Contemporary American churches in particular do not require following Christ in his example, spirit, and teachings as a condition of membership-either of entering into or continuing in fellowship of a denomination or a local church.... Most problems in contemporary churches can be explained by the fact that members have not yet decided to follow Christ.
Dallas WillardIn accord with his original intent, the heavenly Father has in fact prepared an individualized kingdom for every person, from the outset of creation.
Dallas WillardA disciple is a person who has decided that the most important thing in their life is to learn how to do what Jesus said to do.
Dallas WillardProjects of personal transformation rarely succeed by accident, drift, or imposition.
Dallas WillardThe acid test for any theology is this: Is the God presented one that can be loved, heart, soul, mind, and strength? ... If it fails to set a lovable God--a radiant, happy, friendly, accessible, and totally competent being--before ordinary people, we have gone wrong
Dallas Willard