The Overcoming Life by Dwight L. Moody

The Overcoming Life Reviews

• 
  Jason Lilly

  I received this excellent book as a Goodreads First-Reads giveaway!
  
  If you're tired of contemporary messages that are watered down by culture and feel-good "self-help" inspiration and contain very little Gospel, you must read some D.L. Moody. This is the way preachers used to get it done, when the message was about bringing people to Jesus and "inspiring" them to follow Him in obedience and in love.
  
  I deeply appreciate D.L. Moody's simple, but convicting way of delivering the Gospel. Reading his words made me long for something that has been lost in a lot of churches in America today: true, Biblical power preached in such a way that it inspires those who hear it and brings them to the feet of Jesus. I wouldn't call Moody's preaching old-fashioned because that would suggest the messages are dated and not applicable to our lives today. No, this message, like the Word that inspired it, is universal, timeless, and applicable to the walk of every Christian struggling to maintain their identity in Christ in a word that rejects Him.
  
  Read this, let its message sink in. Be changed by Moody's powerful prose and divinely inspired directions. This will be a message that will stick with you.
  
• 
  Laurie DelaCruz

  Now I want to read the rest of the books in this series! Highly recommend for any Christian looking to be challenged in her walk with the Lord. It reads like you're listening to him preach, and I feel like I would have loved that.
• 
  Hope

  Dwight L. Moody wrote The Overcoming Life in 1886 to encourage Christians in their spiritual warfare against sin, self and the world. He lays the groundwork for the book with several statements: "It is folly for any man to attempt to fight in his own strength. The world, the flesh, and the devil are too much for any man. But if we are linked to Christ by faith, then we shall get the victory over every enemy." (p.5) And, "My friend, you and I have got a terrible enemy to contend with. Don't let Satan deceive you. Unless you are spiritually dead, it means warfare." (p. 9)
  
  First he addresses internal foes (pride, uncontrolled appetites, envy, etc.) because "an enemy inside the fort is far more dangerous than one outside." Then he talks about outer enemies such as persecution and worldly pleasures. Sprinkled throughout are homespun illustrations.
  
  I am used to the eloquent writings of A.W. Tozer and Andrew Murray, but really enjoyed D.L. Moody's more down-to-earth prose. He is solidly biblical.
  
  
• 
  Adrienne Morris

  Moody is amazing
  
  His gracious humility and friendliness pour out on every page. Though he lived over 100 years ago his books are totally relevant today and offer a lot of comfort and inspiration.
• 
  Nathan Albright

  [Note: This book was provided free of charge by Aneko Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
  
  One of the hallmarks of classic writings that is true for Christian classics as well is the way that great books are in a great conversation with each other. In this late 19th century work, D.L. Moody makes references to the passing nature of fame by looking at what had happened within the last 50 years or so regarding the revival before the American Civil War and the loss of fame for Napoleon III after his disastrous defeat in the Franco-Prussian War, and this book also mentions and engages in a dialogue with a couple of other noted and well-regarded Christian classics in the Confessions of Augustine [1] and Paul Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress [2]. Yet even though this book is clearly a part of its time, like any classic work it speaks powerfully to our own time as well. In particular, this book is a powerful and timeless antidote to the popular and undemanding ragamuffin gospels [3] of our times that provide no encouragement for Christians to live a victorious life against the sin that so easily ensnares us all. For that reason alone this book is a superb and worthwhile addition to one's library of Christian classics, aside from its historical value as being a masterwork from one of the late 19th century's foremost American religious writers.
  
  This book manages to pack a sizable punch in a short 120 pages. The author begins with a discussion of the Christian's warfare, and one expects Moody to go deep into demonology and blame Satan, but instead the author puts a mirror in front of ourselves, starting us right off the bat with a realization of the internal warfare Christians are engaged in against our own fallen human nature and our own warped and bent desires. After two chapters on this topic, the Moody moves on to a discussion of external foes, and then a moving call to repentance on the part of believers, and a recognition that repentance is not merely a one-time act but a continual struggle. After this Moody takes on the subject of Noah's ark and the reality of God's grace even mixed with His judgment. Of interest here is the way that Moody feels it necessary to defend the historicity of Noah and the Ark from the attack of the cognoscenti of his day, proving our culture wars over biblical history in Genesis [4] are not a new phenomenon at all. The author then discusses the gifts of grace and closes the book with a discussion on the seven "I wills" of scripture, turning what had begun as a call to self-examination and repentance into a renewed statement of purpose for godly and holy living among believers. The book is a deserved classic.
  
