JP Earnest, Bangor

In his allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan depicts the Christian’s life. The main character, Christian, finds an old book and begins to read. As he reads, he becomes aware of his sin and a great burden appears on his back. As Christian continues reading, he realises he must flee from the City of Destruction and head for the Heavenly City – but how? How can his burden be removed? Which way should he go?

It was Mr. Evangelist who pointed Christian in the right direction, towards the cross, the only place where his burden of sin could be removed. I am so grateful to the Lord for sending Evangelists along my pathway to point me to Christ and it’s been my privilege to point other lost sinners to the Saviour since.

As Christian makes his progress along the pathway he meets many people along the way – some to help and guide, others who would try and hinder his progress. Oh how I can relate to that! I am so grateful to the Lord for godly men and women who have encouraged me along the Christian pathway and have prayed for me in my walk with Jesus.

Ultimately it is the book which Christian found that is his guide along the way. When the going gets tough it’s the book he reads for help and encouragement. How grateful I am for the Word of God, our guide through life as we progress, by God’s grace, towards Heaven. Well does Scripture say of itself, ‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path’ (Psalm 119:105).

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2

Even on the cloudiest days, the sun is still shining! It always is, surrounded by blue skies – the problem is we can’t see the sun, let alone appreciate the benefit of it. Clouds often prevent us from seeing the sun and feeling its warmth. In the same way, according to Isaiah, our iniquities have separated us from God. This barrier of sin prevents us from knowing God, seeing God, appreciating His benefits. This barrier of sin is so serious, that if it remains undealt with, it will eternally bar us from God’s presence. Try as we may on a cloudy day to ‘huff and puff’ with great effort, in an attempt to blow the clouds away, we are utterly powerless. So too, in our sinful condition before God, we have no ability to remove our problem of sin. Praise God then, that what I could never do for myself, He has graciously done in the Person and the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, and Him alone, those clouds of sin are removed and the blessings and benefits of God shine upon me by His grace.

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself a ransom for all. 1 Timothy 2:5-6

This is, in my opinion, one of the greatest statements in the whole of the Bible. In a World full of so-called gods, the Apostle Paul declares that there is just one God – the one true living God. He has been exhorting Timothy and encouraged him in the fact that God desires all men to be saved. However, our barrier of sin prevents us from knowing God, enjoying God and spending eternity with Him. Therefore, we need a mediator, and Paul declares there is just one Mediator. Only one who could stand in the gap between God and men, only one who could bring us back together with our maker. A mediator must be able to fairly represent both sides of the argument. Only Christ meets that criteria – as 100% God, He can represent the Holy and Just God. Yet, as 100% Man, He is able to represent a fallen humanity by His sinless life. It is this Jesus, the God-Man, who went to a cross to pay for my sins. This great statement declares to us that there is one God, and only one way to be reconciled with God – through Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross, for all who will repent and believe.

I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death. Revelation 1:18

This verse adorns the pulpit of the small Evangelical Church where I grew up (it was actually suggested by my mother following renovations of the chapel). This verse must have been a tremendous source of encouragement to the Apostle John as he was abandoned on the Isle of Patmos. Here was an ageing Apostle, isolated and vulnerable yet hearing these wonderful words from the lips of Christ Himself! This verse has also helped me throughout my years as a believer. Not only do they show us that the Eternal Son of God became a man to live and die upon this earth, but also following His resurrection He now lives nevermore to die! These words of Christ are also true of the real Christian. Through trusting in the crucified Saviour, we live life with meaning and purpose, life in all its fullness. But we were dead – spiritually lifeless towards God, dead in our trespasses and sins. Yet, through relying upon Christ by faith we now possess everlasting life. Once we dreaded the grave, and faced that eternal separation from God, now we have hope through the risen Jesus! Because of His death on the cross, that gives me the confidence to trust Him for the forgiveness of my sins and because of His glorious resurrection that gives me the confidence to entrust my life to Him for all of eternity.

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

I have enjoyed reading of many prominent Christians who have benefited the church through their godly influence and endeavours. George Whitfield is among my ‘heroes of the faith’ – and to listen to his many stories and anecdotes, some of which are not in his journal, would be quite astounding! He, along with others, saw the need to take the gospel to the people where they are. Preaching to all sorts of people, in all sorts of places, he faithfully presented the good news of the Lord Jesus to them, imploring them to repent and believe. Many did, and because of God’s gracious work through him and others, a great awakening was unleashed with scores coming to faith. If there was a need in the eighteenth century to take the message of the church to the people, how much greater is the need today? In an age where around 98% would never darken the doorsteps of our churches, we need to heed the words of Paul, ‘How shall they hear without a preacher?’ (Romans 10:14b). Mr. Whitfield was instrumental in encouraging John Wesley onto the streets with the Christian message. Mr. Wesley once considered preaching outside to be ‘mad’ and even a ‘sin’ – yet came to see the value of reaching out in this manner. May the Lord raise up others, in our generation, who will winsomely share the gospel to those who would never come into a church!

