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The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness
What is true happiness, and how can we find it?
Everyone wants to be happy. We spend our money, time, and energy chasing after “the good life,” and we run ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion on the way. But what if the happiness we’re all striving for isn’t the happiness we were created for?
Pastor and author Dr. Derwin L. Gray believes there is a path to true happiness. It is a life lived with Jesus by embracing the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. As you walk through these words, Jesus invites you into a new life-giving rhythm that cultivates a flourishing, happy, transformative life.
Discover the good life you were meant for.
Everyone wants to be happy. We spend our money, time, and energy chasing after “the good life,” and we run ourselves into physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion on the way. But what if the happiness we’re all striving for isn’t the happiness we were created for?
Pastor and author Dr. Derwin L. Gray believes there is a path to true happiness. It is a life lived with Jesus by embracing the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:1-12. As you walk through these words, Jesus invites you into a new life-giving rhythm that cultivates a flourishing, happy, transformative life.
Discover the good life you were meant for.
256 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2020
109 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
About the author
Derwin L. Gray
26 books68 followersDerwin L. Gray is the founding and lead Pastor of Transformation Church, a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, mission-shaped community with two campuses in South Carolina (Indian Land and Rock Hill), both just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Transformation Church (TC) was recognized as the 2nd fastest-growing church by percentage in America for 2010 by Outreach magazine. In 2011 and 2012, TC was again recognized again as one of the top 100 fastest-growing churches in America.
Pastor Derwin and his wife, Vicki, have been married for 21 years and have two children: a daughter, Presley, and a son, Jeremiah.
After graduating from Brigham Young University, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God's faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Click HERE to find out about the "Naked Preacher" who told him about Jesus!
Pastor Derwin and Vicki began an itinerant speaking ministry in 1999-One Heart At A Time Ministries-and Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, with a concentration in Apologetics. But following God's call on their lives and their desire to shepherd people towards transforming their world through the mission of Christ, the Lord transitioned Derwin from his primary role of itinerant speaker to being the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in January of 2010. Coupling his dynamic speaking style with a shepherd's heart, his intense passion for seeing lives and culture transformed is both contagious and inspiring.
In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is recognized by many as the "Evangelism Linebacker." He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God's Power in a Man's Heart, published in 2010, and Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future, to be released September 3, 2013.
Pastor Derwin and his wife, Vicki, have been married for 21 years and have two children: a daughter, Presley, and a son, Jeremiah.
After graduating from Brigham Young University, Pastor Derwin played professional football in the NFL for five years with the Indianapolis Colts (1993-1997) and one year with the Carolina Panthers (1998). During that time, he and Vicki began their journey with Christ and experienced God's faithfulness and direction as He moved their hearts to know Him and make Him known. Click HERE to find out about the "Naked Preacher" who told him about Jesus!
Pastor Derwin and Vicki began an itinerant speaking ministry in 1999-One Heart At A Time Ministries-and Pastor Derwin went on to graduate magna cum laude from Southern Evangelical Seminary with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degree, with a concentration in Apologetics. But following God's call on their lives and their desire to shepherd people towards transforming their world through the mission of Christ, the Lord transitioned Derwin from his primary role of itinerant speaker to being the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church in January of 2010. Coupling his dynamic speaking style with a shepherd's heart, his intense passion for seeing lives and culture transformed is both contagious and inspiring.
In addition to his role at Transformation Church, Pastor Derwin speaks at conferences nationwide and is recognized by many as the "Evangelism Linebacker." He is the author of Hero: Unleashing God's Power in a Man's Heart, published in 2010, and Limitless Life: You Are More Than Your Past When God Holds Your Future, to be released September 3, 2013.
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June 5, 2020
"You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Psalm 16:11 NIV
"How happy are the people who worship you with songs, who live in the light of your kindness!
Because of you they rejoice all day long, and they praise you for your goodness."
Psalm 89:15,16 Good News Bible
While I was browsing books on NetGalley, the bright yellow cover with the words 'The Good Life' in bold print caught my eye. I read the rest of the title and knew that this was a book that I needed to read. Doesn't everyone want true happiness?
The passage known as "The Beatitudes" (Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 5:3-12 is looked at in depth by Pastor and author Dr. Derwin Gray.
This book is well organized with a chapter for each Beatitude. Each chapter ends with a Prayer, Questions for Reflection, and Things to Remember.
Pastor Derwin uses Scripture, Bible references, and life stories to explain in simple, easy to understand language, how we can live the good life and become joyful and experience true happiness.
The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness is a good book for Bible Study, Small Group Studies, and Independent Study.
**Special thanks to Pastor Derwin Gray for writing The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Thanks to B&H Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC so that I could read it and write an unbiased review. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
"How happy are the people who worship you with songs, who live in the light of your kindness!
Because of you they rejoice all day long, and they praise you for your goodness."
Psalm 89:15,16 Good News Bible
While I was browsing books on NetGalley, the bright yellow cover with the words 'The Good Life' in bold print caught my eye. I read the rest of the title and knew that this was a book that I needed to read. Doesn't everyone want true happiness?
The passage known as "The Beatitudes" (Sermon on the Mount), Matthew 5:3-12 is looked at in depth by Pastor and author Dr. Derwin Gray.
This book is well organized with a chapter for each Beatitude. Each chapter ends with a Prayer, Questions for Reflection, and Things to Remember.
Pastor Derwin uses Scripture, Bible references, and life stories to explain in simple, easy to understand language, how we can live the good life and become joyful and experience true happiness.
The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness is a good book for Bible Study, Small Group Studies, and Independent Study.
**Special thanks to Pastor Derwin Gray for writing The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness. Thanks to B&H Publishing Group, and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC so that I could read it and write an unbiased review. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
May 25, 2020
Reviewing books is always a difficult task. Doing so, when the author says the book is like a "baby" brings the difficult task to the forefront. I was part of a "pre-launch" group. I was given a free digital copy of the book, asked to write a review, and encouraged to interact on Facebook. Further complicating my review is the fact that I really admire Derwin Gray and his gospel work with Transformation Church. Now that these disclosures are out of the way, let's begin.
Should you read this book? Yes. It is excellent. This book is a fine treatment of the blessedness/happiness of the Beatitudes. Dr. Gray's study under Scot Mcknight is evident in his historical data about 2nd Temple Judaism and the Ancient Near East. I'm impressed with his knowledge and ability to seamlessly interweave these truths into the book. For those theologically minded curmudgeons, like myself, new perspective on Paul issues are combated with multiple instances of substitutionary atonement with excellent explanations/applications. Gray is a master communicator. His writing can be consumed at a popular level but there is obvious theological training and acumen present. These things are true for the majority of the book, especially the first 60% of it.
The second half of the book is not, in my opinion as beneficial as the first half. One of the reasons I admire Dr. Gray is because of his work in multiethnic church leadership. His work in this area is commendable and should be modeled. He is more balanced in his approach and application rightly focusing on the new "race" created in Christ Jesus. There are parts in the last 30% of the book that I believe there is an overemphasis on racial reconciliation in the chapters. Please remember, my admiration of Dr. Gray is because of the ways he speaks on racial issues. I have benefited from them.
