The Next Big Thing in Online Bibles and Bible studies is Online Chronological Bibles and Bible studies. And, what is really cool is that they are free to use in most cases.
In 1995, I began reading Tyndale’s One-Year Daily Chronological Bible. I read it every year, but I couldn’t find a chronological Bible study to go with it. In 2009, the Lord impressed me to write one-year daily Chronological Bible studies. They explain how the Bible books, people, and events occur in proper sequence, what it means, and how it applies to us. This kind of Bible study is becoming increasingly popular, and in the past few years, others have joined me. Now, there are many resources to choose from: apps, podcasts, Audible versions of the chronological Bible, and even chronological Bible teaching on Youtube. Lifeway offers chronological Sunday School material for all ages through the Gospel Project.
Chronological Bibles are the next big thing in online Bibles
There are many choices for Chronological Bibles. In 1995 Tyndale published an NIV version of the Chronological Bible, and today there are different Bible versions, (KJV, NKJV, HCSB, NIV 2011, NLT, and others). This review from Creative Bible Teaching is dated from 2017 but may prove of some help distinguishing the different versions. Now you can download the online versions from your favorite AppStore for free, and they are available for purchase on Audible!
Why isn’t the Bible chronological? Is it like a Scrabble Board?
Are you having trouble understanding different Scripture passages and how they relate to each other? Is it like a scrabble board? You are not alone! Children also struggle to understand the Bible. That’s why the Next Big Thing in children’s Bible studies and adult Bible studies is chronological Bible studies. When they understand the sequence and the divine red ribbon of redemption that runs throughout the Bible (prophecies of Christ), they are more likely to respond to the gospel and be saved.
The truth is about half of our standard Bibles are chronological. The other is a collection of songs, proverbs, and other wisdom literature, prophecies or sermons, biographies, and letters. The original recipients were Jewish and knew their history. We don’t. Sure, you can plow through commentaries to find out how these things fit in the proper sequence, but why? Putting things in chronological order makes sense and can greatly increase our understanding of why things were written.
What is the chronological order of the Bible books?
That’s a topic of much debate, so that’s why there are many different Bible reading schedules and Chronological Bibles. Some follow the true chronology of the Bible as much as possible with an extreme, moment-by-moment approach, but this rearrangement of the Bible texts removes the natural context and message of the prophets or writers. Still, if you think of it as a tool, it can be useful to line up the events, people, and writings of the Bible in their exact historicity. If you like this approach, I recommend purchasing the Tyndale One-Year Daily Chronological Bible or finding it online for free.
Perhaps as a reaction to this approach, some chronological Bible reading plans don’t divide up chapters at all; they just put the Bible books in the best chronological order. The problem with this thinking is that they are not all chronological, and this is just a little better than using our standard Bibles. For instance, why put the Psalms altogether, when almost all of them can be linked to the events which prompted their compositions? Why not put them next to the events they describe? Aren’t we defeating the purpose of creating a chronological Bible or Bible reading guide?
I think there is a better approach, and many others feel the same way. Our approach is to go to parallel passages, according to Biblical historicity, when there is a natural break in the Biblical narratives. This preserves the intent of each message, yet doesn’t affect the strict chronology much. And, you can use a chronological Bible reading guide more easily with your own standard Bible. Sign up for daily chronological Bible studies and download or print these Bible reading guides for free.
Why is A Chronological Approach the Next Big Thing in Bible Studies?
Studying the Bible Chronologically is eye-opening
Did you ever read one of the minor prophets and wondered, what in the world this person is getting all excited about? Put them next to the history and bam–you get it! And, you will understand the heart of God more than you ever have. Chronological Bible studies help you put these things together, show you the meaning, and most importantly how it applies to you.
Other chronological Bibles and many Bible studies take a mostly academic approach in their materials. These Bible studies are great for discipleship, personal use, and small groups because they lead you to apply what you are learning. The scholarship is important, and all these Bible studies have been vetted for theological content, but isn’t your relationship with God more important than just academics? Follow along as I, Rodney Harrier, a passionate Bible teacher, lead you on an unforgettable journey. The audience is intended for adults, but these chronological Bible studies are written so simply that twelve-year-olds can understand them.
Do the Bible study in a year
Have you tried and tried to complete the reading of the Bible but always quit? It’s like a car. You’re all revved up ready to go in Genesis, cruising along, and then you hit a speed bump in the middle of Exodus. Okay, you think, let’s keep going…and then you hit the curb of Leviticus, lose power and quit. You just can’t make heads or tails of all the sacrifices, rules, and feasts. You think, Do we even need to read this stuff?
All the Bible is profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), but some are more than others. Some parts of the Bible may not be directly for you but you can certainly profit from them, and these chronological Bible studies will help you. Why not sign up today, and maybe for the first time, read through all of God’s Word and understand it? It’s life-changing. Here are some of the things you will experience:
- Be awestruck as you read about the creation of the world and God’s redemptive plan.
- Learn how the Psalms fit into the life of David and the history of Israel.
- See how the prophets influenced the kings and people of Israel and Judah.
- Witness the life of Christ as all four gospels are woven together into one unforgettable story.
- Travel along with the Apostle Paul as the early church struggles and expands across the world.
- Draw encouragement from the writings of the early apostles as they were persecuted, and learn how we can win in the end!
As you read the Bible, using these one-year daily chronological Bible studies, you will see how the events, people, and writings of the Bible all fit together in chronological sequence and how they apply to your life. What you learn can change your life forever. Join us!
Bible studies shouldn’t just be interesting historical information. The Spiritual life is something you and God share, so why not make the Bible studies personal? That’s why these Bible studies rarely make a point without challenging you to apply a principle or directive to your life. In the end, you will have a chance to respond to some discussion questions or write your own prayer response to each day’s Bible lesson (this makes it personal to me). You can even message or email me with your comments and we can talk more about it, or I will pray for your needs. You are important.
Still Want More reasons these Chronological Bible Studies are the Next Big Thing?
Instead of creating another long post, read 15 reasons to love these unique chronological Bible studies. You’ll be convinced that these are just what you need.
In a hurry or On the go? Try listening to Chronological Bible podcasts.
There are many you could choose from, but I recommend a podcast by Yvon Prehn, a long-time historian and Bible teacher. Listen, and after that, I’m sure you’ll be excited to read the Bible chronologically and discover why it’s the next big thing. You can also listen to the audio form of my daily chronological Bible studies.
Would you do me just one favor? If you like this post, share it, so it can become the next big thing in someone else’s life, too. Thank you. God’s blessing on your spiritual journey. Rod Harrier
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Simple answers to the why questions about the chronological Bible