Learning to think Biblically Through Study, Interaction, and Reflection
The Institute of Biblical Studies began in 1992 with the goal of stimulating Biblical thinking in our local community. Each year a distinguished theologian is invited to
Ithaca  to teach from the Scriptures, challenging participants to deepen their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word. This is accomplished through lectures, informal discussions and question & answer opportunities. This event is sponsored by Bethel Grove, New Life Presbyterian Church and Chesterton House- A Center for Christian Studies at Cornell University.
IBS 2010 : February 12 - 14
Guest Speaker: Dr. Joseph Skip Ryan, Chancellor and Professor of Practical
Theology at Redeemer Seminary in Dallas, Texas. He is a graduate of Harvard University and Westminster Seminary, and the former Senior Pastor of Park Cities Presbyterian Church.
Theme: THE WEAKNESS OF GOD
“…the weakness of God is stronger than men.” St. Paul
We live as heirs of a view of power shaped by the most violent century in history. The legacy of the last hundred years will be written in blood, an account of brutality made increasingly bitter by the apparent weakness of God to change anything. To modern people, God is more absent than present, more distant than near, more weak than strong. The ultimate personal consequence of such a powerless God is a loss of meaning and vision. Yet things may not always be what they seem. The weakness of God may belie strength hidden in odd places: in small deeds of justice, in the power of listening, in apparent failure, in men and women who see themselves as out of control yet under God’s control.
Register On-line Now!
7:30pm
Friday, February 12 @ Cornell University
Call Auditorium, Kennedy Hall
FREE and the public is welcome!
Saturday and Sunday, February 13-14 @ Bethel Grove
2010 IBS Scedule:
FRIDAY NIGHT: Introduction
The Weakness of God- Message 1
“Power is made perfect in weakness.” St. Paul
The ancient world in which Paul operated was completely opposed to weakness, inability or failure. In this environment Paul not only admits his weaknesses; he insists they are the very ways in which genuine strength can be demonstrated. The great unexpected is that God himself becomes weak in the gospel of his Son.
9:00am
SATURDAY MORNING – Message 2
The Man Who Lost Control
“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” St. Peter
Blaise Pascal said: “Not only do we know God through Jesus Christ; we only know ourselves through Jesus Christ.”Jesus uncovers the patterns of hiding, performance and control in our lives. He does this with his “painful love” expressed in
the gospel. He turns a quiet prayer breakfast into a soul-changing confrontation where love is shown to be mightier than power and control.
10:45am
SATURDAY MORNING – Message 3
Humility As Power
“The Word became flesh.” St. John
The eternal Word by which the worlds were made, by definite and decisive act, became a human being. He did not appear as human, nor did he put on flesh as one puts on an overcoat. He became all that we are. In doing so, He identifies and redeems with weakness and loss. He also teaches us to listen.
1:30pm
SATURDAY AFTERNOON – Message 4
The Church Built On But A Small Rock
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” Jesus
The frailty of the Church as we perceive it belies the intentions for its usefulness by God. That usefulness can only be realized when the smallness and weakness of the Church is actually seen as central to its eventual effectiveness.
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP -Message 5
What Every Orphan Needs to Know
Text: John 14. 15-23
“I will not leave you orphaned.” Jesus
Everyone is orphaned, if not literally, than metaphorically, by the pain, loss and sometimes by the devastations of life. The fear or reality of being alone needs the fulfillment of Christ’s promise that he will come to us and be with us. He brings us into the eternal family of the Trinity where Father, Son and Spirit are present with each other in conversation, love and great happiness.
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