In these last chapters, there is less of an emphasis on the God-focused implications of the beatitudes and greater emphasis on the man/relational (outward) focused implications. His points are not bad. My disagreements were minor and are centered on generalizations alone. So while I don't disagree with his applications of the points, I just really enjoy reading/listening to Dr. Gray speak about God and the gospel. Personally, I hold to a tight definition of the gospel being God-focused. The outworkings of the gospel, racial reconciliation, justice issues, evangelism, missions, etc are all gospel issues but not big "G" gospel. They are part of the little "g" gospel. If you do not have an outworking of gospel of Jesus in your life, your faith is dead. You must have these types of works. These works validate your faith but they are not your faith. The issues of justice, racial reconciliation, evangelism, etc (outward/external) are, in my opinion, more rightly balanced in his sermons but received more emphasis in this book. His treatment of the God-focused aspects of the beatitudes suffered in these last parts of the book.
To repeat my first point, should you read this book? Yes. It is great. You will be benefited from it. Gray is a master communicator with great knowledge and compassion. His love of Jesus and the church is all over the pages of this book.
My 5-star rating along with my critique is in an attempt to give those, who may be hesitant a thorough understanding of this book. It is very good. You will be encouraged. You will be challenged to think. But more than all this, you'll be encouraged to pray, read your Bible, look to Jesus, and love Jesus. That's the good life, knowing God and being known by him. Thanks Dr. Gray for this work. Your labor of love benefited my soul.
Should you read this book? Yes. It is excellent. This book is a fine treatment of the blessedness/happiness of the Beatitudes. Dr. Gray's study under Scot Mcknight is evident in his historical data about 2nd Temple Judaism and the Ancient Near East. I'm impressed with his knowledge and ability to seamlessly interweave these truths into the book. For those theologically minded curmudgeons, like myself, new perspective on Paul issues are combated with multiple instances of substitutionary atonement with excellent explanations/applications. Gray is a master communicator. His writing can be consumed at a popular level but there is obvious theological training and acumen present. These things are true for the majority of the book, especially the first 60% of it.
The second half of the book is not, in my opinion as beneficial as the first half. One of the reasons I admire Dr. Gray is because of his work in multiethnic church leadership. His work in this area is commendable and should be modeled. He is more balanced in his approach and application rightly focusing on the new "race" created in Christ Jesus. There are parts in the last 30% of the book that I believe there is an overemphasis on racial reconciliation in the chapters. Please remember, my admiration of Dr. Gray is because of the ways he speaks on racial issues. I have benefited from them.
In these last chapters, there is less of an emphasis on the God-focused implications of the beatitudes and greater emphasis on the man/relational (outward) focused implications. His points are not bad. My disagreements were minor and are centered on generalizations alone. So while I don't disagree with his applications of the points, I just really enjoy reading/listening to Dr. Gray speak about God and the gospel. Personally, I hold to a tight definition of the gospel being God-focused. The outworkings of the gospel, racial reconciliation, justice issues, evangelism, missions, etc are all gospel issues but not big "G" gospel. They are part of the little "g" gospel. If you do not have an outworking of gospel of Jesus in your life, your faith is dead. You must have these types of works. These works validate your faith but they are not your faith. The issues of justice, racial reconciliation, evangelism, etc (outward/external) are, in my opinion, more rightly balanced in his sermons but received more emphasis in this book. His treatment of the God-focused aspects of the beatitudes suffered in these last parts of the book.
To repeat my first point, should you read this book? Yes. It is great. You will be benefited from it. Gray is a master communicator with great knowledge and compassion. His love of Jesus and the church is all over the pages of this book.
My 5-star rating along with my critique is in an attempt to give those, who may be hesitant a thorough understanding of this book. It is very good. You will be encouraged. You will be challenged to think. But more than all this, you'll be encouraged to pray, read your Bible, look to Jesus, and love Jesus. That's the good life, knowing God and being known by him. Thanks Dr. Gray for this work. Your labor of love benefited my soul.
May 31, 2020
Growing up I wrestled with the possibility of having a good life. I was born into a life bound by some generational chains of struggle that I never asked for but I had them. As a child having a good life meant simple things life food, shelter and clothes. It also meant hope for a future. As an Adult, many say that I have a good life. They look at my current situation: family, house, car and all these external blessings and ask me how did you go from nothing to where you are now. Until I read this book, it’s been hard to articulate but the pursuit of the good life started with Jesus. My continued pursuit of the good life is still grounded in Jesus. But even as I sit today strong in my faith I still wrestle inwardly and outwardly so much. I couldn’t put this book down. It spoke to matters of my soul in what the good life means when you center the pursuit in the Lord’s will not in our own. I look at my life and the ways I need to go and look at the world and how desperately we need healing and this book couldn’t have come at a better time than this. Pastor Derwin with authenticity, transparency and intentionality uses this opportunity to glorify God and point us all in the right direction if we truly seeking a good life that can only be found in knowing God, living ourselves the right way and loving others as God loves us. I’m so grateful that I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher. I highly recommend this book to all. I know as a reader I’ve been blessed by it.
May 31, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher & wanted to give it a thorough, critical review.
I admit I can be a little hard on Christian books. Too often, the writing tone is too “soft & fluffy” ( full of Christianese & surface level depth) or it can come across as “stuffy & aloof” (making sure to use high theological vocabulary & an attitude of “let me dumb this down for you”). Neither is the case in this book!!
I was amazed at the depth & practicality of each chapter. I felt very much like I was visiting w/ Dr. Gray while he explained in easy to understand pictures & stories, yet not withholding the nitty gritty details that took me so much deeper in my understanding of God & my understanding of happiness, love, & compassion for others.
I read the book through once, then again in sections to get both the overall feel of the content & a closer, more analytical look at each chapter & I know it will be a book that I will read again & again (as well as recommend over & over).
The truths I found in this book blew my mind, brought me to tears, & filled my soul with joy. I won’t throw in any spoilers, but I will say that once you see & understand what an upward, inward, outward life is all about, your life is forever changed. That’s the good life & it lasts with Jesus forever!
I admit I can be a little hard on Christian books. Too often, the writing tone is too “soft & fluffy” ( full of Christianese & surface level depth) or it can come across as “stuffy & aloof” (making sure to use high theological vocabulary & an attitude of “let me dumb this down for you”). Neither is the case in this book!!
I was amazed at the depth & practicality of each chapter. I felt very much like I was visiting w/ Dr. Gray while he explained in easy to understand pictures & stories, yet not withholding the nitty gritty details that took me so much deeper in my understanding of God & my understanding of happiness, love, & compassion for others.
I read the book through once, then again in sections to get both the overall feel of the content & a closer, more analytical look at each chapter & I know it will be a book that I will read again & again (as well as recommend over & over).
The truths I found in this book blew my mind, brought me to tears, & filled my soul with joy. I won’t throw in any spoilers, but I will say that once you see & understand what an upward, inward, outward life is all about, your life is forever changed. That’s the good life & it lasts with Jesus forever!
June 1, 2020
“The Good Life” book It’s one of the best books I have ever read about the Beatitudes. Practical, challenging and deep at the same time. Dr. Derwin is direct, clear and on point.
“The Good Life” invite us to pursue true happiness in 1 step: study Scripture to learn more about true joy in Jesus. By applying the Beatitudes principles to our daily lives, we will be able to achieve an integral transformation in our lives, our family and our community.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher.