  Despite the brevity of the book, it serves as a tight and well-organized discussion of matters of importance for believers. The author turns to history and the accounts of believers in biblical times and earlier Christian centuries, turns to more recent history in the United States and Europe, and manages to make a stirring call to repentance. Part of the reason for this is that he puts himself under the microscope and comments that the being he has the most trouble with is Dwight L. Moody, namely himself. By looking at his own struggles as being a microcosm of the common struggles of humanity, Moody manages to create in this book a similar effect to that in the middle chapters of Romans from the Apostle Paul, a desire for believers to be victorious over sin, a recognition of his own intense struggles, and a desire to see his people repent from their wicked ways and begin the long struggle against the "old man" which must be put to death continually by believers over the course of a lifetime spent being transformed into the image and likeness of God through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, that is a message that remains important for Christians to keep in mind at all times for all time.
  
  [1]
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
  
  [2]
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
  
  [3] See, for example:
  
  
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2013...
  
  
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
  
  
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
  
  [4] See, for example:
  
  
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
  
  
  https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
• 
  Josiah Richardson

  There is a stark difference in what one will find in a book named "The overcoming life" written in the late 19th century and a book written in the 21st century with the same title. This one is the better of the two.
• 
  Nicholas Seders

  Pastoral and Practical
  The first four chapters really resonated with me. Honestly - just excellent stuff! I did begin to feel lost when he turned to Noah's Ark; I felt as though he veered from the point, and never really found his way back. That's not to say the second half of the book wasn't practical! I just didn't find the thoughts to be as clearly organized as they could have been.
  Another thing worth mentioning is the style. The book reads as a sermon sounds, in structure and in content. It's tone is pastoral, layered with anecdotes and cross references. Again, not to say this is a bad thing; after all, Moody was one of his generation's most effective preachers! I just thought an interested reader might like to know that it reads like a sermon transcript.
• 
  Jill Holler

  Such practical wisdom. I loved this book; it made me want to live more obediently to Christ.
• 
  richard

  The Overcoming Life ~ D. L. Moody
  
  ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
  
  D. L. Moody was a wonderful man of God whom was used for God's glory. In this book Mr Moody sets out to share how we can overcome this life (living in the fullness of God). He has many practical ways for us to do that, basically he says that most Christians have settled for a life that isn't overcoming, a life that thinks the crown is already won and so we need to sit back and do nothing because Christ did it all. He then tells us how we must overcome and to realise that we are in a battle. He says when we come to faith that's like registering in the army, but after that the real battle begins and so we must learn how to take up the weapons of faith and put them into practice.
  
  Anything from D. L. Moody is worth reading and profitable for the Christian believer, He may have died many many years ago, but His voice is clear and still active to all those who have ears and want to progress in the Christian faith.
• 
  Cynthia Prosser

  I have been interested in reading one of Moody's works for awhile now because my Grandfather was a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. I know a little about Moody through biographic blurbs I've come across over the years, so I came to this book prepared to like it and I did. I was surprised to find the writing so approachable and easy to follow. So often historic theologians write on a difficult and serious level but this book seemed much more conversational in tone. The topics are presented in a straightforward manner and the chapters are broken down with sub-headings that help you keep the topic organized in your head so you can follow the subject of the chapters as well as the overall theme of the book. While that book would work well with youth/young Christians, there is enough depth that older Christians will find it of use also. I found it to be extremely encouraging.
• 
  Musings of a Middle-aged Mum

  D L Moody is one of those names who are renowned for their writings and preaching as an evangelist. Though I don't know much about him as a person, I know the name is considered one of the greats of olden times (yes, I know so little that before reading the wiki link I had no idea what era he lived in!) and that as a Christian, I should at least read some of his works.
  
  This book is very straight-talking. Moody pulls no punches when talking about sin and how it affects us. He does use humour and anecdotes to explain and help convey his meaning, so though it is a blunt book, it didn't feel like he was being accusatory or holier-than-thou.
  
  Being written in the 19th Century, it is written in old English, and all Bible references are from the King James Version, so though it is updated, the language isn't. The other thing that stood out to me, was Moody's damnation of alcohol, and drinking at all. I'm guessing that is part of the social context, as reading about prohibition on wiki, there was a societal movement against alcohol before prohibition became law in the early 20th century. As a Christian who does drink alcohol, I don't agree that we need to abstain entirely, but if it is a problem to you as an individual, then it is certainly wise to not drink.
  
