Join The Journey

In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Casey Crane discuss the adversity the Israelites go through as they rebuild the temple and the pressure they face to compromise to a pagan culture. Casey lays out 4 steps in growing in Scripture and resisting all things that set itself up against our walk with Christ: set your heart on Scripture, study it, do it, teach it. 

Additional Scripture Referenced:

2 Timothy 2:24-25; Proverbs 13:20; James 1:22-25

Check out the Join The Journey Devotionals here!

https://www.joi...

In today's episode, Zach Seitz and Watermark member, Casey Crane, discuss Ezra 1-3 and talk about how the history of the time period, king Cyrus, and Persia contribute to the events and God's work in the book of Ezra. They also discuss the significance of the temple being rebuilt for God's people.  

Additional Scriptures: Daniel 5, 10; Jeremiah 25:11; Ephesians 2:19

Who was Cyrus? Why was he significant to the story of Israel? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Daniel King, talk about 2 Chronicles 36 and discuss how king Cyrus' story points us to Jesus and God's plan for his people. 

To get connected to our college ministry: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/college

Scriptures Referenced: Romans 1:24; 2 Samuel 7; Isaiah 45:1

To learn more about king Cyrus: https://www.compellingtruth.org/Cyrus-in-the-Bible.htm

In today's episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member, Bobby Crotty, to discuss 2 Chronicles 32-34 where we see king Josiah's reign. Emma and Bobby talk about the impact of Josiah's influence while in he was in leadership and the principles we can learn from his actions.

Learn more about Men's Bible Study! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mens-bible-study

Learn more about Women's Bible Study! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study

To listen to T.A.'s Easter message: https://www.watermark.org/message/11900...

What was the significance of celebrating Passover? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Ann Holford and discusses the Feast of Passover. Ann helps us understand why Passover was so important to Israel and how Passover points to Jesus. 

To learn more about Men's Bible Study: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/mens-bible-study

To learn more about Women's Bible Study: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study

What examples of good and bad leadership do we see in these kings? What can we learn from them? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Chis Sherrod, talk about the pretenses that describe some of the kings in 2 Chronicles 24-27. Chris gives us lessons we can learn from these kings mistakes and helps us reflect on our own relationships with God in light of those lessons. 

Refereced Scriptures: Isaiah 66; Psalm 1:1-3

In today's episode, Parker Primrose walks us through some of the bad kings seen in 2 Chronicles 19-23, and shows us where they fell short as kings comparatively to Jesus who is the perfect king. Parker reminds us that we serve and can have relationship with the greatest king, Jesus! 

Additional References: John 10:28-29; Isaiah 9:6; 1 John 1:1; Roman 5:7; Matthew 16:15

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about who king Jehoshaphat was in 2 Chronicles 14-18. Emma shows us lessons that can be learned through Jehoshaphat's reforms, teachability, and stance on the truth of God's instruction. 

To sign up to receive the Family Prayer Newsletter: https://watermark.us2.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=ad1ba61e7ac85da94881213f1&id=5875986885 

In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson and Watermark member, Hannah Spence, discuss 2 Chronicles 10-13 and talk about Rehoboam's life and explore the impact of Rehoboam's disobedience to God. In looking at Rehoboam's life, we learn the importance of trusting fully in the Lord and see His consistent faithfulness to His people. 

Additional References: 2 Timothy 2:13; 1 Kings 11:9-13

Learn more about Watermark Student Ministries: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/students

Student sign up to serve at Camp Barnabas: https://www.watermark.org/events/6489-camp-barnabas-2025

Who was Solomon and how was his reign distinguished from others? In today's episode, Noah Schatz is back with our host, Emma Dotter. They discuss King Solomon's reign, character, and what made him so different from other kings. 

Additional Scripture Referenced: 1 Kings 11

Check out Noah's previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-040-numbers-35-36/id1600151923?i=1000692503623

Come join us for The Porch on Tuesday nights: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/the-porch

In today’s episode, Emma breaks down the purpose of the temple in 2 Chronicles 1-5, and the how all the temple details ties back to Christ. 

Interested in working at Watermark? See our open positions here: https://www.watermark.org/about/jobs-at-watermark

Today's the 100th Day of Year of the Word! In today's special 100th episode, Emma Dotter and Associate Pastor, David Penuel, discuss three ways you can apply 1 Chronicles 25-29 to your life here at Watermark Community Church. 