“The Good Life” invite us to pursue true happiness in 1 step: study Scripture to learn more about true joy in Jesus. By applying the Beatitudes principles to our daily lives, we will be able to achieve an integral transformation in our lives, our family and our community.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher.
October 24, 2020
I’m trying hard not to be snooty about my reviews - but the prose was rather simplistic and I truly felt the author did not get to the heart of the matter. All in all not my cup of tea and there are books that probe more deeply at the question of happiness.
May 21, 2020
Looking for a book - a really good read - that will benefit you as a whole person and reveal the goodness of life? The Good Life book written by Pastor Derwin Grey (definitely inspired by the Holy Spirit) will gently, invitingly and powerfully open your eyes and heart to the Goodness of Jesus and how it is possible to live happy in this world! This book is a humorous and factual insight into various people’s lives and experiences. It is an opening and defining of the Beatitudes like you’ve never before read. What is your definition of happy? This book will give you peace and hope and an energized new hope for living!!!
June 2, 2020
This book teaches the beattuides in life. To allow God to live in you and through you and live the good life. Great timing. Dr. Derwin Gray is an excellent author. I have really enjoyed reading such an awesome book great read. Reading for me is a little work so for me this started out a little slow but once into it the knowledge and insight is magnificent. "Jesus not only shows us the way to happiness by his life's example, He also teaches and empowers us to do the same." I am so thankful to have received an advance reader's copy of the book from the publisher. This book has truly changed how I think and feel. God bless everyone needs to read this book. Excellent job Pastor Derwin.
December 13, 2021
Nothing written is necessarily false or heretical, but the author definitely seems to push a certain narrative and focus on specific social and racial issues close to his heart. I understand that we all have causes we are passionate about, but I got the sense that he used the topic of the beatitudes to push points he wanted to make rather than starting with scripture first and exploring a variety of applications.
June 1, 2020
I was thankful for the opportunity to read a copy early. Thank you BH Publishers. The message in this book is timeless and so very applicable. Derwin Gray does a very good job being true to the Word of God as he unpacks the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount. He then shares stories from his life and others to encourage and demonstrate the walking out of each beatitude. The true good life is one of deep happiness in following Christ and His ways. True happiness is not pursuing experiences and stuff, but dwelling and acting out of our truest identity.
I highly recommend this book. The chapter on Happy are the Peacemakers is worth the whole price of the book if you are wondering what it looks like to go forward in this season of our country (America) with race issues and more. The book would make a very good group book study, with its questions and reminders at the end of the chapters. I also recommend you check out his social media channels. Derwin Gray's walk and talk line up very well.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher.
I highly recommend this book. The chapter on Happy are the Peacemakers is worth the whole price of the book if you are wondering what it looks like to go forward in this season of our country (America) with race issues and more. The book would make a very good group book study, with its questions and reminders at the end of the chapters. I also recommend you check out his social media channels. Derwin Gray's walk and talk line up very well.
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher.
March 1, 2021
It seems like the market is saturated with books about happiness, do we really need another one? Well Derwin Gray is talking about a happiness that is more akin with what I think of joy and I really appreciated his insights. This practical book about living out the beatitudes in the turbulent world in which we live, full of increasing apparent divisions, anger and pain, spoke about the power of love to heal and transform individuals and communities. A love that laments together, reaches across boundaries, and welcomes everyone to the table.
February 8, 2022
I take an opposite view on the Beatitudes from most, that Jesus is blessing those pre-conditioned to receive his news as good — the poor, mourning, hurting. People who really need good news in that moment. Joyful are they who find themselves before the good news (Jesus). So I don’t agree that he’s passing down a list of prescriptions, contrary to many smarter people’s beliefs.
Regardless, much wisdom to be found in this book, and Dr. Gray is a brilliant and jovial man whose attitude is infectious even through writing. While not a unique book in my eyes, the energy through it all is lovely.
Regardless, much wisdom to be found in this book, and Dr. Gray is a brilliant and jovial man whose attitude is infectious even through writing. While not a unique book in my eyes, the energy through it all is lovely.
June 2, 2020
A great look at the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5. An excellent reminder that we choose joy. Even with everything going on around us joy in the things of the Lord we desire to experience on a daily basis.
May 21, 2020
Derwin writes with the heart of a warrior. I’m telling you - when this book drops on June 2nd, read it, hear it, and do it. I have now read three of Derwin’s books and they’re all worth devouring! “Jesus is able to have this happiness because he is the true version of humanity. Salvation is the restoration of our humanity, and along with our humanness being reestablished in Christ, we gain the capacity to experience real happiness, the God-kind-of-happiness that is reserved for citizens of his kingdom. The happiness of Jesus is available to us.” #thegoodlifebook
December 31, 2021
Honestly this is a good book, Dr. Gray takes a lot of big complex ideas about The Gospel and makes it accessible without it losing its power. I personally think it takes a lot of skill to do that. Would recommend to any friends, especially those in Highschool or college who may just be starting to follow Jesus.
July 26, 2020
Ask 100 people what the ‘good life’ is, and there’s a good chance that you’ll get 100 different answers. Pastor Derwin L. Gray (yes, that Derwin Gray, for those of you who recognize the name from NFL), gives us his take on it in his new book The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches about Finding True Happiness (B&H Publishing, 2020).
And it might surprise you to find that the Good Life doesn’t come from fame as a football player, or riches from a multiyear contract. In fact, as Gray points out, the Good Life comes from things that are completely opposite of fame and fortune.
Take a minute right now to turn in your Bible to Matthew 5: 1-12. Go ahead, this can wait. Spoiler alert, this is what is commonly called the Beatitudes, or the “Blessed Be’s”. You know, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”, and several other things that often don’t seem to make sense. And then Gray tells us that if we suffer all these things in the beatitudes, that we will be happy, and it makes less sense. But there is one little part that explains his thought process, and it’s easy to miss—mostly because it’s fairly obvious. The word used here is often translated as ‘blessed’, but it also has the senses of ‘being in a state of happiness’. (Trust me, he has done his homework on this one.)
And so he walks us through the Beatitudes, and shows us what the ‘good life’ looks like from Jesus’ viewpoint. It’s pretty counter-intuitive, but after a bit it starts to sink in, and I learned that true happiness (the good life) doesn’t come from people or riches, or fame, but rather from the posture of being in God's will and living life in a way that brings me closer to him.
Each chapter with a prayer, some reflection questions, and a few things to remember.
He ends the book by inviting the reader to copy his “happiness manifesto”, sign it, put it somewhere where it will be seen often, and then to live it. And then to help it all sink in (some of learn more slowly than others) he asks us to participate in a 30 day ‘happiness challenge’: each day for 30 days read Matt 5:1-12, read it slowly and carefully, and bask in the life style that provided Jesus so much happiness. You might find that happiness means something totally different than what you’ve been looking for.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of their blogger program. I was asked to provide an honest review
And it might surprise you to find that the Good Life doesn’t come from fame as a football player, or riches from a multiyear contract. In fact, as Gray points out, the Good Life comes from things that are completely opposite of fame and fortune.
Take a minute right now to turn in your Bible to Matthew 5: 1-12. Go ahead, this can wait. Spoiler alert, this is what is commonly called the Beatitudes, or the “Blessed Be’s”. You know, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth”, and several other things that often don’t seem to make sense. And then Gray tells us that if we suffer all these things in the beatitudes, that we will be happy, and it makes less sense. But there is one little part that explains his thought process, and it’s easy to miss—mostly because it’s fairly obvious. The word used here is often translated as ‘blessed’, but it also has the senses of ‘being in a state of happiness’. (Trust me, he has done his homework on this one.)
