast Thou, and no bitterness;
O grant to us the grace we find in Thee,
That we may dwell in perfect unity.

Our hope is in no other save in Thee;
Our faith is built upon Thy promise free;
Come, give us peace, make us so strong and sure,
That we may conquerors be, and ills endure.

Now leave me alone. I’ve got fish to catch.

Ben Petersen, London

It’s quite an honour to contribute to this series, having seen the warm commendations (twitter likes) and illustrious previous contributors (no joke, they really are!). It’s reassuring to know the editor isn’t simply after hits on his page; publishing my name wouldn’t achieve that! I’m grateful that the goal of this series is to put the word of the Lord front and center, not any particularly insightful men or women.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

Though not instrumental in my being led to confess Christ as Lord, these verses - and the whole chapter - were the catalyst for my faith beginning to grow in earnest. The way they were brought to my attention is an example of God’s wonderful and comical providence. As a teenager I went through a phase of buying funny t-shirts and hoodies. One such garment was a white hoodie on which was printed a picture of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and the slogan “Martyn Lloyd-Jones is my homeboy”. For those uninitiated in the language of contemporary urban slang, “homeboy” is an affectionate term for a member of one’s posse, or crew. Growing up in and around Evangelical Movement of Wales circles and having a grandfather who sat under the doctor for a few years in London, I found this hilarious, and bought it immediately. But I felt strangely compelled to read some of the Doctor before I could wear it! I asked Bab (my aforementioned grandfather) to borrow a book of his, and was lent his volume on Romans 6.

As a 16 year old who had coasted along since professing faith 3 years earlier, not looking particularly different from my schoolmates, and certainly not grasping the greatness of grace I had my world turned upside down. These were unfamiliar depths for me. In chapter after chapter, the verses above were opened up and applied. Why should I not live as those who belong to the world? Because we have been united to Christ in his death; meaning the person I was before is dead, and instead I am raised with Christ to walk by his Spirit in newness of life. Wow.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3

It’s been a joy while studying at Oak Hill College to be reminded constantly that God is entirely distinct from his creation, and in no way depends on it (including us, his creatures) for life, or satisfaction, or joy; yet he chooses to make himself known in ways that are understandable. Without this we would have no way of knowing him or worshipping him. So these verses are a key reminder of how it is he has made himself known and will help me pray, praise and worship on the island.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Galatians is a joy, isn't it? A whole letter chastising a church for forgetting the Christ has set us free from the burden of the Law, by reminding them of the gospel! I can’t wait to explore it in depth in my Biblical Studies course later in the year. I'm always struck by how Paul roots growth in godliness in the Spirit’s leading, and our identity as those belonging to the New Creation. I always need reminding of that to keep me from sin and error.

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:22-23

Because individual trust in Christ’s work is so essential to salvation, it’s easy to let our understanding of the Christian life stop there. Jesus’ words here give a window into his purpose in saving many; that we might be united in a way that reflects the Son’s unity with his Father. This changed how I think and it challenged me to prize and strive for Christian unity more. Quite how useful it will be on an island with but one other person I do not know…

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

The criteria includes that this person must have already died… Just in case any close friends feel slighted that I didn't choose them.

Assuming he had stationery, or a computer and a printer, I’d be delighted to find PG Wodehouse also marooned. I'm not too bothered whether we chat much or get on well at all. But being as I'm unable to take a whole Bible with me to read, I'd like to have a ready diet of the next best literature ever produced.

Which song would you take to the island?

Though a Paul Simon number would be tempting, it would be wise to have something better for the soul. As such, it'll be Before the Throne of God Above. Cos who doesn't need a reminder of where to look when tempted to despair, or a reminder that no matter where you end up geographically our hope is in heaven before God’s throne.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea,

A great High Priest, whose Name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven in His hands,

My name is written on His heart;

I know that, while in heaven He stands,

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Saviour died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him, and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb!

My perfect, spotless righteousness.

The great unchangeable I AM.

The King of glory and of grace!

One with Himself, I cannot die,

My soul is purchased by His blood;

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Saviour and my God.

Rhodri Brady, Aberystwyth

What a horrible thing to have to do. And I hate hypothetical questions.

That’s not to say I haven’t often thought about what I would do if I were stranded on a desert island. How much of the Bible do I know off by heart? How much of the Bible could I write out? 1 percent? 0.5 percent? Less?

But in this imaginary scenario I am to be given verses! And I know the point of these things is not to be pragmatic. My temptation is to ask for as large a portion of the Bible as I can get away with. And even that makes me feel cheated because on Radio 4 they get the whole Bible. The other thing this is telling me is the fact that I have the whole Bible with me now in the real world, am I making the most of it? No. But anyway, let’s answer the questions...

