Bible study groups form the backbone of Cornell Graduate Christian Fellowship. We believe that the study of God's word is both meaningful and useful. We emphasize a text-driven style of study with lots of discussion, and seek to apply the principles we find in the Bible to our daily lives. Our weekly times together also involve singing, prayer and, of course, socializing.
On this page, we keep an archive of studies conducted in previous years. If you have any information to add to what is already here, especially regarding the time before 2003, please let me know (sd h 33 ©REMOVE THIS PHRASE·c ornel l · edu) so that I can finish this resource.
Studies took place Thursday nights at Crossroads, with a common time of worship, followed by individual studies.
Ecclesiastes
In this study we will try to determine the meaning (or meaninglessness) of
life through the eyes of the teacher and author of Ecclesiastes. We will
try to understand his view of life and God. We will also keep an eye on
the new knowledge we have gained through the coming of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Led by Steve Kirby
Spiritual Disciplines
In this study we will be discussing the purpose of spiritual disciplines
and how to practice them. Each of the classical disciplines will be
covered, approximately one per week or perhaps every two weeks. We will
be guided by appropriate scripture passages and Richard Foster's
"Celebration of Discipline".
Led by Erin Recktenwald
Monday Night - Following Christ in Grad School (Fall) / Parables of Jesus (Spring)
This is a group especially for first-year grads (but open to
anyone!). We will be thinking together about what it means to be a
Christian and a graduate student and studying a variety of Bible
passages on a topical basis. We will be firm on our ending time
of 9 pm.
At Crossroads, led by Amy Richter, Robert Bode, and Geoff Recktenwald.
Tuesday Night - The Gospel of Matthew
In this study, we will seek to grow in our knowledge of Jesus' kingdom,
ministry, and teachings via a detailed study of the book of Matthew.
There should be plenty of stimulating discussions, so come join in!
At Heather and Heidi's apartment, led by Ray Fertig and Steve Kirby.
Wednesday (F)/Thursday (S) Night - Minor Prophets
In the fall, we studied the books of Amos and Micah, with strong
themes of social justice, Messianic expectations, and a flair for the
dramatic! This spring, we will study Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, and
Malachi.
At Chris and Heather's house, led by Jason Slinker, Joe Kirtland, and Jen Lee.
Friday Lunch Book Discussion (Fall)
Lauren F. Winner, Real Sex: The naked truth about chastity.
At Anabel Taylor Cul-de-Snac, Fridays at noon, led by Thea Sircar.
Studies took place Tuesday nights at Crossroads, with a common time of worship, followed by individual studies.
Pastoral Epistles
We will look at the letters to Titus and Timothy.
Led by Steve Kirby
The Return from Exile
We will study the books of Ezra, Nehemaiah, and Haggai.
Led by Ray Fertig
Monday Night - Following Christ in Grad School (Fall) / Acts (Spring)
This is a group especially for first-year grads (but open to
anyone!). We will be thinking together about what it means to be a
Christian and a graduate student and studying a variety of Bible
passages on a topical basis. We will be firm on our ending time
of 9 pm.
At Crossroads, led by Christian Anible, Amy Richter, and Atsushi Maekawa.
Tuesday Night - Kingdom Divided
We will be studying 1 and 2 Kings. Beginning with the death of King
David, we will be looking at the history of Israel through the division
of the kingdom and exiles of Israel and Judah.
At Steve and Geoff's apartment, led by Dan Johnson, Steve Kirby, Josh Bowman,
and Jason Slinker.
Wednesday Night - Hebrews: A Better Covenant with Better Promises
Why can we have a steadfast faith? Why can we approach the throne
of grace with boldness? How was the New Covenant foreshadowed by the
Old? Come find out as we carefully examine the book of Hebrews!
At Joe's apartment, led by Ray Fertig and Rebecca Geiger.
Thursday Night - Fruit of the Spirit (Fall) / 1 Peter (Spring)
Gal 5:22-23 But the Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
longsuffering, kindness, gentleness, self-control. Against such things
there is no law.
Come join us as we examine, through God's Word
and personal experiences, how being led by the Spirit can result in
each of these fruits
and the impact they have on our hearts
and actions toward others.
At Chris and Heather's apartment, led by Chris St. Amand, Geoff Recktenwald,
and Jen Lee.
Studies took place Tuesday nights at Crossroads, with a common time of worship, followed by individual studies.
As Iron Sharpens Iron...
Each week, a different person will prepare a short
talk on a topic of his/her choice, then lead a discussion about that topic.
Led by Ray Fertig and Geoff Recktenwald, and others in turn
Psalms
A topical study of the book of Psalms.
Led by Kevin Hamlen and Dan Johnson, and others in turn
Tuesday Night - A Study of David; From Shepherd Boy to King of Israel
A study covering the life of King David from childhood to his
ascension to the throne of Judah. This study should not only shed
light on the strengths and weaknesses of David, but more importantly
on the character of God.
At Joe's house; led by Ray Fertig, Joe Kirtland, and Andrew Yeo.
Wednesday Night - A Study of Romans
The Wednesday study will be studying the book of Romans. Often
cited as the most systematic of Paul's letters, Romans candidly
addresses such timeless questions as, Why does evil exist?
,
If all we need is Jesus, what's the point of the Ten
Commandments?
, and Do people believe in God because they choose
to or because God predestines it?
Come and be amazed at Paul's
answers!
At Geoff & Steve's house; led by Kevin Hamlen, Kwang Taik Kim,
and Matthew Smith
Thursday Night - The Gospel of Luke
This is a group especially for first-year grads . . . but open to
anyone! It's co-led by Christian Anible (InterVarsity campus staff)
and three students, Jason, Erin & Jen. We will be thinking together
about what it means to be a Christian and a graduate student and
studying the gospel of Luke. We will be firm on our ending time of
9:00 p.m., so you'll still have prime study time when we're done!
At Crossroads Life Center; led by Christian Anible, Jason Slinker,
Jennifer Lee, and Erin Peterson
Studies took place Tuesday nights at Crossroads, with a common time of worship, followed by individual studies.
Judges
Led by Ray Fertig, and others in turn
Revelations
Led by Kevin Hamlen and Geoff Recktenwald, and others in turn
Tuesday Night - Colossians and Philippians
Looking at Paul's letters from prison,
Philippians and Colossians.
At Crossroads; led by Kevin Hamlen, Rebecca Geiger, and Joern Seigies
Wednesday Night - Mark
A straight-through study of Mark, the
"action narrative" gospel, with discussion and applications.
At Leah and Jeff Chock's house; led by Jason Bode and Jason Slinker
Thursday Night - First Year Study / John
Fall semester, a series of studies from Genesis through Revelations called "Be Not Afraid", specifically focusing on what it means to be Christian and a grad student. Spring semester, Gospel of John, with chances for different students to lead particular weeks. Led by Christian Anible and Geoff Recktenwald
Thursday Night - First Year Study / Daniel
Fall semester, "Be Not Afraid". Spring semester, the Book of Daniel, with chances for different students to lead particular weeks. Led by Dan Johnson
Ephesians
Led by Dan Johnson and ?
Ninevah
Jonah, 2 Chronicles, Nahum. Led by Kevin Hamlen
Tuesday Night - Deuteronomy
At Crossroads; led by Kevin Hamlen and Joern Seigies
Wednesday Night - 2 Corinthians / 1-2 Timothy / Titus
At Leah and Jeff Chock's house; led by Dan Johnson
Thursday Night - First Year Study: "Be Not Afraid"
Led by Kelly Saikonen and ?
Ecclesiastes
Led by Kevin Hamlen (at Crossroads)
Tuesday Night - Mark manuscript study
At Crossroads; led by Joern Seigies, Karl Ecklund, and Dan Johnson, and others in turn
Wednesday Night - Isaiah
At Leah Chock and Kathleen Vogel's apt; led by Jenny Hampton and Troy Richards, and others in turn.
Thursday Night - Romans
At Alan and Tina Demlow's apt. (Maple Hill); led by Kevin Hamlen and Alan Demlow
Tuesday Night (Fall) - James and the Minor Prophets
Led by Alan Demlow and Troy Richards. Combined with Holy Spirit study in Spring semester.
Tuesday Night - Gospel of Luke
Led by Rachel Nguyen and Jenny Hampton
Wednesday Night - Egypt study
This study followed the story of Moses, his successful rebellion
against the Pharaoh, and the resulting exodus of the ancient Hebrews
to the mountain of God. During the second semester we looked back at
the story of Joseph to see how the Hebrews originally came to reside
in Egypt.
At Elaine's apt; led by Elaine Howard, Karl Ecklund, and Kevin
Hamlen.
Wednesday Night - Holy Spirit
Met early (6pm for soup, 6:30 for study) to accomodate families with children. At Saunders' apt (and maybe Sharps' house later?); led by Jeff Saunders and others. OT references in the Fall, NT in Spring.
Studies took place at the Sharps' house.
Sacraments
Led by Jeff Saunders and Greg Sharp
Tuesday Night - Peter
Gospels in Fall, Acts and 1&2 Peter in Spring.
At Saunders' apartment; led by Jeff Saunders and Derek Gingerich?
Wednesday Night - Ephesians / ?
At Elaine Howard's apartment; led by Karl Ecklund, and Brent and Susan Brower-Toland
Thursday? Night - Gospel of Matthew
At Edith Johnson's house; led by Rachel Nguyen, Derek Gingerich, and Kevin Hamlen
Gospel of Mark
At Greg and Ellen's apt; led by Rachel Nguyen and Greg Voth
Judges and Ruth
At Maplewood; led by Jeff Saunders and ?
Wednesday Night - Gospel of John
At Greg Voth's apt; led by Rachel Nguyen and Greg Voth