Join The Journey
Reading the Bible regularly can be a challenge, and our goal is to help you not only get into God's word regularly, but also help you understand and apply what you're reading! Join The Journey is a Bible study podcast built to follow our daily reading plan available for free at jointhejourney.com. New episodes will be available Monday through Friday. We hope you can join us!
S5:054 — What is Christian maturity?
What is spiritual maturity? How do we grow in our faith? In this episode, Join The Journey Editing Coordinator, Riley Adams, joins Emma Dotter to unpack what it means to be mature in Christ. Together, they talk about Watermark’s maturing marker and explore a variety of passages from Scripture, discussing what a mature follower of Jesus looks like and how you can take practical steps to grow in spiritual maturity.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Philippians 3: 12-15; Colossians 1: 28; Hebrews 12: 1-2; 1 Corinthians 3; Philippians 2: 12-13; 2 Corinthians 3: 18
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATE...
S5:053 — A Sending Church: Student Testimonies
In this episode, high school students Wyatt and Ally join Emma Dotter to share about their time on a mission trip with Watermark Students to the Dominican Republic this summer. They share about what led them to go, what ministry and evangelism during the week looked like, and what God taught them through the trip. Together, they reflect on stories of people trusting in Christ for the first time, moments that encouraged their faith, and why you should consider going on an international mission trip.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Matthew 28: 19-20
// RES...
S5:052 — What it’s like to be a missionary in Japan
What does life as a missionary in Tokyo look like? What challenges face Jesus followers in Japan? In this episode, Watermark missionary Andre Norasith joins Emma Dotter to discuss his ministry in Tokyo, Japan. They dive into his call to the mission field, his daily life in Japan, and what discipleship through the local church looks like in Tokyo.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
S5:051 — What does biblical stewardship look like? (Acts 19:21-41, Part 1)
What does it look like to steward your time, talents, and treasures in a biblical way? In this episode, Watermark Elder Kyle Thompson joins Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 19:21-41. They unpack God’s view of our finances and how following Christ informs every aspect of our lives.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Matthew 6; James 1; Matthew 25; 2 Corinthians 8: 12-15
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
S5:050 — What are extraordinary miracles? (Acts 19:11-20, Part 2)
Can we expect extraordinary miracles today? In this episode, Associate Pastor, David Penuel, joins Emma Dotter to unpack the extraordinary miracles in Acts 19:11-20. They explore the significance of these miracles, along with whether we can expect them to happen today.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY?
Join The Journe...
S5:049 — What does the Bible say about demons? (Acts 19:11-20, Part 1)
Should modern day followers of Jesus exorcise demons? In this episode, Executive Director of The Porch, Kylen Perry, joins Emma Dotter to discuss the role of demons and exorcism in Acts 19:11-20. They discuss what demons and exorcisms are, including methods of deliverance. Kylen answers the question, “What if talk of demons and exorcism scares me?”
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:048 — What was the lecture hall of Tyrannus? (Acts 19:1-10, Part 2)
What was the lecture hall of Tyrannus? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores Paul’s ministry in the lecture hall in Acts 19:1-10. She unpacks how Paul took an ordinary lecture hall and turned it in to a discipleship hub. She encourages listeners to consider the question, “What ordinary space and ordinary rhythms has God already given me that I can leverage for His kingdom?”
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:047 — What does it mean to receive the Holy Spirit? (Acts 19:1-10, Part 1)
Is Acts 19:1-10 grounds for a second filling of the Holy Spirit? Is it formative or normative? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the unique moment in redemption history that moves the gospel forward in Acts 19:1-10. She explores what other passages of Scripture have to say about second filling.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Acts 2: 4; Acts 8: 17; Acts 10: 44; Acts 10: 47; Acts 1: 8; 1 Corinthians 12: 13; Ephesians 1: 13-14; Romans 8: 9; Ephesians 5: 18
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
S5:046 — What’s our responsibility in sharing the gospel? (Acts 18:1-28, Part 2)
Should we feel responsible for someone’s response to the gospel? In this episode, Emma Dotter discusses Paul’s response to those rejecting the gospel in Acts 18:1-28. She dives into the Old Testament context surrounding Paul’s response. Emma challenges listeners to consider any fears/excuses they may have when sharing the gospel. Remembering that God is the one that changes hearts frees us to share the gospel with greater courage and peace.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Ezekiel 3: 16-21; Ezekiel 33: 1-9
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNE...