  Overall, though, I'm glad I read the book, and am more inclined to read other books by Moody, or other evangelists of the time (eg Spurgeon).
• 
  Holly Morris

  Good book! A very well- focused book about overcoming our life is a bountiful and resourceful way to be aware that God is our way to guide us and help us confess what is inside of us to cleanse or repent and cast all of our worries to the Lord. This book helps us to know that God comes to save us; not rejecting us. He wants each of us to know we can can overcome our difficulties in life that God is already there for us. I like this book because in my own awakening, I would like to call it as my “cleaning” prayer because of a lot of discipleship in controlling my mind, my body, and my soul.
  
  Holly
• 
  Jaime

  I found this short book insightful into the struggles facing a Christian spiritual warrior. D.L. Moody's classic book still has incredible insight into the battle that Christian's face in this world. It pulls no punches and is uplifting while teaching biblical principles. The acclaimed author and Christian leader lays out the path to being a repented sinner and a true believer in Christ. He presents Jesus Christ as our defender, burden carrier and savior. Finally, the promises of our Lord are laid out so that anyone who wishes to follow the Lord can do so complete trust and a promise of forgiveness, restoration and resurrection. Take the time to tead this seminal work of Christian writing.
• 
  Suzi Smith

  Note: I read an older version - original published 1896, I read the Moody Classic 1995. I appreciated keeping the original language so to keep the originality of the message’s intent. It is amazing to see how the content then remains to be relevant today! (It might look slightly different but down to the root, they’re the same.) Convicting - Comforting - Inspiring.
• 
  Debi Weaver

  Victory in Jesus' Will
  
  Too many believers struggle in the darkness of this world because they fail to claim the LIGHT of the Gospel is a "life-walk" by faith in thankfulness to God who causes us to triumph in Christ.
  Claiming 7 promises in which Jesus said "I will" defines our victorious & abundant life in His righteousness.
• 
  Lance Towers

  Reminiscent of words from the apostle Paul, Moody says, "Life is a battle all the time. So, let us give no uncertain sound." What a refreshing motif today when many want to claim a no-effort kind of faith! I am grateful for the wisdom of this spiritual father from the 1800's.
• 
  Leah

  loved this book. definitely something to read over and over again.
  the truth written in these pages over 100 years ago is very relevant for today's society. Just goes to show that we as people are still the same and Gods word is relevant no matter what generation or time period.
• 
  Eva Yap-Todos

  Love it. Need to read it again. I wish this book came into my hands much earlier. Need to read it soon with the kids as well.
  
  ‘Jesus is not only our sin-bearer but also our burden-bearer.’ Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
• 
  Tim Franks

  I would rate this one a three and a half. Really strong theology and Scripture saturated all the way through this small work. It really is not well organized and hard to follow to at times. Really love some of the old illustrations and stories throughout. Fun read for all!
• 
  Dan Hamman

  Guidance from the life of D. L. Moody
  
  Excellent book by a man who dedicated his life to his Lord. He gives guidance on how to deal with many of the situations we encounter in our daily lives.
• 
  F

  This is a great book. Moody's part is worthy of 5 stars and I appreciate it being put in kindle form but I do have one "complaint." The publishers didn't like whatever version of the Bible Moody used [probably KJV] and "updated" to a modern translation. Though it threw me off, knowing Moody did not use the version the publishers were using, most of the time this was not a big problem. Occasionally it is confusing and doesn't seem to go with what Moody was saying based on the version he used. For instance:
  
  "True Wisdom
  
  Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven..."
  
  But the King James says, And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament;
  
  See the heading "True Wisdom." Not "True Insight." It confuses an issue that doesn't need to be confused for an unspecified reason. I still recommend the book highly but that is a problem when people don't read the book when they change versions from what the author actually quoted.
• 
  Will Bassett

  This was my first introduction to Moody, and I absolutely loved it.
  Biblical and practical, not lacking depth nor simplicity. I will go back to this many times I expect. Very good. Highly recommended.
• 
  Allen Hoessli

  Another Great Classic
  
  Dwight L. Moody continues to positively influence my Christian life. This book had great biblical principles for overcoming in our life here and be prepared for the Glory of God in the world to come.
• 
  Douglas LaRue

  Liked it
  
  Gave clear and helpful advice for me in my life on how to better serve Christ. It was also very interesting to hear what he choose to talk about in comparison to what is talked about today.
• 
  Paul Halbeck

  Good book, plain talk
  
  Excelled book, portraits the Word and God's kingdom in simplicity without wavering. You believe in God also believe in Me, John 14:1.