Join The Journey

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S4:302 James Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

"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 set the whole course of life on fire. Why does James focus so much on speech, and what does that tell us about the health of Christian community? John 7:5; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Timothy 6:8 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"

S4:301 Hebrews 11-13 Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

"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 disciplines us as we pursue Christ. 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"

S4:300 Hebrews 7-10 Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

"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/B0BRYP5MQK?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

S4:299 Hebrews 1-6 Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

"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 chapters begin to build this case, and why does that matter for our faith and mission today? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Andrew Templeton talk about Hebrews 1-6, setting up the book and talking about how the themes intersect with missions and discipleship. 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"

S4:298 Philemon Dec 13, 2025

Show notes

"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 Director, Katie Shemanske and member Gabe Serrano talk about the book of Philemon and how we can practice the kind of reconciliation Paul teaches in this letter in our own lives today. 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"

S4:297 Titus Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

"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 good works. If you are interested in the Watermark Institute, check it out here: https://www.watermarkresources.com/ministries/institute 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"

S4:296 2 Timothy Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

"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 talks about the differences between first and second Timothy and what Paul teaches about discipleship within the Church. To serve with Join The Journey: https://www.watermark.org/ministries/join-the-journey To read Watermark's belief statement on the Bible, check it out here: https://www.watermark.org/about/full-doctrinal-statement 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"

S4:295 1 Timothy Dec 10, 2025

Show notes

"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 about 1 Timothy and leadership within the church. Todd helps us understand Paul's teaching on church eldership and how we implement these teachings in the church today. 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"

S4:294 2 Thessalonians Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

"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=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1755623322&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=8aeeec3b-6c1c-416d-87ae-5dfbbb6981df"

S4:293 1 Thessalonians Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

"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/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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