Play Audiobook Sample
Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(4.01) - 997 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
A high school student reared in a Christian home turns to drugs and alcohol. A woman tries to stop criticizing others—for ten years. A father knows he needs more patience with his children, but his efforts seem in vain. // What do these people have in common? They are all in desperate need of further renovation of the heart, of transformation of the spirit. But just what is this transformation? Author Dallas Willard explains that its ideal end is when "all of the essential parts of the human self are effectively organized around God, as they are restored and sustained by Him. Spiritual transformation in Christ is the process leading to that ideal end, and its result is love of God with all of the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and of the neighbor as oneself." // Although you may acknowledge this as the ideal, you may still wonder how to get there? Renovation of the Heart helps to answer that inquiry. It lays a foundation for understanding the ruin and restoration of humanity by discussing human nature and its components, how they operate, and how they are renewed. It describes common misunderstandings about our human nature and the discipleship process. Most important, it outlines the general pattern of personal transformation—not as a formula, but as a systematic process that we have the responsibility to undertake as intentional apprentices of Jesus. Only then will our transformation be accomplished, through interaction with the grace of God in Christ, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual treasures stored in the body of Christ. //We aren't born again to stay the way we are. But how many times have we looked around us in dismay at the lack of spiritual maturity in fellow believers? There's good news. You can experience significant growth in your Christian walk, shed sinful habits, and increasingly take on the character of Christ. Willard calls this "the transformation of the spirit"—a divine process that "brings every element in our being, working from inside out, into harmony with the will of God or the kingdom of God."
Download and start listening now!
"This book is amazing. The very practical explanations it gives on the Christian's part of sanctification (earnest discipline) is unparalleled in contemporary Christian literature. I have never read a Christian book that gives such practical advice on disciplining one's emotions. Willard is so insightful and this book is life-changing. I find myself rereading certain parts from time to time, even after I've read them 10 times. he shows how following Christ is objectively wise and wiser than not following Christ in everyday living, and he goes the approach of objective analysis of the two options, without relying on pretty/flowery emotionalism in his persuasion."
— Chris (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
-
“Many evangelicals will appreciate his fresh and less guilt-ridden approach to Christian spiritual growth. The book is heavily Bible-based, provides discussion questions and includes a chapter on spiritually transforming congregations as well as individuals.”
— Publishers Weekly
Renovation of the Heart Listener Reviews
-
—
Paul Guzman, 9/18/2024
-
" Deep and very rich "
— Kirsten, 2/17/2014 -
" Although there where sections in this book that i found particularly helpful such as the sections on prayer and solitude, I felt like this book was written poorly. The author seems to stray off topic quite a bit. You almost have to read paragraph by paragraph and go back and forth to make sure you know what his point was because it can be a bit confusing. I wasn't too impressed, although he did go into more depth then Henry Nouwen did in his book on the spiritual life in "Making All Things New." "
— Megsprincess87, 2/10/2014 -
" Anything from this guy is deep and helps you grasp spiritual concepts in a very real tangible way. "
— Bryan, 2/8/2014 -
" This book is an amazingly exhaustive description of the with-God life...simply exquisite! "
— Tom, 2/7/2014 -
" Willard is not always an easy read, this book was tedious in parts, but had lot's of good information on spiritual formation and how change happens in a person. "
— Greg, 2/6/2014 -
" One I intend to read yearly! This is the most incredible book I've read on the concept of human nature vs. desiring to be like Christ. It is inspirational and profound! "
— Wendy, 2/5/2014 -
