Live the Bible with Wayne Stiles artwork

Live the Bible with Wayne Stiles

264 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 160 ratings

The Bible offers God’s wisdom and genuine hope for our daily lives. On LIVE THE BIBLE, join Dr. Wayne Stiles and discover how to apply the Word of God to your life through the practical teaching and application of the Scriptures. The Bible, its lands, and its culture don't have to be confusing or irrelevant. Whether it's personal discouragement, relief from guilt, finding purpose in life or hope for eternity, you’ll hear words to help you truly live the Bible. www.waynestiles.com/podcast

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Episodes

#257 - Living Well to the Very End

April 23, 2024 08:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

How can we live our lives well to the end? Especially when we have been rejected or even betrayed? How did Jesus do it? God's Word shows us how as well. In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 15 and Jesus’ example of living well to the end. Jesus committed Himself to the Father—even when following His leading was hard. We can do the same—even when it's difficult.  Support the show

#256 - What to Do When You Remember Your Failure

April 16, 2024 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MB

At times, we remember our failures. Something triggers a memory—and wham! We have a flashback of a failure we did years ago. Now what? In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Peter's failure in Mark 14, and Jesus' reminder that our memories don’t have to haunt us. Instead they can become a memory of something far, far better. This is an episode so essential for us to hear again and again. Support the Show.

#255 - When Your Want-To is Willing, But Your Can-Do Is Weak, Part 2

April 09, 2024 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MB

How can we be faithful to God when we’re not strong enough to do it? This episode of Live the Bible is where the rubber meets the road in our Christian lives. Jesus takes us to Gethsemane in Mark 14, and He models how to rely on God for strength in moments of vulnerability. The peace we long for in life lies on the other side of one decision we can make today. Support the Show.

#254 - When Your Want-To Is Willing, But Your Can-Do is Weak, Part 1

April 02, 2024 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.6 MB

We want to be faithful and follow God, but there's one problem. We’re not strong enough to do it. In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 14 where Jesus reminds us we have a traitor we have to watch out for. This intensely practical two-part episode shows us Jesus’ example of what to do when our want-to is willing but our can-do is weak. Support the Show.

#253 - She Did What She Could - And So Can You

March 26, 2024 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MB

Jesus held up a special woman as an example to follow. In fact, more Scripture is devoted to her than to ten of the twelve disciples! In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 14 and meet a disciple of Jesus who didn't write any scripture, didn't preach any messages, wasn't one of the twelve disciples, and she never performed any miracles.  Why is she so significant for us to know? Support the Show.

#252 - How to Stay Alert Until the End

March 19, 2024 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.2 MB

What’s next in biblical prophecy? In this episode of Live the Bible, we get a peek at the end of the story from Jesus’ own lips in Mark 13. The Lord not only tells us what’s coming next in biblical prophecy, but He tells us what to do until then. By the way, there’s nothing like learning biblical prophecy while looking at the places where it will occur. I invite you to come with me and experience the land of Israel for yourself. Just go to waynestiles.com/toursto see all upcoming tours! ...

#251 - The Single, Most Important Thing in Life

March 12, 2024 08:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MB

If someone asked Jesus what the most important thing in life is, wouldn't it be great to know to know His answer? They did, in fact—and His answer was crystal clear. In this episode of Live the Bible, we will hear Jesus' words from Mark chapter 12. His refreshing answer is a great way for us to hit reset on our lives and our priorities—and get clarity on what matters most. In fact, I’ll end the podcast with 3 essential questions of application for you directly related to Jesus’ words. ...

#250 - What You've Been Waiting For

March 05, 2024 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

You will likely be misunderstood, misquoted, labeled a misfit, and shunned by others—just like Jesus. How will you deal with it? In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 11–12 and see Jesus as our model of how we can have a mindset that pushes through the fog when other people treat us unjustly. God sees it all. One day, all we’ve been waiting for will occur. Until then, Jesus shows us how. Support the Show.

#249 - Jesus Wants 3 Kinds of Fruit in Your Life

February 27, 2024 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MB

Jesus is looking for fruit. I don't mean apples and oranges—but fruit in our lives. In fact, He wants to find three kinds of fruit in your life. In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 11 see the Triumphal Entry of Jesus as He begins the Passion Week. As Christians, bearing fruit for God is essential. Thankfully, Jesus shows us how. Support the Show.

