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"What does it mean to be poor in spirit? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and South Dallas Watermark member Jacob Arrington to discuss Matthew 5-7, and talk specifically about the lessons that Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount. Jacob reminds us that we live out this sermon by knowing who we are and who God is, seeking him daily. Check out the study sheet for the book of Matthew: https://asset...

"Why does Matthew refer to the prophets so much? What is the significance this Old Testament usage by Matthew? In today's episode, Will McIlroy talks with Watemark member, Christine Saso about Matthew 1-4 and talk through the geneology of Matthew 1, the temptation of Jesus, and why the use of the Old Testament was significant to the people who would have read it in Jesus' time. Additional Referenc...

"What happens in between the Old Testament and New Testament? How does this time period set the stage for Jesus' birth? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Join The Journey summer intern, Evelyn Parsley, walk us through the political and cultural events that lead up the start of the New Testament and the birth of Jesus Christ. You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: Apple Podcast:...

"How does the “You say… but I say…” style shape the message, and what does it reveal about the spiritual condition of the post-exilic community? How should we understand the prophecy of a “messenger who prepares the way” in Malachi 3:1 and the “Elijah” figure in 4:5? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with one of our Join The Journey editors, Scott Breedlove about Malachi. Scott challenges us t...

"How should we interpret the symbolism of the two staffs—Favor and Union—in Zechariah 11? How did first-century Jews Zechariah 12-14, and how do Christians understand their fulfillment? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Seth Reich answer these questions and explore how Jesus fulfills the prophecies that are seen in Zechariah 11-14. Additional References: Matthew 27:9-10; Matthe...

"How should we understand the imagery of the crowning of Joshua in Zechariah 6? Is it purely symbolic, or does it have messianic implications? In Zechariah 7–8, what, if anything, does the shift from fasting to feasting reveal about God’s priorities for His people’s spiritual practices? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Paul Figel talk about Zechariah 6-10 and answer these ques...

What’s the significance of the repeated question, “What do you see?” in Zechariah’s visions? How are the visions in Zechariah 1–5 different from or similar to other prophetic visions in the Old Testament? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Nate Roberts talk about Zechariah and helps us understand the context, audience, and themes of this prophetic book. Nate reminds us that the...

"Why does Haggai date his prophecies so precisely—with references to the reign of Darius and specific days? And in Haggai 2, God says the future glory of the temple will be greater than the former. How would Zerubbabel’s audience have understood that promise? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter is joined by faithful Watermark Member Karis Smith to talk all things Haggai. You can also check out the Joi...

"Why is does Zephaniah use a strong tone at the beginning of the book, and how would the original audience have heard that? How does the concept of ""a remnant"" function in Zephaniah's prophecy, and how might it have given hope to his listeners? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Matt Hein, set up the book of Zephaniah and talk how the Israelites were being called back to God's...

"Why does Habakkuk begin with a complaint rather than a call to repentance or judgment like other prophets? In Habakkuk 2:4, what does it mean that “the righteous shall live by faith,” and how would a sixth-century Israelite have understood that phrase? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Seth Master talk about the lament that is seen in this book. Habakkuk reminds us that faith...

"Why does Nahum focus so heavily on Nineveh’s downfall when Jonah showed its repentance? In Nahum 1:2–3, God is described as both avenging and slow to anger. How should we interpret this tension in God’s character? In today's episode, Emma Dotter gives more historical background for the book of Nahum and unpacks how God's mercy is wise, but this justice is also sure. Emma helps us think about how...

"In Micah 6:6–8, what’s the historical or covenantal background that helps us understand why “do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly” was such a striking call? Why does Micah alternate between judgment and hope so often? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Jonathan Linder, set up the book of Micah and talk about the character of God that is seen in both his judgment and mercy. A...

In Obadiah, why is Edom singled out for such strong judgment? In Jonah 4, why is Jonah so angry about Nineveh’s repentance—and what does that reaction reveal about his understanding of God? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark student, Paige Fowler, and discuss why God speaks to the nations who are not Israel. They discuss how we ought to handle anger we might feel toward the Lord...

Why does Amos call out those who feel “secure on Mount Samaria”? What does this reveal about the cultural and political climate in Israel at the time? How should we understand the promise to “raise up the booth of David” in Amos 9:11-15? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, and Watermark member Cassidy Webber answer these questions from Amos 6-9 and discuss the consequences th...

Amos begins by indicting surrounding nations before turning to Israel—why might he structure his message this way, and how would that have impacted his original audience? How does God's rejection of Israel's worship in Amos 5 help us understand the relationship between justice and worship in the Old Testament? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, talks with Watermark member, C...

In Joel 1, the locust plague is described in vivid, poetic language. Is this a metaphor for a future army—or a literal natural disaster? How does apocalyptic imagery function in prophetic literature like this? Join Emma Dotter today in a deep dive into the book of Joel and see how God is sovereign and just throughout this book.  Additional references: Genesis 41-47; Exodus 7-12; Proverbs 9:10; Gal...

What’s the significance of the names God gives Hosea’s children—and how do they connect to Israel’s spiritual condition? 2. Why does Hosea buy his wife back in chapter 3—and what does that reveal about covenant love in the context of betrayal? Additional references: 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Kings 9; Romans 3:23-25 If you're a single adult, check out Gather that meets on Wednesday nights! https://www....

God’s sovereignty, “abomination of desolation”, and prophecy, oh my! Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Kathy Hempel Cox discuss Daniel 8-12, observing how God faithfully fulfills His promises and our calling to respond in prayer, obedience, and trust. Additional Scripture: Matthew 24:15-28 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 – “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the re...

How should we understand the kingdoms in Daniel's visions-and what do they teach us about God's control over human history? What does Daniel teach us about living faithfully in a culture that doesn't follow God? Who is the "Son of Man" in Daniel 7, and why is that title so important to understanding Jesus? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Bobby Crotty break down each chapter in...

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark Great Questions host Marc Rose about the set up of the book of Daniel. Marc helps us understand the genres that are seen in Daniel and walks us through the themes of the first 4 chapters.  To ask a question to our Great Questions hosts, scroll to the bottom of the Great Questions website to find the form to submit your questions! https://www.wat...

What is the river of life in Ezekiel 47? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Mandy Sisco talk about what the river of life teach us about healing or God's presence. They also discuss the priestly roles, purity laws, and worship regulations in Ezekiel 44-46 in light of the new covenant.  John 7:37-39; 1 Peter 2; Ezekiel 36:26 To hear more from Mandy! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p...

In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Join The Journey volunteer, Matt Olson about Ezekiel 39-43. In this passage, Ezekiel and the Israelites are experiencing a separation from God. Matt reminds us that God's character is, and always be redemptive. They also explore the different views on Ezekiel's vision of the temple and what it means, both at that time and for us today.  Additional referen...

What is the Valley of Dry Bones and Gog and Magog? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Matt Moss discuss God’s works of renewal observed in Ezekiel 35-38 and how He breathes life into the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land once again. Additional Scripture: John 15:5 – “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much...

In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Annie Blocker focus on Ezekiel 34:11-24, but come prepared to briefly address God's judgement against Egypt. Additional References: John 10:11 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=c960a637...

Why are the nations outside the covenant accountable to God for their response to His people? What's significant about the fall of Tyre? What do we learn about Egypt? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Ryan Clark answer these questions as they dive into Ezekiel 25-29.  Additional references: Matthew 6:24 Check out our Middle School ministry, Wake! https://www.watermark.org/minist...