Living in Christ's Presence: Final Words on Heaven and the Kingdom of God

Loved it. Good overview of renovation of the heart. To the point on every subject that Dallas Willard makes in that book

Despite the title laden with all kinds of connotations, this is a phenomenal book. The book is really the summary of a conference put on by Willard and his friend/mentee John Ortberg. The conference was for pastors of churches and it turned out to be Dallas Willard's last work before he died.I listened to the audio of the conference (which was at least slightly edited) and flipped through the book, reading about half of it in review. The book is also cleaned up a bit from the audio version.1. I'm currently on a quest to discern what it is about my conservative christian roots that is so off-putting to myself and others.2. I've always been fascinated by Dallas Willard being such an influential christian while his day job had him in the philosophy department of a major university (USC). From a couple of comments from my Aunt who recently listened to this I decided to start here, at the end of his works.If Dallas Willard had a church, I think I may enjoy it. There are 2 really important pieces from this book that make me think I would enjoy a community with Dallas Willard leading it.1. There is a recurring idea letting go of control in almost every aspect of christianity. One of the most gripping examples is when he speaks of himself as a young pastor: "I thought the way to move someone was to make them feel, not provide them with knowledge." He has since learned that making someone feel is manipulative, and providing someone with knowledge is empowering. If there is any single piece keeping people out of conservative christianity, it is probably this one. He states the problem and applications in a few different ways throughout the book and states it well. Do your best and let go.2. Willard (and Ortberg) puts a lot of emphasis on life now rather than life after death. "Your kingdom come... on earth as it is in heaven" so we are not leaving to go to heaven, heaven is coming to earth. I think between Dallas Willard and NT Wright's influence the conservative christian church is doing a lot better job of this.John Ortberg was a big part of this conference. It seems pretty obvious his goal was to make Dallas Willard accessible and applicable to the pastors in the audience. I think he splits his time accomplishing that goal and also pulling the listeners back towards an organizational, application-at-all-costs misunderstanding of what Willard is saying. Careful not to treat people like machines rather than people/friends Ortberg! Suffice it to say I skipped through a good portion of his talks. At one point Ortberg makes a joke while interviewing Willard that was clearly not the time for a joke, but Ortberg missed the depth of what Willard was saying. I think it was cleaned up in the book, but you will probably notice it if you listen to the audio.Not too long of a book/audio, highly recommended for anyone interested in a "sense of pervasive well-being" (willard's definition of joy) or anyone wanting to better communicate the message of Christianity.

I was given the opportunity to be present at this conference, the last time I saw Dallas in person before He saw God face-to-face. I'm so thankful this book, adapted from the talks at that conference in Santa Barbara are in book form, so that I can review, reflect and remember the things that Dallas taught. One of the most compellingly beautiful picture of God that I refer to often is this quote from Dallas - "The aim of God in history is the creation of an all-inclusive community of loving persons with God himself at the very center of this community as its prime Sustainer and most glorious inhabitant." I was blessed by the teaching of Dallas Willard, as many others have been. His writings, coming from the heart of one who walks with God, have stirred longings in me to love and follow Jesus as my Teacher. His writings have helped me better understand the Trinity and the great love and community that is found in the Father, Son and Spirit. And, Dallas has helped me understand that each day I am invited into a journey of living my life with God - a joy-filled life of following Jesus as a disciple - as one who learns from Him what is good and best and how to life a good and blessed life. This book with the teachings of Dallas Willard and John Ortberg give a great overview to Dallas' teachings on the Kingdom, on the transformed life, on understanding the person, and the importance of Christian spiritual disciplines in the life of a disciple. I encourage you to read and reflect and take to heart Jesus invitation to the good life found in the Kingdom of God.

Deeply Inspiring as all of his books that speak to how to apply the truths in His Word. Thanks Dallas

Even the chapters in this book that are by Dallas Willard's co-author (John Ortberg) live up to Willard standards. Before I was a quarter into it, I ordered two more copies for a family member and close friend. I met Dallas Willard about 16 years ago and had the privilege of a 30-second or 1 minute conversation with him as he signed my copy of "The Divine Conspiracy." Because of that book and the many others he has written and that I have devoured on multiple readings, I consider him a true mentor, and that mentoring continued Big Time when I read a chapter by Ortberg, in which he recounts a telephone conversation with Dallas (p. 144). "What do I need to do to be spiritually healthy?" Ortberg asks. Following a long pause, Dallas replies, "You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." Taken a bit aback, Ortberg asks, "What else?" "There is nothing else," Dallas replies. Those words left me gasping because that is how I live out so much of my day--hurry, hurry, hurry. It's been about three months since I committed to ruthlessly eliminating hurry from my life. And yes, it has made a difference. No, I'm not 100% successful at it: still get into the faster lane when I'm behind a slow-poke driver--but not always. Like virtually every book written by Dallas Willard (all or in part), this one too is a life changer.

Reading this one and notTaken to heart and they will change your life. got to the other two, but any book written by this author, is well worth the money ,time and effort.

Any book by Dallas Willard is a must read.

It's Dallas... what else can I say?

This is a book to read regularly for a tune up. Willard and Ortberg are so tangibly passionate about becoming more like Christ through practising Spiritual Disciplines. This book is outstanding.

So much to learn from this humble man. Dallas Willard speaks with wisdom of a life lived in comtemplation of what is far more important than oneself. So grateful for his insight and perspective.