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Why God Used D.L. Moody
No one knew D. L. Moody better than R. A. Torrey. Torrey was Moody's closest associate evangelist and the first leader of his Bible Institute. Torrey shares seven of the reasons why Moody was such a successful preacher--and successful he was. Moody preached to 100 million people before the invention of public address systems and modern media. Among the secrets are Moody's humility, his absence of any love for money and his passion for souls. Christian Life Books has enhanced the book by adding a short biography of Moody and two of his great sermons. This book is a must read for anyone longing for the kind of power with God that Moody possessed.
94 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1923
27 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
Reuben A. Torrey
539 books86 followersReuben Archer Torrey studied at Yale and in Germany before taking up a pastorate in the United States. As a gifted intellectual, administrator, and Bible teacher, he went on to pastor Moody Church in Chicago and became D.L. Moody's closest associate. In his later years, he traveled the world as an evangelist speaking to millions in Australia, New Zealand, India, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Japan, China, Hawaii, Germany, the United States, and Canada. Torrey edited the last two volumes of the monumental "The Fundamentals" and was instrumental in the founding of both Moody Bible Institute and BIOLA University.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 17, 2026
Why God Used D.L. Moody is short (46 pages), but packs a big punch. R.A. Torrey’s seven points are simple and convicting. Moody was living a life of full surrender to the Lord. He was humble, knew the Word of God, and this world had no hold on him. You can read this book in one setting, maybe in 30-40 minutes and it will have a profound impact on you.
One thing that encourages me most about the life of Moody is that he was a simple man. He didn’t have much knowledge about science, history, astronomy, etc. but he had a fervent love for the Lord and had a deep understanding of Scripture. It’s encouraging to know we don’t have to be the smartest person ever, to be used by God.
One thing that encourages me most about the life of Moody is that he was a simple man. He didn’t have much knowledge about science, history, astronomy, etc. but he had a fervent love for the Lord and had a deep understanding of Scripture. It’s encouraging to know we don’t have to be the smartest person ever, to be used by God.
May 9, 2016
I read this book on the Quad. D.L Moody would share Christ with everybody. He would walk up to stranger and ask, "Are you Christian?", to which, the stranger replies, that is none of your business. Moody would retort, it is my business. A week later, the stranger receives Christ.
This story really made me laugh, for I have never heard of this. One time, Moody invites a little girl to sunday school. She doesn't come that sunday and weeks pass by. One day, He sees her on the middle of the street and walks towards her, on seeing her, she starts running to the next street. Moody follows her, she runs to an apartment. He keeps following, then, she enters a house, Moody still goes on. Finally, she hides under a bed. Moody pulls her and shares Christ. A decade later, she is one of the prominent Christian leaders in that church.
His life could be summed up in this verse, Psalm 62:2, "God has spoken once;have heard this twice: Strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to You, Lord."
It belongs Only to the Lord.
This story really made me laugh, for I have never heard of this. One time, Moody invites a little girl to sunday school. She doesn't come that sunday and weeks pass by. One day, He sees her on the middle of the street and walks towards her, on seeing her, she starts running to the next street. Moody follows her, she runs to an apartment. He keeps following, then, she enters a house, Moody still goes on. Finally, she hides under a bed. Moody pulls her and shares Christ. A decade later, she is one of the prominent Christian leaders in that church.
His life could be summed up in this verse, Psalm 62:2, "God has spoken once;have heard this twice: Strength belongs to God, and faithful love belongs to You, Lord."
It belongs Only to the Lord.
August 11, 2025
Short inspirational relic of the dispensationalist revival under DL Moody
R.A. Torrey has written an informative book on the character and spiritual qualities of D.L. Moody that gave Moody his spiritual success, power, and authority as an evangelist, Bible teacher, and Christian leader. This edition also includes a biographical sketch about R.A. Torrey, the author who was also an important and influential leader in his own right. And this short booklet (less than 100 pages) is rounded out with two transcribed sermons of D.L. Moody, which are important in revealing the strength of his ministry. D.L. Moody cut no corners and refused to compromise his message, a style of preaching that is entirely foreign to the lukewarm, greasy-grace, mealy-mouthed drivel that passes for anointed preaching in the Church World today.
