Living in Christ's Presence

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 HIGHLY recommend the Audible version of this book. So much gets lost in the text. When you can listen to the words and passion of both Dallas and John during this conference, it becomes a powerful collection of wisdom, and inspiration to hunger for God in a whole new way.

Dallas is a great writer in Christ our Lord. A excellent read. Dallas is so deep in his writings, I find I must read his books a few times to absorb it all in. You will NOT be disappointed in buying any of Dallas Willard's books.

Great wisdom from one of the most Spirit filed men I've ever read. Dallas' teachings have done as much for my spiritual growth as any other writer. The Gospel seemed small until I read his writings and now I truly get the "Good News." It would be 5 stars but disc 3 and 5 did not have any disc track information so the I could not save the whole book into one file on iTunes.

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.

Dallas Willard is one of the most profound, humble, authentic men of God I have ever had the pleasure of knowing for a short time. His writing is no less than his person, authentic and lived at a level of honest faith. I finished the first chapter sample and was impacted by the accuracy of the truth of his word. He spoke to my heart and my identity in Christ. This book does not fail to teach and move me. I will enjoy the rest of it without a doubt. I do have an issue though. I bought the book via Kindle Store, and the description of the purchase includes the DVD's, or so I thought. I assumed in the reading that I was getting a deal like Ricvk Warren's "Purpose Driven Life" with live links within the book to be able to watch the videos. I was disappointed when that was not the case and feel slightly ripped off. The book alone is worth the $10.00, but felt misled by Amazon and Intervarsity. I doubt that they will do anything, I hope they change the description so as not to mislead others. Buy buy the book anyway. Its worth every penny.

Brilliant as always.

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.

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.

Praise God for worthwhile books like this one!

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