And so he walks us through the Beatitudes, and shows us what the ‘good life’ looks like from Jesus’ viewpoint. It’s pretty counter-intuitive, but after a bit it starts to sink in, and I learned that true happiness (the good life) doesn’t come from people or riches, or fame, but rather from the posture of being in God's will and living life in a way that brings me closer to him.
Each chapter with a prayer, some reflection questions, and a few things to remember.
He ends the book by inviting the reader to copy his “happiness manifesto”, sign it, put it somewhere where it will be seen often, and then to live it. And then to help it all sink in (some of learn more slowly than others) he asks us to participate in a 30 day ‘happiness challenge’: each day for 30 days read Matt 5:1-12, read it slowly and carefully, and bask in the life style that provided Jesus so much happiness. You might find that happiness means something totally different than what you’ve been looking for.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher as a member of their blogger program. I was asked to provide an honest review
March 2, 2024
Our small group used “The Good Life Bible Study” from the fall of 2023 until we finished in February 2024. This study consists of a book, study guide, and DVD with 8 video sessions (8-14 minutes long). This study is about the Beatitudes from Jesus’ sermon on the Mount as recorded in Matthew 5:3-10. Each of the eight lessons discusses one of the Beatitude verses. Although this study isn’t “bad”, I would not recommend it. We found it to be fairly superficial and not at all nuanced. The author regularly reduced “blessed” to mean “happy”, often saying things like “Jesus is the happiest person to ever walk this earth.” p17.
His examples were simplistic and sometimes could leave an abused person in a dangerous situation. He made a number of conflicting claims like, “Our circumstances do not add or take away from our happiness.” p14 and then contradicted it, “Maybe you feel like you should be in a different place in your life by now? It’s hard to be happy if you think you’re terrible.” p99. Plus this study had a lot of pat answers and cliches like, “God isn’t looking for your ability; He longs for your availability to share His supernatural ability.” p.62. Did God not give us our abilities and does He not desire for us to develop and use them for his kingdom? Gray doesn’t seem to think so.
His lesson on pain was rather insensitive. He said, “Pain sends us into our purpose. Out of broken hearts we cry out to God, and His comforting grace moves us to comfort others. … Biblical lament means allowing your heart to be broken by the same things that break God’s heart, knowing all the while that God is near the brokenhearted. Lament moves us to action.” p30. This may be the case sometimes but many who suffer chronic pain and illness are not able to move into action and all too often, people turn away from God after tragedy.
In the lesson on peacemakers, there was a distinct lack of awareness and protection for abuse victims. It was not appropriate to advise everyone to actively go into places of conflict with the goal of making peace.
Overall this study was lacking in depth and nuance. Our group struggled with its simplicity, cliches, and reduction of “blessed” to “happy” throughout the book and videos. If you are looking for a study on the Beatitudes, there must be something better out there.
His examples were simplistic and sometimes could leave an abused person in a dangerous situation. He made a number of conflicting claims like, “Our circumstances do not add or take away from our happiness.” p14 and then contradicted it, “Maybe you feel like you should be in a different place in your life by now? It’s hard to be happy if you think you’re terrible.” p99. Plus this study had a lot of pat answers and cliches like, “God isn’t looking for your ability; He longs for your availability to share His supernatural ability.” p.62. Did God not give us our abilities and does He not desire for us to develop and use them for his kingdom? Gray doesn’t seem to think so.
His lesson on pain was rather insensitive. He said, “Pain sends us into our purpose. Out of broken hearts we cry out to God, and His comforting grace moves us to comfort others. … Biblical lament means allowing your heart to be broken by the same things that break God’s heart, knowing all the while that God is near the brokenhearted. Lament moves us to action.” p30. This may be the case sometimes but many who suffer chronic pain and illness are not able to move into action and all too often, people turn away from God after tragedy.
In the lesson on peacemakers, there was a distinct lack of awareness and protection for abuse victims. It was not appropriate to advise everyone to actively go into places of conflict with the goal of making peace.
Overall this study was lacking in depth and nuance. Our group struggled with its simplicity, cliches, and reduction of “blessed” to “happy” throughout the book and videos. If you are looking for a study on the Beatitudes, there must be something better out there.
July 7, 2020
If you are looking for a study with heart and practical application, look no further.
Dr. Derwin L. Gray's, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness focuses on the Savior's teachings about the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5: 3-12. They are as follows (Paraphrase):
Blessed are:
1) the poor in spirit
2) those who mourn
3) the humble
4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
5) the merciful
6) the pure in heart
7) the peacemakers
8) the persecuted
When I read the title of this book, I was immediately wary. Why? Fear of prosperity gospel. I do not want to review anything that promotes teachings of some misguided formula of if, then equals health, wealth. No, thank you.
Thankfully, that is not what this book is. It might be the opposite. Dr. Gray breaks down each of the beatitudes through word study and the context of Jesus's teachings and then weaves in his powerful testimony.
So, what are these statements entitled, "Beatitudes"?
Check out this quote from pg. 19 of the book:
"The Beatitudes are a description of how God's kingdom enters man's realm and transforms it. The Beatitudes are a picture of God's people, under his rule and reign of grace, live like on earth. They are the ethos of heaven invading earth. It's like God's people bring the currency of heaven and spend it on earth, enriching everyone's life."
I don't know about you, but I'll take some of that retail therapy.
Ten essential details about the book:
Foreward by Beth Moore
Introductory Chapter plus eight additional chapters, 1 for each Beatitude
Written for easy reading. Dr. Gray knows how to apply his insight to the masses.
Marinate On This section at the end of each chapter with a prayer focusing on the topic
Questions for Reflection
Things to Remember
A Happiness Manifesto is included at the end of the book (Copy it and hang it up)
Thirty-Day Happiness Challenge
Notes Section for those of you who like to cross-reference
My Favorite Quote: "Loving people doesn't require that we accept everything they do. It simply requires that we see people as God sees them–loved, valuable, and redeemable—and then treat them that way." pg. 132
Dr. Derwin L. Gray's, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness focuses on the Savior's teachings about the Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5: 3-12. They are as follows (Paraphrase):
Blessed are:
1) the poor in spirit
2) those who mourn
3) the humble
4) those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
5) the merciful
6) the pure in heart
7) the peacemakers
8) the persecuted
When I read the title of this book, I was immediately wary. Why? Fear of prosperity gospel. I do not want to review anything that promotes teachings of some misguided formula of if, then equals health, wealth. No, thank you.
Thankfully, that is not what this book is. It might be the opposite. Dr. Gray breaks down each of the beatitudes through word study and the context of Jesus's teachings and then weaves in his powerful testimony.
So, what are these statements entitled, "Beatitudes"?
Check out this quote from pg. 19 of the book:
"The Beatitudes are a description of how God's kingdom enters man's realm and transforms it. The Beatitudes are a picture of God's people, under his rule and reign of grace, live like on earth. They are the ethos of heaven invading earth. It's like God's people bring the currency of heaven and spend it on earth, enriching everyone's life."
I don't know about you, but I'll take some of that retail therapy.
