Living in Christ's Presence

Final Words on Heaven and the Kingdom of God

By: Dallas Willard, John Ortberg

Narrated by: Dallas Willard

Length: 7 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

Dallas Willard and John Ortberg explore what it means to live well now in light of God's kingdom. They reflect on the power of the Trinity in our lives, the meaning of knowledge, the importance of spiritual disciplines and much more. Dallas Willard offers poignant thoughts about what it will be like to transition into the very presence of Christ in heaven. This audiobook is adapted from the talks given at the February 2013 Dallas Willard Center "Knowing Christ Today" conference in Santa Barbara, California. Each chapter is followed with an illuminating dialogue between Ortberg and Willard. The audiobook closes with the theme of offering a blessing to one another. These reflections comprise an apt conclusion to Dallas Willard's public ministry. It is a gift of grace. A conversation guide written by Gary W. Moon is included.

©2014 eChristian (P)2014 eChristian

Let Go of Control

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 from the conference) 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.

mutual respect between two master pastors

Where does Living in Christ's Presence rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

in top five of spiritual books i have listened to

Who was your favorite character and why?

the interaction between Willard and Ortberg was really vibrant and sincere. they complement each other in many ways, and were good friends too, smart and learned, sincere and honest about themselves and Christianity today. i loved the audio and didn't want it to end!

What about Dallas Willard’s performance did you like?

his accent!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

highly recommended for Christians who seek depth and challenge - not the easy way out, but The Way of Christ, which is joyous

Wonderful

Much of what is in this audio book was not new to me because I've studied the Bible for many years. However, what I did find wonderful is the refreshing honesty of the characters. I have a new outlook on living out my faith that was seemingly right in front of me all this time... I even stopped to post many ideas from the author on FB in attempt to bless someone with the wisdom.
thank you and i will be buying all Dallas Willard's books...

I'M IN LOVE WITH A "DEAD" MAN...DallasWillard!

I'M IN LOVE WITH A "DEAD" MAN...Dallas Willard!

This is a MUST read for all Christ followers...ESPECIALLY LEADERS!

I suggest the Audible version...play it over & over while you're driving. It will Transform your life and give you Clarity & Direction for the Ministry!

TRUST ME, YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

Profound

This book is full of deep profound statements and truths of Jesus , spoken by Dallas in the way only he seems to be able to say it. Obviously a very intelligent but humble man.
It was not too difficult to understand but reaches so deep in my shallowness that I need to jot down the statements and soak in the meaning of it. Something happens to your brain and soul when you are hearing things your mind and heart hasn't truly received properly before.
I would say this is worth listening to again and again and write the profound things down in a journal.
This audio is an actual recording session of which Dallas was speaking at. As well as John Oterberg, a co-author he discipled and mentored.

Dallas’ love for God and for us is so evident in these recordings - it brought me to tears.

I loved this audiobook and I am certain that I will listen again and again.

For those who are seeking a deeper sense of purpose for their Christ life in this time, for those who are exhausted with the roles that they’ve been carrying in their churches, for those who are overwhelmed by the feeling that their one life wouldn’t make a difference- please listen to this.

Dallas’ love for God and for us is so evident in these recordings - it brought me to tears.

I feel encouraged, renewed and more hopeful than ever - without any baggage of guilt or burdened by obligation. Dallas and John get to the heart.

I rarely write reviews- but this one - 💜

I wish you every joy.

Wonderful

Every topic was fully covered and the complex ideas were easy to understand. I really enjoyed the format and that both authors spoke and answered questions Dallas Willard has an amazing way of intriguing the listener.

Rocked my world

Dallas and John have so effectively put into words and language truths that the Lord has been showing me but I didn't have language for. So blessed and so excited to have discovered this awesome godly man. Will be reading many more of his writings and listening to anything of his that I can get my hands on. It all results in me being even more amazed at my Heavenly Papa.

Excellent listen

This is less of a book and more of a teaching seminar, but some really excellent spiritual nuggets in there. So glad I listened to it.

Kingdom living

Excellent practical information on living in God's Kingdom. Conference format. Interesting insights from Dallas Willard.

Brilliant and prophetic

Willard was a great sage and prophet. This audiobook bristles with hope and life in God's kingdom. Some moments are especially poignant - for instance when he quotes from Newman's hymn, Kindly Light, as he contemplates his own imminent death. Willard knew he was dying of cancer when this audiobook was recorded. What a great man he was. Well done, good and faithful servant....

Wow - superb, soul food

Just incredible, wisdom, God centred and not us centred but then does us so much good - did me so much good - highly recommended.

Literally Life-Changing!

The wisdom, explanation and practical application contained in this book is phenomenal! My grasp of the truth has deepened and my faith has been taken to a new level by these two whole-hearted Kingdom-seeking men of God! Thank you so much for this publication; it is truly life-changing!

Really Good Sruff

Gets you thinking differently about some key issues. very worth listening to and reflecting on.

Every Christians must read!

Dallas and Jon really do help in laymen's terms what living in the presence of Chris is and helps us understand our part in the most beautiful relationship you will ever be in.

Absolutely incredible in certain parts

It’s beautiful hearing a living conversation between two great pastors & thinkers who just love Jesus. It actually made me stop in my tracks and rewind quite a few times. Dallas Willard unlocks Jesus in a way for me that few can.