#248 - What Do You Want From God?

February 20, 2024 09:00 - 46 minutes - 31.8 MB

If Jesus were to ask you what you’d like Him to do for you, how would you answer What an opportunity! Actually, Jesus did ask that question twice—and got two totally different responses. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’ll learn from Mark 10 which response Jesus applauded. What exactly should we want from God? The answer is challenging—and so encouraging. Support the Show.

#247 - God's Surprising Requirement for Eternal Life

February 13, 2024 09:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MB

Have you ever heard someone answer a question before they answer the question Jesus was a Master at that. “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Christ’s answer to that question may surprise you! It shocked His disciples. In this episode of Live the Bible from Mark chapter 10, we look at what Jesus says about the surprising requirement for eternal life. It's the best bad news you'll ever hear.  Support the Show.

#246 - What God Says about Marriage

February 06, 2024 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MB

Ask 10 different people on the street (or in the church) what God’s view on marriage is, we’ll likely get 11 different answers. Thankfully, the Word of God gives us an anchor that keeps us from groping in a sea of opinions. In this episode of Live the Bible, Jesus tells us in Mark 10:1–12 what God says about marriage and divorce. Once we know what God’s Word says, the true challenge becomes following it.  Support the Show.

#245 - How to Break Your Generational Curse

January 30, 2024 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

This week we've reached the #1-most-popular episode from 2023. Drum roll... Many of us grew up with a mixed bag of experiences that hurt a whole lot. And while our upbringing certainly shaped our lives, it doesn't define us. Only God defines us. (Please read that again.) This episode of Live the Bible takes us to 2 Kings 22 and shows us how Josiah walked with God in spite of his terrible upbringing. We also see how we can break free from our generational curse and allow the Lord to ma...

#244 - God Will Never Give Up on You

January 23, 2024 09:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

The second-most popular podcast from 2023 grabs a hammer and nails to help us build a fence. Here's why. Your property probably has a fence—and for good reason. A fence acts mostly as a boundary, letting someone know to stay in or to stay out. God's Word is like a fence too—and for good reason. In this episode of Live the Bible, we see a man who didn't just ignore the fences of God's law, he tore them down! King Manasseh was the worst king that Judah ever had. And yet, in spite of how t...

#243 - How Can You Know God Accepts You?

January 16, 2024 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

God is love. But so much more... As we count down the top 5 podcasts from 2023, we find #3 answering a VERY important question. How does God choose which attribute to act on—love or wrath? And how can we know if God accepts us—for sure? To discover the answer, this episode of Live the Bible takes us to the rich book of Leviticus to discover the timeless truths that help us know without a doubt that God accepts us—and why He does. Episode Scripture: Leviticus 1 Support the show

#242 - How to Face Your Fears with God

January 09, 2024 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

Last year, 106 countries downloaded 142,000 podcasts from Live the Bible. The Word of God is powerful!  This week we're looking at #4 in the top 5 countdown from 2023, and it's no surprise that this episode on facing your fears ranked so high. After all, the most common command in the Bible is... drum roll... "Fear not." Easy to say, right? But tough work to do. Truthfully, some of us don't know how we'll react to fear until fear hits us hard. King Hezekiah had plenty to fear. He faced ...

#241 - What to Do with the Rest of Your Life

January 02, 2024 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

It's been a great year for hearing God's Word. In fact, the Live the Bible podcast ranked in the top 5% of more than 100,000 podcasts in 106 countries. Amazing! We're starting 2024 by highlighting the top 5 podcasts of 2023. This episode of Live the Bible ranked #5 and teaches us how to respond to the overwhelming favor God has lavished on us. We learn from the book of Leviticus how to express our dedication and gratitude to Jesus Christ. Support the Show.

#240 - What's Your Motive?

December 26, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MB

What’s your motive? That simple question can help reboot your mind each day. Here’s why. In this episode of Live the Bible, we listen to Jesus' words in Mark 9 as He challenges us to preview our actions through the filter of our motives. This one question—more than any—can help reframe our thinking and set us on a path of success each morning. Support the Show.

