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C.T. Studd
C.T. Studd (December 2, 1860 – July 16, 1931) was an English preacher, missionary, and evangelist whose radical devotion to Christ transformed missionary work in China, India, and Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Charles Thomas Studd in Spratton, Northamptonshire, England, to Edward Studd, a wealthy indigo planter, and Dora Thomas, he was the third of four sons in a privileged family. Educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A., 1883), he excelled as a cricketer, captaining Cambridge and playing for England in the 1882 Ashes series. Converted at age 18 in 1878 during a revival meeting led by D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey, he initially resisted a preaching call, focusing on sports until his brother George’s near-death experience in 1883 prompted a full surrender to missionary service. Studd’s preaching career began when he joined the "Cambridge Seven" in 1885, sailing to China with the China Inland Mission (CIM) under Hudson Taylor, where he preached the gospel in rural villages for a decade, often adopting Chinese dress and customs. Returning to England in 1894 due to health issues, he preached revival across Britain and America before serving in India (1900–1906) with the Salvation Army, focusing on the untouchables. In 1910, inspired by a tract titled "The Chocolate Soldier," he founded the Heart of Africa Mission (later Worldwide Evangelization Crusade) and moved to the Belgian Congo in 1913, preaching amidst disease and isolation until his death. Married to Priscilla Livingstone Stewart in 1888, with whom he had four daughters, he gave away his inherited fortune (£29,000) to ministries like CIM and Moody Bible Institute, dying at age 70 in Ibambi, Congo, leaving a legacy of sacrificial evangelism and the motto, "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."
Sermon Summary
C.T. Studd passionately preaches about the boldness and integrity of Daniel, urging believers to emulate his fearless faith and unwavering commitment to God. He emphasizes that true courage involves confronting sin directly and standing firm in one's convictions, regardless of societal pressures or threats. Studd encourages Christians to be 'Dreadnoughts'—those who dare to speak the truth, live simply, and trust in God without compromise. He calls for a rejection of complacency and a commitment to a life of purpose and bold confession.
God's D. D.
Old Daniel was a Dreadnought! If he was here to-day, He'd make it hot for the pious lot Who don't do as they say. He didn't speak behind folks' backs, But met them face to face; He called spades spades, and dubbed knaves knaves, And always proved his case. He neither cared for place nor power, Nor feared the lions' den; A godly cause will lock the jaws Of beasts, or jealous men. Whatever God at any time Might write upon the wall, He'd up and say, without delay, To King and Court and all. Dan didn't say "Belshazzar, Sire, Your faults are peccadilloes"; He hit his sin with a rolling pin, And not with feather pillows. Dan didn't sugar-coat his pills, Half doses didn't please him; To save a life he'd use the knife And bleed a fool to ease him. Old Daniel ran a college once Which turned out three invincibles; A verse or two will let you know What things he taught as principles. Dare to be a Dreadnought, With purpose true and firm; Dare to live on simple fare, And don't become a worm. Dare to be a Dreadnought, Dare to beard a King; Tell him all the truth and don't Emasculate the thing. Dare to be a Dreadnought, Faithful, loyal, bold, Scorning under any threats To worship man or gold. Dare to be a Dreadnought, Not a dressed up "toff," Nor glorified policeman, Nor gun that won't go off. Make a bold confession, Though it means the rod; Dare to kick the devil hard, And dare to trust in God.
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C.T. Studd (December 2, 1860 – July 16, 1931) was an English preacher, missionary, and evangelist whose radical devotion to Christ transformed missionary work in China, India, and Africa during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born Charles Thomas Studd in Spratton, Northamptonshire, England, to Edward Studd, a wealthy indigo planter, and Dora Thomas, he was the third of four sons in a privileged family. Educated at Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge (B.A., 1883), he excelled as a cricketer, captaining Cambridge and playing for England in the 1882 Ashes series. Converted at age 18 in 1878 during a revival meeting led by D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey, he initially resisted a preaching call, focusing on sports until his brother George’s near-death experience in 1883 prompted a full surrender to missionary service. Studd’s preaching career began when he joined the "Cambridge Seven" in 1885, sailing to China with the China Inland Mission (CIM) under Hudson Taylor, where he preached the gospel in rural villages for a decade, often adopting Chinese dress and customs. Returning to England in 1894 due to health issues, he preached revival across Britain and America before serving in India (1900–1906) with the Salvation Army, focusing on the untouchables. In 1910, inspired by a tract titled "The Chocolate Soldier," he founded the Heart of Africa Mission (later Worldwide Evangelization Crusade) and moved to the Belgian Congo in 1913, preaching amidst disease and isolation until his death. Married to Priscilla Livingstone Stewart in 1888, with whom he had four daughters, he gave away his inherited fortune (£29,000) to ministries like CIM and Moody Bible Institute, dying at age 70 in Ibambi, Congo, leaving a legacy of sacrificial evangelism and the motto, "If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him."