" It seemed as though Willard had some good thoughts on some very deep and emotive topics, but his presentation seemed to me to be sterile and aloof. His perspective about holistic discipleship is refreshing and needed, and I intend to revisit this book in the future under different circumstances (this was required reading for a spiritual formation course), but I was not overly impressed this first go-around. "
— Michael, 1/31/2014 -
" Dallas Willard is a very interesting author, an extreme intellectual in my mind. This book was a great blessing. I loved going through this book in our accountability group. Great thoughts throughout when I was able to understand what he was saying. Undoubtedly I need simple words for my simple mind. "
— Stan, 1/29/2014 -
" Understanding how our heart, mind, body and soul are connected. It is amazing that God has give us a freedom of will. "
— Karl, 1/18/2014 -
" This book has some great things to say, though it is extrememly dry. "
— Nate, 1/6/2014 -
" Another really insightful book that deals about the different dimensions of ourselves, and how working on them one-by-one (and together) can help us shape our lives more and more into Jesus' image. "
— Hannah, 12/7/2013 -
" Definitely a book to treasure and reread. "
— Violinknitter, 9/24/2013 -
" Excellent book...probably the best and most thoughtful book on spiritual warfare that I've read. I will definitely re-read this one...so much to think about! "
— Mike, 9/17/2013 -
" Fantastic! Intelligent and methodical discourse on how spiritual formation is accomplished and what it looks like. "
— Craig, 8/24/2013 -
" If you haven't read Dallas Willard, now is the time to start. I have him up there with Bounds, Wigglesworth, Andrew Murray, etc. You will read, reread, then read again. The best book on spiritual transformation that I have read! "
— Betsy, 5/24/2013 -
" An utterly compelling re-casting of Christian life in an age where the meaning of Christ and his message is lost. "
— Don, 4/7/2013 -
" Read DEC 2003 "
— Stephen, 1/19/2013 -
" This book is very helpful to understanding the process of spiritual formation. The audiobook is read by Willard, and his voice makes it hard to stay with, but it's worth the effort. "
— Ferrell, 1/4/2013 -
" Reading this for a spiritual formation class, finding it tough to read. We'll see, very wordy. "
— Steven, 3/23/2012 -
" if you want to be challenged to live your life on a deeper level, than this is a great book to read. Dallas is so profound, that you should read this in small doses. "
— Jaredfehrenbach, 2/19/2012 -
" Christianity is about the heart. What a change the Lord can make from the inside out! "
— Lindsay, 9/22/2011 -
" Emphasizes the necessity of discipleship for younger readers... the language is a bit more digestable for kids. "
— Kyle, 6/3/2011 -
" Don't be put off by the challenging prose. The book is worth one's time and effort. "
— D.j., 4/26/2011 -
" Christianity is about the heart. What a change the Lord can make from the inside out! "
— Lindsay, 4/18/2011 -
" Best practical introduction to the Christian life I've ever read. "
— Andrew, 12/21/2010 -
" WOW! This is my opportunity to re-wire! Great book!!! "
— Will, 9/7/2010 -
" This version is a little more accessible. It is what I'm using to teach Renovation of the Heart to Altared more than the other version. "
— Brian, 1/21/2010 -
" I love Dallas Willard, but I was disappointed in this book. I did learn several helpful things, but for the most part it was a tough read, and I didn't find it particularly helpful. "
— Christopher, 12/17/2009 -
" Philosophically sound, yet accessible for anyone. "
— Matt, 7/20/2009 -
" Another really insightful book that deals about the different dimensions of ourselves, and how working on them one-by-one (and together) can help us shape our lives more and more into Jesus' image. "
— Hannah, 7/16/2009 -
" I thought I knew what spiritual formation was until I read this book. The perfect sequel to Willard's wonderful "Divine Conspiracy". I've read it 3 times already and it only grows richer each time. "
— Glen, 7/11/2009 -
" Life changing! Not a quick read. You have to stop chew on it, practice and then read some more. I read it twice, highlighting the second time. The second reading was when things really began to sink in for me. <br/>Drink of this water. "
— Aj, 7/5/2009 -
" An utterly compelling re-casting of Christian life in an age where the meaning of Christ and his message is lost. "
— Don, 7/3/2009
About Dallas Willard
Dallas Willard (1935–2013) was a professor at the University of Southern California’s School of Philosophy for forty-seven years. His groundbreaking books The Divine Conspiracy and The Spirit of the Disciplines forever changed the way thousands of Christians experience their faith.