Anchored by the Word

In this episode, Pastor Justin and Josh discuss how we can control our anger rather than be consumed by it. They ask and answer the question, is there ever a time in which anger is righteous and good? Links: 72 Days of Prayer for El Paso: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17MffpNuWZ/ Fostering Champions: https://wefosterchampions.org/ Street Ransom: https://www.straightstreet.org/

The conversation delves into the impact of emotions, contrasting the behavior of King Xerxes with that of King Jesus, exploring emotions in a biblical context, and discussing the importance of growing in self-control and surrender to God in managing emotions. Takeaways Emotions can lead to regrettable actions Self-control and surrender to God are essential in managing emotions Chapters 00:00 The I...

The episode begins with an introduction and vision for the podcast, followed by a discussion on how Christians should think about the situation in Venezuela. The conversation then delves into the themes of God's sovereignty, caring for the suffering, respecting the rule of law, historical precedence and foreign policy, biblical wisdom and prudence, and praying for the spread of the gospel.

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 episo...

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 rem...

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 fr...

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 bir...

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 s...

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...

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 Te...

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, showin...

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 Chri...

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...

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 move...

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...

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...

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...

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 thei...

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,” chal...

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...

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 faithf...

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...

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. Caref...

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin Likens sits down with Josh Davis to talk about his family’s upcoming church plant—Borderlands Family Baptist Church—in El Paso, Texas. Together, they dive into a big question: Do we really need more churches in America? Their answer? Absolutely! But not just more buildings...the need is for healthy, gospel-driven, disciple-making churches. Tog...

In this week’s episode of Anchored by the Word, we tackle a thought-provoking and sometimes controversial question: Does man truly have free will? As summer draws to a close and routines shift, we take time to dive deep into Scripture to better understand the nature of human choice, responsibility, and the condition of the heart. Drawing from Genesis, Romans, and key theological concepts, Pastor J...