S5:045 — Who were Priscilla and Aquila? (Acts 18:1-28, Part 1)
Who were Priscilla and Aquila? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the ministry of Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:1-28. She explores questions like, “Why is Priscilla sometimes named before Aquila?,” and “How is this a picture of husband and wives doing ministry together?” Priscilla and Aquila weren’t focused on building individual platforms, they were building God’s kingdom.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
1 Corinthians 12: 4; 1 Corinthians 12: 7
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:044 — What was the Areopagus? (Acts 17:16-34, Part 2)
What’s the significance of Paul’s ministry at the Areopagus? In this episode, Emma Dotter explains what the Areopagus is in Acts 17:16-34. She explores sharing the gospel with people who see the world differently than us. She encourages listeners to be curious, listen well, and seek to understand what people believe so that they’re able to lovingly share Jesus.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:043 — Exploring Prominent World Religions (Acts 17:16-34, Part 1)
How can we prepare to lovingly and confidently share the gospel with followers of other world religions? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores five prominent world religions in light of Paul’s evangelism in Acts 17:16-34. She unpacks what different world religions believe and challenges followers of Jesus to listen well and ask good questions.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Hebrews 9: 27; Ephesians 2: 8-9
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
S5:042 — Why do churches send missionaries? (Acts 17:1-15, Part 2)
What does it mean to be a sending church? In this episode, International Missions Director Bruce Kendrick joins Emma Dotter to discuss the church’s role in missional efforts and Acts 17:1-15. They answer questions about how Watermark Community Church can live out the markers of missional church and sending church.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
Want to find out more about being involved with missions at Watermark? Check out:
S5:041 — Should Christians pray for celebrities? (Acts 17:1-15, Part 1)
What do we make of the “background” characters of Scripture? Who was Jason? Who were the leading women? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores the background characters found in Acts 17:1-15. She highlights how the gospel makes no distinction, that God’s heart is for all people, and that the Bible is full of God using unlikely people.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
// EPISODE CITATIONS:
S5:040 — Can one person’s faith save a whole family? (Acts 16:16-40, Part 2)
Can one person’s faith save an entire household? What can we learn from the salvation of the Philippian jailer’s family? Can people tell Jesus is Lord in your home? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 16:16-20 and the story of the Philippian Jailer. She discusses how God often uses crisis to awaken people to their need for him and how salvation transforms a home.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Romans 8: 28
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:039 — How to care for someone considering suicide or self-harm (Acts 16:16-40, Part 1)
How should followers of Christ understand the struggle of suicide in light of Scripture? Why would the Philippian jailer harm himself? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Sierra Sanchez, Re:generation Director, to discuss Acts 16:16-40. Sierra gives listeners red flags to look for and questions to ask when helping someone who is considering self-harm.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) any time.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Romans 10:9-10
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUD...
S5:038 — Women in the early church (Acts 16:1-15, Part 2)
What is the role of women in the book of Acts? What does the role of women in Acts teach us about how God builds his kingdom? In this episode, Emma Dotter surveys the role of women in the book of Acts, including women who prophecy, pray, and lead in the early church . She shares how women (and men) are full participants in Christ’s mission.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Acts 1: 14; Acts 2: 17-18; Joel 2; Acts 5; Acts 8-9; Acts 9: 39; Acts 12: 12-13; Acts 16: 13, 16, 18, 40; Acts 17: 4, 12; Acts 18: 18, 26; Romans 16: 3; Acts 21: 5, 9; Acts 24: 24; 25: 13; 26: 30
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
S5:037 — Names of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:1-15, Part 1)
Who is the Holy Spirit? What are the names of the Holy Spirit? What do these names reveal? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores Acts 16:1-15 and answers these questions. She uses the name, “Spirit of Jesus,” to help listeners understand the different dimensions of the same Person. She teaches how the names of the Holy Spirit reveal something about his nature and work and encourages listeners to examine their own posture toward the Holy Spirit.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Acts 5: 3-4; Ephesians 4: 30; Genesis 1: 2; Genesis 2; John 3; Titus 3: 5; Romans 8: 16; John 16: 14
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER...