Ten essential details about the book:
Foreward by Beth Moore
Introductory Chapter plus eight additional chapters, 1 for each Beatitude
Written for easy reading. Dr. Gray knows how to apply his insight to the masses.
Marinate On This section at the end of each chapter with a prayer focusing on the topic
Questions for Reflection
Things to Remember
A Happiness Manifesto is included at the end of the book (Copy it and hang it up)
Thirty-Day Happiness Challenge
Notes Section for those of you who like to cross-reference
My Favorite Quote: "Loving people doesn't require that we accept everything they do. It simply requires that we see people as God sees them–loved, valuable, and redeemable—and then treat them that way." pg. 132
July 12, 2020
Enjoyable read, despite some doctrinal issues
In his new book, “The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness,” Derwin L. Gray shows us how genuine, biblical happiness is possible.
Published by B&H Publishing, Gray’s 256-page book illustrates from the Beatitudes the road map every believer can take if we want to be happy in this life. It’s not found in material possessions, career success, financial wealth, or even in relationships.
In fact, true biblical happiness is only found in loving the Lord with our whole hearts, while serving the needs of others.
“Often, God will take our deepest sin, forgive us, renovate our hearts, and give us a ministry to serve those who are in the same dark places we were,” he writes (page 105). “This is what the good life looks like. It is a life of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and serving the hurting.”
While Gray’s analysis of true, biblical happiness is insightful, I had some serious issues with his approach to praying for it. After each chapter, Gray has a section called “Marinate on This,” as well as “Questions for Reflection,” which are valid.
However, Gray instructs readers to pray to the Holy Spirit (pages 23 and 45, for example), which is unbiblical. Nowhere in the Word of God are we to pray to the Holy Spirit, nor to Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself instructed us to pray to the Father: “Pray, then, in this way: Our Father Who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name… (Matthew 6: 9-13, NASB).”
Moreover, another issue I had with the text is when Gray refers to us as “image-bearers,” which is clearly a Calvinist term (pages 31 and 165, for example).
But despite the doctrinal qualms I had with the book, for the most part, it is an enjoyable read. He has a refreshing take on what true biblical happiness is.
I gave Gray’s book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received a copy of this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
In his new book, “The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About Finding True Happiness,” Derwin L. Gray shows us how genuine, biblical happiness is possible.
Published by B&H Publishing, Gray’s 256-page book illustrates from the Beatitudes the road map every believer can take if we want to be happy in this life. It’s not found in material possessions, career success, financial wealth, or even in relationships.
In fact, true biblical happiness is only found in loving the Lord with our whole hearts, while serving the needs of others.
“Often, God will take our deepest sin, forgive us, renovate our hearts, and give us a ministry to serve those who are in the same dark places we were,” he writes (page 105). “This is what the good life looks like. It is a life of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and serving the hurting.”
While Gray’s analysis of true, biblical happiness is insightful, I had some serious issues with his approach to praying for it. After each chapter, Gray has a section called “Marinate on This,” as well as “Questions for Reflection,” which are valid.
However, Gray instructs readers to pray to the Holy Spirit (pages 23 and 45, for example), which is unbiblical. Nowhere in the Word of God are we to pray to the Holy Spirit, nor to Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself instructed us to pray to the Father: “Pray, then, in this way: Our Father Who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name… (Matthew 6: 9-13, NASB).”
Moreover, another issue I had with the text is when Gray refers to us as “image-bearers,” which is clearly a Calvinist term (pages 31 and 165, for example).
But despite the doctrinal qualms I had with the book, for the most part, it is an enjoyable read. He has a refreshing take on what true biblical happiness is.
I gave Gray’s book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received a copy of this book free through B&H Publishing. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2020 by Doug S., M.A.
June 24, 2020
We all want to be happy and we start pursuing happiness from a young age. Yet happiness can only successfully be attained when pursued and found in the right place, the only place - in God.
In The Good Life, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, brings this challenging question:
"What if happiness is found by gazing into the face of God in Jesus Christ, and walking in his path of light, life, and righteousness?" (from page 7)
He then brings us to the very words of Jesus Himself known as The Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5:3-12). Through this portion of Scripture, Dr. Gray brings to light the way to learn, live, and pattern of lives.
Each portion of The Beatitudes is unpacked, bringing understanding to the words of Christ, and making them easily applied to our lives today. Each chapter includes a prayer, questions for reflection, and then final things to remember.
A few of my favorite takeaways include the following:
"Jesus is teaching us that the good life is only for beggars. Only for those completely dependent on God to provide every single thing we have. Only for those who hope in him alone." (page 36)
"Suffering produces endurance. Endurance leads to proven character. Proven character produces hope because the love of God is poured into our hearts." (page 54)
"Humility is placing yourself under the grace, glory, and mission of God." (page 95)
"The good life looks like a life of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and serving the hurting." (page 115)
"Mercy is God presenting himself to us in the middle of our mess." (page 136)
"Grace empowers us to grow in holiness." (page 159)
"Becoming a peacemaker comes from the overflow of being empowered by God the Holy Spirit to live a righteous and merciful life." (page 188)
"In God's sovereign goodness, he will take persecution and use it to teach us how to rely on him to provide." (page 214)
This is an easy to read and hard to put down sort of book, sure to be enjoyed by all.
**I was provided a copy of this book by B & H Publishing Group. All opinions are honest and my own.
In The Good Life, Dr. Derwin L. Gray, brings this challenging question:
"What if happiness is found by gazing into the face of God in Jesus Christ, and walking in his path of light, life, and righteousness?" (from page 7)
He then brings us to the very words of Jesus Himself known as The Beatitudes (found in Matthew 5:3-12). Through this portion of Scripture, Dr. Gray brings to light the way to learn, live, and pattern of lives.
Each portion of The Beatitudes is unpacked, bringing understanding to the words of Christ, and making them easily applied to our lives today. Each chapter includes a prayer, questions for reflection, and then final things to remember.
A few of my favorite takeaways include the following:
"Jesus is teaching us that the good life is only for beggars. Only for those completely dependent on God to provide every single thing we have. Only for those who hope in him alone." (page 36)
"Suffering produces endurance. Endurance leads to proven character. Proven character produces hope because the love of God is poured into our hearts." (page 54)
"Humility is placing yourself under the grace, glory, and mission of God." (page 95)
"The good life looks like a life of repentance, forgiveness, mercy, and serving the hurting." (page 115)
"Mercy is God presenting himself to us in the middle of our mess." (page 136)
"Grace empowers us to grow in holiness." (page 159)
"Becoming a peacemaker comes from the overflow of being empowered by God the Holy Spirit to live a righteous and merciful life." (page 188)
"In God's sovereign goodness, he will take persecution and use it to teach us how to rely on him to provide." (page 214)
This is an easy to read and hard to put down sort of book, sure to be enjoyed by all.
**I was provided a copy of this book by B & H Publishing Group. All opinions are honest and my own.
June 2, 2020
Many of us are looking for the good life: financial stability, popularity and that perfect someone. However, many of us also find that the pursuit of the good life leaves us unfulfilled and searching for more.
