I can't really review this book as I gave up on reading it. I read the first couple of chapters and it just wasn't grabbing me. I think it was a little too much importance on the Sermon on the Mount. Not agreeing with some of the author's saying makes it harder for me to continue reading.

I was sent a copy of this book for free from the publisher. I just didn't end up reading it all. It was pretty easy reading and short book so others might find it enjoyable and perhaps even challenging.

This book is easy to read, and divided into short segments that are good for just going through as a daily devotional. Having read Lloyd Jones' book on the Sermon on the Mount it was really had for me to get into this book - it just didn't have the depth (obviously, it's not 1/4 the length). The author's emphasis was good, but I found his applications and insights all over the place from things that made me think, to things that I thought were taken the wrong way, to things that are really old hat to me. Overall, not great, not terrible, pretty average.

Chapter one starts at the end of the sermon on the mount. It suggests that this is the foundation for the whole sermon - the wise person hears AND puts into practice the teachings of Jesus in the sermon. In discussing the beatitudes he asserts, "Jesus comes along and says, 'The blessed life is knowing that God loves you and you're in God's hands.'" We cannot lives the sermon on the mount until we understand that we are loved and blessed by God. Near the end as he is encouraging people to memorize the sermon on the mount he acknowledges, "The old guys had it right that when we memorize Scripture, it gets into you in ways it doesn't when you just read it." This is a very thought-provoking book.

Enjoyed this book. A great, not-deep, study guide for folks walking through Matthew 5-7. It's general in nature, with some areas of specific application. A very easy to read book, and one that I would work through with a new believer happily. ( )

Excellent book. Challenging, like the words of Jesus should be. I especially enjoyed the part about the positive side of secrets in the watch me chapter. Never thought of it in that perspective. ( )