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

The ‘God of all comfort’ section from 2 Corinthians 1 helped me very much recently when I received some terrible news. Wonderful to know some of God’s reasons behind affliction.

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:14-21

I love Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. I would use that regularly on the island as fuel to fire my prayer, praise and worship.

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:18

To help me when I’m feeling lonely on the island, perhaps I would remember Genesis 2:18. It reminds me that we are social creatures and therefore I am not strange or ‘un-Christian’ for feeling lonely.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

I often find myself quoting, in my daily battle against lawbreaking, 1 John 1:9. It is my great assurance that my sins can be forgiven and I can be justified by the blood of Jesus.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God... Revelation 21

To give strength, hope and peace, how about the whole of Revelation 21? That’ll help me look forward to the New Heaven and the New Earth that will take me off this island and to the feet of Jesus ASAP.

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgement and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God… Hebrews 10

I would also ask for the warning passages from Hebrews. God uses these warnings as a means to keep me from sin. Terrifying stuff, but so necessary.

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

For the purposes of this post, I would bring Charles Spurgeon, and I’d ask him to preach to me and make me laugh. Although, given his history of depression, a desert island with me probably isn’t the place for him. But then, at least I have someone to try out 2 Corinthians 1:4 on.

Which song would you take to the island?

Again, I suppose in reality I have thousands of songs in my head. But I suppose what this is asking is, ‘what’s the only song I’ll have a recording of, what will become my lonely island’s national anthem?’ I love Psalm 23 — unusual, I know — and I like a version of it sung by a band called The Corner Room. I’d take that.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside still waters.

He restores my soul.

He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name-sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.

For you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.

You anoint my head with oil, my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.

And I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Dale Ralph Davis, Columbia, South Carolina

I wouldn’t like being abandoned on a desert island and I don’t think I would fare especially well.  I am a Christian, but I am not optimistic by nature. For one thing, I don’t like the sea — I’d much rather be left on a remote mountain. But one can’t always choose one’s geography!  My selections below would, I think, sort of control the problem, that is, keep it from being as bad as it could be. Analogy: Say you use the loo in your home and that perhaps someone had used it before you and had used too much toilet tissue at one time in the bowl.  You finish and flush the loo and, to your surprise and stress, see that instead of going down, the water and everything else is rising and backing up and, momentarily, will be spilling over in an awful mess.  But suddenly you remember there is a small item called a shut-off valve under the tank, and you quickly stoop down, turn it clockwise and the water ceases to rise. That doesn’t solve the larger problem but it controls it for the mean-time. In short, it helps immensely. So for my desert-island—these Scriptures, hymn and companion may not solve the dilemma, but should help in the mean-time!

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory… Psalm 63

I guess I might want Psalm 63 since David was apparently in a similar type situation when he wrote it:  O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Actually, there is no ‘as’ in the Hebrew — David really is in a dry & weary land — the wilderness of Judah.  He also says that he had such avid desires after God Himself when he was ‘in the sanctuary’ in a normal worship situation. But David’s longing for Yahweh himself, his unrelenting appetite for God, would, I should hope, keep my gaze fixed of what mattered above all else.

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

I think I might opt for J. C. Ryle, the 19^th century Church of England minister who ended his days as Bishop of Liverpool. One doesn’t always meet with 19^th century folks who write in short, clear, pungent sentences like Ryle did. His seven volumes of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels are a treasure and still in print. I think I’d like to have Ryle around because he would remember a lot of the stuff he wrote in Expository Thoughts and so would be a human means of sustaining me on the word while on that Desert Island.

Which song would you take to the island?

Oh, I think I should want William Gadsby’s, Immortal Honours Rest on Jesus’ Head. I like to sing it to the tune ‘Toulon’.  I came upon this hymn several years back in a Welsh hymnbook, ‘Christian Hymns.’ It captures the full sufficiency of Jesus.

Immortal honours rest on Jesus’ head,

my God, my portion, and my living Bread;

in him I live, upon him cast my care;

he saves from death, destruction and despair.

He is my refuge in each deep distress,

the Lord my strength and glorious righteousness.

Through floods and flames he leads me safely on,

and daily makes his sovereign goodness known.

My every need he richly will supply,

nor will his mercy ever let me die;

in him there dwells a treasure all divine,

and matchless grace has made that treasure mine.

O that my soul could love and praise him more,

his beauties trace, his majesty adore,

live near his heart, upon his bosom lean,

obey his voice and all his will esteem.

