Join The Journey

What are the different views about signs and wonders? Do miraculous gifts still exist today? Can the Church disagree about this and still be unified? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 5:12-16 and explains the spectrum of convictions within the Church about the miraculous gifts (healing, tongues, prophecy), from cessationism to continuationism. Then, Executive Director of Watermark Health, Christy Chermak, joins to discuss how followers of Jesus can have a good theology of healing. 

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

1 Corinthians 12-14; 2 Corinthians 12: 12; Hebrews 2: 3-4; 1 Corinthians 13: 8-10; Acts 2: 16-21; James 5: 14-16; 1 Corinthians 14: 1; 1 Thessalonians 5: 21; Revelation 21: 4; Romans 8: 19-2...

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, College Director, Grant Wilkie, leads us in praying through Acts 5:12-16. This week, Grant leads us in prayer for two things: that we would trust the Word of God and that our church would be be fruitful and multiply. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8...

Does God care about generosity? How did the early church “have everything in common”? Why did God judge Ananias and Sapphira? In this episode, one of Watermark’s elders, Kyle Thompson, joins Emma to discuss Acts 4:32-37 and the radical generosity that marked the early church. Then, Emma unpacks Acts 5:1-11 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira with Watermark’s National Director of Merge and Foundation Groups, Scott Kedersha.  

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

1 John 3: 17; Psalm 50: 10; 2 Corinthians 8: 5, 12-15; 9:7; Proverbs 14: 12; Luke 21: 3-4; John 8: 44  

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 4:1-31. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for four things: that we would be Gospel-Saturated, proclaiming Jesus's name in all that we do; that we would be recognized as being people who are with Jesus; that we would be faithful to love our enemies and have boldness even in opposition; praying for perseucted church all over the world. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org...

Why does the resurrection matter so much to the Christian faith—and why was it so controversial in the early church? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 4:1-31 by breaking down the three primary religious groups that opposed the early church, including the Sadducees. Then, Emma is joined by Watermark member Bruno Ysla for a thoughtful conversation on the significance of the resurrection. Together, they explore the theology behind the resurrection, why it’s central to Christianity, and how differing views on it shape belief and practice today. 

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

1 Corinthians 5: 17 

In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 4:1-31. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for four things: that we would be Gospel-Saturated, proclaiming Jesus's name in all that we do; that we would be recognized as being people who are with Jesus; that we would be faithful to love our enemies and have boldness even in opposition; praying for persecuted church all over the world. 

If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://w...

What is a miracle? Can believers perform miracles today? How can we speak boldly about Jesus like Peter? In this extended episode, Emma Dotter illustrates what the temple would have looked like and highlightsgenerosity in the early church. Then, Watermark’s Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, joins to answer controversial questions about miracles and unpack Acts 3:1-7. After that, Emma and Watermark’s Director of Re|Engage, Matt Farlow, have a conversation about how the same Spirit who emboldened Peter emboldens us, and they provide practical advice on how to keep in step with the Spirit. 

// ADDIT...

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 3. Wes leads us in praying through 3 themes that are seen in the story of the lame beggar—praying for comfort for those who are broken and hurting, asking God to align our hearts and prayers with his, praying that we would be eager witnesses to the goodness of God in our lives. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out the Jo...

How is fellowship really lived out at Watermark? Is there hope for the younger generation? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter sits down with Watermark’s Shoreline Director, Will McIlroy, to share powerful stories of genuine fellowship in action. Will highlights how Watermark students are actively living out their faith through gathering for worship, devotion to God’s Word, and meaningful community with one another. This conversation offers a glimpse into what it looks like when faith is practiced together—not just taught. 

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

1 John 1:1-4 

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER...

In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 2:42-47. This week Wes reads Acts 2:42-47 and encourages you to pray how the Spirit would lead you. We spend time praying for the church—that we would be people who reflect the heart of God the Father, have eagerness to fellowship with one another, and be sensitive to those around us in need. 

