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.

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.

Together, they explore why church planting is so urgent: population growth is outpacing the reach of existing congregations, many churches close each year, and theological drift is leaving communities spiritually underfed. They discuss the life cycle of churches, how biblical fidelity fuels longevity, and why methods may change but doctrine must not. Healthy church plants, they argue, multiply disciples, strengthen the body, and can even bring struggling churches back to life.

The conversation also addresses megachurches, the dangers of consumer Christianity, and the risk of letting tradition overshadow mission. Whether large or small, churches must keep the gospel central and adapt their ministry approach to their community without compromising truth. Pastor Justin and Josh close with a strong call to view church planting not as a trend, but as a direct command of the Great Commission—growing God’s kingdom one faithful congregation at a time.

Make sure to visit the Borderlands FBC website to sign up for the Davis's mailing list, and to support church planting with a monthly donation if you feel so led! You can also join their Facebook group HERE!

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 Justin walks through the doctrine of the Imago Dei and the four key attributes humans share as image-bearers of God: spirit, intellect, emotions, and will. But how does sin impact the will? And how does salvation restore our ability to live in obedience to God? These questions lead us into a biblical exploration of the fallen nature of man and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer. With clarity and conviction, we learn that while we make choices, those choices are always influenced by who—or what—is on the throne of our hearts.

This episode is a must-listen for those wrestling with assurance of salvation, the struggle against sin, and the call to live a life that truly pleases God. Whether you're new to the topic or have wrestled with it for years, this discussion will encourage you to examine your life through the lens of Scripture. Be sure to subscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation on our Anchored by the Word social media pages as we continue growing together in truth.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin reflects on the lives and ministries of two theological giants—R.C. Sproul and John MacArthur—who, despite their significant doctrinal differences, modeled faithful cooperation for the sake of the gospel. Pastor Justin discusses how these men courageously stood against cultural compromise while maintaining theological integrity and mutual respect across denominational lines.

Using their example, the episode explores how Christians today can wisely discern when and how to partner with others in gospel work. Pastor Justin explains the importance of distinguishing between primary, secondary, and tertiary doctrines, encouraging believers to pursue unity in the essentials while showing humility and charity in other areas.

Listeners are reminded that the ultimate goal isn’t the expansion of personal platforms or denominational lines, but the advancement of God’s kingdom. Whether you're in the pulpit or the pew, this conversation offers both challenge and encouragement for gospel cooperation in an increasingly divided and secular culture.

In this important and timely episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin steps outside our series on favorite bible verses to tackle a topic that’s both theologically rich and culturally relevant: How should Christians think about Israel?

With Israel frequently in the headlines—from the October 7th Hamas attack to ongoing tensions with Iran—many believers are asking where the modern nation of Israel fits into God’s redemptive plan. Pastor Justin dives deep into Scripture to answer two key questions:

Who is the true Israel of God?

How should Christians respond to the current geopolitical nation of Israel?

Rooted in passages like Romans 9–11, Galatians 3, and Ephesians 2, this episode explores the biblical doctrine of election, the fulfillment of God's promises in Christ, and the unity of Jews and Gentiles in the family of God. You'll hear a clear call to gospel clarity, faithful evangelism, and prayer for the salvation of all people—Jews and Gentiles alike.

Whether you're new to this discussion or have long wrestled with these questions, this episode will challenge, equip, and encourage you to think biblically—not politically—about Israel.

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and join the conversation in the comments—respectfully and with Scripture in hand!

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin continues our series on favorite Bible verses by diving into one of Paul’s most practical commands: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He explores the historical and spiritual context of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, a church encouraged to stand strong in faith and love while eagerly anticipating Christ’s return. What did Paul really mean by “pray without ceasing”? How do we live that out today in a world full of distractions, anxiety, and spiritual warfare?

He also unpacks Paul’s final instructions in 1 Thessalonians 5—covering everything from honoring church leaders, avoiding evil, and testing prophecies to keeping our hearts ready for worship. This episode isn’t just about understanding a verse; it’s about living it. You’ll hear practical tips on growing in Bible study, praying with purpose, discerning biblical teaching, and preparing your heart each week to truly worship God.

If you’re longing to go deeper in your walk with Christ, this episode will challenge and encourage you. Be sure to share it with a friend, leave a comment on where you’re listening from, and let us know how Anchored by the Word is helping you grow!

In this weeks episode of Anchored by the Word, Pastor Justin is joined by occasional guest and full time tech guru Josh Davis to discuss one of Josh's new favorite passages of scripture, Isaiah 49:1-7. They explore the powerful vision of Jesus as the Servant of God, prophesied in Isaiah and fulfilled in His earthly mission. From before His birth, God appointed Christ to accomplish salvation through the power of His Word. Though His path included moments of apparent failure and rejection, the Servant’s mission was guaranteed by God’s sovereign plan—to bring restoration not only to Israel, but salvation to all nations. Pastor Justin and Josh examine how Jesus, the true fulfillment of Israel’s calling, succeeded where others faltered, ultimately becoming the light for the Gentiles.

But this story doesn't end with Christ alone. As those united with Him, we are now called to share in His mission to be a light to the world. Drawing from Acts 13:47, we’ll discuss what it means for believers today to carry the light of Christ to the ends of the earth, even in the face of discouragement. This episode encourages listeners to trust in God’s unshakable plan and to embrace the global, redemptive work He is doing through His people.

In this episode of Anchored by the Word, we continue our listener-submitted series on favorite Bible verses, focusing on Philippians 4:6—“Do not be anxious about anything…” Pastor Justin explores the historical and biblical context of Paul's letter to the Philippians, written from prison to a church facing internal conflict. He explains how understanding the full context of verses is crucial to faithful interpretation, emphasizing the importance of unity in the church, forgiveness among believers, and the dangers of misapplying scripture without context.

The episode offers practical application on dealing with anxiety and disunity, highlighting prayer as the antidote to worry and a reflection of our trust in God. Listeners are encouraged to use anxiety as a prompt to seek God in prayer with urgency and thanksgiving, to evaluate the voices they’re listening to, and to guard against being ruled by emotion rather than truth. Through heartfelt teaching, he reminds us that gospel-centered living includes forgiving freely, striving for unity, and replacing worry with trust in God's faithfulness.