#239 - The Way Up is Down

December 20, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

We sing the same carols over and over. We hear the same Christmas story again and again. Our "Ho, ho, ho," becomes, "Ho hum"—if we're not careful. Christmas can become sort of boring. In this special episode of Live the Bible, we're taking a look at Christmas from the apostle Paul's perspective in the book of Philippians. Repeated exposure to truth is one of the beautiful things about Christmas. And our practical application of God becoming a man is anything but boring!  Support the...

#239 - The Way up is Down

December 20, 2023 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MB

We sing the same carols over and over. We hear the same Christmas story again and again. Our "Ho, ho, ho," becomes, "Ho hum"—if we're not careful. Christmas can become sort of boring. In this special episode of Live the Bible, we're taking a look at Christmas from the apostle Paul's perspective in the book of Philippians. Repeated exposure to truth is one of the beautiful things about Christmas. And our practical application of God becoming a man is anything but boring!  Support the ...

#238 - What's for Now, What's for Later

December 12, 2023 09:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

Have you seen the carrot and stick method? It’s how you get a mule to keep moving by dangling a carrot two inches from his nose. Always moving, but never getting the carrot. Sounds like us sometimes, doesn’t it? In this week's episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 8–9 where Jesus helps His disciples make sense of what they’re chasing by giving them a literal mountaintop experience of hope.  Forget the carrot. We need hope right where we are today.  Support the Show.

#237 - Taking Your Walk with God to the Next Level

December 05, 2023 09:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MB

There is always a next step in your relationship with Jesus Christ. But how do you know what step to take? Thankfully, Jesus tells us. In this episode of Live the Bible, Jesus reveals that no matter how well we know Him, He still has much to teach us about Himself—including how He wants us to grow.  Episode Scripture: Mark 8:1-33 Support the Show.

#236 - How to Avoid the Dangers of Hypocrisy

November 28, 2023 09:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MB

Why do you do what you do? Our motives are the fuel in our tanks. That’s why, when some in Jesus’ day did things with bad motives, He warned them of the dangers of hypocrisy. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’ll look at two questions in Mark 7 that can help us avoid the dangers of hypocrisy in our personal lives— and help us have motives that honor God. Support the Show.

#235 - The Best Way to Live Your Impossible Life

November 21, 2023 09:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MB

Your Christian life isn’t hard. It’s impossible. So impossible, in fact, you cannot do it on your own. But that’s okay. In this episode of Live the Bible, Jesus gave His disciples some impossible commands in Mark 7, and then He taught them how to do them with His help. One of the miracles Jesus performs is the ONLY miracle included in all four gospels, except for the resurrection. Its application for us is that important. God’s greatest work in your life is not what He does through you— ...

#234 - How to Hear from God Today

November 14, 2023 09:00 - 51 minutes - 35.3 MB

God’s grace makes it safe to see ourselves as we really are.  That's because we know that regardless of what we see, God will never reject us. That kind of security allows us to listen to God. To truly hear Him...  In this episode of Live the Bible, we look at Mark 6 and several conversations Jesus has in Galilee. We'll discover how to hear from God, which depends most on how we choose to listen. Support the Show.

#233 - When You Need to Borrow a Miracle

November 07, 2023 09:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MB

If you ever wonder why God seems to work in everyone else's life (except yours), the Bible has good news.  Here's the truth: Jesus hasn’t forgotten you. How do we know? This episode of Live the Bible introduces us to three people in Mark 5 who interacted with Jesus, and one of them will speak directly to whatever you’re struggling with today.  Support the Show.

#232 - How to Find a Calm in Your Storm

October 31, 2023 08:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MB

I don’t know much about your life. But then again, I do. You and I both struggle to trust God for something that feels urgent. And often, we find ourselves feeling swamped. Stuck in a raging storm. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll look at Mark 4:35-41 where Jesus shows us what to do in the storm of trust— how to find a calm we never knew existed. Support the Show.

#231 - What God is Doing When Nothing is Happening

October 24, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

Let’s be honest.  Sometimes it seems like the wheels are coming off—both in the world and in our lives. What is God thinking? In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll look at Mark 4:21–34, where Jesus tells us what God is doing when nothing is happening. (Frankly, it’s great to know when God plants potatoes, potatoes will grow. I explain that more in the podcast.)  God’s plan hasn’t skipped a beat in the world—or in our lives.  Support the Show.

