The Central Idea in the Sermon on the Mount

Main Concepts

• Aim Upward

  • Orient your actions with an upward aim for improvement.
  • Align yourself with the spirit of God or strive for incremental improvements.
  • Ultimate upward aim: an optimal existence for oneself and others.

• Concentrate on the Present

  • After aiming upward, focus on the present moment.
  • Enables the best possible pathway forward.

Example of Abraham

• Abraham's Journey

  • Calls of adventure from God.
  • Commitments and sacrifices essential for progress.
  • Culminates in the offering of his son.

• Lessons from Abraham's Story

  • Foster the spirit of adventure in oneself and others.
  • Committing to adventure can lead to personal and communal benefits.

Discussions and Communal Endeavor

• Honest discussions can lead to mutual learning and improvement.
• Examples of mentoring and communal growth.
  • E.g., Joo who found a better path in mentoring rather than becoming a criminal.
• Aligning personal growth with benefits for others.
  • Leads to a