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A Life for Christ: What the Normal Christian Life Should Look Like
It would be good that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them! – Numbers 11:29
In the church today, we have everything buttoned up perfectly. The music is flawless, the sermon well-prepared and smoothly delivered, and the grounds meticulously kept. People come on time and go home on time. But a fundamental element is missing. The business of church has undermined the individual’s need to truly live for Christ, so much so, that only a limited few are seeing their life impact the world.
Dwight L. Moody takes us deep into Scripture and paints a clear picture of what ought to be an individual’s life for Christ. The call for each Christian is to become an active member in the body of Christ. The motive is love for the Lord and our neighbor. The result will be the salvation of men, women, and children everywhere.
In the church today, we have everything buttoned up perfectly. The music is flawless, the sermon well-prepared and smoothly delivered, and the grounds meticulously kept. People come on time and go home on time. But a fundamental element is missing. The business of church has undermined the individual’s need to truly live for Christ, so much so, that only a limited few are seeing their life impact the world.
Dwight L. Moody takes us deep into Scripture and paints a clear picture of what ought to be an individual’s life for Christ. The call for each Christian is to become an active member in the body of Christ. The motive is love for the Lord and our neighbor. The result will be the salvation of men, women, and children everywhere.
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2017
1158 people are currently reading
680 people want to read
About the author
Dwight L. Moody
702 books222 followersDwight Lyman Moody was a predominant evangelist, author, and publisher. Raised on a farm in Massachusetts, he moved first to Boston, where he converted to evangelical Christianity in 1856, and then to Chicago, where he prospered in business. He gave up business in 1860 and engaged in missionary work with the YMCA (1861-73).
He founded Moody Church and preached in the slums, emphasizing literal interpretation of the Bible and the need to prepare for the Second Coming. In 1870 he teamed up with the hymn writer Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), and they began a series of highly popular revival tours in Britain and the U.S. Moody founded the Northfield School (1879), the Mount Hermon School (1881), and the Chicago Bible Institute (1889; now the Moody Bible Institute).
He founded Moody Church and preached in the slums, emphasizing literal interpretation of the Bible and the need to prepare for the Second Coming. In 1870 he teamed up with the hymn writer Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), and they began a series of highly popular revival tours in Britain and the U.S. Moody founded the Northfield School (1879), the Mount Hermon School (1881), and the Chicago Bible Institute (1889; now the Moody Bible Institute).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 28, 2020
Beautiful. Basic. Raw Christianity as it should be. Taught by one of the Masters. Took my time reading it. Assimilating it. Absolutely recommend you read it and internalise it's message.
December 19, 2023
There are some great nuggets of truth in this book. Unfortunately, they're overshadowed by Moody's lack of emphasis on the sovereignty of God. There is a point in the book where he writes that a discouraged Christian "cannot be used by God" and that we must "allow" God to use us. In addition to this, Moody writes like he is chastising his reader, pointing his finger. It kind of feels like you're in trouble or being reprimanded. Perhaps this book just isn't for me.
January 11, 2019
I loved this book!
Now I know why DL Moody was is so loved. While his words are challenging his love for humanity comes through on every page. I feel so encouraged and plan to read more of his writings.
Now I know why DL Moody was is so loved. While his words are challenging his love for humanity comes through on every page. I feel so encouraged and plan to read more of his writings.
May 20, 2019
Whereas I do not agree with all of the author's conclusions, only someone with a heart of stone would not tear up at the stories the author relates on people's devotion to a life for Christ.
May 10, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Aneko Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
This is the second book by the author I have read [1] and is part of its publisher's Christian Classic series [2]. My thoughts on the book are somewhat complicated because although the subtitle of the book suggests that the book deals with the way a normal Christian's life should look like, the book as a whole as the feel that it was written by a minister for others in the ministry, or to ordinary believers about the ministry. This by no means makes it a bad book, but rather gives it a different focus than I was personally expecting when I started reading it. Given this pastoral perspective, the book is written with a greater interest in how congregations and ministers behave than what a Christian life looks like, unless by a Christian life one means the institutional life of a Christian, an area of considerable interest to many of us as believers with a certain focus on churches and congregations.