This book will show you how to have the good life but be prepared for it to look like nothing you expect. Even though I am a Christian, I never thought to look to the Beatitudes for the answer to true happiness. And if you are not a Christian, I encourage you to read this book because you could very well find what you are looking for when it comes to true happiness. Jesus’ first sermon (in Matthew Chapter 5) addresses what it means to be truly happy. In fact, Pastor Gray explains how the word “Blessed” in the beatitudes actually means “happy.” By breaking down each beatitude, Pastor Gray explains how true fulfillment comes from being merciful, being able to mourn, hungering for righteousness-to just list a few. I especially appreciated how Pastor applied the beatitudes to life today with examples from the past to the present. For an example, let’s take the first one: “Blessed are the poor, for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Pastor Gray makes it clear that it is often when we find ourselves with little to nothing, that we realize more of our need for Jesus. He then goes on to sum it up in this way: “Happy are those who declare spiritual bankruptcy, for only then can the riches of Christ fill the bank vault of their hearts with his love and kingdom.” As you read on, be prepared to have your viewpoint of happiness challenged and maybe even a paradigm shift to take place (at least that’s what happened for me). Ultimately, you will learn from Pastor Gray that “the happiness Jesus offers is found in being transformed into a kingdom-of-God-kind-of-person.”
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book from the publisher. I’m also encouraging all my friends to buy this book and I look forward to discussing it with them in a book club soon!
This book will show you how to have the good life but be prepared for it to look like nothing you expect. Even though I am a Christian, I never thought to look to the Beatitudes for the answer to true happiness. And if you are not a Christian, I encourage you to read this book because you could very well find what you are looking for when it comes to true happiness. Jesus’ first sermon (in Matthew Chapter 5) addresses what it means to be truly happy. In fact, Pastor Gray explains how the word “Blessed” in the beatitudes actually means “happy.” By breaking down each beatitude, Pastor Gray explains how true fulfillment comes from being merciful, being able to mourn, hungering for righteousness-to just list a few. I especially appreciated how Pastor applied the beatitudes to life today with examples from the past to the present. For an example, let’s take the first one: “Blessed are the poor, for they will inherit the kingdom of heaven.” Pastor Gray makes it clear that it is often when we find ourselves with little to nothing, that we realize more of our need for Jesus. He then goes on to sum it up in this way: “Happy are those who declare spiritual bankruptcy, for only then can the riches of Christ fill the bank vault of their hearts with his love and kingdom.” As you read on, be prepared to have your viewpoint of happiness challenged and maybe even a paradigm shift to take place (at least that’s what happened for me). Ultimately, you will learn from Pastor Gray that “the happiness Jesus offers is found in being transformed into a kingdom-of-God-kind-of-person.”
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book from the publisher. I’m also encouraging all my friends to buy this book and I look forward to discussing it with them in a book club soon!
July 10, 2020
Happiness. That is one topic that is on the mind of most people. We all want to be happy and enjoy life. There is nothing wrong with that. But could we have a misguided idea about what happiness is and how to achieve it? That is what Derwin Gray seeks to share in his book, The Good Life: What Jesus Teaches About True Happiness.
I have been a fan of Derwin Gray ever since I saw him in the video as the “Evangelism Linebacker” over 10 years ago. Gray serves as the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church which he planted in 2010. I appreciate his heart for people knowing Jesus in a real way. I also appreciate that he is willing to take a stand on the truth of Scripture.
In The Good Life, Gray points to the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 to show what happiness is truly about and how to achieve it. There are so many thoughts about what happiness is and how to get there, it is good to see someone pointing his readers to the truth of God’s word.
The American Dream and the pursuit of happiness – both addressed within the book – seem to have many in the United States of America in a stranglehold. So many people seem to think that if I can just get a nice job, a nice house, a great mate, and a comfortable bank account, then I will be happy. I laugh at this because people have been happy long before the United States and “the American Dream” was around.
I believe that Gray does a good job of walking through each of the Beatitudes and relating them to how they lead to true happiness. I greatly appreciate the focus and weight that is given to the words of Jesus on this topic. Gray also uses both personal experiences and other people’s stories to help illustrate the truths that are found in the Beatitudes.
I believe that anyone who is looking for a good tool to help in the study of the Beatitudes shared by Jesus would find this book to be a good resource. It is solid in its explanation of the text and application to everyday life. There were not any major new revelations that I gained from this book, but it did help think about various ways to flesh out the truths of the Beatitudes.
I would recommend picking up a copy of The Good Life and taking the journey of finding what true happiness is and where it comes from.
I have been a fan of Derwin Gray ever since I saw him in the video as the “Evangelism Linebacker” over 10 years ago. Gray serves as the Lead Pastor of Transformation Church which he planted in 2010. I appreciate his heart for people knowing Jesus in a real way. I also appreciate that he is willing to take a stand on the truth of Scripture.
In The Good Life, Gray points to the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 to show what happiness is truly about and how to achieve it. There are so many thoughts about what happiness is and how to get there, it is good to see someone pointing his readers to the truth of God’s word.
The American Dream and the pursuit of happiness – both addressed within the book – seem to have many in the United States of America in a stranglehold. So many people seem to think that if I can just get a nice job, a nice house, a great mate, and a comfortable bank account, then I will be happy. I laugh at this because people have been happy long before the United States and “the American Dream” was around.
I believe that Gray does a good job of walking through each of the Beatitudes and relating them to how they lead to true happiness. I greatly appreciate the focus and weight that is given to the words of Jesus on this topic. Gray also uses both personal experiences and other people’s stories to help illustrate the truths that are found in the Beatitudes.
I believe that anyone who is looking for a good tool to help in the study of the Beatitudes shared by Jesus would find this book to be a good resource. It is solid in its explanation of the text and application to everyday life. There were not any major new revelations that I gained from this book, but it did help think about various ways to flesh out the truths of the Beatitudes.
I would recommend picking up a copy of The Good Life and taking the journey of finding what true happiness is and where it comes from.
June 2, 2020
If you've ever heard Dr. Gray preach, you know he relates well to everyone regardless of their age or the color of their skin. In addition, no matter where you are in life's journey, there is always something to learn and consider. Everything Derwin shares is based on Biblical truths with applicable testimonies and stories, as well as examples from his own life and some humor thrown in. He is an excellent teacher and pastor. I personally am inspired to read the Bible more because of his sermons. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book from the publisher.
The Good Life is so good! I love how it is organized. Each chapter is based on one Beatitude with scripture passages, stories, and life experiences. There is a "Marinate on This" section at the end of every chapter which includes a prayer, questions for reflection and important things to remember. I would encourage you to not only read this book from cover to cover, but to also "marinate" on it to help it be more meaningful to you. This book has practical advice with straightforward tools for how to find true happiness.
In 1997, I read a book by Neil Clark Warren called "Finding Contentment." I've read that book over and over and have recommended it more times than I can count. It has been my favorite book in regards to finding lasting happiness for over twenty years. Thankfully, I now have The Good Life on my shelf, a more current book on the subject. I will read and recommend it over and over as well. It is greatly needed for the times were are living in today and going forward.
The Good Life is so good! I love how it is organized. Each chapter is based on one Beatitude with scripture passages, stories, and life experiences. There is a "Marinate on This" section at the end of every chapter which includes a prayer, questions for reflection and important things to remember. I would encourage you to not only read this book from cover to cover, but to also "marinate" on it to help it be more meaningful to you. This book has practical advice with straightforward tools for how to find true happiness.
