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 WillardWhen Jesus directs us to pray, "Thy kingdom come," he does not mean we should pray for it to come into existence.
Dallas WillardOf course, we do the righteous deed because of our redemption, not for our redemption.
Dallas WillardWhat you present as the gospel will determine what you present as discipleship. If you present as the gospel what is essentially a theory of the atonement, and you say, If you accept this theory of the atonement, your sins are forgiven, and when you die you will be received into heaven, there is no basis for discipleship.
Dallas Willard