This is a short book, around 130 pages or so in length, and consists of nine chapters. The first looks at the power of regeneration through the resurrection, the second looks at issues of love, motive, and power with regards to service, the third looks at faith and courage, the fourth looks at the reward of faith, the fifth looks at enthusiasm, and the sixth looks at the power of little things. The last three chapters are extended discussions of Gospel passages dealing with doing what we can, who is our neighbor, and being the light of the world. Throughout the volume as a whole, there is a consistent mixture of personal stories, biblical exegesis, and a resort to the lives of famous leaders of the Protestant Reformation like Luther, Knox, and Wesley. Indeed, Moody seems to use the lives of these famous reformers in a sense similar to that of a Catholic view of the lives of the saints, which is a striking phenomenon to be sure, especially for his time. For those authors unfamiliar with Moody and his thinking, this book is certainly a fair introduction to the way he thinks and writes and is a worthwhile Christian classic.
In reading this book, one gets a fair idea o the concerns that Moody has as a speaker and a writer. For one, he seems to have a particular fondness for melodrama, as evidenced by one story in the book about a young boy beaten by his parents for associating with an angelic missionary girl who ended up dying when a train ran over his legs while he was begging at a railway station. Indeed, overall he seems particularly concerned with issues of missionary focus, and this is the source of much of the book's humor. For example, in one passage the author contrasts the example of a missionary and a big game hunter, both of whom found what they were looking for in India--one of them souls to win and the other tigers to shoot. This is a book whose points are made more through rhetorical attempts at persuasive appeal than through logic, and those whose turn of mind is different than the author's are likely to find some of his reasoning more than a little bit strange and puzzling. That is not to say, though, that this is by any means a bad book. Indeed, even for those whose perspective on the Christian life can have much to gain by becoming familiar with such works that help us see how previous generations viewed such matters. And that use of reading older books as a way of acquiring an understanding and empathy for the people of the past is part of what helps classics like this one endure and remain relevant.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
This is the second book by the author I have read [1] and is part of its publisher's Christian Classic series [2]. My thoughts on the book are somewhat complicated because although the subtitle of the book suggests that the book deals with the way a normal Christian's life should look like, the book as a whole as the feel that it was written by a minister for others in the ministry, or to ordinary believers about the ministry. This by no means makes it a bad book, but rather gives it a different focus than I was personally expecting when I started reading it. Given this pastoral perspective, the book is written with a greater interest in how congregations and ministers behave than what a Christian life looks like, unless by a Christian life one means the institutional life of a Christian, an area of considerable interest to many of us as believers with a certain focus on churches and congregations.
This is a short book, around 130 pages or so in length, and consists of nine chapters. The first looks at the power of regeneration through the resurrection, the second looks at issues of love, motive, and power with regards to service, the third looks at faith and courage, the fourth looks at the reward of faith, the fifth looks at enthusiasm, and the sixth looks at the power of little things. The last three chapters are extended discussions of Gospel passages dealing with doing what we can, who is our neighbor, and being the light of the world. Throughout the volume as a whole, there is a consistent mixture of personal stories, biblical exegesis, and a resort to the lives of famous leaders of the Protestant Reformation like Luther, Knox, and Wesley. Indeed, Moody seems to use the lives of these famous reformers in a sense similar to that of a Catholic view of the lives of the saints, which is a striking phenomenon to be sure, especially for his time. For those authors unfamiliar with Moody and his thinking, this book is certainly a fair introduction to the way he thinks and writes and is a worthwhile Christian classic.
