How to Study the Bible

INTRO TO THE CHARA BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

God’s Word is meant to be understood. It was understood by the original audience in its day and we believe the Bible can make sense to us today.

But sometimes reading the Bible can be intimidating and we don’t always agree on how to interpret and apply its message. That’s what The Chara Project team experienced as we began studying the Bible with people from differing beliefs. The more we dove into something called hermeneutics (how to study and apply the Bible), we were both fascinated and overwhelmed. We wanted to equip ourselves and our neighbors to learn how to read and study the Bible, but at times it felt like too much. This is what birthed The Chara Project’s mission: to build confidence in studying the Bible on your own and with a neighbor.

It is also why we developed the CHARA Bible Study Guide - to help you learn how to study and understand the Bible in your personal or group Bible study.

Because the CHARA Bible Study Guide is designed to teach you HOW to think, not tell you WHAT to think, this guide can be used by anyone, regardless of your faith background or Biblical knowledge. This guide will help you identify what bias and assumptions you bring to the Biblical text (we all have them!) and teach you to read the Bible on its own terms.

It is our prayer, that by using this resource, you’ll be equipped to read the Bible’s Context, understand the History and culture of its day, the Author’s purpose & style, and Research the original language before we Apply it to our lives.

Just access the information below or download the printable booklet to use anytime and anywhere as you’re on-the-go, and get ready for an exciting journey of discovery that brings unimaginable joy!

Download a beautifully designed printable version of the CHARA Bible Study Guide, or access the details below.

Get Printable Booklet

THE CHARA BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

LEARN HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE

You can use the CHARA Bible Study Guide to learn how to study and understand the Bible, by discovering what questions to ask when studying the Bible and how to stay focused on the original intended meaning of the text. Just follow this simple-to-remember CHARA acronym - we even provide specific questions to ask for each:

Context - Understand the text surrounding the passage

History - Understand the history and culture of the ancient world

Author - Understand the author’s purpose and their style of writing

Research - Dig deeper through word and translation study

Apply - Identify how you can apply this passage to your life

Want to learn more about how to study Context, History, Author, Research and Apply? Download the booklet today or click on the images below.

HOW TO USE CHARA

Use the CHARA Bible Study Guide on its own as your go-to guide for personal or group Bible study, or it can be used as a supplement to an existing guided Bible study.

BIBLE STUDY IN 2 SIMPLE STEPS

1. CHOOSE WHAT TO STUDY

Use for any size passage - The CHARA Bible Study Guide can be used to study a single verse, passage, chapter or more!

2. CHOOSE WHICH CHARA QUESTIONS TO ASK FROM THE GUIDE

It’s not a checklist - Not every question from this guide will apply to every passage. Pick out a handful of CHARA questions that will help unlock the original message and meaning. Just note the Key Principles to ensure Biblical accuracy.
Hop around - You don’t have to ask questions in the same order of C-H-A-R-A. Mix it up and go in any order that makes sense to guide you through the passage.

Here’s the best part - while using this guide in your Bible study, you’re simultaneously learning how to study the Bible. Before you know it, these questions will become second nature and if you’re like us, your confidence and desire to spend time in God’s Word will soar!