If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer

Y...

How do I hear God’s voice? What were the first followers of Jesus like? In this episode, pastor and author Kirk Freeman is back with Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 2:42-47 and how the Holy Spirit empowered the early church in their fellowship. They explore helpful ways to discern the Spirit’s voice and unpack how this example of church gatherings and functions guide the way we do church today. 

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 

Psalm 103: 1-22, 6; Acts 2: 4; John 14: 15, 21, 29; Romans 8; John 15: 9-11; 1 Peter 2: 23; Acts 1: 8; Philippians 4: 1; Romans 8: 17 

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:  

Wate...

"Join us this week for 7 Days of Prayer and Fasting! In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 2:42-47. Today, we pray through our 3 markers of being a Shepherding church, a Community church, and a Unifying church. We also spend time praying that God would ""add to our numbers"" and that we would see many people in our city saved by Jesus Christ. Join us for A Night of Prayer and Worship! This Thursday, January 29 from 7:00-9:00PM at Watermark. You can find more information at https://www.watermark.org...

This episode answers the major questions surrounding baptism. Considering Acts 2, Emma Dotter and her guest, Tyler Moffett, bring clarity to doctrinal issues such as, “Do I need to get baptized?” and “Is baptism necessary for salvation?” This discussion doesn’t stop there but calls maturing believers to their next step of obedience regarding baptism. Then, to wrap up we examine Peter’s statement in Acts 2:40, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” Is salvation up to you? Can you really save yourself? Listen to dig into this interpretive challenge.  

ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:  

Matthew 28:19-20 

Galatians 2:20...

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 2:22-41. In this episode, we pray through 3 prompts seen in Acts 2:22-41—we ask forgiveness for not sharing the Gospel when prompted, for God to confirm and affirm salvation in our hearts, and that we would be a missional church filled with boldness to share the Gospel. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: ht...

Have you experienced discrepancies between your spiritual life and what you read in Acts? While the early church was unique in many ways, believers still have the same Spirit that we read about in Scripture. In this episode, Emma Dotter and Kylen Perry, Watermark’s Executive Director of The Porch, explain who that Spirit is and how he works in our lives and churches today. Then Emma Dotter and Pastor and Author, Kirk Freeman, spend time unpacking the implications of Acts 2, a passage that originally gave unity and clarity to the early church rather than the division it causes no...

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 2:1-21. In this episode, we pray for 3 things seen in Acts 2:1-21—we thank God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and ask him to give us a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, that the fruit of the Spirit would be evident in our lives, and that we would revere God's Word. If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer You can also check out th...

What was an apostle? Do apostles still exist? Why does the ascension of Jesus matter? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the definition, role, and qualifications of an apostle and why Judas needed to be replaced. Then, Watermark’s Resident Theologian, Garrett Wikle, joins to explain the doctrine of the ascension, how it shapes our understanding of the rest of Scripture, and why it’s significant forfollowers of Jesus today.  

ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:  

Ephesians 2:20; Acts 2:43; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Luke 24:50-53, 49; Matthew 26; 28; Daniel 7; 1 Corinthians 15:24-25; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 1:20; 2:6; 4:8-11; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 3:1-4; Hebrews; 1 Peter 3:21-22; Revelation 1; 4-5 

What are we reading in 2026? What changes are coming to Join the Journey? Emma Dotter talks through everything we can anticipate from Join The Journey in 2026!

WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY?  

Join The Journey is a realistic daily Bible reading plan that helps followers of Jesus at Watermark Community Church and beyond enjoy abiding in Jesus together. 

Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://www.jointhejourney.com  

Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://www.jointhejourney.com/jr/7957-what-is-real 

Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/u...

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 1. In this episode we pray for 3 things seen in Acts 1—boldness in us to be witnesses to our broken world, a devotion for prayer within us, and for the current and future leaders of our church. Check out our weekly deep dive into Acts every Tuesday on the Join The Journey Podcast! You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8...

