Join The Chara Project team as they journey into the sixth era of the Story of the Bible—and unpack the most pivotal moment in the entire Biblical story—the arrival of the long-awaited Savior. After tracing the Old Testament’s anticipation of a coming Rescuer, the episode steps into the New Testament and explores how Jesus fulfills the promises, prophecies, and patterns that pointed to Him.

You’ll get a big-picture look at the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and discover why each writer chose to spotlight different angles of Jesus’ identity: Messiah, King, Son of Man, Son of God. Through genealogy, miracles, teachings, parables, and confrontations with religious leaders, the episode shows how Jesus claimed authority that only God could claim—and backed it up.

Heather and Sarah also walk through the turning points of Jesus’ ministry: His baptism, temptation in the wilderness, calling of the disciples, the announcement of His Kingdom, and the growing tension that ultimately led to His betrayal, death, and resurrection. You’ll hear how Jesus’ final sacrifice connects back to the Passover, the prophets, and Psalm 22—revealing a rescue plan God had woven from the very beginning.

If you’ve ever wanted the story of Jesus to click within the larger story of the Bible, this episode will give you a clear, hope-filled framework that brings the Savior era to life.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Join The Chara Project as they journey into the fifth era of the Story of the Bible—the Exile, one of the most dramatic and transformative eras in the entire biblical story found throughout the prophetic books of the Old Testament. 

If you’ve ever wondered how the people of God ended up scattered across empires, why prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel sound the way they do, or how this period shaped the world Jesus later entered, this episode is for you.

You’ll explore the rise and fall of kingdoms, the warnings the people ignored, and the shocking moment God’s presence leaves the temple. But you’ll also hear the stunning stories of hope woven throughout—messages of restoration, promises of return, and the faithful witness of people like Daniel who stood firm in foreign lands.

Heather and Sarah also unpack the return from exile, the rebuilding of the temple, and the 400-year “silent period” that reshaped Jewish life and set the stage for the New Testament. Revolts, empires, cultural clashes, prophetic promises—this era has it all.

If you want to understand the Bible’s unified story and see how every chapter points toward Jesus, don’t miss this deep dive into the Exile era. It will change the way you read God’s Word.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Join The Chara Project as they journey into the fourth era of the Story of the Bible—the Kingdom era—one of the most dramatic and complicated sections in the Biblical story spanning Joshua through 2 Chronicles. 

Following the Exodus era following the Israelites out of Egypt, this era traces their move into the Promised Land, their battles with deeply corrupt nations, and their struggle to remain faithful to God in a world full of competing influences.

You’ll explore the famous conquests under Joshua, meet unexpected heroes like Rahab, and see how a nation meant to represent God quickly spiraled into a 400-year cycle of rebellion, rescue, and repentance during the time of the Judges. Then comes Israel’s turning point: their demand for a king. Through the rise of Saul, the courage of David, and the wisdom—and downfall—of Solomon, we see that even the best human leaders cannot fix the human heart.

This era also introduces some of the Bible’s most powerful themes: the longing for a righteous King, the promise of an eternal kingdom through David, and prophetic glimpses of the coming Rescuer. As the kingdom fractures and the people drift further from God, the prophets call them back with warnings, truth, and surprising hope.

If you want to understand the Old Testament as one unified story pointing to Jesus, this episode will change the way you read the Bible.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Join The Chara Project as they journey into the third era of the Story of the Bible—the Exodus, covering the powerful story found in Exodus through Deuteronomy. 

After zooming in on one remarkable family (the Israelites) in the Patriarchs, we trace this same family’s journey 400 years later, as they multiply in Egypt, fall under oppression, and are miraculously delivered through Moses—a reluctant leader chosen and empowered by God.

We walk through the dramatic plagues, the first Passover, and the parting of the Red Sea, highlighting how each moment reveals God’s supremacy over false gods and His commitment to rescue His people.

You’ll see how God leads, provides, and remains faithful—even when His people doubt and wander. The episode unpacks why God gave the Law, and the significance of the sacrifices, the tabernacle, and the priesthood—all pointing forward to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of them all.

Whether you’re new to the Bible or growing in your study, this episode will help you understand the Exodus era within the larger story and deepen your confidence as you read the Bible for yourself.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

In this episode, join The Chara Project as they journey into the second era of the Story of the Bible—the Patriarchs (Genesis 12–50). After the sweeping overview of Creation, the Bible zooms in on one remarkable family through whom God will unfold His rescue plan for humanity.

Walk with Abraham as God calls him out of his homeland, establishes a covenant of blessing, and asks him to trust beyond what seems possible. Discover how God patiently fulfills His promises despite barrenness, doubt, and human attempts to “help” God along. See how Isaac and Jacob inherit these same promises, carrying the covenant forward through dramatic twists—deception, family conflict, divine encounters, and the birth of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Then follow Joseph, the beloved son betrayed and sold into slavery, whose story becomes a powerful testimony that God is present even in suffering. His rise to influence in Egypt and his choice to forgive his brothers reveal how God can transform what is meant for harm into salvation for many.

This episode brings the Patriarchs to life while tracing how each moment points forward to Jesus and the unfolding redemption story. Perfect for anyone eager to deepen their understanding of God's Word, and see the Bible’s big picture with clarity and confidence.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Step into the opening pages of the Bible as The Chara Project team does a deep dive into the Story of the Bible. In this episode, they explore the Creation era (Genesis 1–11) and uncover the foundational truths that shape the entire biblical narrative.

