All people seek happiness. Blaise Pascal reminds us, “All men seek happiness. This is without exception. Whatever different means they employ, they all tend to this end … This is the motive of every action of every man, even of those who hang themselves.” Yet most people stumble in the dark and content themselves with living a mediocre life. But there is a better way.
The better way is the theme of Tim Savage’s book, Discovering the Good Life: The Surprising Riches Available in Christ. Savage explores what Jesus refers to as the “abundant life” (John 10:10). The pursuit of the good life is revealed in the tale of three trees. These trees are the focus of the book.
The three trees include:
- The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil
- A Shoot from the Stump of Jesse
- The Tree of Life with Its Twelve Kinds of Fruit
Readers will become familiar with each tree which begins with the fall in the Garden of Eden and proceeds to the prophecy of Christ’s coming and conquest and culminates with Christ making all things new.
Discovering the Good Life is a practical book, one that will serve believers well. It is a good introduction to the Christian life and alerts readers to the promises of God, which must be believed, embraced, and trusted. Ultimately, the good life is found in a personal relationship with God, through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. My hope is that many will discover this good life for the first time as a result of Savage’s fine efforts.
Dr. David Steele has been in pastoral ministry since 1991. He holds BS and MA degrees from Multnomah University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary and a D. Min from Bakke Graduate University. Following graduation from Multnomah University, he served eight years as Pastor to Students at Lacey Chapel. In 2000, he became the Pastor of Theology at First Baptist Church in La Grande, Oregon where he served for over eleven years. In 2012, he became the Senior Pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington.
He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin, and The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church.
At Christ Fellowship he leads the staff, serves as the Pastor for preaching and vision casting, and oversees Veritas (adult theological education) and Iron Men (men’s leadership development).
His personal mission is to positively influence people, impact the world one person at a time and to glorify God by enjoying him forever. His passion in ministry is preaching, teaching, and leadership development. Specifically, his aim is to educate the mind, engage the affections, equip the whole person, and encourage God-centered living that treasures Christ above all things.
He and his wife, Gerrene were married in 1991 and they have two children.