"Thanks for being a part of an incredible Year of the Word! The Join The Journey team hopes you enjoy some bloopers from this year and we look forward to seeing you every Tuesday in 2026! As always, we're so we've all been on this journey reading the Bible together! You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney...

"How should we understand John's vision in Revelation 21—what’s new about the new creation, and how does it fulfill God’s promises from the Old Testament? The climax of the vision is that God dwells with His people—‘they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them’. Why is this significant? Revelation 22 describes the river of life and the tree of life, which takes us back to Genesis. What’s the significance of these images, and how do they show God’s plan to fully reverse the curse? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Cassidy...

"What do the names of Jesus seen in Revelation 19 mean? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Revelation 19 unpacking the deep meaning behind the phrases ""King of Kings"" and ""Lord of Lords"" and helping listeners understand the reverence that ought to be associated with these terms. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront...

"In Revelation 15–16, the seven bowls of God’s wrath are poured out on the earth. How do we reconcile God’s justice and wrath in these passages with His love and mercy? In Revelation 17, what does Babylon represent, both in the first-century world and for us today? In today's episode, Watermark Community Director, Katie Shemanske talks with Watermark member, Bobby Crotty about Revelation 15-17. Additional References: Matthew 24:15 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a6...

"Revelation 12 describes the woman, the dragon, and the child. How should we understand this symbolic story, and what does it reveal about the bigger spiritual battle behind history? In Revelation 13, John sees two beasts—one from the sea and one from the earth. How would the first-century church have understood these images, and how should we recognize the ongoing reality of false powers and counterfeit worship today? Revelation 14 contrasts those who follow the beast with those who follow the Lamb. What does this teach us about endurance and what it really means to remain faithful to Jesus? In today's episode, Em...

"In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Revelation 10-11 and helps us unpack the truths of Jesus's triumph over sin and death that can be found in a seemingly challenging passage. Emma encourages us that God's reign is forever and helps us understand the peace we can find in that truth. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https...

"How should we understand the symbolism in Revelation 4-5, and why is worship central before the judgments unfold? In Revelation 6, the seals are opened and we see conquest, war, famine, and death. How do these images relate to real suffering in our world today, and what does this teach us about God’s sovereignty over history? How should we understand the imagery of hte multitudes in chapter 7 and what does it show us about God’s mission and the future of His people? In today's Christmas episode, Watmermark Students Director, Jermaine Harrison and member Jacob Alger talk about Revelation 4-7, show...

"Come prepared to give a brief contextual overview of each books - don't summarize each book, share any details we need to know about author, audience, and main themes. Then be ready to answer the following: 1. In Revelation 1, John sees a vision of the risen Christ with blazing eyes, a sharp sword, and a voice like rushing waters. What do these images mean, and why is it important that the book begins with such a powerful picture of Jesus? 2. Revelation 2–3 contains messages to seven specific churches in Asia Minor. How should we read these letters—as just historical, or as word...

"Come prepared to give a brief contextual overview of each books - don't summarize each book, share any details we need to know about author, audience, and main themes. Then be ready to answer the following: 1. In 3 John, we see a contrast between Gaius, who shows hospitality to gospel workers, and Diotrephes, who refuses them. What does this teach us about the role of hospitality in advancing the mission of the church? 2. Jude urges believers to ‘contend for the faith once for all delivered to the saints’ (v. 3). What does it look like to contend for the faith without becoming quar...

"Come prepared to give a brief contextual overview of each books - don't summarize each book, share any details we need to know about author, audience, and main themes. Then be ready to answer the following: 1. 1 John was written so believers might know they have eternal life (1 John 5:13). How does John give assurance, and what does he mean by the repeated tests of obedience, love, and right belief? 2. Both 1 John and 2 John emphasize walking in truth and love. How do these two themes fit together, and why was John so insistent that the church hold them tightly side by side? 3. “In...