#230 - How Your Life Can Make an Amazing Difference

October 17, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 31.7 MB

With God, your life can make an amazing difference. That’s right, YOUR life. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll look at the book of Mark where Jesus shows us that no matter where you are or what you've done, you can always come to God and start fresh—and bear fruit for Him.  Support the Show.

#229 - What to Do When Others Reject You

October 10, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MB

Sometimes those closest to us don’t understand us. Or worse, they don’t accept us at all. In this episode of Live the Bible, Jesus models what to do when we’re misunderstood—and even rejected—by the very people we had hoped would accept us.  Christ’s gracious way of responding with truth shows us how God would have us respond, as well as redirects our hopes to a place that ultimately never fails us.   Support the Show.

#228 - Whom God Chooses He Uses—Even You

October 03, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 32.9 MB

Ever wonder why God isn’t working in your life as He is in other lives? It’s a common question, but the reality may be far more different than you realize. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’re going to be talking about how God uses whom He chooses. Without exception. In fact, God using you has less to do with your giftedness than it does with your willingness.  Support the Show.

#227 - Jesus and the God Squad

September 26, 2023 08:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MB

Funny how our expectations are seldom met. Actually, it isn't funny. It can be terribly confusing and discouraging. In this episode of Live the Bible, Jesus helps us understand what to do when you come to a place when life (or even God) has let you down. When that has happened, one of two things is happening. And the solution? It's good news.  Support the show

#226 - Bad Company

September 19, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MB

Have you ever been around bad company? I don’t mean house guests. I’m referring to those people we choose to hang around—and more importantly why we hang around them. Jesus surprised many in His day by spending time with “bad company.” But His reasons were stellar. In this episode of Live the Bible, we see how Christ’s example gives us the freedom to engage others. Support the Show.

#225 - When God Gives You an Odd Prescription

September 12, 2023 08:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MB

I received an odd prescription from the pharmacy.  It was funny, in fact. (I share the story in the opening minutes of this week’s podcast.) Truth be told, God gives what seem like odd prescriptions sometimes when His words make no sense in the real world. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’ll discover what happened when Jesus did that one day, and the essential lesson it teaches us about our relationship with Him. Support the Show.

#224 - How to Keep First Things First

September 05, 2023 08:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

Who’s on first? The question may make us think of a classic comedy routine. But the question goes deeper when we consider the most important priorities we can chase in life. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’re going to look at “How to Keep First Things First,” and we have Jesus as our model. His example in Mark chapter 1 gives us at least two practical principles for how to choose among the many good options in life and ministry—and how to focus on the few essentials God wants us indiv...

#223 - Let's Begin with Good News

August 29, 2023 08:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MB

Whether you’re dealing with personal discouragement, needing relief from guilt, or looking for encouragement and hope for eternity, you’ll hear words to help you truly live the Bible. This episode introduces us to Jesus’ ministry in the gospel of Mark and Christ's wonderful example for us how to live the life God has for us. If you’ve ever felt like God’s plan for you has gone off-course, or that you weren’t sure how to face the struggles and temptations life throws our way, you’ll find hel...

#222 - Answers on the Afterlife and God’s Promises (Q&A Part 2)

August 22, 2023 08:00 - 48 minutes - 33.7 MB

When your life has question marks, God's Word has answers. In this special episode of Live the Bible, we continue a special Q&A session on various topics. These questions range from the afterlife to God's promises and how to discover the truth in the pages of Scripture—and much more. I know you’ll find both the questions and the biblical answers compelling and practical—and encouraging.  Support the Show.

#221 - What the Bible Says about Election and Discouragement (Q&A Part 1)

August 15, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 35 MB

Good questions need biblical answers. Learning about the Bible is great, but there's something about having your specific questions answered that's even better. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of a topic that may have been confusing. In this special Q&A episode of Live the Bible, I'm discussing some questions about topics like election and discouragement and more. Who knows, perhaps questions you have we'll discuss as well?  Thankfully, the Bible has answers.   Support t...

#220 - Why Communion is Essential for You

August 08, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MB

The Lord’s Supper isn’t fast food. And yet, how often we hurriedly tag it to the end of the worship service without really understanding what Communion means. The Lord means for this ordinance to be a very significant experience for you personally. We'll discover how in today’s episode of Live the Bible. Support the Show.

