Deny Yourself: The Way Into the Kingdom of Heaven

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“Some wish to live within the sound of church or chapel bell. I want to run a rescue ship within a yard of Hell.” While this seems like a bold and daring statement for one to make nonetheless it was the declaration of C.T. Studd. We live in a time where such a bold proclamation would be considered radical or extreme. Who would want to live with the ridicule incurred by such a statement? Who is really going to lay their body at the gates of hell and permit no one to pass? In this day and age the answer may be no one. However, it is the exact position God has called each of us who call upon Him to put ourselves in. You may be alone in your stand here on earth, but you have all of heaven rallied behind you sounding the victory cry. It is a journey of faith in God alone. It isn't for the nominal Christian, the partially committed, or even the cool Christian; to take this stand you must “deny yourself and take up your cross daily” Luke 9:23. There are no half-hearted commitments only full surrender to the will and nature of God.

Growing up C.T. (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. These two things were held in high esteem in the Studd household. The year of 1877 found C.T. and his two brothers at Eton College playing cricket. Cricket became more than just a sport to C.T. it was his life. He practiced long hours every day and it showed on the field. Still religion was a Sunday only happening. That is until Mr. Studd was invited to a meeting held by D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey. Through the influence of these men Mr. Studd surrendered his life to Jesus Christ and lived a life of to...

... middle of paper ...

...o hallelujah to what Christ has done with one man’s obedience and denial of self.

The life of denial is not easy. C.T. was often separated from his family, comforts and everything familiar. Are you being called to a deeper commitment to Christ? Many a time C.T. didn’t know where his next meal was coming from, yet he never asked anyone other than God for funds. Is God calling you to live a life of faith, dependent on Him for your every need? How much are you willing to give so that others may have the same hope you possess? Do you wish to live within the sound of the church or are you ready to run a rescue ship within a yard of hell? Three principles you must live by: Deny yourself. Take up your cross. Follow Christ.

Works Cited

Grubb, Norman C.T. Studd: Cricketer & Pioneer. Christian Literature Crusade, 1994
www.pewforum.org/2011/12/19/global-christianity-exec/

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