The Chara Project Podcast

The Chara Project
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

The Chara Project podcast is for anyone interested in learning how to explore and understand the Bible, no matter your faith background. Tune in regularly as our team helps you build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Each podcast complements content found at www.thecharaproject.com.

  1. Ep. 134 | What happened between the Old and New Testament?

    4h ago

    Ep. 134 | What happened between the Old and New Testament?

    What happened in the 400 years between the Old Testament and the New Testament? This often-overlooked era—known as the Intertestamental Period or the Silent Period—bridges the gap between the books of Malachi and Matthew and helps explain the world Jesus entered. Join the The Chara Project team, as they walk through the major historical events that shaped the political, cultural, and religious landscape of the New Testament. Explore the rise and fall of four major empires—the Persian and Greek periods, a period of independence, and then the Roman period—and how each influenced Jewish life, faith, and identity. You’ll learn about Alexander the Great and Hellenization, the translation of the Hebrew scriptures into the Greek Septuagint, the Maccabean Revolt that led to the celebration of Hanukkah, and how the Jewish Diaspora, synagogues, Pharisees, and Sadducees emerged. Understanding this critical period helps make sense of the New Testament and the cultural setting of Jesus’ ministry. If you’ve ever felt like the Bible jumps suddenly from the Old Testament to the New Testament, this episode helps bridge the 400-year gap in the story of the Bible. 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 or Story of the Bible Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give Support the show

    31 min
  2. Ep. 133 | Covenants in the Bible

    May 20

    Ep. 133 | Covenants in the Bible

    If you’ve read any part of the Bible, you’ve probably seen the word covenant come up. But what is a covenant? Why are they so important in the Bible? Join the The Chara Project team as they unpack one of the most important themes in the entire Bible: God’s covenants with humanity. From Genesis to the life of Jesus, the Bible tells a unified story of God making promises to His people—and faithfully keeping them. This episode breaks down the meaning of Biblical covenants, walks through the five major covenants in the Bible: the Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant, and shows how each Old Testament promise ultimately points forward to Jesus. Most importantly, learn what these covenants mean for us today and how the New Covenant reveals God’s deep love, faithfulness, and desire for a relationship with humanity. If you’ve ever had questions or have been confused about the covenants in the Bible, this episode is for you and will help you see how they each fit in the bigger story of the Bible. Learn about Biblical Covenants more at https://thecharaproject.com/covenants/ 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 or Story of the Bible Guide, visit www.thecharaproject.com. To support The Chara Project, visit https://www.thecharaproject.com/give Support the show

    38 min
  3. Ep. 132 | The Story of the Bible: Letters

    May 6

    Ep. 132 | The Story of the Bible: Letters

    Join The Chara Project as they close out the Story of the Bible series by diving into the rich, deeply practical final era: the New Testament Letters.  These 22 books—Romans through Revelation—were written by early church leaders to real communities navigating faith, identity, and life as a follower of Jesus in a complicated world. And their message still speaks with surprising clarity today. You’ll explore why the letters were written, how they were circulated, and the themes that tie them all together: salvation by grace, life in Christian community, fighting false teaching, spiritual maturity, and what it means to live a life shaped by Jesus. Paul’s letters lay out the heart of the gospel—how we are made right with God through faith alone. The General letters call believers to steadfastness, holiness, and hope. And the final letter, Revelation, gives a breathtaking finale to the entire biblical story, showing how God will ultimately defeat evil, restore creation, and dwell with His people forever. Whether you’re brand new to the Bible or growing deeper in confidence, this episode helps you see how the Letters connect the whole story—and how they can shape your story today. 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

    35 min
  4. Ep. 131 | The Story of the Bible: Early Church

    Apr 22

    Ep. 131 | The Story of the Bible: Early Church

    Join The Chara Project as they take you into the powerful, fast-moving story in the seventh era of the Story of the Bible—the Early Church era—found in the book of Acts.  If the Gospels show us Jesus’ life and ministry, Acts shows what happened next… and how an unlikely group of ordinary people, empowered by the Holy Spirit, carried the message of Jesus from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. You’ll explore the dramatic moments that launched the church: Jesus’ final instructions, the explosive arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Peter’s bold preaching, and the miraculous growth of a diverse, Spirit-filled community. You’ll see how persecution scattered believers—and how God used even suffering to spread hope. The episode also unpacks the stunning transformation of Saul into Paul, God’s “chosen instrument” to take the gospel to the nations, and the sweeping shift as Gentiles began entering God’s family. From house churches to miracles to missionary journeys, Acts shows the gospel breaking barriers, confronting opposition, and fulfilling promises God made long before. Whether you’re new to the Bible or building deeper confidence in understanding it, this episode will help you see how the Early Church’s story continued the unstoppable movement Jesus set in motion. 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

    27 min
  5. Ep. 130 | The Story of the Bible: Savior

    Apr 8

    Ep. 130 | The Story of the Bible: Savior

    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

    29 min
  6. Ep. 129 | The Story of the Bible: Exile

    Mar 25

    Ep. 129 | The Story of the Bible: Exile

    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

    32 min
  7. Ep. 128 | The Story of the Bible: Kingdoms

    Mar 11

    Ep. 128 | The Story of the Bible: Kingdoms

    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

    34 min
  8. Ep. 127 | The Story of the Bible: Exodus

    Feb 25

    Ep. 127 | The Story of the Bible: Exodus

    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

    28 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The Chara Project podcast is for anyone interested in learning how to explore and understand the Bible, no matter your faith background. Tune in regularly as our team helps you build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. Each podcast complements content found at www.thecharaproject.com.

Information

  • Creator
    The Chara Project
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Chara Project Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Chara Project Podcast

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