Join The Journey

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...

"How should we live while we wait for Jesus? In today's episode, Emma Dotter walks us through the book of 1 Thessalonians and unpacks the instructions Paul gives the Thessalonica church who were waiting for Christ's return and how our waiting for Christ's return reshapes the way we live and encourages us today. Find ways you can serve with Join The Journey by visiting: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/join-the-journey 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...

"In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul gives this sweeping picture of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the one in whom all things hold together. How would Paul’s original audience have heard that, and why is it so important for us to grasp today? What do we know about the false teaching in Colossae—and how do we discern the difference between helpful wisdom and deceptive philosophy today? What does Paul mean by ""put off the old self"", and how does it practically shape the way Christians live in community? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Amber...

"Paul writes Philippians from prison yet talks constantly about joy (Phil. 1:12–18; 4:4). How do we reconcile joy with suffering, and what did Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord when his circumstances were so hard? How should we understand this ‘kenosis’in Philippians 2:5-11—and why does Paul root a call to humility in this deep theology? How do we keep from misunderstanding or misusing Philippians 4:13, and what did Paul actually mean in context? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Ryan Garrahan talk about the book of Philippians. Ryan gives us the context of Philippians and helps us see how we c...

"1. In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about the church growing up into maturity, with every part of the body doing its work. How can kids (and adults) begin to see themselves as part of the body of Christ, not just the future of the church but the church right now? 2. Paul tells believers to ‘walk in love’ (Eph. 5:2) and to ‘walk as children of light’ (Eph. 5:8). What does that look like for kids at school, at home, or even on the playground? What about adults at work? 3. Ephesians 6 tells children to obey their parents in the Lord, and parents to bring them up in th...

"How should we understand the language of election and predestination in Ephesians 1 and what was Paul’s purpose in emphasizing it to the Ephesian believers? How does Ephesians 2:8-10 balance God’s work and our good works, and why is that balance so central to Paul’s message? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, and Watermark member Robin Clark talk about Ephesians 1-4. Robin provides us with the context of the book of Ephesians and tackles the language around predestination, helping us understand the different positions on this theological topic. To learn more about the positions of predestination, check...

"How does Galatians 4 shape our understanding of Christian freedom today? How do we understand the tension between the ‘works of the flesh’ and the ‘fruit of the Spirit,’ and what does this practically look like in the life of a believer? In Galatians 6, Paul talks about bearing one another’s burdens, not growing weary in doing good, and reaping what we sow. How do these instructions fit into Paul’s larger argument about freedom in Christ and life in community? In today's episode, Director of Discipleship for the Porch, Tyler Moffett, discusses Galatians 4-6 and what it looks like to be fully for...

"Galatians 2–3 emphasizes justification by faith and not by works of the law. How would Paul’s Jewish audience have heard that, and what does it mean for us who don’t live under the Mosaic Law? In today's episode, Watermark Community Director Katie Shemanske talks with member Shaun Norwood about Galatians 1-3. Shaun introduces us to the book of Galatians by helping us understand the context of the book, the significance of the Jerusalem Council's decision on the writing of Galatians, and how we ought to view the Law in light of Christ. Check out Gather! https://www.watermark.org/minist...

"Paul says the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. What does this mean in practice for the church and individual believers today? Why does Paul boast in weakness and how should Christians today think about strength, weakness, and God’s power being made perfect in weakness? How should believers today approach this kind of self-examination without falling into either pride or unhealthy doubt? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Corinthians 10-13 with Watermark member, Jacob Arrington. Together, they discuss what weapons of warfare we are facing today, what the thorn in...

"What does the Macedonians giving ‘beyond their means’ out of joy, even in affliction and poverty teach us about the relationship between generosity, joy, and trust in God’s provision? How should 2 Corinthians 8:9 shape the way Christians think about money and generosity? Paul says whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and that God loves a cheerful giver. How should Christians understand this principle without turning it into a prosperity gospel message? What does it actually mean to reap abundantly? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark CDC volunteers Jason and Connie Reed about 2 Corinthains 6-9, the dangers of the prospe...

"Paul says God comforts us in our affliction so we can comfort others. How does this shape a biblical view of suffering—and how is it different from how our culture thinks about comfort and hardship? How should Christians today understand the glory of the new covenant, and what does it practically mean to be ministers of it? What does it mean for believers to live as ambassadors for Christ in a divided world? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Casey Uphues discuss 2 Corinthians 1-5, glorifying the Lord by walking on our freedom and reconciliation. Casey challenges us to...

"How should churches today balance valuing every member’s gift while also pursuing order in worship, especially when it comes to gifts like tongues and prophecy? Paul places the famous ‘love chapter’ right in the middle of his teaching on spiritual gifts. What does this show us about the relationship between love and the use of our gifts in the church? How does the bodily resurrection of Jesus—and our future resurrection—shape the way Christians live right now? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Laura Buchelt talk about 1 Corinthians 12-16, and dive into how we ought to understand...

"How should we understand Paul's counsel in chapter 7 about staying single ‘because of the present distress’? In chapters 8–10, Paul talks about food offered to idols, liberty, and not causing others to stumble. How do these principles guide us in modern issues where Christians disagree on gray areas? How should the church today approach communion with the reverence and unity Paul calls for? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Callie Nixon, about 1 Corinthians 7-11 and discuss the topics of singleness, marraige, living as an encouragement to others, and partaking in communion with reverence. Callie reminds us that these chapte...

"What does Paul say about finding our identity and value in Christ alone? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Ryan Nixon talk about 1 Corinthians 1-6. Ryan gives us some background to the book of 1 Corinthians and share the purpose of Paul's letter. Ryan then focuses on 1 Corinthians 4, reflecting on our Gospel identity and what should determine the value of our identity. To purchase The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller: https://a.co/d/0s4L4Qi You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 ...

"How does Romans 15:5 speak into the challenges of unity across cultural, ethnic, and generational differences in the church today? What can we learn from Paul’s missionary vision about how the church should think about global missions today? What does the long list of names in Romans 16 teach us about Paul’s ministry philosophy and the importance of ordinary Christians in God’s mission? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Kari Perry talk about Romans 15-16 and unity, discerning a call to missions, and our role in God's mission. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Po...