In 1997, I read a book by Neil Clark Warren called "Finding Contentment." I've read that book over and over and have recommended it more times than I can count. It has been my favorite book in regards to finding lasting happiness for over twenty years. Thankfully, I now have The Good Life on my shelf, a more current book on the subject. I will read and recommend it over and over as well. It is greatly needed for the times were are living in today and going forward.
June 21, 2020
Happiness is a goal that we all seek. It is a life long pursuit, and one that is often very difficult. In his book, The Good Life, Derwin Gray takes the words and ideas straight from the only One who can give us true happiness, Jesus. The book contained practical advice from the Bible, using the beatitudes. The chapters includes Happy are the: beggars, sad, humble, hungry and thirsty, merciful, pure, peacemakers, and persecuted.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book included:
“The happiness I seek can never be satisfied by created things. The happiness I was created to experience is not found in happenings. True happiness is more about God making me good than good things happening to me.”
“What if we all showed a little more mercy to those around us? What if we moved beyond tolerance to love? To costly, self-sacrificial, Christlike love? Happy are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
“Humility provides the supernatural ability to turn a foe into a friend, an enemy into family.”
“Jesus lamented the state of things as they were. He was the happiest person ever to live, yet he was still called “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). Lament was not absent from Jesus’ life. He can relate to us in every way.”
“Just like the cross of Christ, out of humility and hurt came help and healing.”
I found this book to be a very timely and encouraging read. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Derwin Gray points us to the only Way to obtain true and lasting happiness.
I received a copy of this book from B & H Publishing, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book included:
“The happiness I seek can never be satisfied by created things. The happiness I was created to experience is not found in happenings. True happiness is more about God making me good than good things happening to me.”
“What if we all showed a little more mercy to those around us? What if we moved beyond tolerance to love? To costly, self-sacrificial, Christlike love? Happy are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.”
“Humility provides the supernatural ability to turn a foe into a friend, an enemy into family.”
“Jesus lamented the state of things as they were. He was the happiest person ever to live, yet he was still called “a man of sorrows” (Isaiah 53:3 NLT). Lament was not absent from Jesus’ life. He can relate to us in every way.”
“Just like the cross of Christ, out of humility and hurt came help and healing.”
I found this book to be a very timely and encouraging read. Who doesn’t want to be happy? Derwin Gray points us to the only Way to obtain true and lasting happiness.
I received a copy of this book from B & H Publishing, in return for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 15, 2020
What comes to mind when you hear the term The Good Life? What is it that makes a life good? Family, friends, financial success? Is it having a job you love or enough free time and money for vacations? Is it power and control? Aristotle, in the Nicomachean Ethics, envisioned “the good life” as consisting of achieving all the goods — health, wealth, knowledge, friends, and so on — that lead to the perfection of human nature and to the enrichment of human life.
Some time after Aristotle, there came an itinerant Jewish rabbi named Jesus who upended that whole system of thought. That’s the good life concept that Derwin Gray is exploring. Not the natural good life of Aristotle, but the supernatural good life of Jesus. A good life that isn’t always easy to understand.
The Good Life is a pretty straightforward book: a chapter of introduction, a chapter of conclusion, and one chapter for each of the nine beatitudes that Jesus gives on the Sermon on the Mount. Gray writes passionately and personally, talking about how each of these countercultural statements have played out in his own life.
Each chapter ends with a prayer, some discussion questions, and a few summarizing thoughts. This structure makes it perfect for a devotional time, however you want to structure it. For me, it was a chapter a day from beginning to end—just about ten minutes for the reading and then however long I felt it necessary to reflect on the questions.
The difficulty with writing about the Sermon on the Mount—and the beatitudes in particular—is that saying something new and exciting about the most famous part of the most famous sermon can be difficult. Every pastor ever has preached over these passages. What does Derwin say that not only stands out, but is worthy of publication?
The highlight, I think, is Derwin’s personal story. Life is story, after all, and Derwin’s is particularly captivating, detailing his journey toward and then in the faith. His writing style is very engaging, like having a conversation with a friend.
However, I do have a few criticisms. Gray mainly treats the beatitudes on a superficial level, never really digging down deep and exploring the issues with much depth—either biblically or applicationally. Unfortunately, it begins at the root. I admittedly didn’t read much about this book before diving into it. It came highly recommended and that was enough. If I had known beforehand that it was an exploration of happiness using the Beatitudes, I may have passed on reading it because I simply don’t think that’s a great interpretation of Jesus’s meaning.
I don’t think Jesus is talking about happiness in the Beatitudes. And that affects how I read the rest of the book. It’s not that Derwin is wrong in any of what he says, I just think there are better passages that support his claims. Gray uses the Beatitudes as a launching pad, but that launch is successful only if the blessedness Jesus is talking about means “happiness.”
The Greek word translated blessed in the beatitudes is “makarioi” which means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances.
What Jesus is saying is that God’s favor rests upon those who are part of his kingdom, and these are the types of people that make up its citizens. A better translation, one that fully grasps the meaning of this biblical blessedness, may be “God’s favor is upon…”
This removes the beatitudes from some sort of subjective emotional expression beginning in the self and changes it into an objective expression of identity rooted in God’s position toward the believer. The opposite of happy is sad. The opposite of God’s favor is God’s disfavor. Reading the beatitudes as simply about happiness infinitely lowers the stakes in living out the “blessed” life.
In keeping with this low-stakes interpretation, Gray’s exegesis of “blessed are the poor in spirit” is worked out in a chapter titled “Happy are the Beggars.” A fair portion of this chapter is spent discussing how believers should empower and encourage the poor. This comes after a closer, but still not quite focus on the sin of pride.
In the end, Gray’s writing is still engaging, enjoyable, and accessible. There’s nothing wrong with his theology, but I’m not convinced the Beatitudes are the best starting point. Since that structure is what guided the book’s content, it really affected how I read it. That’s kind of a technical point, I guess, and it’s one I tried to let go as I read the book. It’s good theology from the wrong foundation, but it’s fairly typical of how the Beatitudes are preached and taught at the popular level.
Some time after Aristotle, there came an itinerant Jewish rabbi named Jesus who upended that whole system of thought. That’s the good life concept that Derwin Gray is exploring. Not the natural good life of Aristotle, but the supernatural good life of Jesus. A good life that isn’t always easy to understand.
The Good Life is a pretty straightforward book: a chapter of introduction, a chapter of conclusion, and one chapter for each of the nine beatitudes that Jesus gives on the Sermon on the Mount. Gray writes passionately and personally, talking about how each of these countercultural statements have played out in his own life.
Each chapter ends with a prayer, some discussion questions, and a few summarizing thoughts. This structure makes it perfect for a devotional time, however you want to structure it. For me, it was a chapter a day from beginning to end—just about ten minutes for the reading and then however long I felt it necessary to reflect on the questions.
The difficulty with writing about the Sermon on the Mount—and the beatitudes in particular—is that saying something new and exciting about the most famous part of the most famous sermon can be difficult. Every pastor ever has preached over these passages. What does Derwin say that not only stands out, but is worthy of publication?
The highlight, I think, is Derwin’s personal story. Life is story, after all, and Derwin’s is particularly captivating, detailing his journey toward and then in the faith. His writing style is very engaging, like having a conversation with a friend.