In reading this book, one gets a fair idea o the concerns that Moody has as a speaker and a writer. For one, he seems to have a particular fondness for melodrama, as evidenced by one story in the book about a young boy beaten by his parents for associating with an angelic missionary girl who ended up dying when a train ran over his legs while he was begging at a railway station. Indeed, overall he seems particularly concerned with issues of missionary focus, and this is the source of much of the book's humor. For example, in one passage the author contrasts the example of a missionary and a big game hunter, both of whom found what they were looking for in India--one of them souls to win and the other tigers to shoot. This is a book whose points are made more through rhetorical attempts at persuasive appeal than through logic, and those whose turn of mind is different than the author's are likely to find some of his reasoning more than a little bit strange and puzzling. That is not to say, though, that this is by any means a bad book. Indeed, even for those whose perspective on the Christian life can have much to gain by becoming familiar with such works that help us see how previous generations viewed such matters. And that use of reading older books as a way of acquiring an understanding and empathy for the people of the past is part of what helps classics like this one endure and remain relevant.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
May 16, 2017
Dwight L. Moody's style of writing in A Life For Christ is most reminiscent of modern preaching and is often used in today's post modern world. By this I mean he uses many personal experiences and emotional stories familiar to his audience in which he relates many Scriptural passages. I have often heard similar stories by preachers in Baptist churches in my lifetime. I didn't realize a lot of them came from this 19th century man of God.
Moody's biggest theme throughout his book is lifestyle evangelism: living a life so dedicated to the work of Christ that others will be so constrained by our love for God that they become converted. He emphasizes much the telling of the Gospel to our neighbors, which includes the whole human race no matter how desolate a soul they may be. His best chapters deal with Scripture on the woman, Mary, and her alabaster box as well as the Good Samaritan.
The only criticism I feel should be mentioned is some of the language in use like "inquiry room". I am not sure what this is as churches don't have a labeled room like this anymore. I assumed it was a visitation alter or pastor's office. As a younger person active in 21st century race relations, I also balked at the translation using the word "slaves" for servants of Christ. It didn't bring up images of a dedicated love in the service of her/his Savior, but a negative image of misuse at the hands of a cruel Master. I'm not sure everyone will get that impression, but as an older millennial, I did.
Moody's biggest theme throughout his book is lifestyle evangelism: living a life so dedicated to the work of Christ that others will be so constrained by our love for God that they become converted. He emphasizes much the telling of the Gospel to our neighbors, which includes the whole human race no matter how desolate a soul they may be. His best chapters deal with Scripture on the woman, Mary, and her alabaster box as well as the Good Samaritan.
The only criticism I feel should be mentioned is some of the language in use like "inquiry room". I am not sure what this is as churches don't have a labeled room like this anymore. I assumed it was a visitation alter or pastor's office. As a younger person active in 21st century race relations, I also balked at the translation using the word "slaves" for servants of Christ. It didn't bring up images of a dedicated love in the service of her/his Savior, but a negative image of misuse at the hands of a cruel Master. I'm not sure everyone will get that impression, but as an older millennial, I did.
dnf
February 3, 2023Quit reading about 1/4th of the way through. Book was retitled, and the new title is pretty misleading. This is a collection of sermons, not a planned book with a clear direction or flow. The style clearly shows it was written in the 19th century. My issue with it, and the reason I quit, though, was that rather than exhorting and encouraging believers in their faith, Moody just wanted to complain about complainers. I don’t think he was aware of the irony of what he said. I also didn’t think that all of his complaints were founded on biblical principles, either. He often just seemed to complain because other people didn’t share his views of the “correct“ way to do things. Think of someone complaining because you don’t fold towels the same way they do. The church shouldn’t make moral issues out of things that should be wisdom issues, or out of issues that are completely left to culture or personal preference.
August 21, 2018
I felt like the title was a little misleading. The majority of the book seemed to me to just be Moody complaining. Mostly about people going to the pub instead of being Christians and those that are Christian are not doing it 'right' or 'well enough'. I found it so interesting to see how things have changed since this book was written. I think Moody would despair if he saw the world as it is today!
It was amazing how many anecdotes were packed into this relatively short e-book.
Overall I'm not sure this book gives a particularly good view of 'what the normal Christian life should look like' although I guess it depends upon your specific branch of Christianity. But basically it seems to read that if you aren't out there trying to convert people to Christianity every single day, then you shouldn't call yourself a Christian and God won't be pleased that you didn't try to save anyone else's soul.