This is an important record of the 19th Century Dispensationalist Wing of American Evangelicalism. Many of the critical reviews of this book reflect more on the religious views of the reviewers rather than the quality or importance of the book itself. For this reason, I recommend this book to even those who hold to entirely different religious or doctrinal positions than those of Moody. Because objectively, there is very good stuff here and it is well-written (or transcribed or whatever the case may be for the two sermons). Moody's ministry work ethic and his inspiring messages are worthy of a re-examination by a new generation of Believers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
R.A. Torrey has written an informative book on the character and spiritual qualities of D.L. Moody that gave Moody his spiritual success, power, and authority as an evangelist, Bible teacher, and Christian leader. This edition also includes a biographical sketch about R.A. Torrey, the author who was also an important and influential leader in his own right. And this short booklet (less than 100 pages) is rounded out with two transcribed sermons of D.L. Moody, which are important in revealing the strength of his ministry. D.L. Moody cut no corners and refused to compromise his message, a style of preaching that is entirely foreign to the lukewarm, greasy-grace, mealy-mouthed drivel that passes for anointed preaching in the Church World today.
This is an important record of the 19th Century Dispensationalist Wing of American Evangelicalism. Many of the critical reviews of this book reflect more on the religious views of the reviewers rather than the quality or importance of the book itself. For this reason, I recommend this book to even those who hold to entirely different religious or doctrinal positions than those of Moody. Because objectively, there is very good stuff here and it is well-written (or transcribed or whatever the case may be for the two sermons). Moody's ministry work ethic and his inspiring messages are worthy of a re-examination by a new generation of Believers.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
January 17, 2024
I would say this book is 3.5 stars. The information is exceptional but I differ with the author on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and the idea that DL Moody was the greatest preacher of that generation.
I believe we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation and that by our obedience, bible study, and prayer we are filled with the Holy Spirit, but there seems to be only a few references to a specific baptism of the Spirit and they all appear in the book of Acts. In each case the recipient is receiving the Holy Spirit after salvation, or at salvation.
Second, Spurgeon was the Prince of Preachers and unfortunately his impact on the local church was restricted to his lifetime, but his impact on Christianity and preaching is still experienced today.
I believe we receive the Holy Spirit at salvation and that by our obedience, bible study, and prayer we are filled with the Holy Spirit, but there seems to be only a few references to a specific baptism of the Spirit and they all appear in the book of Acts. In each case the recipient is receiving the Holy Spirit after salvation, or at salvation.
Second, Spurgeon was the Prince of Preachers and unfortunately his impact on the local church was restricted to his lifetime, but his impact on Christianity and preaching is still experienced today.
June 8, 2023
This short book is one of my long-time favorites. I’ve probably read it ten times now. It reads like maybe it was originally a eulogy for D.L. Moody, the famous evangelist from the mid to late 1800s. It was written by Moody’s close friend and associate, R.A. Torrey. It is so well written that I believe I’ll be reading more of Torrey’s books soon.
January 17, 2018
Why God used D L Moody
This was a wonderful inspiring book. It was easy to read, but very powerful. If you want to seek God and have a closer relationship with him this is the book to read.
This was a wonderful inspiring book. It was easy to read, but very powerful. If you want to seek God and have a closer relationship with him this is the book to read.
October 11, 2024
A stirring read
This book has been a tremendous encouragement to me. RA Torrey so clearly demonstrated that it was not Moody that possessed the power, but it was the power of God upon his life.
This book has been a tremendous encouragement to me. RA Torrey so clearly demonstrated that it was not Moody that possessed the power, but it was the power of God upon his life.
February 28, 2019
Good book
It's a good book. It's really short so it won't take very long to read either. Just read the book.
It's a good book. It's really short so it won't take very long to read either. Just read the book.
March 15, 2019
Short but convicting book!
It took me only an hour to read but I will be meditating on it for much longer! I know I will be referring to my highlights again.
It took me only an hour to read but I will be meditating on it for much longer! I know I will be referring to my highlights again.
December 23, 2019
One of the most wonderful "story of another's success" books I've ever read. Each section led me to search deep within myself and push harder to be more like Moody. Torrey did an incredible job.
January 23, 2025
Vida transformada
Este libro te invita a buscar a Dios de tal forma que tu vida depende de él y que busques ser llenado por el ES
Este libro te invita a buscar a Dios de tal forma que tu vida depende de él y que busques ser llenado por el ES
June 12, 2011
A great and short read on the life and heart of D L Moody.
Read
February 5, 2018Great little booklet! Challenging.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews