In the final episode of Anchored by the Word for 2025, Pastor Justin is joined by his three sons—Andrew, Noah, and Caleb—for a candid, warm, and thoughtful family conversation as they look ahead to a new year. Together, they reflect on transitions, changed plans, and the uncertainties that come with major life decisions, from graduating high school to rethinking long-held dreams. This unique episode blends humor, vulnerability, and practical wisdom as the family invites listeners into an honest discussion about faith in real life.

Using the common struggle of New Year’s resolutions as a starting point, the conversation explores why most resolutions fail and how motivation matters more than the resolution itself. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, and a quote from Paul Washer, the group challenges listeners to examine the “why” behind their goals, emphasizing that God is more concerned with who we are becoming than simply what we accomplish. Rather than striving for self-improvement alone, the episode calls believers to pursue lives shaped by surrender, humility, and a desire to grow more like Christ.

The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that God often changes our plans for our good and His glory. Through personal stories of interrupted dreams, unexpected paths, and learning to hold plans loosely, listeners are encouraged to trust God’s sovereignty, pray faithfully, stay grounded in the Word, and embrace life’s changes as invitations to deeper dependence on Him. As the podcast prepares to enter a new year, this episode offers a fitting close to 2025—calling listeners to step into what’s next with open hands, grateful hearts, and confident trust in the Lord.

In this Christmas Eve episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin reflects on the past several weeks of teaching by summarizing key themes from the Christmas story and celebrating God’s faithfulness during the podcast’s first year. As the show looks ahead to year two, this episode invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and see the nativity not merely as a familiar story, but as a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive plan unfolding exactly as promised.

The episode highlights three central truths drawn from Scripture. First, God is always faithful to His promises—from the first gospel promise in Genesis 3:15 to the fulfillment of salvation in Christ. Second, God consistently uses the least likely people and places to accomplish His purposes, reminding us that salvation and service are grounded in grace, not human strength or ability. Through personal reflection and biblical teaching, listeners are encouraged to embrace a posture of humility, availability, and surrender before the Lord.

Finally, the episode emphasizes that God meets people exactly where they are in order to draw them to Himself, just as He did with the wise men. Rather than being discovered by human effort, God pursues sinners with overwhelming grace for His glory. As listeners prepare to celebrate Christmas with family and friends, this episode calls them to trust God’s promises, pray faithfully for the lost, and enter the coming year with open hands, confident that God is at work and worthy of complete surrender.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin is joined by both Diana and Andrew to continue the Christmas series with a thoughtful and engaging discussion on one of the most mysterious parts of the nativity story: the wise men and the star. Moving beyond tradition and popular songs, they explore who the Magi likely were, where they came from, and why Scripture emphasizes their journey from the east—highlighting God’s initiative in drawing those who were far from Him near by grace.

The conversation traces biblical connections from Matthew 2 back to the Old Testament, including Daniel’s influence in Babylon and prophecies such as Numbers 24:17. They discuss the Magi’s background as astrologers and priests, why they would have recognized a “star of a king,” and examine various theories about the star itself—while carefully distinguishing speculation from what Scripture clearly teaches.

Ultimately, this episode invites listeners to wrestle deeply with the biblical text, marvel at God’s faithfulness, and recognize how all of creation points to Christ. It’s a reminder that the Christmas story is rich with meaning, designed to stir wonder, deepen faith, and draw us into worship of the God who came to dwell with those who struggle and seek Him.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and Diana continue their Christmas series with a thoughtful and engaging discussion that begins with lighthearted banter about favorite Christmas movies before turning to deeper biblical questions. Picking up from last week’s teaser, they explore why the announcement of Jesus’ birth was made to shepherds and why Bethlehem was chosen as His birthplace. Along the way, they challenge common assumptions and stress the importance of understanding Scripture within its historical and cultural context rather than relying on tradition alone.

The conversation highlights the rich symbolism surrounding the shepherds and Bethlehem. Pastor Justin explains how shepherds were uniquely positioned to recognize Jesus as the Lamb of God, connecting His birth to Old Testament themes of sacrifice, including Abraham and Isaac and the showing that God would ultimately provide Himself as the true Lamb. They also discuss how the sheep raised near Bethlehem were destined for Passover sacrifices, underscoring that even the location of Jesus’ birth pointed forward to His role as the sin-bearing substitute. These details reveal that the incarnation was purposeful in every way, from the announcement to the audience who first heard it.

The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on hope, trust, and God’s sovereignty. Justin and Diana examine the symbolism of the swaddling cloths, the manger, and the meaning of Bethlehem as the “house of bread,” tying Jesus’ birth directly to His mission to give life to the world. They encourage listeners to trust God’s purposes—even when they are unclear—and to rest in the truth that the Judge of all the earth always does what is right. The episode closes with a teaser for next week’s discussion on the Magi and why they traveled from the East to worship the newborn King.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and his wife, Diana, begin a new multi-week Christmas series by reflecting on the traditions, memories, and meaning surrounding the season. They share personal stories—from Christmas light drives to childhood anticipation—and discuss how the beauty and wonder of Christmas can change as we grow older, especially as parents. Their conversation sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the biblical Christmas narrative, challenging listeners to slow down, revisit the story with fresh eyes, and recover the sense of awe that can fade from familiarity.

The discussion turns to the long-debated question of when Jesus was actually born. Pastor Justin explains why December 25th is unlikely to be the true date and interacts with historical research—from church fathers to modern scholars like Wes Huff—to debunk common myths about pagan festivals influencing the church’s celebration. Rather than fixating on a specific day, he and Diana emphasize the far more important reality: Christmas is a reminder of God’s faithfulness, the fulfillment of His promises, and His power to accomplish what seems impossible. They connect the birth of Christ to the broader story of redemption, tracing the gospel back to Genesis and encouraging listeners to hold onto hope even in seasons of waiting.

The episode also highlights the emotional complexity of the holidays. While Christmas brings joy, lights, and celebration, it can also amplify grief, loneliness, or unmet longings. Justin and Diana offer heartfelt encouragement, pointing listeners to Scripture and urging them to anchor their hope in the unchanging character of God. As they wrap up, Pastor Justin gives a teaser for next week’s episode—promising to explore why Jesus was born in Bethlehem, why the announcement went to shepherds, and how these details reveal God’s incredible sovereign design in the Christmas story.

In this Thanksgiving week episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin reflects on the podcast’s first year, expressing deep gratitude to listeners for their support and encouragement before turning to the history of Thanksgiving, highlighting George Washington’s 1789 proclamation and its focus on acknowledging God’s providence, giving thanks, and seeking His guidance.

Pastor Justin anchors the episode in Psalm 103, walking through eight blessings of God that inspire gratitude. He explores God’s forgiveness, healing, salvation, faithfulness, compassion, joy, justice, and mercy—showing how each blessing shapes the Christian life. Through personal reflections and scriptural insights, he reminds listeners that God meets His people with steadfast love, even in suffering, loneliness, or injustice, and calls believers to model that same grace toward others. He also encourages intentional practices such as hospitality, prayer, and meditating on Scripture, especially during a season that can be difficult for many.

The episode concludes with a call to prayer and repentance—both personal and national—echoing Washington’s original Thanksgiving proclamation. Pastor Justin urges listeners to lift up unsaved family and friends by name, trusting in God’s promise to save all who call upon Him. He closes by expressing heartfelt thanks to those who have helped shape the podcast this year, including the production team and past co-hosts, and offers a preview of upcoming December episodes focused on the details of the Christmas story.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and Josh welcome author, podcaster, pastor, educator, and apologist Andrew Rappaport. The founder of Striving for Eternity Ministries, Rappaport shares his journey from growing up Jewish—where Jesus was viewed as "Hitler's God"—to becoming a Christian apologist. Rappaport recounts how an intellectual challenge led him to examine Old and New Testament prophecies that led him to ultimately conclude that the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling those prophecies was "beyond statistical impossibility," confirming for him that Christ must be God.

The conversation centers on the topic of "the Jewishness of the Jesus," demonstrating that to properly understand Scripture, Christians must interpret it through a first-century Jewish lens rather than a modern Western one. They discuss how understanding Jewish idioms and customs—such as the wedding custom that informs Jesus' statement that "no one knows the day or the hour" (Mark 13:32)—is critical for accurate biblical interpretation.

The episode concludes with a profound call for believers to grasp the necessity of biblical hermeneutics (the theory and practice of interpretation). Andrew Rappaport emphasizes that Christians should be dedicated to meditating on the Word of God—a concept he links to "chewing cud" in its meaning—throughout the day, not merely reading it in passing. This discussion provides a powerful reminder of the rich, original context of Christianity and the importance of digging deeper into the Jewish roots of the faith.

To learn more about Andrew, his works, and his ministries, visit Striving for Eternity by following this LINK.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and his wife, Diana, discuss the biblical meaning and modern relevance of the Sabbath. They begin with lighthearted talk about the holidays and the struggle to find rest in a busy world, before turning to Scripture to explain how the Sabbath was designed as a gift, not a burden. They unpack how Jesus fulfilled — not abolished — the law, showing that the Sabbath ultimately points to Him as our continual rest. Through passages like Matthew 11:28 and Mark 2:27, they remind listeners that true peace and rest come not from striving but from trusting in Christ’s finished work.

The conversation also explores the deeper spiritual significance of rest — that it’s an act of faith, reminding believers that everything doesn’t depend on their effort but on God’s sovereignty and provision. Justin and Diana contrast Christianity’s grace-based rest with the works-based mindset of other religions and warn against the pride that makes us think we can earn God’s love. They emphasize that God has already proven His love through Christ’s sacrifice and adoption of believers as His children, encouraging listeners to find freedom in that truth rather than guilt or exhaustion.

Finally, the couple share how their family has begun practicing a weekly Sabbath from Friday evening to Saturday evening. Their routine includes family meals, study, prayer, and a break from digital distractions — not as a rigid rule but as a rhythm of worship and renewal. They encourage listeners to begin small, be intentional about rest, and remember that Sabbath-keeping is an invitation, not an obligation. As Justin concludes, “It’s about progress, not perfection” — resting in the grace of a God who provides all we need.

In this week’s episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin is joined by Westlake’s elder-in-training and the podcast's technical producer, Josh Davis, for a lively and heartfelt conversation about unity, grace, and truth in the Christian life. The two kick things off with some lighthearted banter about the fast-approaching holiday season, favorite holy days, and even a confession involving Christmas gnomes and early-season carols. Quickly, though, the discussion takes a thoughtful turn as Justin and Josh explore what it really means to disagree with one another in love — especially within the church.

From Calvinism and Arminianism to denominational differences and the misuse of the word heresy, the pair digs deep into how believers can hold firm convictions without fracturing fellowship. With scriptural insights, personal stories, and a few good laughs along the way, this episode challenges listeners to be both discerning and charitable — to defend sound doctrine without losing compassion. Whether you’re sipping your “calvinated” coffee or just trying to navigate theological tension with grace, this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

In this Reformation Week episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin sits down with guest speaker (and his oldest son) Andrew Likens to explore the history and heart behind the Protestant Reformation. Together, they look beyond the costumes and candy to reflect on what Martin Luther’s 95 Theses truly represented—a call to return to the authority of Scripture alone and the sufficiency of Christ alone. With humor and honesty, they unpack how those ancient convictions still anchor believers today in a world constantly shifting its definitions of truth.

The conversation centers on the Five Solas—Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and To the Glory of God Alone—and how each one guards the gospel from distortion. Pastor Justin and Andrew remind listeners that the Reformation wasn’t merely a historical event but an ongoing movement of the heart, calling the Church to continually reform according to God’s Word. They discuss how the Reformers’ courage and clarity still challenge Christians today to hold fast to the gospel with both conviction and compassion.

As the episode closes, the hosts encourage believers to celebrate Reformation Day not just as a date on the calendar but as a reminder of God’s enduring faithfulness to preserve His truth. Whether you’re new to the topic or a lifelong student of church history, this conversation will renew your appreciation for the gospel’s simplicity and power. The Reformation may have begun in 1517—but its message still reforms hearts today.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and Diana dive deep into the topic of prayer—what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes our relationship with God. They begin by defining prayer as more than a list of requests—it’s a two-way conversation with our Heavenly Father meant to align our hearts with His will. Through Scripture and personal reflection, they explore how prayer moves us from self-reliance to dependence on God, emphasizing that it’s not about getting Him on our agenda but learning to trust His.

The discussion draws on biblical examples such as Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, Abraham interceding for Sodom, and Elijah’s fervent prayers, showing how prayer reveals God’s character and strengthens our faith. Justin and Diana remind listeners that powerful prayer isn’t about eloquence or ritual but about sincerity, humility, and seeking God’s face rather than His hands. They highlight how Scripture-guided prayer ensures that we are praying according to God’s will and invite listeners to see prayer as both an act of obedience and a deep expression of trust.

As the episode closes, the hosts offer practical encouragement for anyone wanting to grow in their prayer life—whether through journaling, quiet reflection, or praying with others. They stress that the goal isn’t perfection but persistence: learning to pray with dependence, humility, and an ever-growing desire to know God more. With warmth and authenticity, Justin and Diana remind listeners that prayer changes us far more than our circumstances—and that the most powerful prayers begin with a simple, humble heart before God.

In this episode, Pastor Justin and Diana Likens give an unpaid endorsement of the Foundations 260 (F-260) Bible Reading Plan from Replicate Ministries, which you can learn more about and download here.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin Likens and Diana continue their discussion on discipleship, focusing on the “teaching” aspect of the Great Commission. Building on last week’s conversation about making disciples, they explore how believers can grow in their relationship with Jesus through simple, consistent habits of Bible reading and reflection. Rather than making discipleship complicated or treating it like a checklist, Justin and Diana emphasize slowing down, spending time with God’s Word, and learning to love its Author more deeply.

The heart of the conversation centers on the H.E.A.R. method of Bible study—Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond—a practical and personal approach to engaging with Scripture. Diana walks listeners through each step, explaining how journaling helps anchor God’s truth in our hearts, track spiritual growth, and even create a legacy of faith for future generations. Pastor Justin shares a recent journal entry from Matthew 28, reflecting on how even Jesus’ followers doubted and how pastors, teachers, and believers alike must remember that our work is faithfulness—the results belong to God.

Throughout the episode, listeners are encouraged to approach their Bible time not as a task to complete but as a relationship to nurture. With warmth and honesty, Justin and Diana remind us that discipleship isn’t about perfection—it’s about daily dependence, listening to God, and walking with Him in both the mountains and valleys of life.

In this week’s episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin and his wife Diana dive into one of the most important commands Jesus gave His followers: making disciples. They reflect on their own upbringings in the church and how, despite being active Christians, they rarely heard about true discipleship beyond simply “reading your Bible and praying every day.” This honest conversation highlights the difference between being a convert and being a disciple—a learner, imitator, and multiplier of Jesus Christ.

The Likens explore common misconceptions about disciple-making, such as the idea that it’s “too hard,” and emphasize that while it does take time and intentionality, it’s ultimately the Holy Spirit who empowers believers to do it. They explain how discipleship goes far beyond Sunday services and evangelistic events, touching every part of daily life. Listeners are introduced to the concept of discipleship groups—small, same-gender gatherings focused on prayer, Scripture study, memorization, and accountability—as a practical way to grow spiritually and multiply mature followers of Christ.

Throughout the conversation, Justin and Diana share wisdom and practical insights for starting and maintaining healthy discipleship groups, including how to set expectations, keep meetings focused, and embrace the challenge of multiplying new groups after 12–18 months. Their discussion encourages believers to pursue genuine spiritual growth, intentional relationships, and obedience to Christ’s call to make disciples who make disciples.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin is joined by his wife, Diana Likens for an engaging and a deeply biblical discussion about the human heart and the necessity of spiritual transformation. They challenge the common belief that people are fundamentally good, asserting that the Bible teaches humanity is born with a nature "dead in trespasses and sins." Drawing on scriptures like Romans 3:10-12, they emphasize the urgent need for a "spiritual heart transplant"—the complete, HGTV-style renovation the Holy Spirit performs upon conversion, making a believer a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The purpose of this new heart is to fully transform believers to think, speak, and act like Jesus, as the heart is the "epicenter of a person," encompassing the mind, emotions, will, and desires (Proverbs 4:23).

They clarify that apart from Christ, the heart is spiritually evil and dead, citing Ephesians 2:1 and Luke 6:45. This understanding is crucial because it highlights that all are not God's children by default, but become adopted through repentance and faith in the gospel. This new covenant promise, foretold in Ezekiel 36:26, is the replacement of a "heart of stone" with a "heart of flesh," directly contradicting the idea that a fundamentally good person would require a new heart. However, they address the war between the new heart and the remaining sin nature, using Romans 7 to describe the internal conflict of wanting to obey God but struggling with temptation.

Finally, the discussion provides essential encouragement for Christians, emphasizing that the gospel not only saves but also breaks the power of sin, giving believers the tools to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10). Their concluding advice is to preach the gospel to oneself daily: to confess sin while running to God, not from Him, trusting in the assurance of full forgiveness and the security of their adoption, thereby establishing their hearts as they await Christ’s return (James 5:8).

In this week’s episode of Anchored by the Word, we confront the troubling acts of violence and moral decline in our nation, exploring how Christians are called to respond with truth, love, and faith. We discuss why these issues are ultimately spiritual, not just human, and emphasize the central role of the gospel in addressing sin and evil.

We also challenge believers to be equipped to defend their faith, disciple their families, and engage their communities with Scripture, patience, and compassion—following the examples set in Ephesians, Philippians, Jude, and 2 Timothy.

Join us as we reflect on the urgent need for Christians to live as salt and light in a world desperate for truth, while showing genuine love to those far from Christ.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Josh Davis (co-host and elder intern at Westlake) fills in for Pastor Justin to walk us through the powerful truths found in Exodus 33. This chapter confronts us with the reality that God’s greatest gift is not land, blessings, or comfort—but His very presence. Moses’ desperate plea, “If Your presence will not go with us, do not bring us up from here,” challenges us to examine what we value most in our walk with God.

As Josh unpacks the text, we see how Exodus 33 points us forward to Christ—the greater Mediator who intercedes for His people and reveals God’s glory in full through His incarnation, humility, and sacrifice. What Moses could only glimpse, we now see clearly in Jesus Christ, Emmanuel, God with us.

This episode closes with a practical challenge. Join us as we anchor ourselves in the Word and remember that life without God is empty, but in Christ we find fullness, rest, and glory.

In this week's episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin dives deep into the Old Testament book of Nehemiah—a powerful study in godly leadership, faithful prayer, and bold action. He unpacks the opening chapters of Nehemiah, revealing timeless lessons about how God prepares and uses His people for Kingdom work. Drawing from recent pastoral meetings and personal reflections, Justin highlights how Nehemiah's heart for God's people led to prayerful waiting, honest confession, and courageous obedience.

Listeners will be challenged to consider their own calling and role in the local church, reminded that waiting time is not wasted time, and encouraged to stay ready for when God says, “Go.” Whether you’re seeking clarity in a season of waiting or wrestling with your next step of faith, this episode will help you align your heart with God’s will, trust His timing, and walk boldly in obedience.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin addresses an important and sometimes controversial topic: modern Bible translations. Prompted by a recent conversation with a "King James only" advocate and the concerns of a new believer, he takes time to answer the question, “Are modern translations missing verses?” and explains why we can have full confidence that God’s Word has been faithfully preserved.

Throughout the episode, Pastor Justin unpacks the history of chapters and verse divisions, the cultural differences between how Scripture was learned in biblical times versus today, and why some verses appear differently in various translations. Using examples such as Matthew 4:4, Jesus’ words from the cross, and Acts 8:37, he shows how translation differences do not change the gospel message or the person and work of Christ.

Ultimately, listeners are reminded that the greatest priority is not which translation they use, but whether they are truly reading, understanding, and obeying God’s Word. No matter the translation, the gospel shines clearly, and God’s faithfulness in preserving His Word gives believers confidence to trust, study, and live by Scripture.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin Likens explores what it means to live wisely as a follower of Christ. Building from 1 Corinthians 6:12 and other key passages, he shows that while Christians enjoy freedom in Christ, not everything we are free to do is ultimately helpful or glorifying to God. Instead of merely asking whether something is sinful, we should be asking whether it is wise, beneficial, and God-honoring.

Pastor Justin walks through practical questions every believer should consider: What does the Bible say about this choice? How will it impact my life? How will it affect others? Using examples like alcohol, relationships, and daily decisions, he emphasizes that discernment is about more than avoiding sin—it’s about pursuing the very best path that draws us closer to Christ and blesses others.

Ultimately, living wisely means surrendering control of our lives to the Holy Spirit, filling our hearts with Scripture, and seeking God’s glory in every decision. This episode challenges us to slow down, think biblically, and consider the long-term effects of our choices so that our lives point others to Christ.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin tackles the growing influence of a group called World’s Last Chance (WLC) and their nationwide billboard campaign spreading false teachings about the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and the return of Jesus. He explains why these claims are not just doctrinal differences but outright heresies that strike at the heart of the Christian faith.

Carefully walking through each of WLC’s main claims, Pastor Justin uses the scriptures to show us how their teachings distort the truth. From the biblical foundation of the Trinity, to Christ’s clear declaration of His divinity, to the biblical signs proclaiming His return, he dismantles WLC’s false teachings and warns believers not to be swayed by half-truths taken out of context.

Ultimately, this episode is both a call to discernment and a call to the believe the gospel. Pastor Justin urges listeners to hold fast to the sufficiency of Scripture, to test all teaching by God’s Word, and to repent and believe in the true gospel of Jesus Christ, who alone is our living hope.