Additional References: Romans 12:4-8; Ephesians 4; 1 Chronicles 29:11-13

Learn how to serve at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/serving-at-watermark

Interested in working at Watermark? See our open positions here: https://www.watermark.org/about/jobs-at-watermark

To worship the Lord in joyful giving, go t...

In today's episode, Emma Dotter helps us understand who the Philistine giants, where they came from, and the picture they give of our salvation. These chapters remind us to trust in the better David, Jesus, for our victory of the giant of sin and death. Jesus has already won this battle through the cross, and we can rest in that victory! 

Scriptures Referenced: 1 Samuel 17:4; Romans 8:37

Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Bill Roberson about 1 Chronicles 14-19 and talk about how God used David through the Davidic covenant and how we are also used by God when we live by faith in Christ.

Additional References: John 12:24; John 15:5

Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

What are the differences between Kings and Chronicles? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark Elder, Todd Anders, about 1 Chronicles 9-13 and discusses the differences how Kings and Chronicles may share similar stories, but they are written to different audiences and from different perspectives. 

Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

In today's episode, Zach Seitz talks with long time Watermark member, Braun Brown about 1 Chronicles 5-8. Braun helps us understand the tribe of Manasseh, and how they "whored" after other gods, rather than the one true God. We too can be tempted to place other things above God in our lives and today's episode is a good reminder to evaluate what those things may be. 

Additional Scriptures: Romans 5:8; Genesis 32; Psalm 16:9; 1 Peter 2; Psalm 73:28

Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Why are the first four chapters of 1 Chronicles geneologies? What is the importance of geneologies and how should we think about them? Today, Seth Mather discusses 1 Chronicles 1-4 and helps us to understand the geneologies we see in the first 9 chapters of 1 Chronicles, and how they show God continued love for His people. 

Come celebrate 100 days of reading the Bible together with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Kings 22-25, where the kingdom of Judah falls into exile due to their sin and disobedience to God. These chapters remind us that even kings can not outrun the destruction of sin and that we are all in need of the better king, Jesus. 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

 In today's episode, Zach Seitz and Watermark member, Julie Breedlove, discuss 2 Kings 20:8-11 and Hezekiah's trust in the Lord, even in the face of great adversity. We can learn from Hezekiah's reliance on the Lord that God is faithful to his people, and to us, despite our sin. 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

How do we view the imperfect split kingdom in light of the eternal kingdom that we are promised in 2 Samuel 7? Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Nate Alvis, about 2 Kings 15-17. They discuss the Davidic covenant and how Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this covenant. 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Learn more about our Middle School ministry: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/wake

Come celebrate 100 Days of reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472...

How does the man who touches Elisha come back to life? In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Watermark member, David Hope about 2 Kings 10-14, specifically 2 Kings 13. David discusses the events of the man coming back to life, God's display of power, and how we view this in light of Easter. 

Hear more from David Hope: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-036-ecclesiastes-8/id1600151923?i=1000645850556

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

In today's episode, Graham Shelby discusses 2 Kings 9-10 and the life of king Jehu. Graham helps us understand how we can have zeal for God, yet balance our external zeal for Him with our internal adoration of Him. 

Additional References: Titus 2:14; Mark 12:29-30; Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:23; Psalm 27:4; 2 Cor. 3:18; Hebrews 10:24

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Who was Naaman and what can we learn from the story of his healing? How do we grow a heart for suffering? As we kick off our study of the book of 2 Kings, Graham Shelby, Watermark’s College Ministry Director, takes off the podcast to talk about Naaman’s Leprosy. Graham previously taught today’s chapters at Watermark’s Men’s Bible Study! 

To hear a more in-depth teaching on today’s passage check out Graham’s Men’s Bible Study Message: https://www.watermark.org/message/11998-lesson-12-2-kings-5-8-spring-2025

For Mor...

What are we to make of the Lord permitting lying spirits to deceive people? How can God send a lying spirit? Who or what is the lying spirit? And what are we to make of King Ahab’s life?  In today’s episode, Emma Dotter walks us through the over arching story of King Ahab’s life and takes a look at a few of the toughest verses in today’s reading in 1 Kings. 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Why is Elijah so important? Today, Emma Dotter and Zach Seitz discuss who Elijah was and also discuss the role of prophets in the Old Testament. Emma and Zach talk through the significant events of 1 Kings 18 and Elijah's question to God's people, "Who will you follow?" 