James Allan, Dowlais

It is a challenge to select a handful of bible verses to take to a desert island. It is also a great opportunity and humbling privilege to reflect on God’s grace and blessing over a period of time.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:22

When I was on camp as a 10-year-old boy, Terry Williams (Bethel, Nelson) was the chaplain for the week; and being ‘in Adam’ or ‘in Christ’ was the week’s theme. I’m not sure whether I really grasped Romans chapter 5 that week, nor the doctrine of inherited guilt. However, one thing did become clear – a person is either ‘in Adam’ or ‘in Christ’. Mr Williams said, “There is no sitting on the fence.” I knew I was in Adam – but I wanted to be in Christ.

Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

In my first year of secondary school, my father had left a dull looking hardback book out in the house. It was Holiness by J.C. Ryle. I began to flick through the pages. Commenting on Hebrews 12:14 at the beginning of chapter 3, Ryle wrote: “The text which heads this page opens up a subject of deep importance…It suggests a question which demands the attention of all professing Christians: are we holy? Shall we see the Lord?” I was terrified. Was I a Christian? I didn’t feel very holy. Over the next few years I was bothered tremendously by the thought of my sin.

…having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:5

  

In my mid-teens, I sat in a packed church hall, listening to a preacher expound 2 Timothy 3:1-5. As I listened, I was convinced that I was guilty of every sin listed in those verses. The sermon did not provide much relief for my awakened conscience. I tossed and turned that night before the gospel I had always known as a child became real to me. I knew now that only Christ had given me all I needed. I sighed the deepest sigh of relief I had ever sighed.

but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. Romans 5:8-9

My Sunday School career was not hugely successful. I was never a prolific memoriser of verses. However, in my mid-teens someone set me the challenge of learning Romans 5:8-9. These verses enabled me to share my faith and would be in my mind when explaining the gospel to others. They were the verses preached at our wedding and are now framed and on my living room wall.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places Ephesians 1:3

This verse was instrumental in developing my understanding of Christian experience. As a student, I read a book called Christian Experience, by a 20^th century Free Church of Scotland minister, Donald MacDonald. I remember hoping for a semi-mystical book, outlining how the felt presence of God could be cultivated. What I discovered was a book largely about doctrine. At the same time, I was experiencing a growing affection for the book of Ephesians. Chapter 1 verse 3 taught me that I have already been blessed “in Christ with every spiritual blessing.” Chapter 1 describes the believer’s election before the foundation of the world, their adoption, their redemption through Christ’s blood and their sealing with the promised Holy Spirit. I came to understand that if I have already been blessed in Christ with every spiritual blessing, the nature of my Christian experience is plumbing the depths of what I already possess in Christ. I still feel I’m only paddling up to my ankles and there remain great depths to be known.

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:5

Every day I am conscious of a real battle with sin. I have desires that should be resisted and my battle with sin does not seem to have got any easier. Romans chapter 6 has helped. It tells me I am united to Christ. As a believer, I am joined to Him – what has happened to Him has happened to me. I have died with Him so that my body of sin might be brought to nothing. I have been raised with Christ, to new life in Him. This understanding has been foundational in my daily battle. As I seek to obey Romans 6:12, “Let not sin reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions,” I do so against the background of the transformation that Romans 6 explains. I have powers that I did not have before because I am a new creation – the ‘old man’ is crucified. God has made me a new creature and possessed me with resources, capacities and abilities I did not have before.

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

At university, I read Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot. The book is her biography of her husband, the missionary Jim Elliot, killed aged 29 by Auca Indians in Ecuador in 1956. Later, I bought his journals and if I’m honest, as I read them, I was not always sure what he was talking about. But I remember thinking there was a loveliness about his life. For much of the book, he is away from home at college – so was I for the first time. His life was single-minded in its service to Christ. Some words he penned are well-known, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” I wanted to imitate him in my service to Christ. There seemed an attractiveness about his devotion to Christ. It made any other way of living seem completely foolish. So, I’d like to spend time with him. I could also ask him what he was on about in the bits of his journals I didn’t understand.

Which song would you take to the island?

As a young Christian, initially I struggled with the doctrine of election. In time, I embraced it. The bible clearly taught it and how could someone as sinful as me choose Christ? I love how verse 4 of the hymn below describes being “lost in holy wonder”.

Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding,

Ransomed souls, the tidings swell;

’Tis a deep that knows no sounding;

Who its breadth or length can tell?

On its glories

Let my soul for ever dwell.

What from Christ that soul shall sever,

Bound by everlasting bands?

Once in Him, in Him for ever,

Thus the eternal cov’nant stands:

None shall pluck thee

From the Strength of Israel’s hands.

Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus,

Long-ere time its race begun;

To His Name eternal praises;

O what wonders He hath done!

One with Jesus,

By eternal union one.

On such love, my soul, still ponder,

Love so great, so rich and free;

Say, while lost in holy wonder,

‘Why, O Lord, such love to me?’

Hallelujah!

Grace shall reign eternally.

John Kent, 1766-1843