Join The Journey

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. Tog...

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; prayi...

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 Water...

"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 woul...

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 wi...

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 nee...

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.  // AD...

"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 b...

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 i...

"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 t...

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 Pas...

"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 subm...

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...

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.join...

"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! https://...

"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...

"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. Wh...

"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/podca...

"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. Ad...

"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 coun...

"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/podca...

"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...

"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 b...

"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...

"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 beli...