New book from D. L. Moody Center highlights Moody’s focus on the Great Commission despite distractions
January 31, 2022
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — The D. L. Moody Center (moodycenter.org),one of the nation’s top spiritual renewal destinations, recently announced the upcoming launch of the new book, “Useful to God: Nine Lessons from the Life of D. L. Moody.” The illustrated, full-color book is published by Kingdom Winds Publishing and is scheduled for release at the end of February.
In the book, Dr. James Spencer, president of D. L. Moody Center and author of “Useful to God,” explores the life and legacy of the famous evangelist Dwight L. Moody and identifies nine key characteristics that Moody exemplified. Chapter Nine, “Undistracted,” highlights Moody’s unrelenting dedication to furthering the kingdom of God while remaining focused on the mission. While there are other causes that might warrant attention, Moody was always vigilant and remained focused on his greater purpose.
Spencer states, “Dwight Moody’s concern was that Christians would not be distracted from the Great Commission as they sought to address the evils of the world. Clearly Moody believed in assisting those in need. Yet Moody saw assisting those in need as wrapped up with the gospel. Fixing the world, in Moody’s mind, was not possible without the salvation of souls because there was no other way to defeat sin.”
Due to his focus on spreading the Gospel, Moody continually attempted to put aside political and personal agendas and rely solely on his work as an evangelist. While Moody believed that Christians should be in the political arena, he ultimately wanted his focus to remain on Christ.
“Moody believed that when women and men accepted Christ, the Holy Spirit would convict them and lead them to repentance,” claims Spencer. “To deprive the church of God’s word and unbelievers of the gospel would leave women and men with little opportunity to change.”
In the book, Spencer claims 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. 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 do not walk by sight, but 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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