Prayer S5:029 Acts 16:1-15
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 15:36-41. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: for the next generation ministries of Watermark, our international missions team, ministries to women and future Lydias that are being raised in our church. 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...
S5:036 — Unpacking Paul’s Missionary Journeys (Acts 15:36-41, Part 2)
What are Paul’s missionary journeys? Why are they important to us today? What can we learn from Paul’s missionary journeys? In this episode, Emma Dotter gives an overview of Paul’s three missionary journeys throughout Acts. She shares how God used these journeys strategically, intentionally, and powerfully to move the gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Acts 1: 8; Acts 13:1-14:28; Acts 15:36-18:22; Acts 18:23-21:17
// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:
// RELATED J...
S5:035 — Can followers of Jesus disagree? (Acts 15:36-41, Part 1)
Is it okay for followers of Jesus to disagree? Why did Paul and Barnabas disagree? How can we face disagreement with another follower of Jesus in a way that honors them and God? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 15:36-41 and answers the question, “How do we disagree in a way that protects both truth and love?” She gives listeners questions to consider when walking through disagreement with another believer and how to invite God into it.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Acts 13: 13; Colossians 4: 10; James 1
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
Prayer S5:028 Acts 15:36-41
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 15:36-41. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: that we would be careful and gracious in how we communicate, that we would listen to the Spirit, and that we would be eager to seek peace and reconciliation with whom we are in conflict. 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...
S5:034 – End times views: amillennialism and dispensationalism (Acts 15:1-35, Part 2)
What do the end times have to do with Acts 15? Why does James quote Amos 9? What are the differing views of the end times? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores Acts 15:1-35 and James’s use of Amos 9. She discusses two views of the end times, dispensationalism and amillennialism.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Amos 9; Genesis 12; Acts 10; 11
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:033 – What was the Jerusalem Council? (Acts 15:1-35, Part 1)
Why is the Jerusalem Council so significant? What is required for salvation? In this episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 15:1-35 and the influence of the Jerusalem Council. She unpacks how the Jerusalem Council protected the true gospel, opened the door for global Christianity, and modeled how the Church handled theological conflict.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Mark 7; Luke 18; John 3: 16; John 6: 29; Matthew 28: 19; Acts 1: 8; Acts 10; Acts 13-14
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
Prayer S5:027 Acts 15:1-35
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 15:1-35. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: for protection against false doctrine of our day, for courage and clarity when we are faced wtih false truth, and that we would be a people marked by the joy of the Lord. 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...
S5:032 – Why do churches have elders? (Acts 14, Part 2)
Why is church membership important? Why did Paul and Barnabas appoint elders as they planted churches? In this episode, Emma Dotter continues in Acts 14, addressing the roles of elders, church leadership structure, the importance of church membership, and why it's important to be part of a shepherding church submitted to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Hebrews 13: 17; 7: 33
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:031 – Is Greek mythology in the Bible? (Acts 14, Part 1)
Is Greek mythology in the Bible? Why do the people worship Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the cultural and religious contexts that influenced how the people would have understood the healing of the crippled man in Acts 14:8-10. Then, she connects the audience's response in Acts 14 to how some respond to God's work today and addresses what idolatry may look like now.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
// WHAT IS JOIN THE...
Prayer S5:026 Acts 14
In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 14. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: that we would not allow fear to hinder the spread of the gospel, for humility as we serve Christ and learn from Bible teachers today, and that the Holy Spirit would encourage us in trial. 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...