"You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

"You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

"Come prepared to give a brief contextual overview of the book, then be ready to answer the following: 1. James 2 says faith without works is dead, which has sometimes seemed to clash with Paul’s teaching on justification by faith. How should we understand James and Paul together, and what was James really emphasizing here? 2. James opens by saying we should consider it joy when we face trials because testing produces maturity (James 1:2–4). How do we make sense of that, and what kind of maturity was James calling his audience toward? 3. In James 3, the tongue is described as a fire that can...

"How should we understand faith as it’s described in Hebrews 11—not just as belief, but as something lived out? And how does that differ from how our culture often defines faith? Hebrews 12 compares the Christian life to running a race and reminds us that God disciplines His children. How do these images help us understand perseverance in the Christian life? Additionally, how do I know if God is disciplining me? In today's episode, Women's Community Director, Katie Shemanske talks with member Emily Hope and discuss Hebrews 11-13. Emily helps unpack the kind of faith describes in Hebrews 11 and how God...

"It's our 300th episode!! Our first 300th and probably the last one! In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark Associate Pastor, David Penuel about Hebrews 7-10 and highlights the 3 most encouraging passages from these chapters of Hebrews. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0...

"Hebrews 1 begins by saying that God has spoken finally and fully in His Son, who is greater than angels. How does the supremacy of Christ fuel our mission to make Him known among the nations? How do the warnings about perseverance in Hebrews 3-4 encourage us to keep going in difficult ministry contexts and not give up? How do you see spiritual maturity tied to missional living—both in sending people and in equipping them to disciple others? The book of Hebrews shows that Christ is ‘better’—better than angels, Moses, and even the high priest. How do the first six chap...

"Philemon is a letter about a runaway slave, Onesimus, returning to his master. How should we understand Paul’s approach to slavery here, and what do we learn about how the gospel challenges cultural systems without immediately overthrowing them? Paul appeals to Philemon not on the basis of authority but on love, asking him to receive Onesimus as a brother (v. 16). What does this teach us about Christian reconciliation and the way relationships are transformed in Christ? What does this letter show us about how theology plays out in real relationships and everyday decisions? In today's episode, Watermark Women's Community Di...

"In Titus 1, Paul lays out qualifications for elders. How do these compare to 1 Timothy 3, and why does Paul emphasize godly character so strongly in the context of Crete? In Titus 2:11–14, how does Paul connect grace—not law—as the motivator for holy living? How do good works flow out of salvation, and how do we guard against turning them into legalism? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Noah Mills discuss the book of Titus and explore teh qualifications of church elders, what it means to have godly character, and how we can guard our hearts against legalism while doing...

"How does 2 Timothy 2:2 capture the New Testament vision for discipleship and multiplication? 2 Timothy 3:16–17 says all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correcting, and training. How should we understand the inspiration of Scripture here, and what does it mean for how the church uses the Bible? At the end of the letter, Paul says he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. What do we learn from Paul’s perspective at the end of his life about perseverance, faithfulness, and hope? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Bobby Durning about 2 Timothy. Bobby talk...

"In 1 Timothy 1, Paul urges Timothy to confront false teaching and hold on to sound doctrine. As an elder, how do you see the connection between guarding doctrine and shepherding people? In 1 Timothy 3, Paul lays out qualifications for elders and deacons. Does Paul emphasize character over giftedness, and how do you see these qualities play out in real church leadership today? What does 1 Timothy 6:6 mean for leaders and for the church family as a whole in a world that’s so driven by success and possessions? In today's episode, Director of Care ministries, Wes Butler, talks with Watermark elder, Todd Anders ab...

"What is Paul teaching in 2 Thessalonians? In today's episode, Equipping Director, Chris Sherrod, unpacks the key themes of the end times, perseverence in persecution, and practical living that are found in the book of 2 Thessalonians. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources! https://www.jointhejourney.com/ Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Watermark-Community-Church/author/B0BRYP5MQK?ref...