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 South Carolina 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.