“Some people wish to live to the sound of the bells of a church or chapel. I want to captain a rescue ship a meter from hell. While this seems like a bold and bold statement, it is CT Studd's statement nonetheless. We live in a time where such a bold statement would be considered radical or extreme. Who would want to live with the ridicule that such a statement engenders? Who will really leave their body at the gates of hell and not allow anyone to pass through? These days, the answer may be no one. However, this is the exact position that God has called each of us who call upon Him to put ourselves into. You may be alone here on earth, but all of heaven has rallied around you to raise the cry of victory. It is a journey of faith in God alone. It's not for the nominal Christian, the partially committed Christian, or even the cool Christian; To take this position you must “deny yourself and take up your cross daily” Luke 9:23. There is no half-hearted commitment, only total surrender to the will and nature of God. Growing up, CT (Charles Thomas) Studd was what you would call a nominal Christian. He went to church every Sunday, believed in God, and lived a morally good life. Life in England consisted of hunting and cricket. Both of these things were held in high esteem in the Studd household. In 1877, CT and his two brothers were playing cricket at Eton College. Cricket became more than just a sport for CT, it was his life. He trained long hours every day and it showed on the field. However, religion was only a Sunday. Until Mr. Studd was invited to a meeting hosted by DL Moody and Ira Sankey. Through the influence of these men, Mr. Studd surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and lived a life of...... middle of paper ......o hallelujah to what Christ did with a man's obedience and refusal. yourself. Life in denial is not easy. CT was often separated from his family, his comforts and everything that was familiar to him. Are you called to a deeper commitment to Christ? Many times CT didn't know where his next meal was coming from, but he never asked anyone other than God for funds. Is God calling you to live a life of faith, depending on Him for all your needs? How much are you willing to give so that others can have the same hope as you? Do you want to live to the sound of church or are you ready to lead a rescue ship into a hellish yard? Three principles you must respect: Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Christ.Works cited Grubb, Norman CT Studd: cricketer and pioneer. Christian Literature Crusade, 1994www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/