Which song would you take to the island?

I was introduced to this James Mountain (1844-1933) hymn at an early age which reminds us of the glorious identity of the Lord Jesus, His humble submission, even to the point of death. It charts His resurrection, ascension and future return, but does not neglect our responsibility to worship and submit to this King of kings and Lord of lords.

At the name of Jesus,
every knee shall bow,
Every tongue confess Him
King of glory now;
’Tis the Father’s pleasure
we should call Him Lord,
Who from the beginning
was the mighty Word.

Mighty and mysterious

in the highest height,
God from everlasting,

very light of light:
In the Father’s bosom

with the spirit blest,
Love, in love eternal,

rest, in perfect rest.

Humbled for a season,

to receive a name
From the lips of sinners

unto whom He came,
Faithfully He bore it,

spotless to the last,
Brought it back victorious

when from death He passed.

Bore it up triumphant

with its human light,
Through all ranks of creatures,

to the central height,
To the throne of Godhead,

to the Father’s breast;
Filled it with the glory

of that perfect rest.

Name Him, brothers, name Him,

with love strong as death
But with awe and wonder,

and with bated breath!
He is God the Savior,

He is Christ the Lord,
Ever to be worshipped,

trusted and adored.

In your hearts enthrone Him;

there let Him subdue
All that is not holy,

all that is not true;
Crown Him as your captain

in temptation’s hour;
Let His will enfold you

in its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus

shall return again,
With His Father’s glory,

with His angel train;
For all wreaths of empire

meet upon His brow,
And our hearts confess

Him King of glory now.

Paul Levy, Ealing

I have been taught Scripture since they day I was born, my parents had come to faith out of a completely non-Christian background and made sure, as children, we learnt the Bible. Each week there was a memory verse for church and we were encouraged to read our Bibles. I wish I delighted in the Bible more, I love it and yet I don't read it as I should.  I spend my life and the best part of each day studying God's Word and yet I find myself not as excited by it as I should be.  There are glimpses when we taste just how delicious Scripture is but I wished I knew that more. Anyway, here are some verses of the living Word that have had a big impact on me.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. Psalm 3:3

This verse was sent to me the day that my daughter Phoebe was born. Phoebe has Down Syndrome and it was a great shock to us, she was quite poorly when she was born and this verse was a great source of strength to me. I’d read Psalm 3 many times but somehow had missed it, Spurgeon wrote of certain scriptures being written in invisible ink and when they are held to the fire of adversity they become visible. This was one of those verses, the prayer to lift my head.

But I said, “I have laboured in vain; I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the Lord, and my recompense with my God.” Isaiah 49:4

The Servant of the Lord is speaking here and it is remarkable that in his humanity he knows how those of us often feel in Christian Ministry. The frustration and seeming futility can sometimes be overwhelming and yet even Christ entrusted himself to the Lord. It’s a wonderful encouragement and example.

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Psalm 2:11

It’s a great summary of what the Christian life looks like, there’s fear in recognising who the Lord is and yet there is rejoicing. The paradox of the Christian life

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

This is a verse I find myself quoting to myself when I’m doubting or tempted. My great problem is forgetfulness or, I think John Owen said, unacquainted-ness with my privileges. The battle is to recognise I am united to Christ by faith. It’s gloriously personal.

But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lamentations 3:21- 26

The children in our church learnt these verses last year and it was a joy to hear them reciting it. I need these truths to keep me hoping and waiting and seeking. It's been great to be able to talk about this with our kids round the dinner table.

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

If I can’t take my wife or mates or my brothers it’s a difficult one.  There’s members of my congregation who are now part of the church triumphant and I would love to spend time with them but it probably would be Calvin; to spend hours quizzing him would be terrific. He could educate me but he’d obviously have to learn English. The other contenders would be Willie Still who exercised a 50 year ministry in Aberdeen, I never met him nor heard him but his writings have had a big influence on me and how I view the work of a minister. If neither he nor Calvin were available I’d probably go for Douglas Macmillan who was a Free Church Minister, when I was growing up he would preach in Wales and I only heard him 3 or 4 times but he left an indelible impression of what preaching can be.

Which song would you take to the island?

It would be, I greet Thee, Who my sure Redeemer art’ from the Strasbourg Psalter which is often attributed to Calvin.

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 use with the light of Thy pure day.

Thou art the life, by which alone we live,
And all our substance and our strength receive;
Sustain us by Thy faith and by Thy power,
And give us strength in every trying hour.

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;
Lord, give us peace, and make us calm and sure,
That in Thy strength we evermore endure.

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.