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.