I am currently working my way through the book, The Theology of Dallas Willard: Discovering Protoevangelical Faith by Gary Black, Jr. It is refreshing me on the thoughts and theology of Dallas Willard. The quotes Black gives plunge me back into the thoughts of Dallas Willard, reminding me of what I read over the years. I am also reminded I need to revisit Willard’s great work, Renovation of the Heart, soon. I so deeply love The Divine Conspiracy I forget how powerful Renovation of the Heart was as well.

One reminder I have in my own life as a pastor, and why I started this blog in the first place, is to remind people of what IS possible in Christ. There is a vision of the Kingdom I want to communicate, and it’s a vision I gained from reading Dallas Willard’s works.

There is a vision of what is possible in Christ. The foundation is the Great Commission.

19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:19-20, NIV)

The question Dallas Willard drives home for the church is this: What is your plan to implement that strategy? How are you going to lead people into obeying EVERYTHING Jesus commanded?

That IS the command. It is not to be taken lightly.

Jesus said his disciples would bless and not curse. His disciples would bless those who persecuted them, not seek revenge. His disciples would be satisfied in whatever condition they found themselves in.

It is my task to hold out to myself and to others ALL that is possible in the Kingdom, and then help us implement that plan.

This Sunday has an expectation, as should every Sunday: To keep putting out there the possibility of obeying ALL that Jesus commanded.

Every week I am to hold out to people the vision of what IS possible. It IS possible to OBEY all that Jesus commanded. THAT is his vision for us, and THAT is what we walk toward day after day.