New book promises to challenge readers to cultivate better understanding of god’s purpose for their lives

January 17, 2022

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org), one of the nation’s top spiritual renewal destinations, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the new book, “Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody.” The illustrated, full-color book will be published by Kingdom Winds Publishing and is scheduled to launch at the end of February.

The exciting new book explores the life and legacy of influential evangelist Dwight L. Moody, using a list of characteristics of Moody written by Moody’s friend and fellow evangelist R. A. Torrey. Torrey believed that “the reason God used D. L. Moody had less to do with Moody’s intellect or skill as a speaker and more to do with who Mr. Moody was.” These character traits that Torrey identified include ‘Surrendered,” “Prayerful,” “Studious,” “Humble,” and others.

Dr. James Spencer, president of D. L. Moody Center and author of the book, states, “Studying these characteristics is not an academic exercise. Instead, in learning about the characteristics that made D. L. Moody uniquely useful to God, the goal is to begin cultivating these characteristics within our own lives.”

As an evangelist, Moody remained steadfast in his service to others in the name of the Gospel. Founding schools throughout the country, reaching those who lived in slums, and igniting a passion for Christ among many who heard him speak, Moody left a remarkable legacy for those who study his work and influence.

Spencer argues that what made Moody so successful in his ministry—and why he’s continuing to be relevant in modern times—is that his mission was to be beneficial to the kingdom of God, not for his own self-profit. This example, Spencer claims, is the best model for modern Christians who can get distracted by the chaos of the world.

Spencer states, “‘Useful to God’ serves as a reminder that our most powerful witness to God and the gospel comes as we delight in God’s instruction, sit at the feet of Jesus, and follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Our best work happens when we look with eyes that see and listen with ears that hear so that we walk by faith, not by faith.”

For more information about “Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody,” click here.

The D.L. Moody Center is an independent non-profit organization located in Northfield, Massachusetts. Dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of Dwight Moody, the D. L. Moody Center is a catalyst for spiritual formation in New England and beyond through evangelism and discipleship.

The D. L. Moody Center is a destination for spiritual renewal, yet not a school. Nevertheless, there is much to learn by studying D. L. Moody and what God accomplished through his life which began in New England, at the Northfield, Massachusetts campus, the heart of Moody’s ministry as well as his childhood home.

The D. L. Moody Center is honored to sponsor the annual “Go Dark, Shine Bright” ministry campaign in partnership with The Shine Bright Project. The innovative initiative is designed to help Christians let go of the daily distractions of social media and focus on daily devotions in the Word of God.

Learn more about D. L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter.   

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