It was amazing how many anecdotes were packed into this relatively short e-book.
Overall I'm not sure this book gives a particularly good view of 'what the normal Christian life should look like' although I guess it depends upon your specific branch of Christianity. But basically it seems to read that if you aren't out there trying to convert people to Christianity every single day, then you shouldn't call yourself a Christian and God won't be pleased that you didn't try to save anyone else's soul.
October 1, 2019
I really wish they hadn't re-titled this book. I probably would've read it anyway if it kept the original title, but this change is very misleading. Which isn't to say going out and telling the world about Christ isn't part of a normal Christian life, but that's all this book focused on. I was expecting more about different aspects of life where a person could live for Christ.
That being said, this book does make some very valid points, and I can tell that Moody's heart is for Christ. We as Christians definitely do need to act more like we are Christians in our daily lives, and we do need to be more bold about telling the good news to others. I just feel like some of his examples don't really age well.
It's still a good book. It will light the fire in your heart and make you more open to opportunities to share the gospel-- either through your life and actions or actually talking about it with someone else-- but the title needs to be changed back so it isn't so misleading.
That being said, this book does make some very valid points, and I can tell that Moody's heart is for Christ. We as Christians definitely do need to act more like we are Christians in our daily lives, and we do need to be more bold about telling the good news to others. I just feel like some of his examples don't really age well.
It's still a good book. It will light the fire in your heart and make you more open to opportunities to share the gospel-- either through your life and actions or actually talking about it with someone else-- but the title needs to be changed back so it isn't so misleading.
May 5, 2018
Zeal for the sharing of the gospel
This Christian classic has stood the test of time for a reason; by no means are Moody's thoughts to be dismissed as outdated or irrelevant. The issues of the American Christian in the late 19th century are, interestingly enough, not so different from those of today. Moody preaches zeal for reaching the lost and offers remarkable encouragement for doing whatever little you can toward that end.
This Christian classic has stood the test of time for a reason; by no means are Moody's thoughts to be dismissed as outdated or irrelevant. The issues of the American Christian in the late 19th century are, interestingly enough, not so different from those of today. Moody preaches zeal for reaching the lost and offers remarkable encouragement for doing whatever little you can toward that end.
September 20, 2020
Uplifting and exhorting!
This is a simple yet deep read which made me hang on every word of each chapter with its truths and stories to increase understanding! You will be encouraged to shine your light in every place you step into simply by being an ambassador for Christ through your words and actions. Be an influence for Christ where you are....a simple truth that I need to follow!
This is a simple yet deep read which made me hang on every word of each chapter with its truths and stories to increase understanding! You will be encouraged to shine your light in every place you step into simply by being an ambassador for Christ through your words and actions. Be an influence for Christ where you are....a simple truth that I need to follow!
November 8, 2022
I gave it 4 stars because it is compelling written, but man, can you see the current crop of unlovely Christianity coming.
Mr. Moody was a man on fire, looking for the second coming with all his heart but he tells a couple of stories of him being unkind like they were something to be proud of.
I'm sure he did good work, but I think I'm too currently traumatized to give this book a fair report.
Mr. Moody was a man on fire, looking for the second coming with all his heart but he tells a couple of stories of him being unkind like they were something to be proud of.
I'm sure he did good work, but I think I'm too currently traumatized to give this book a fair report.
May 1, 2018
Given that the author died in 1899, I'm pleased to say that this book is by no means dated. It's wonderful message and the inspiration it conveys is just as alive now, if not more so.
I loved reading Moody's personal experiences and gathered stories of how Jesus has touched the lives of so many. It was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
I loved reading Moody's personal experiences and gathered stories of how Jesus has touched the lives of so many. It was a pleasure to read from start to finish.