However, I do have a few criticisms. Gray mainly treats the beatitudes on a superficial level, never really digging down deep and exploring the issues with much depth—either biblically or applicationally. Unfortunately, it begins at the root. I admittedly didn’t read much about this book before diving into it. It came highly recommended and that was enough. If I had known beforehand that it was an exploration of happiness using the Beatitudes, I may have passed on reading it because I simply don’t think that’s a great interpretation of Jesus’s meaning.
I don’t think Jesus is talking about happiness in the Beatitudes. And that affects how I read the rest of the book. It’s not that Derwin is wrong in any of what he says, I just think there are better passages that support his claims. Gray uses the Beatitudes as a launching pad, but that launch is successful only if the blessedness Jesus is talking about means “happiness.”
The Greek word translated blessed in the beatitudes is “makarioi” which means to be fully satisfied. It refers to those receiving God’s favor, regardless of the circumstances.
What Jesus is saying is that God’s favor rests upon those who are part of his kingdom, and these are the types of people that make up its citizens. A better translation, one that fully grasps the meaning of this biblical blessedness, may be “God’s favor is upon…”
This removes the beatitudes from some sort of subjective emotional expression beginning in the self and changes it into an objective expression of identity rooted in God’s position toward the believer. The opposite of happy is sad. The opposite of God’s favor is God’s disfavor. Reading the beatitudes as simply about happiness infinitely lowers the stakes in living out the “blessed” life.
In keeping with this low-stakes interpretation, Gray’s exegesis of “blessed are the poor in spirit” is worked out in a chapter titled “Happy are the Beggars.” A fair portion of this chapter is spent discussing how believers should empower and encourage the poor. This comes after a closer, but still not quite focus on the sin of pride.
In the end, Gray’s writing is still engaging, enjoyable, and accessible. There’s nothing wrong with his theology, but I’m not convinced the Beatitudes are the best starting point. Since that structure is what guided the book’s content, it really affected how I read it. That’s kind of a technical point, I guess, and it’s one I tried to let go as I read the book. It’s good theology from the wrong foundation, but it’s fairly typical of how the Beatitudes are preached and taught at the popular level.
June 23, 2020
Happiness. We all want it. We all want the answers to how to find it. And how to maintain it.
Derwin Gray's quality book focuses on The Beatitudes that Jesus outlined in the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount as the source of discovering these answers. It's a worthy addition to the many books on these great principles of the Christian life. Gray mixes sound theological exegesis with practical examples from both his own life and others to provide tremendous encouragement to all believers that walking with Jesus and yielding ourselves to the Spirit in enabling these principles will lead us to the well of happiness.
Each Beatitude receives a chapter and each ends with both a prayer (these were excellent), some thought provoking questions and highlights from the chapter.
I particularly appreciated Gray's perspectives on the first 4 Beatitudes but wasn't grabbed the same by the final 4, however, it is a worthy read especially if the reader is relatively new to faith and/or isn't so familiar with The Beatitudes.
Recommended.
I received a an early release ebook version from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
Derwin Gray's quality book focuses on The Beatitudes that Jesus outlined in the beginning of His Sermon on the Mount as the source of discovering these answers. It's a worthy addition to the many books on these great principles of the Christian life. Gray mixes sound theological exegesis with practical examples from both his own life and others to provide tremendous encouragement to all believers that walking with Jesus and yielding ourselves to the Spirit in enabling these principles will lead us to the well of happiness.
Each Beatitude receives a chapter and each ends with both a prayer (these were excellent), some thought provoking questions and highlights from the chapter.
I particularly appreciated Gray's perspectives on the first 4 Beatitudes but wasn't grabbed the same by the final 4, however, it is a worthy read especially if the reader is relatively new to faith and/or isn't so familiar with The Beatitudes.
Recommended.
I received a an early release ebook version from the publisher via NetGalley with no expectation of a positive review.
June 2, 2020
Even as a Christian, it's easy to fall into the trap of looking for the next 'thing' to bring you happiness, whether it's your next job, car, house, etc. Our culture has trained us to look for the answers in this world... but we never do find them. This book pointed out everything that I've been missing, even though I didn't realize I was searching; the answer to lasting happiness isn't found anywhere except in Jesus. I can't recommend this book enough for anyone who feels the pressure of the world to do or buy things that will make you 'fit in' or will finally make you 'happy', going with the crowd, and trying to fill that empty hole that we've all felt. It's the missing piece that shows us how to get to pure contentment, and be armed with the "Godfidence" to know that you can get back to the Good Life any time you get off track. Derwin is an incredible pastor, writer, and speaker, and his viewpoint is real and authentic. I have been blessed to have received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher, and I am so thankful for all I've learned.
April 30, 2021
As soon as I got this book for review, I asked myself why I ever asked for it. This is the type of book I generally struggle to get through, and though I’m always trying to incorporate a little more non-fiction into my reading diet, that isn’t always easy. And not only do I struggle to get through these, I also wasn’t even sure I liked the premise.
Well. I think the Lord wanted me to read this, because not only did I find it very good; it also reminded me of a lot of things I hadn’t thought about in a very long time. If you’re looking for inspiration and truth for your Christian walk, read this book. It isn’t particularly long, but each chapter is packed with practical advice and encouragement. This book was a blessing to me, and I’m hoping I can re-read it at some stage. It brought part of the Bible alive to me like never before.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
Well. I think the Lord wanted me to read this, because not only did I find it very good; it also reminded me of a lot of things I hadn’t thought about in a very long time. If you’re looking for inspiration and truth for your Christian walk, read this book. It isn’t particularly long, but each chapter is packed with practical advice and encouragement. This book was a blessing to me, and I’m hoping I can re-read it at some stage. It brought part of the Bible alive to me like never before.
I was given a review copy of this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.
June 2, 2020
The Sermon on the Mount is arguably one of the most impactful messages of all time. It has inspired and challenged millions of people and pointed us to what it really means to live a good life. When it’s so easy to allow our happiness to be based on our circumstances, this book, “The Good Life” points us to Jesus and his grace instead. Pastor Derwin Gray does a great job of walking through the Beatitudes from Jesus’s famous message and shows us how to find joy in a very counter-cultural way. Throughout the book we are presented with a big view of God that produces in our hearts a quiet confidence in God and his sovereignty. This book is theological, but easy to read and straight from the heart of a pastor. It’s well worth your time. This is a book our country needs. I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of the book from the publisher.
June 4, 2020
Derwin is a great asset to the church during this generation. Instead of being comfortable having his church be of one ethnicity, he strategically challenges them to be not only multi-ethinic, but also multi-generational. When I received his newest work "The Good Life" early, I knew that I wanted to hear his words. I knew that not only would they be rock solid theologically, but they would be applicable to my life.
Though the book is based around one of Jesus' most well-known teachings, it was a great experience to see it with fresh eyes. Derwin illuminates the text in new ways and continually drops words of wisdom that anyone can apply to their life. His writing has a good balance of deep, theological concepts while also making sure you know how to live it out during the week.
If you have the opportunity to read this book, I highly recommend it.
Though the book is based around one of Jesus' most well-known teachings, it was a great experience to see it with fresh eyes. Derwin illuminates the text in new ways and continually drops words of wisdom that anyone can apply to their life. His writing has a good balance of deep, theological concepts while also making sure you know how to live it out during the week.
If you have the opportunity to read this book, I highly recommend it.
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