April 30th, 2025
by Ron Cline
by Ron Cline
When I invite someone to our church, the responses I hear are often familiar. People talk about the church’s location, its size, the stunning view, or even the Sunday morning donuts. And while those are all great aspects of South Shores, our goal is to be known for something deeper. We aspire to be a church marked by love, a church that is committed to investing in what’s next. Above all, we want to be known as a church that is anchored in God’s Word, because we believe a church anchored in Scripture leads to lives that are anchored in Scripture.
The Power of the Word
The Bible isn’t just any book—it’s the Word of God. It’s a collection of 66 books, written by a variety of authors across different times, languages, and continents, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. It starts with Creation and ends with eternity in Heaven with God. Today, the Bible is available in hundreds of languages and over 100 million copies are purchased every year. It’s alive, spreading, and read all over the world—because it is, and always will be, the Word of God. It holds truths about God and about yourself, and has the power to transform your life.
Some of you read the Bible daily, for some of you it’s been a while. Let’s be clear: the Bible is meant to be read, studied, and lived out. I hope your Bible is well-worn, full of notes and highlighted passages that have spoken to you over the years that you reflect back on, because as the saying goes, 'A Bible that is worn out and torn up usually is held by somebody who isn't.' Ultimately, the Bible will either keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible. If you're not in the habit of reading it regularly, I encourage you to take time to reflect on why that might be.
Anchored in the Word
The word anchored brings to mind two images: an anchor in the wall that holds a picture securely and a sea anchor that keeps a boat from drifting. In the same way, being anchored in God’s Word prevents us from falling into deception or drifting away spiritually. While the world offers countless distractions, Scripture serves as our foundation and anchor, enabling us to stand firm in our faith.
The Power of the Word
The Bible isn’t just any book—it’s the Word of God. It’s a collection of 66 books, written by a variety of authors across different times, languages, and continents, all inspired by the Holy Spirit. It starts with Creation and ends with eternity in Heaven with God. Today, the Bible is available in hundreds of languages and over 100 million copies are purchased every year. It’s alive, spreading, and read all over the world—because it is, and always will be, the Word of God. It holds truths about God and about yourself, and has the power to transform your life.
Some of you read the Bible daily, for some of you it’s been a while. Let’s be clear: the Bible is meant to be read, studied, and lived out. I hope your Bible is well-worn, full of notes and highlighted passages that have spoken to you over the years that you reflect back on, because as the saying goes, 'A Bible that is worn out and torn up usually is held by somebody who isn't.' Ultimately, the Bible will either keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible. If you're not in the habit of reading it regularly, I encourage you to take time to reflect on why that might be.
Anchored in the Word
The word anchored brings to mind two images: an anchor in the wall that holds a picture securely and a sea anchor that keeps a boat from drifting. In the same way, being anchored in God’s Word prevents us from falling into deception or drifting away spiritually. While the world offers countless distractions, Scripture serves as our foundation and anchor, enabling us to stand firm in our faith.
"While the world offers countless distractions, Scripture serves as our foundation and anchor, enabling us to stand firm in our faith."
Here are some ways we can be firmly anchored in God’s Word, as illustrated in Psalm 119:
1. Read It
The first step to being anchored in God’s Word is simply to read it. David writes in Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” Becoming anchored in Scripture doesn’t happen just by attending church on Sundays—you need to read and engage with what God says to you for yourself. Whether it’s a paragraph a day or two chapters, whether you just open the Bible and start reading or follow a guided reading plan, what matters is that you engage with the Word regularly.
You may be wondering why it can feel so hard for you to get the habit of reading the Bible. Satan does not want you to hear what God has to say to you and he will do anything he can to keep you from reading this book, because it’s the Word of God. It's hard to be consistent in the Word, but if you are, your life will be different. Regularly engaging with Scripture will change your life because you’ll be hearing from God Himself. You’ll discover insights you never noticed before, even in chapters you’ve read many times, because the Bible is alive and speaks to you.
2. Store It
The second step is to store God’s Word in your heart. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” One of the primary ways we can store God’s Word in our hearts is through memorizing Scripture. While memorization can seem daunting, God will help you, and the more you fill your heart with His Word, the more it will shape your life.
We see this modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4. After fasting for 40 days, the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread. But Jesus responded with Scripture, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). When faced with temptation, Jesus relied on the Word stored in His heart. Just as our growth, satisfaction, and strength come from God’s Word, we too should make it a habit to store it in our hearts, following Jesus’ example.
3. Ask for Help
The third step is to ask about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the Bible and what you are reading. Having questions is a sign of growth and a desire to understand more deeply! Some great places and people to ask questions as you try to understand more of God’s Word are Bible studies, small groups, Rooted groups, or even your pastor after the service.
We can also ask God to help us as we read His Word. Psalm 119:73 reminds us that, “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” Did you know you can ask God for understanding? In Psalm 119:33-36, David repeatedly asks God for help: for understanding His statutes (v. 33), to keep His law (v. 34), to be guided in His commandments (v. 35), and to have his heart inclined to God’s testimonies (v. 36). Just like David, we too can ask God for direction and understanding as we strive to become more deeply anchored in His Word.
4. Live It
The fourth step in being anchored in God’s Word is to live it. Beyond simply reading the Bible, we need to put what we learn into practice. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word provides guidance in every area of life, helping us make wise decisions.
People often ask, “I’m a Christian—can I do this and still go to Heaven?” The Bible answers these questions and teaches us how to live in a way that pleases God. When you’re uncertain about a choice because it’s popular or everyone else is doing it, turn to Scripture for clarity.
God’s Word lights our path and gives us direction. By living it out, not only do we grow closer to God, but we also become a light to others. Let your life be an example, pointing people to Christ through your actions. Live the Word of God, and let it transform your life.
5. Share It
The fifth and final step is to share it. Psalm 119:171-172 says, “My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.” As christians, we are called to open our lips, use our tongues, and share the truth of Scripture with those who aren’t reading it. Share it with others in love, and continue reaching out, because you’ve been rescued by the very truths found in the Word.
Living Anchored in the Word
In 1906, songwriter Priscilla Owens wrote, “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life? When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain? We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll; fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!” In challenging times, we can stand firm because we are anchored in the Word of God. As we read and store Scripture, it becomes a guide and a light for our path. It keeps us from falling into sin and helps us stand firm in the truth, no matter what challenges we face.
1. Read It
The first step to being anchored in God’s Word is simply to read it. David writes in Psalm 119:9, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word.” Becoming anchored in Scripture doesn’t happen just by attending church on Sundays—you need to read and engage with what God says to you for yourself. Whether it’s a paragraph a day or two chapters, whether you just open the Bible and start reading or follow a guided reading plan, what matters is that you engage with the Word regularly.
You may be wondering why it can feel so hard for you to get the habit of reading the Bible. Satan does not want you to hear what God has to say to you and he will do anything he can to keep you from reading this book, because it’s the Word of God. It's hard to be consistent in the Word, but if you are, your life will be different. Regularly engaging with Scripture will change your life because you’ll be hearing from God Himself. You’ll discover insights you never noticed before, even in chapters you’ve read many times, because the Bible is alive and speaks to you.
2. Store It
The second step is to store God’s Word in your heart. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” One of the primary ways we can store God’s Word in our hearts is through memorizing Scripture. While memorization can seem daunting, God will help you, and the more you fill your heart with His Word, the more it will shape your life.
We see this modeled by Jesus in Matthew 4. After fasting for 40 days, the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread. But Jesus responded with Scripture, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4). When faced with temptation, Jesus relied on the Word stored in His heart. Just as our growth, satisfaction, and strength come from God’s Word, we too should make it a habit to store it in our hearts, following Jesus’ example.
3. Ask for Help
The third step is to ask about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the Bible and what you are reading. Having questions is a sign of growth and a desire to understand more deeply! Some great places and people to ask questions as you try to understand more of God’s Word are Bible studies, small groups, Rooted groups, or even your pastor after the service.
We can also ask God to help us as we read His Word. Psalm 119:73 reminds us that, “Your hands have made and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.” Did you know you can ask God for understanding? In Psalm 119:33-36, David repeatedly asks God for help: for understanding His statutes (v. 33), to keep His law (v. 34), to be guided in His commandments (v. 35), and to have his heart inclined to God’s testimonies (v. 36). Just like David, we too can ask God for direction and understanding as we strive to become more deeply anchored in His Word.
4. Live It
The fourth step in being anchored in God’s Word is to live it. Beyond simply reading the Bible, we need to put what we learn into practice. As Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” God's Word provides guidance in every area of life, helping us make wise decisions.
People often ask, “I’m a Christian—can I do this and still go to Heaven?” The Bible answers these questions and teaches us how to live in a way that pleases God. When you’re uncertain about a choice because it’s popular or everyone else is doing it, turn to Scripture for clarity.
God’s Word lights our path and gives us direction. By living it out, not only do we grow closer to God, but we also become a light to others. Let your life be an example, pointing people to Christ through your actions. Live the Word of God, and let it transform your life.
5. Share It
The fifth and final step is to share it. Psalm 119:171-172 says, “My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right.” As christians, we are called to open our lips, use our tongues, and share the truth of Scripture with those who aren’t reading it. Share it with others in love, and continue reaching out, because you’ve been rescued by the very truths found in the Word.
Living Anchored in the Word
In 1906, songwriter Priscilla Owens wrote, “Will your anchor hold in the storms of life? When the clouds unfold their wings of strife? When the strong tides lift and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain? We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll; fastened to the Rock which cannot move, grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!” In challenging times, we can stand firm because we are anchored in the Word of God. As we read and store Scripture, it becomes a guide and a light for our path. It keeps us from falling into sin and helps us stand firm in the truth, no matter what challenges we face.
"In challenging times, we can stand firm because we are anchored in the Word of God. As we read and store Scripture, it becomes a guide and a light for our path."
Today, open your Bible and let it speak to you. Whether you’re returning to it after a while or diving deeper into familiar passages, remember this: the Bible is alive, and it will change you. Stay anchored in God’s Word, and you’ll find a foundation that never wavers.
This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Ron Cline at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Learn more about South Shores Church's Values here.
This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Ron Cline at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, August 27, 2023. Learn more about South Shores Church's Values here.
About the Author
Dr. Ron Cline challenges and edifies the body of Christ around the world. His background as a pastor, educator, counselor, missionary and author gives him credibility and rapport with the many groups and individuals he and his wife, Barbara, minister to each year. After serving over 30 years outside the United States, he and his wife joined the staff at South Shores where he serves the senior community and the missionaries who serve around the world. He also serves as Global Ambassador with the international mission, Reach Beyond.
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