In a world where anyone with a smartphone can upload a tutorial to the internet, we can instantly be connected to step-by-step directions for everything from deep frying a turkey to changing a tire to repairing a washing machine. It’s great to have that kind of access when you have a question, but have you ever wished that life, in general, had a set of straightforward, simple instructions for how to live well?

It does. We find it in the Bible — specifically in Matthew 5-7 — in Jesus’ preeminent series of lessons called the Sermon on the Mount.

Table of Contents

1. Blessings for Your Journey: The Beatitudes
2. Zest for the Ascent: Salt and Light
3. Foundations in the Foothills: Jesus and God’s Lawas
4. Uphill Struggles: Sexual Sins, Divorce, Oaths
5. Just Keep Climbing: Turn the Other Cheek, Go the Second Mile, Love Your Enemies
6. A Panoramic Perspective: Having the Right Attitude in Worshiping and Serving God
7. Reaching the Peak: The Model Prayer
8. View from the Top: Treasures in Heaven
9. A Faith That Moves Mountains: Do Not Worry
10. Pass On: Do Not Judge
11. Within His Reach: Ask, Seek, Knock
12. Scaling New Heights: The “Golden Rule,” Narrow and Wide Gates, Good and Bad Fruit, Two Kinds of Disciples
13. On the Rock: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

About the Author

Phillip Eichman has been a teacher most of his adult life. He holds master's and doctoral degrees in biology and was a biology professor for more than 30 years. He also completed master's degrees in Bible and ministry at Harding University and has taught Bible courses in Christian schools and served as a Bible class teacher and part-time minister. He is now retired and lives with his wife, Nancy, in Alabama where he enjoys spending time studying and writing. Phillip is also the author of Hope in a World of Hurting, published by 21st Century Christian, and several other titles in the FLEX Adult Bible Study series.