Let’s face it, at times the Bible can be hard to understand! A good Study Bible, in a translation that you can easily read and understand, is one of the best tools for helping you understand and make sense of the Bible. But what exactly is a Study Bible? Join the Chara Project team as they explain Study Bibles, why they are important, and provide a…

Are you a Bible Study leader? This episode is for you. Leading a Bible study has it's challenges, but leading with people who don’t share your beliefs can be even trickier. So, what is the key to being a good Bible study leader? With years of experience, The Chara Project has learned the pitfalls but also the tips and tricks on how to create a safe…

Meet the husbands of the Chara Project team. They have been not only supporting their wives behind the scenes of many years, but are both passionate about the Bible and have been actively engaged in doing Bible study with their neighbors. Join this laughter-filled episode as the couples share their experience around engaging neighbors, what they've…

Meet Val Dowland, a long-time friend of the Chara Project team, who comes from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Join us as she shares her experience of entering Bible study for the first time, what she's learned along the way, and the tips she would suggest for those just starting to engage your neighbor. This is an episode you won'…

Want to know how to engage your neighbor in Bible Study? Entering into faith conversations and Bible study with people who don’t share your beliefs should be handled with care - but it's possible. For 10 remarkable years, God has graciously opened the Chara Project team’s hearts and homes to many new friends from a variety of backgrounds. They’ve e…

There are people interested in exploring the Bible who don’t share your beliefs - whether faith background, political views, or lifestyle. We call these people our neighbors. And believe that we should meet our neighbors where they are at and explore the Bible together. Yet entering into faith conversations and Bible study with people who don’t sha…

At The Chara Project, it's our mission to help build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with your neighbor. But why? What's the story behind how we came to start a non-profit ministry? Find out as The Chara Project team goes down memory lane to share their story. You'll learn all the amazing details of what has drawn them into learnin…

Have you ever wondered what does faith look like? Unravel the essence of faith as the Chara Project team studies Hebrews 11:1, which says, “faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." Using CHARA in Action learn what faith can look like, how we can have assurance in our faith, and what hope we can expect to expe…

John 3:16 is one of the most famous verses in the Bible and says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” But why do so many people focus on this verse? What does "begotten" mean? Do we really only have to believe? Join the Chara Project team as they …

We’re on Day 12 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 12 Hope Has Come card focused on the Wise Men in Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage fr…

We’re on Day 11 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 11 Hope Has Come card focused on Jesus at the Temple in Luke 2:21-30. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage fr…

We’re on Day 10 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 10 Hope Has Come card focused on the Shepherds in Luke 2:15-20. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the…

We’re on Day 9 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 9 Hope Has Come card focused on Peace on Earth in Luke 2:8-14. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the C…

We’re on Day 8 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 8 Hope Has Come card focused on Bethlehem in Luke 2:1-7. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the Christm…

We’re on Day 7 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 7 Hope Has Come card focused on Mary's Song in Luke 1:46-55. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the Chr…

We’re on Day 6 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 6 Hope Has Come card focused on Elizabeth in Luke 1:39-45, 56. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the C…

We’re on Day 5 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 5 Hope Has Come card focused on Immanuel in Matthew 1:21-25. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the Chr…

We’re on Day 4 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 4 Hope Has Come card focused on Joseph in Matthew 1:18-20. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the Chris…

We’re on Day 3 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 3 Hope Has Come card focused on Mary as a Servant in Luke 1:34-38. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from t…

We’re on Day 2 of our of 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 2 Hope Has Come card focused on Mary in Luke 1:26-33. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage from the Christmas …

We’re kicking off a series of the 12 Day Journey through the Christmas story. Giving you small bite-size episodes that coincide with our Hope Has Come Cards available to download on the Chara website. IN THIS EPISODE: we discuss the Day 1 Hope Has Come card focused on John the Baptist in Luke 1:8-17. Join the Chara team as they discuss this passage…

Why can we rejoice in suffering? In 1 Peter 1:6-7, we see the Bible talk about rejoicing in suffering when it says, "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even thou…

What does 1 Peter 2:18 mean? Join the Chara Project team as they take CHARA into Action to understand what this verse is talking about. This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here. Also, enjoy the Bible study guide with questions that go with this episode so you can study this passage alongside of us, or on your own. Available …

What's the Biblical relationship between faith and works? James 2 says that "faith without works is dead" but Paul's letters seem to emphasize that it's "not by works" that we are saved. So which is it? Join the Chara Project team as they take CHARA into Action and discover what James is communicating in his letter, and how we should think about fa…

When can we expect wisdom from God? Well in James 1:5, it says, "if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him." So does that mean that every time we go to God and ask for wisdom, He'll give it? Join the Chara Project team as they take CHARA into Action as they discover what t…

Why were there animal sacrifices in the Bible? Why was bloodshed needed for the forgiveness of sins? Hebrews 9:22 tells us that, "the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." But there's more to the story... in fact, this concept is a theme we see throughout the story of…

There are certain verses in the Bible, that when we read them we wonder if they still apply to us today. For example, when we read in 1 Timothy 2:9 that “women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel" how does that impact how women should dress in our…

