by Dr. Tom Cowley and Mrs. Karen Cowley
As we think about marriage, family and living in harmony, Dr. and Mrs. Cowley share their ideas and thinking by focusing on three basic foundations:
1. Focus on a close discipleship relationship with Jesus
2. Start with a simple Christ-centered theology
3. Realize that marriage and family are at the center of the Christian walk and life
In this article, we will focus on the second foundation.
The four base locations of the ministry allow us to start with a simple Christ centered theology.
Dr. Leonard Sweet, author and theologian, delivered a sermon on the “Hour of Power” (January, 2003) television service from the Crystal Cathedral. He shared a six-word simple theology: Come Down, Come Out, and Come Home. I have adapted Dr. Sweet’s “simple theology” to eight words that are tied to the four base locations used in this Guide. They present a journey for each section of this Guide to open up dialog on the basics of Christian theology.
| Place |
Journey Theology |
Scripture & Author’s Comments |
| Nazareth |
Come down |
Jesus came down from Heaven with “God’s Word (Logos)” and truth for all people to receive his light (John 1). |
| Capernaum |
Come follow |
As Jesus called his disciples he said “Come follow me” (Matthew 4:19a). His call remains the same today to people. Find the way to truth. Follow his teachings and love principles. |
| Judea / Perea |
Come live |
In teaching his disciples, Jesus calls us to live for him. The “Smiling Jesus” statue on the cover reminds us that he has come that we might live life “to the full” (John 10:10b). |
| Jerusalem |
Come home |
Passion Week in Jerusalem is the story of Jesus saying in the Upper Room to his disciples: ”I am going to prepare a place for you that you also may be where I am going” (John 14:3-4). | |
This journey theology helps us understand the life of Jesus. He came to improve the whole world and help people develop purpose on life’s journey.