Come celebrate 100 Days of Reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Got Questions article: https://www.gotquestions.org/prophet-Old-Testament.html

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Dre Williams, about 1 Kings 11-14. They answer the questions: "is God unjust to kill someone who was deceived?" and  "why is the Man of God responsible for being deceived?"

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Come celebrate 100 Days of Reading the Bible with us! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Learn more about Re:gen: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 1 Kings 8-10 and the warnings that are given by God to his people during the dedication of the temple. Emma examines King Solomon and helps us see the importance of continued reliance on God, even with success, wealth, or fame. 

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about 1 Kings 5 and discusses the building of the temple. Emma helps us understand the relationship between the temple and the presence of God and how, through Jesus, we are considered temples of the Holy Spirit. 

Additional References: 

2 Corithians 4:7; John 1:29; Hebrews 9:12; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 2 Peter 1:3

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

How do we reconcile Solomon's ask for wisdom with the decisions that he makes later on in scripture? In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Valerie Klimko about Solomon's progression in his faith and how we too are tempted to give into our flesh and in need of the greater king, Jesus. 

Addition Scriptures: James 1:5; Proverbs 4:23

Why was God so angry with Israel? Why was God going to destroy Jerusalem? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses how God's anger in 2 Samuel 22-24 is not random, but rather shows His justice and holiness in response to the rebellion of His people. 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Why are we moving bones? In today's episode, Parker Primrose and Watermark member, Kim Dickerson, discuss 2 Samuel 18-21 where some actions of David's men were disobedient and disgraceful to God's laws for his people. Kim explains how David's reburying of the bones was an action of repentance toward God, and the importance of having a heart of obedience towards the Lord. 

Today, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Sierra Sanchez, discuss Ahithophel hanging himself and how Christians are to think about suicide. Sierra reminds us that it is always good to ask the hard questions to those who appear to be struggling and that in Christ we always have hope. 

Re:gen information: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/regeneration-recovery

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Bo Richardson, discuss David's sin in 2 Samuel 12, and what we can learn from David's imperfection. They discuss how we can understand God's actions in the situation with Bathsheba's baby. 

Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 51

Got Questions Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/David-Bathsheba-child.html

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

Check out Bo's previous episode! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-038-ecclesiastes-10/id1600151923?i=1000646235408

Why is the Davidic covenant so important? Why is this so important to David and Israel? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Samuel 5-9 and why the Davidic is part of the blueprint for God's redemption plan, leading directly to Jesus. 

Learn more about Year of the Word at https://www.watermark.org/series/1667

Join us in celebrating 100 Days of Reading God's Word! 

Who is really king? What is happening in this very confusing course of events? Today, Emma Dotter helps us understand the transitions taking place between 1 Samuel and the start of 2 Samuel. 

Learn more about the 100 Day Celebration! https://www.watermark.org/events/6472-year-of-the-word-celebrating-100-days-of-families-reading-the-bible

Saul and Jonathan are both dead. What happens now? Today, Seth Master and Watermark Elder, Mickey Fredrich discuss the closing of 1 Samuel and what is to come as we enter into 2 Samuel.

Sacred Pace Book: 

https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Pace-Hearing-Aligning-Yourself/dp/0785223371 

Join us for Easter at Watermark! https://www.watermark.org/easter-2025

What are we to make of the power of the medium that Saul consults? In today's episode, Christy Chermak discusses 1 Samuel 26-28 with The Porch Director, Kylen Perry to help us understand the warning of entertaining sin this passage gives each of us. 

If you are in your 20s or 30s, come join us on Tuesday nights for The Porch! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/the-porch

Today Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark sent missionaries Isaac and Kacie Mann to talk through 1 Samuel 23-25 and highlight what God has been doing as they serve in Indonesia. Listen to hear how we read this text in light of Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, and how we can respond in light of his Kingship in our lives. How do we respond to the King?

In today's episode, Watermark's Student Director, Jermaine Harrison, talks with Shoreline Director, Will McIlroy about 1 Samuel 20-22. They dive into an understanding of the laws around the holy bread and whether it was a sin for David to eat it. They examine the Scripture to uncover the true heart of God within this story.

Additional References:

Lev. 24:5-9; Matthew 12; 2 Corinthians 3; Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 John 4:19

Find out about Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline

In today's episode, Zach Seitz talks with Watermark member Hank Hoaglund discuss the events of 1 Samuel 18-19, and David's responses through Psalms to Saul's actions against him. We see David's faith in God regardless of the sufferings he was experiences.