The Next Big Thing in Online | Bibles | Bible studies

Online Chronological Bibles and Bible studies are becoming the Next Big Thing. 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 many 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 them. Now, we can download the online versions from our favorite AppStore for free, and they are available for purchase on Audible!

Why isn’t the Bible chronological?

Well, about half of it is. 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, and we don’t. Sure, we can plow through commentaries to determine how these things fit in the proper sequence, but why? Putting things in chronological order makes sense and can significantly increase our understanding of why the authors wrote what they did.

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 chronology of the Bible as much as possible with a particular moment-by-moment approach. However, this rearrangement of the Bible texts removes them from their natural settings, and it can change the message of the prophets or writers. Still, if we think of this type of chronological Bible as a tool, it can be helpful to line up the events, people, and writings of the Bible in their exact historicity. I recommend purchasing the Tyndale One-Year Daily Chronological Bible or finding it online for free if you like this method.

Another approach is to arrange the Bible chronologically by theme. An example of this is to put John chapter 1 in the same day’s Bible reading as Genesis 1 and 2. True, the themes are very similar, but the intent of John in his first chapter is to point out the Son of God, not the six days of creation. This rearrangement of the Scriptures violates the author’s intention and message, and it can’t be said to be an actual historical chronology.

Perhaps as a conservative reaction against rearranging Bible passages, some chronological Bible reading plans don’t divide up the chapters; they just put the Bible books in the best chronological order. The problem with this thinking is that they’re not all chronological, and this is just a little better than using our standard Bibles. For instance, why should we keep the Psalms in one big book? 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 when we don’t place the writings next to the events they describe?

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 method preserves the intent of each message yet doesn’t affect the strict chronology much. And, we can better use a chronological Bible reading guide with our standard Bibles. Sign up for daily chronological Bible studies and download or print these Bible reading guides for free.

A Chronological Bible Study Helps us Understand the Need for our Salvation

The Next Big Thing in children’s and adult Bible studies is chronological. When they understand the sequence and the divine red ribbon of redemption that runs throughout the Bible (references to Jesus Christ), they are more likely to respond to the gospel and be saved. Why? Because they understand the history of God’s people, people like you and me who are sinners needing a savior.

And, when they hear God’s Word taught sequentially, they understand the power of God to create and save and the God’s Lordship over all governments and peoples. Children and adults also learn about the heart of God. They understand what makes him happy, sad, and mad. They discover what breaks his heart and how he yearns for a personal relationship with us. They learn to seek the blessings of God and to avoid punishment.

Studying the Bible Chronologically is Eye-Opening

Did you ever read one of the minor prophets and wonder what in the world this person is getting all excited about? Put their writings next to the historical events, and bam--you get it! 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. However, these Bible studies are great for discipleship, personal use, and small groups because they lead you to apply what you learn. The scholarship is necessary, 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.

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 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 world’s creation 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 worldwide.

• 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!

Now you can interact with the Bible studies online

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? 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 prayer response to each day’s Bible lesson (this makes it personal with me). You can even email me with your comments, and we can talk more about it, or I will pray for your needs. You are important.

Here are some 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. Another great resource is 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.

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

Here are some other related blog posts you might enjoy:

Simple answers to the why questions about the chronological Bible

Interpreting Prophecy; 6 essential things you should know