#219 - The Ripple Effect of Your Baptism

August 01, 2023 08:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MB

Your baptism was more than a momentary splash. In fact, the ripple effects are still impacting your life today. In this episode of Live the Bible, we're taking a deep dive, as it were, into the ordinance of baptism. Now, before you jump out of the pool and dry off, I know baptism seems like a yawner of a topic—but you’ll be surprised at how relevant it is for your life right now. Support the Show.

#218 - Is Jesus Really the Only Way to Heaven?

July 25, 2023 08:00 - 52 minutes - 36.3 MB

Is Jesus really the only way to heaven? Imagine asking that question on the evening news! Although everyone has an opinion, it's God's answer that matters. In fact, the Bible has a question that is far more basic—and it’s the better place to begin. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’ll answer these important questions and why the answer is really good news. Support the Show.

#217 - God’s Surprising Approach to Helping Us Grow

July 18, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.3 MB

God has a surprising approach to helping us grow. As our Heavenly Father, He takes no delight in our discipline. But He does delight in the results of it. He wants for us new life and hope beyond the futility and frustration of a life of idols. In this episode of Live the Bible, our final study in Leviticus ends on a good note as we see God’s surprising approach to helping us grow.  Support the Show.

#216 - All Your Hopes – Fulfilled

July 11, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.6 MB

God tells us about the future for good reason. Why? Because hope is critical to our health. In this episode of Live the Bible, we're looking at the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee and at that godly, driving force that propels us forward–specifically about how to keep going when we want to quit. Let's find out how. Support the Show.

#215 - The Secret to Satisfaction

July 04, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MB

Satisfaction is a journey rather than a destination. This episode of Live the Bible contains the secret to satisfaction. Yep, that sounds like a big promise, but remember: when we get comfortable, we tend to treat important information as irrelevant. We’ll see today that life and death information should never become ho-hum to us. I’ll even tell you how I learned that on an airplane. Support the Show.

#214 - The Rest of Your Life

June 27, 2023 08:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MB

We don’t build statues for people who rest. In today's world, we give kudos to hard work, and taking it easy is just a given. And yet, the Old Testament has some wisdom on how God created rest and created us to NEED it. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll see an ironic and important truth: You don't have to be on the grind for God to provide. In fact, He provides for us even when we're sleeping!  Support the show

#213 - The Reason We Have Hope

June 20, 2023 08:00 - 54 minutes - 37.2 MB

If you think about it, it’s easy to be a grateful person when things are going well. But put a little vinegar in your latte, and all of a sudden, gratitude isn’t the first thing that comes to mind—especially gratitude to God. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll find some surprises as we look at the Feast of First Fruits. In fact, Leviticus actually gives us insight into the resurrection of Jesus Christ and how it gives amazing peace and security to our lives. Support the Show.

#212 - How to Fill Your Empty Heart

June 13, 2023 08:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MB

Silence . . . Many of us struggle with it. Why? When we're in a quiet place, all we have are our thoughts. We have a lot of loops in our minds we'd rather not listen to. So, we grab distractions like social media, Netflix, and games. Anything to avoid the silence. In this episode of Live the Bible, we’ll discover God's provision of peace at the center of our silence. Support the Show.

#211 - What Worship Really Is

June 06, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MB

How would you define worship? You may find it surprising that more than 40% of people who attend church aren't too sure what the word means! But I'm asking about Monday worship—not just Sunday. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll look to the book of Leviticus to show us not just what worship is, but what difference it makes to our lives every day. Support the Show.

#210 - What You Believe Directs What You Do

May 30, 2023 08:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MB

Our culture is a riptide. I’m talking about that almost irresistible pull the world has on our hearts—those moments when the world’s alternatives to trusting God are easy and available—but deceptive.  We know they are lies, so how can we stand strong and live lives of obedience? This episode of Live the Bible will show us how to stay firm in our love for Jesus Christ.  Support the Show.

#209 - How to Deal with Your Biggest Challenge

May 23, 2023 08:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MB

When you seek answers, where do you look? (Besides Google.) It’s tough to break old habits. Whether it’s cultural bias or preconceived notions, many of us struggle to step outside of our comfortable orbits to gain a larger point of view. In this episode of Live the Bible, we'll look at the seemingly outdated customs found in Leviticus 18 and 19 and find some surprising lessons. Our challenge is to look beyond what's familiar into the place where answers are actually found. Support the show

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First Things First
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