Together, they unpack who God is, why He created the world, and what it means that humanity was made in His image. You’ll hear how God brings order to chaos, designs creation with purpose, and invites humanity to “rest and rule” with Him. But the story doesn’t stay idyllic for long as the team traces the heartbreaking ripple effects of the Fall—shame, blame, brokenness—and shows how these early events still help us understand the world today.

From Adam and Eve to Cain and Abel, from Noah and the flood to the Tower of Babel, this episode reveals how each moment points to humanity’s need for rescue—and God’s unwavering plan to redeem.

Whether you’re new to Bible study or eager to go deeper, this episode will help you see Genesis with fresh eyes and place yourself within God’s larger story.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at https://www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

Access the Bible Project video on Genesis 1 referenced in the podcast at https://bibleproject.com/videos/genesis-1/

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #howto #oldtestament #newtestament #biblescripture #storyofthebible #biblestory #unifiedbible #storyofbible #creation

Support the show

What if the Bible isn’t a collection of disconnected stories—but one unified story pointing to Jesus from beginning to end?

In this episode, The Chara Project team walks through the entire storyline of the Bible—cover to cover—in a clear, compelling, and accessible way. Whether you’re brand-new to the Bible or you’ve been reading it for years, this conversation will help you see how every era, character, and page fits together to reveal God’s unfolding plan to redeem and restore humanity.

Journey with us through the eight major eras of the Bible—from Creation to the Patriarchs, the Exodus, the Kingdoms, and the Exile, to the long-awaited arrival of the Savior, the Early Church, and finally the New Testament Letters. Along the way, you’ll discover how the Old Testament points forward to Jesus, how the New Testament fulfills what was promised, and how the entire narrative tells the greatest story ever told.

If you've ever felt lost, confused, or unsure where to start with the Bible, this episode is your roadmap. It’s the perfect companion to our Story of the Bible Guide, helping you read with confidence, clarity, and renewed wonder.

Tune in—and rediscover the Bible as one breathtaking, unified story with Jesus at the center.

Access the Story of the Bible Guide at www.thecharaproject.com/storyofthebible

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com.

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

As a nonprofit, every year the Chara Project hosts a ministry update to go behind the scenes and take a heartfelt look at how God has been at work through our growing community. Instead of a live virtual event, this year’s update comes in podcast form, packed with reflections on what God has done and where He’s leading next.

Over the past six years, The Chara Project has continued to empower people to study the Bible with confidence—on their own and with their neighbors. In this episode, you’ll hear how that mission is thriving: from a brand-new website, new podcast episodes and online resources, to expanded partnerships with churches and schools using the CHARA Bible Study Guide as a teaching resource.

Heather and Sarah also share exciting plans for 2026—including a mobile app and what new guide is coming next. You’ll also hear encouraging stories of impact from the community and learn how you can help sustain this ministry through prayer, partnership, and giving.

Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to the Chara Project, this episode will inspire you with what God is doing through this community—and invite you to join in helping people everywhere, not just read the Bible, but understand and share it.

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #ministryupdate #givingtuesday #nonprofit #charaproject #chara #giving #prayer #churchpartner #christianschool

Support the show

Have you ever heard someone say that the Bible was meant to be read “literally”? Yet the Bible is filled with language that is figurative and symbolic in nature. So, how are we really supposed to decipher between what text is to be taken literally versus figuratively?

Join the Chara Project team as they explore how to discern literal versus figurative language in the Bible. They provide practical guidance for interpretation, including how to consider the author’s intent, literary genre (e.g., poetry, prophecy), and historical context.

You won’t want to miss the introduction to common figures of speech used in the Bible, including metaphors, hyperboles, and personification - so you can easily spot them as you dive into God’s Word. For anyone interested in navigating tough-to-read passages to know if they should be taken literally or not, this episode is for you!

Additionally, check out the corresponding article on determining Literal vs Figurative passages at www.thecharaproject.com/literalvsfigurative

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project and how to study the Bible, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

Support the show

Ever wondered if a Bible verse applies to your life today or was meant for its ancient audience? Maybe you've asked yourself, “Well, that’s fine for them back in Biblical times, but does that really apply to me today?” You're not alone in asking this question - it's actually a VERY common question and not always the easiest to answer.

Join the Chara Project team as they dive into the art of discerning cultural versus timeless truths in the Bible. They share practical tools to help you navigate the Bible’s stories and instructions, ensuring you apply its wisdom accurately. Discover how to ask yourself 4 important questions to identify which passages transcend time and which reflect the customs of long ago. From thought-provoking examples to a simple framework, this episode equips you to study the Bible with confidence. Don’t miss out—tune in to learn how to unlock the Bible’s timeless messages.

Additionally, check out the corresponding article at www.thecharaproject.com/culturevstimeless

This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here.

The Chara Project is a nonprofit organization with a mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Chara is the Greek word for JOY, and the Chara team offers resources and teaching to empower people to find joy as they explore the Bible, grow in their Biblical understanding, and help others do the same.

For more information about The Chara Project, including a download of the CHARA Bible Study Guide or the Neighbor Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. 

To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give

#bible #biblestudy #biblestudytools #scripture #scripturestudy #christianpodcast #biblepodcast #howto #oldtestament #newtestament #biblescripture #culturalvstimeless #culturalbiblestudy #culturalbible #biblehistory

Support the show