What's the difference between good and bad faith? What does it look like to have good faith? What should we be on guard for around having bad faith? Find out as the Chara Project team takes CHARA into Action with Colossians 2:6-7 that says to "continue to walk in him, being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were t…

A popular verse in the Bible, often used around sporting events or tough times is Philippians 4:13, where is says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." But what is "all things" and what is this verse really talking about. Join the Chara Project team has they bring CHARA into Action as they use Context, History, Author, Research a…

What does it mean when the Bible says, “work out your salvation in fear and trembling” in Philippians 2:12? Are we supposed to work FOR our salvation? And is fear our motivation? Join the Chara Project team as they take CHARA into Action and uncover what this verse is really talking about. This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube…

When we see a verse like "Wives submit to your husbands" in Ephesians 5:22, it can often bring a mix of emotions, depending on what your understanding and experience of submit or submission is. But what is the Bible really saying about wives submitting to their husbands? Find out as the Chara Project team brings CHARA into Action to understand what…

A go-to Bible passage for many when we think about the topic of grace is Ephesians 2:8-9, where it says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." But what does it really mean to be "saved by grace"? Find out as the Chara Project team bring…

"Why was the law given?" is the question asked in Galatians 3:19, and is probably a question that a lot of people may have. We can often read the Old Testament, see all of the laws listed in the first 5 books of the Bible and wonder their purpose. Why was the Old Testament Law given? Find out more about the origin of the law, it's purpose, and how …

Being "crucified with Christ" sounds harsh. So what did Paul mean when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me" in Galatians 2:20? Are we suppose to physically die to gain Christ? Find out as the Chara Project team brings CHARA into Action and uncovers what Paul is talking about in this verse. Spoil…

Weakness isn't a good thing in our culture. In fact, we often try to hide our weaknesses from others and not talk about them. So what did Paul mean when he said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" in 2 Corinthians 12:9? Can power really come from our weaknesses? Find out as the Chara Project team brings CHARA…

It’s not uncommon to hear someone claim that faith is blind. Often what is meant by this statement is that faith is blind to reason. What does it mean to have blind faith? Join the Chara Project team as they showcase how to do a word study on "faith" to understand the relationship between faith and reason. We'll uncover passages like “Blessed are t…

Does the Bible really say women supposed to stay silent? What does the Bible mean when it says, "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says" in 1 Corinthians 14:34? Find out as the Chara Project team brings CHARA into Action with this verse to understand what it means. This …

We often hear people say “God won’t give you more than you can handle” and they are using 1 Corinthians 10:13 as the Bible reference, which says "God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability." But is this verse talking about sin or suffering? Find out as the Chara Project team brings CHARA into Action and uncovers what th…

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” is a verse in Romans 8:28 that may be familiar to you. You may have heard it when going through a tough time. But what is the good we can expect? And who is this promise to? Get answers to these questions and more as the Chara Projec…

This is a special Easter edition of The Chara Project podcast, where we're leaning into the significance behind Mark 15:38, within the Easter story when it says "the temple curtain was torn in two, from top to bottom.” This detail is included after Jesus breathed His last breath. Why was it included? What is its significance? Join the Chara Project…

Being an "enemy of God" is not a title we would often call ourselves, let alone admit was possible. Yet, we see this concept mentioned in Romans 5:10 when it says, "For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!” How is it possib…

On the Chara Project podcast we've been tackling difficult or confusing passages and this episode's verse is one where there can often find significant disagreement on it's interpretation. What did Peter mean when he said "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the …

Have you ever heard someone say "The Bible says 'Do not judge'"? In a world where people are constantly concerned of people's judgement against them, the topic of judging can be common. In Matthew 7:1, we see see Jesus say, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" but what does it really mean? Join the Chara Project team as they take CHARA in Acti…

Did you ever wonder what Jesus meant by, "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it" in John 14:14? Can we really ask God anything and get it? Join the Chara Team as they bring CHARA into Action and study this verse to understand the meaning of what Jesus was saying. This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here. Also, enjo…

Ever wondered what the Bible means when it talks about being "born again"? John 3:3&5 both bring up some interesting concepts when Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." Join the Chara Project team as they s…

The Chara team has been tackling difficult passages of the Bible and we have another one that could come across as quite harsh to hear. What did Jesus mean when He said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple" in Luke 14:26? Are…

In Luke 6:38, Jesus said, "Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Many people can often take this verse to talk about money. Join the Chara Team as they study this verse to understand what Jesu…

The Chara team has been tackling difficult and somewhat confusing passages of the Bible and this episode does not disappoint. Join the Chara Project team as we uncover what Jesus meant when He tells a woman asking for help, "it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs." (Mark 7:27, NIV). What does Jesus mean by that? We'll …

The Bible talks a lot about the Sabbath - but how does it apply to us today? Join the Chara Project team as we uncover what Jesus meant when He said "Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath" (Mark 2:27, NIV) - and learn what Sabbath is all about! This podcast is also released as a video podcast on YouTube here. Also, enjoy the Bible study…

Join the Chara Project team as we study a somewhat confusing passage where Jesus said "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" (Matthew 7:22-23, NIV). This…