Episodes

  • S5:034 – End times views: amillennialism and dispensationalism (Acts 15:1-35, Part 2)

    S5:034 – End times views: amillennialism and dispensationalism (Acts 15:1-35, Part 2)
    Jul 1 2026

    What do the end times have to do with Acts 15? Why does James quote Amos 9? What are the differing views of the end times? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores Acts 15:1-35 and James’s use of Amos 9. She discusses two views of the end times, dispensationalism and amillennialism.


    // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:


    Amos 9; Genesis 12; Acts 10; 11


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)
    • “S4:269 – Acts 15-17” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NShJvbx2EPozwMwxJq2Hm?si=98ac89d64476429c)
    • “Episode 204: Acts 15” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1C4nPaR3RZjQlAN7nYyAX6?si=2d16480ac3b34d66)
    • “S4:216 – Amos 6-9” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/6ZygHfOv7owDr2SfXvjIJY?si=3a1bddce45144956)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

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    11 mins
  • S5:033 – What was the Jerusalem Council? (Acts 15:1-35, Part 1)

    S5:033 – What was the Jerusalem Council? (Acts 15:1-35, Part 1)
    Jun 30 2026

    Why is the Jerusalem Council so significant? What is required for salvation? In this episode, Emma Dotter discusses Acts 15:1-35 and the influence of the Jerusalem Council. She unpacks how the Jerusalem Council protected the true gospel, opened the door for global Christianity, and modeled how the Church handled theological conflict.


    // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:


    Mark 7; Luke 18; John 3: 16; John 6: 29; Matthew 28: 19; Acts 1: 8; Acts 10; Acts 13-14


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)
    • “S4:269 – Acts 15-17” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/3NShJvbx2EPozwMwxJq2Hm?si=98ac89d64476429c)
    • “Episode 204: Acts 15” (https://open.spotify.com/episode/1C4nPaR3RZjQlAN7nYyAX6?si=2d16480ac3b34d66)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

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    16 mins
  • Prayer S5:027 Acts 15:1-35

    Prayer S5:027 Acts 15:1-35
    Jun 28 2026
    "In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 15:1-35. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: for protection against false doctrine of our day, for courage and clarity when we are faced wtih false truth, and that we would be a people marked by the joy of the Lord. 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 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"
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    8 mins
  • S5:032 – Why do churches have elders? (Acts 14, Part 2)

    S5:032 – Why do churches have elders? (Acts 14, Part 2)
    Jun 24 2026

    Why is church membership important? Why did Paul and Barnabas appoint elders as they planted churches? In this episode, Emma Dotter continues in Acts 14, addressing the roles of elders, church leadership structure, the importance of church membership, and why it's important to be part of a shepherding church submitted to the Chief Shepherd, Jesus Christ.


    // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:


    Hebrews 13: 17; 7: 33


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137)
    • S5:011 Acts 6:1-7 – Care and correction in the Church (https://youtu.be/EkwT7n3BscM?si=Nv_Vqgl6VaJUcv50)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

    Show More Show Less
    12 mins
  • S5:031 – Is Greek mythology in the Bible? (Acts 14, Part 1)

    S5:031 – Is Greek mythology in the Bible? (Acts 14, Part 1)
    Jun 23 2026

    Is Greek mythology in the Bible? Why do the people worship Paul and Barnabas in Acts 14? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks the cultural and religious contexts that influenced how the people would have understood the healing of the crippled man in Acts 14:8-10. Then, she connects the audience's response in Acts 14 to how some respond to God's work today and addresses what idolatry may look like now.


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

    Show More Show Less
    13 mins
  • Prayer S5:026 Acts 14

    Prayer S5:026 Acts 14
    Jun 21 2026
    In today's Conversations for the Journey, host and Care Director Wes Butler leads us in praying through Acts 14. This week, Wes leads us in prayer for three things: that we would not allow fear to hinder the spread of the gospel, for humility as we serve Christ and learn from Bible teachers today, and that the Holy Spirit would encourage us in trial. 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 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"
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    11 mins
  • S5:030 – What is predestination? (Acts 13:13-52, Part 2)

    S5:030 – What is predestination? (Acts 13:13-52, Part 2)
    Jun 17 2026

    What is predestination? Does God really elect who will be saved? How do we balance God’s sovereignty with human agency? In this episode, Emma Dotter continues the discussion of Acts 13:13-52 by explaining Acts 13:48 and its theological implications. Then, she addresses the tension we feel between God’s sovereignty and human agency, along with why and how we can hold both truths in tandem.


    // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:


    Romans 10: 9; Matthew 23: 37;


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

    Show More Show Less
    18 mins
  • S5:029 – How Jesus fulfilled Messianic prophecy (Acts 13:13-52, Part 1)

    S5:029 – How Jesus fulfilled Messianic prophecy (Acts 13:13-52, Part 1)
    Jun 16 2026

    How does Jesus fulfill God's promise to David? Why does Paul highlight this? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Paul’s sermon in Acts 13:13-52, addressing how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to King David. Together, draw connections between this passage and 2 Samuel 7 to see how Jesus was the ultimate fulfillment of the Davidic covenant—the true promised Messiah and King—and why it was so important for Paul to draw this conclusion for his audience at the synagogue in Antioch.


    // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:


    2 Samuel 7: 16


    // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

    • S4:268 Acts 12-14 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-268-acts-12-14/id1600151923?i=1000735847137)


    // 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. Join The Journey Jr. is designed to help parents guide their kids in Bible reading through interactive and age-specific lessons. In 2026, we’re studying the book of Acts—one passage per week. For another year, teaching on Sunday will align with each week’s passage. Then, for the next six days, we’ll return to the same passage with fresh focus, exploring insights about who God is and how we can enjoy him more deeply. Monday through Saturday, we’ll approach the same passage from a different perspective each day—whether observation, interpretation, prayer, or another spiritual practice—to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for God’s Word. Then, watch or listen to the video podcast to tackle the week's toughest verses and discover key historical, theological, and practical insights.


    Daily Bible lessons for adults: https://jointhejourney.com
    Daily Bible lessons for parents and families: https://jointhejourney.com/jr
    Weekly Bible podcast for kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...


    // MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

    Digital Bible study resources: https://jointhejourney.com/resources
    Previous years’ print curriculum: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Waterma...
    Contact the Join The Journey team: jointhejourney@watermark.org

    Show More Show Less
    10 mins