Nothing does a better job of capturing the essence of Jesus' philosophy than the first eight verses of his Sermon on the Mount. These eight lines, known as the Beatitudes, summarize what it means to follow Jesus. They are the overture to Jesus' gospel symphony, introducing his distinctive rhythms of grace.

If you want to know how your philosophy of life lines up with Jesus, these simple lines will show you. Listen to Jesus. Let his words fill your mind and heart. Explore what he meant-what he means, and then make up your own mind about Jesus. Let the Beatitudes by Jesus be the soundtrack of your soul and you will be moving to the rhythms of his grace.

Doug Webster mentors future pastors at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He has Ph.D. from the University of St. Michael's College, Toronto School of Theology. he and his wife Virginia have three grown children.