Join The Journey

"How does the image of a ""living sacrifice"" connect back to Old Testament sacrifices, and what does it practically look like for a Christian to live as a living sacrifice today? In today's episode, Watermark Community Director, Katie Shemanske, talks about Romans 12-14 and unpacks how we as believers can live out the principles Paul is teaching in these chapters. Katie challenges us in how we li...

Is God unjust? Are some people chosen to be God's children while others aren't? In this episode, Emma sits down with Nathan Wagnon, to dive into the common misconceptions surrounding Romans 9. 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/6SG7aaE1ZjjFkgB34G8zp...

"In Romans 7, Paul describes the inner conflict of wanting to do good but struggling with sin. Is Paul speaking autobiographically as a mature Christian, describing life under the law before Christ, or something else? How should chapter 8 shape a Christian’s daily confidence and hope, especially in seasons of suffering? In today's episode, Katie Shemanske and Watermark member, Raegan Driskell talk...

In this episode, Emma is joined by Ben Krejci and Karrington Slaydon. They talk all things Romans 5 - What is justification? Why is life still challenging for Christians? And who is the new Adam? 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...

"Who are the 3 groups Paul says are ""without excuse""? What is the main premise of Chapters 1-3? In today's episode, Christy Chermak, Director of Watermark Health, talks with Arnie Knecht about the book of Romans. Arnie tees up the book of Romans, giving us a greater understanding of the circumstances surrounding the Roman church and hwy Paul's letter was encouraging to them. You can also check o...

"What does it look like to lead with faith when everyone is panicking? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses how Paul navigated the storms of Acts 27 by placing his trust in the truth of God's control and sovereignty over his life. Emma encourages us with three ways we can navigate storms like Paul. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple....

"What does it mean to be courageous? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Acts 25-26 and how Paul's convictions shaped his courage. Emma shows three aspects of Paul's courage that should shape ours—courage depends on Christ, courage tells the truth even when unpopular, and courage stays faithful when outcome is uncertain. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcas...

"How do we deal with anxious thoughts and uncertainty in our lives? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 23-24 and Paul's calm in the midst of his uncertainty. Emma highlights Paul's trust in God's sovereignty, provision, and control through the power of the Spirit. Check out today's devotional by Pam Rittenberry! https://www.jointhejourney.com/7265-council-conspiracy-and-paul-kept-in-cu...

"What were Paul's missionary journeys? Where did Paul travel to and why was it important? In today's episode, Emma Dotter helps us understand the context, geography, and detials of Paul's missionary journeys. Emma helps us see how Paul's missionary journeys were a partial fulfillment of Acts 1:8. Additional References: Titus 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:3 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcas...

" How can the church stay healthy as it grows? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 18-20 and the dominio affect of faithfulness we see with Apollos, Priscilla, and Aquilla. Emma challenges listeners to recognize their role in the mission of God in faithful obedience to sharing the Gospel and discipling others. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https...

"What was the Jerusalem Council and why does it matter? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 15-17 and unpacks what the Jerusalem Council was and why it was significant in the history of the church. Emma explains how the Jerusalem Council affirmed salvation by faith in Christ alone, provided unity for the early church, and spurred on the spread of the Gospel. You can also check out the J...

"Why does God answer some prayers and not others? What does this say about God's power? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Acts 12 comparing the answered prayers for Peter to be saved and the unanswered prayers for James to be saved. Emma Dotter encourages listeners to pray, trusting in God's soverignty and power, even in the midst of unanswered prayers. You can also check out the Join Th...

"How does Saul's story change the way we read Paul's letters? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Saul's transformation story in Acts 9 and how this story helps us understand Paul's defence of himself, his suffering, and God's heart for unity in Paul's letters and writings. Additional References: 1 Timothy 1; Ephesians 2:8-10; John 15:20; Galatians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4 You can...

"How does Stephen's speech point to Jesus? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Acts 7-8 and how Stephen's message recounts the faith of those in Israel's history who were rejected by God's people, similarly to Jesus. 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.spotif...

"What does the apostles's courage in the face of persecution say about God's unstoppable mission? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Acts 5-6 and discusses how the spread of the Gospel continues, even though the early church was being persecuted for the truth they were speaking. Emma challenges listeners to think about what role they have in God's mission in spreading the Gospel. Addition...

"What is the significance of the apostles doing things in the name of Jesus? What can we learn from the early church's response to opposition? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks about Acts 3-4 and the significance of Jesus' name and how we can do things with Jesus. Emma also highlights the ways the early church responded to persecution in boldness and faith. You can also check out the Join The...

"Who wrote the book of Acts? What do I need to know about the book of Acts? In today's episode, Emma Dotter sets up the book of Acts and helps us understand the authorship of Luke. Emma explains how everything in Acts fllows out of Acts 1:8 is the story of how God continues his mission through the power of the Spirit. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://...

"How does the end of John point to the purpose of John's gospel? In today's episode, Kyle Aaron, Director of Men's Bible Study talks about John 18-21 and wraps up our time in the Gospels with a compelling message of who Jesus is and his work to save us. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898...

"What does the imagery of a vine and branches teach us about abiding with Jesus? In today's episode, Watermark Shoreline Director Will McIlroy discusses John 15 and three principles we can follow to abide well with Jesus. 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.c...

"What does John 11 teach us about how God meets us in our sorrow? What does it look like to live a John 13 love throughout one's life—not just for a season but for life? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with long time, faithful Watermark member Sammie Johnston about John 10-13. Sammie shares how these chapters have intersected with her life and relationship with Jesus. Additional References:...

"What does real freedom look like? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Chapman Penuel discuss John 7-9, highlighting Jesus’s controversial teaching and how he challenges us to walk courageously in a new way of life. Interested in Watermark’s high school ministry? Check out the link below to Shoreline! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/shoreline Check out the Join The J...

"What’s the significance of Jesus offering living water to a Samaritan women in the context of redemptive history? John 5 centers on healing and judgment—and Jesus claims authority to give life and execute judgment. How do Jesus' claims develop John’s theology of who Jesus is? What’s the significance of the miracle-sign pairing of feeding the 5,000, and how does it help us read John’s Gospel right...

"Why does John's Gospel start with just ‘In the beginning was the Word.’? What big themes are echos of the Old Testament and help us read the rest of the Gospel faithfully? John 3 includes what might be the most quoted verse in the Bible—but the whole chapter is deeper and more complex than people realize. What do we miss if we reduce John 3:16 to just a slogan? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and...

"What does Luke 23 reveal about human justice versus divine justice? When Jesus says, ‘Father, forgive them’ from the cross, how do you wrestle with his mercy in a world—and a courtroom—so focused on guilt and consequences? Why do you think it matters that the resurrection is not just an event but something that reshapes how we see the whole story? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark mem...

"In Luke 21, Jesus describes future upheaval—wars, persecution, signs in the heavens. How should we read these verses without falling into fear or speculation? In Luke 22, what’s the significance of the Last Supper—and how does it connect to the story of redemption? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Susannah Gullette talk about Luke 21-22. They discuss how we can face the trial...