S5:030 – What is predestination? (Acts 13:13-52, Part 2)
What is predestination? Does God really elect who will be saved? How do we balance God’s sovereignty with human agency? In this episode, Emma Dotter continues the discussion of Acts 13:13-52 by explaining Acts 13:48 and its theological implications. Then, she addresses the tension we feel between God’s sovereignty and human agency, along with why and how we can hold both truths in tandem.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Romans 10: 9; Matthew 23: 37;
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:029 – How Jesus fulfilled Messianic prophecy (Acts 13:13-52, Part 1)
How does Jesus fulfill God's promise to David? Why does Paul highlight this? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Paul’s sermon in Acts 13:13-52, addressing how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to King David. Together, draw connections between this passage and 2 Samuel 7 to see how Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant—the true promised Messiah and King—and why it was so important for Paul to draw this conclusion for his audience at the synagogue in Antioch.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
2 Samuel 7: 16
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
Prayer S5:025 Acts 13:13-52
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 13:13-52. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: that people would experience freedom through the gospel, that believers would not be discouraged in opposition, and that we would be led by the Spirit. If you want to begin steps towards experiencing freedom in Christ, check out Re:generation on Monday nights. Find out more information at https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do...
S5:028 – What does it mean to be sent by the Holy Spirit? (Acts 13:1-12, Part 2)
What does it mean to be “sent”? How was the Holy Spirit the one who sent Saul and Barnabas? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks what it means to be sent by the Holy Spirit and how we see this in the example of Saul and Barnabas as they embark on their first missionary journey in Acts 13:1-12. Then, Emma draws a connection between the passage and how we see the Holy Spirit send missionaries today, sharing about a missionary family from Watermark.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:027 – Is magic real? (Acts 13:1-12, Part 1)
Is magic real? Do magicians actually exist? In this episode, Emma Dotter talks about the magician who opposed Saul in Acts 13:1-12, addresses the reality of dark magic, and unpacks three things we learn about spiritual powers from the passage. While there are dark forces at work in the world aiming to lead people away from the truth, God’s power is far greater, and he will always overcome.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
// WHAT IS JOIN T...
Prayer S5:024 Acts 13:1-12
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 13. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things:for the leaders of Watermark, for discernment against false teaching, and for courage to stand for the truth. 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/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34...
S5:026 – Why did God strike down Herod? (Acts 12, Part 2)
Did God punish Herod too harshly in Acts 12? Was God fair to hold him accountable for something he didn’t do? In this episode, Emma Dotter covers the death of Herod at the end of Acts 12, explaining why he was immediately struck down when people called him a god. She explores what this passage tells us about God’s holiness, character, and perfect justice, as well as man's accountability for sin, and what it all means for us today.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
S5:025 – Don’t be surprised by answered prayers (Acts 12, Part 1)
Are you ever surprised when God answers prayers? Should we pray even if we doubt God will answer? How do emotions play into doubt? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores how the early church was surprised by God answering their prayers for Peter to be freed from prison, how that applies to our prayer lives today, and how God doesn’t rely on our emotional stability to answer prayers.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURN...
Prayer S5:023 Acts 12
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 12. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: for those who are greiving to receive comfort, for those asking for a miracle, and for faith in us to wait on God's answers. 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...
S5:024 – The purpose of speaking in tongues in Acts (Acts 10:34-11:30, Part 2)
What is the purpose of speaking in tongues throughout the book of Acts? What does its presence in Acts 10:34-11:30 signify? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores how speaking in tongues was purposeful in the book of Acts. Tongues signified the spread of the gospel beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles. She also discusses the difference between descriptive and prescriptive texts in Scripture and provides insight into applying these passages today.
// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:
// WHAT IS...
S5:023 – What Peter's vision about food really meant (Acts 10:34-11:30, Part 1)
Why was Peter’s vision about food? And how did he know God wanted him to connect that to Gentiles believing in Jesus? In this episode, Emma Dotter circles back to Acts 10:1-33 and breaks down Peter’s vision about the animals and the sheet. To us, it seems random, but to Peter, it would have been a clear reference to the rules of cleanliness, the dietary laws, and the ceremonial rituals laid out in the Old Testament—God was doing something new.
// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:
Hebrews 9: 13-14; Acts 1: 8
// RELATED JOIN THE...
Prayer S5:022 Acts 10:34-11:18
"In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 10:34-11:18. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: 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/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp3?si=c960a63736904665 Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more...