February 12, 2019
This book is well-written, evocative, and convicting. Those passages that are most dated are only more convicting today, such as when Moody expresses the remarkable ministry opportunities available thanks to the advent of the printing press and trains. If you read ebooks, you can even buy the kindle edition for free, so even cost should not stop you.
March 23, 2019
So influential-still alive in Spirit
As Moody says tell one person about Jesus every day for 365 days and see how life changes. Bring one person to know our Savior and watch as that one touches 100, etc. The true Law of Reciprocity. If you only read one book this year, read this one.
As Moody says tell one person about Jesus every day for 365 days and see how life changes. Bring one person to know our Savior and watch as that one touches 100, etc. The true Law of Reciprocity. If you only read one book this year, read this one.
December 7, 2019
This was a reasonably good nonfiction book to encourage Christians to work for Christ, to serve and share as my church would put it today. There were a lot rambling anecdotes in this book, but there were several really good insightful quotes and illustrations as well. Some people might find the old-fashioned language to be hard to read, but I just found it amusing.
January 26, 2021
A much needed book for our time and all time!
God is calling us to be a light. What does that mean? This book will inspire, motivate and teach us what being a light looks like!
Like the example Moody uses about the blind man who keeps a lit lantern beside him....not so he can see but so others won’t trip over him. Be a light! In 2021...light your lamps!
God is calling us to be a light. What does that mean? This book will inspire, motivate and teach us what being a light looks like!
Like the example Moody uses about the blind man who keeps a lit lantern beside him....not so he can see but so others won’t trip over him. Be a light! In 2021...light your lamps!
September 30, 2023
What can I say? Moody was gifted by God as a great communicator. Though he had little formal training [approximate 6th grade education] he was widely read and extremely industrious. This volume, like others I have read, is a virtual spiritual gold mine. The illustrations are pithy and solid, the messages are scriptural and sensible and the tone is worthy and heartfelt. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2018
Although written in the 1800s, the lessons in this book apply to Christians today. Dwight Moody did a wonderful job supplying examples from the Bible and day to day life to make his points and teach the lessons.
April 25, 2018
A very thought provoking read
Being in somewhat need of something different and closer to the heart, this book called out to me. It really helped me in my hour of need and turning to Christ and the scriptures was a blessing.
Being in somewhat need of something different and closer to the heart, this book called out to me. It really helped me in my hour of need and turning to Christ and the scriptures was a blessing.
May 26, 2019
Leaving a legacy behind
Helps once see Gods hand in our daily life and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Making a difference as an individual is more than enough to lead other to christ
Helps once see Gods hand in our daily life and that he will never leave us nor forsake us. Making a difference as an individual is more than enough to lead other to christ
January 24, 2022
Wisdom that spans across the ages
This was the first book I’ve read of Moody’s and from every chapter I learned much. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow closer to Christ.
This was the first book I’ve read of Moody’s and from every chapter I learned much. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow closer to Christ.
December 28, 2022
One Of The Best Books On Christian Life
A book on living for Christ.
This was a very good book.
Some truly amazing stories about how Jeus has changed lives and communities.
Great Christian living read.
Would recommend!
4.5/5
A book on living for Christ.
This was a very good book.
Some truly amazing stories about how Jeus has changed lives and communities.
Great Christian living read.
Would recommend!
4.5/5
April 19, 2024
This book is an easy to understand book.
This book is so well written yet simple enough for most anyone to read. This book helped me especially with understanding my need for discipleship
This book is so well written yet simple enough for most anyone to read. This book helped me especially with understanding my need for discipleship
March 23, 2025
Enjoyed reading this book. Will be rereading it again this year. Very informative and great insight on how to be useful to God in bringing in unsaved souls. You are never too young or too old to be used by God.
July 19, 2017
An excellent book to read. Mr. Moody gives all kinds of examples and Scriptures from the Holy Bible to help each person live an abundant life for Jesus Christ.
August 9, 2017
Food for thought.
February 27, 2018
Hard to believe this book was written in the 1800's. I shed a few tears.
July 2, 2018
"By this they will know us..."
August 31, 2018
Surprisingly contemporary
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews