Previous Years' Bible Studies

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.

Summer 2007

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

2006-07

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.

Summer 2006

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

2005-06

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.

Summer 2005

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

2004-05

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

Summer 2004

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

2003-04

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

Summer 2003

Ephesians

Led by Dan Johnson and ?

Ninevah

Jonah, 2 Chronicles, Nahum. Led by Kevin Hamlen

2002-03

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 ?

Summer 2002

Ecclesiastes

Led by Kevin Hamlen (at Crossroads)

2001-02

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

Summer 2001

2000-2001

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.

Summer 2000

Studies took place at the Sharps' house.

Sacraments

Led by Jeff Saunders and Greg Sharp

1999-2000

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

1998-1999

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 ?

1997-1998

Wednesday Night - Gospel of John

At Greg Voth's apt; led by Rachel Nguyen and Greg Voth

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Last updated August 20, 2007
Please address comments and suggestions to Steve Hicks (sdh33©REMOVE THIS PHRASE· c orn el l·ed u)