Join The Journey

Latest Episodes:

Prayer S5:009 Acts 5:12-16 Mar 01, 2026

Show notes

"In today's Conversations for the Journey, College Director, Grant Wilkie, leads us in praying through Acts 5:12-16. This week, Grant leads us in prayer for two things: that we would trust the Word of God and that our church would be be fruitful and multiply. 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"

S5:008 Acts 4:32-5:11 – Radical generosity and the story of Ananias and Sapphira Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

Does God care about generosity? How did the early church “have everything in common”? Why did God judge Ananias and Sapphira? In this episode, one of Watermark’s elders, Kyle Thompson, joins Emma to discuss Acts 4:32-37 and the radical generosity that marked the early church. Then, Emma unpacks Acts 5:1-11 and the story of Ananias and Sapphira with Watermark’s National Director of Merge and Foundation Groups, Scott Kedersha.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

1 John 3: 17; Psalm 50: 10; 2 Corinthians 8: 5, 12-15; 9:7; Proverbs 14: 12; Luke 21: 3-4; John 8: 44

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

S4:265 – Acts 5-6 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-265-acts-5-6/id1600151923?i=1000735373170)

// RESOURCES:

Moneywise, biblical money management at Watermark: (https://www.watermark.org/ministries/moneywise)

// 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

Prayer S5:008 Acts 4:32-5:11 Feb 22, 2026

Show notes

"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; praying for perseucted church all over the world. 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"

S5:007 Acts 4:1-31 – Why is Jesus' resurrection essential to the Christian faith? Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

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. Together, they explore the theology behind the resurrection, why it’s central to Christianity, and how differing views on it shape belief and practice today.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

1 Corinthians 5: 17

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Acts: A Paragraph-by-Paragraph Exegetical Evangelical Bible Commentary by Darrell L. Bock: https://a.co/d/0g3ggXK9

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

S4:256 – Luke 23-34 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-256-luke-23-24/id1600151923?i=1000733444687)
S4:264 – Acts 3-4 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-264-acts-3-4/id1600151923?i=1000735193276)

// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY?

// MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Prayer S5:007 Acts 4:1-31 Feb 15, 2026

Show notes

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; praying for persecuted church all over the world.

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

S5:006 Acts 3:1-26 — Do miracles still happen today? Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

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 Watermark’s Director of Re|Engage, Matt Farlow, have a conversation about how the same Spirit who emboldened Peter emboldens us, and they provide practical advice on how to keep in step with the Spirit.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

John 20: 30-31; Mark 1: 40-42; Revelation 21: 4; Deuteronomy 4: 9; Galatians 5: 25; John 15: 26

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

In Defense of Miracles edited by Doug Geivett and Gary Habermas: https://a.co/d/eF78vq5
GotQuestions article on miracles: https://www.gotquestions.org/definition-miracle.html

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

S4:264 – Acts 3-4 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-264-acts-3-4/id1600151923?i=1000735193276

// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY?

// MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Prayer S5:006 Feb 08, 2026

Show notes

"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 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"

S5:005 Acts 2:42-47 – How students set the example for fellowship at Watermark Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

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 with one another. This conversation offers a glimpse into what it looks like when faith is practiced together—not just taught.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

1 John 1:1-4

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

If you have students in 6-12 grade, check out DTown happening February 6-7, 2026: https://www.watermark.org/events/6834-dtown-2026
See what God is doing in our students’ lives on Shoreline’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shorelinedallas/?hl=en

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)
S3:035 – Ecclesiastes 7 with Craig Wenning (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-035-ecclesiastes-7/id1600151923?i=1000645562308)

// WHAT IS JOIN THE JOURNEY?

// MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Prayer S5:005 Feb 01, 2026

Show notes

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 need.

If you would like to submit a prayer request to the Watermark prayer team, you can do so at https://www.watermark.org/prayer

Check out the Join The Journey Website for today's devotional and more resources!
https://www.jointhejourney.com/

S5:004 Acts 2:42-47 – How can I be more like a believer in the early church? Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

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.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

Psalm 103: 1-22, 6; Acts 2: 4; John 14: 15, 21, 29; Romans 8; John 15: 9-11; 1 Peter 2: 23; Acts 1: 8; Philippians 4: 1; Romans 8: 17

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Watermark’s doctrinal statement on the Holy Spirit: (https://www.watermark.org/about/full-doctrinal-statement)
Threads: Weaving Discipleship into the Fabric of Your Life by Kirk Freeman (https://www.amazon.com/Threads-Weaving-disciple-making-fabric/dp/B0CNKXBMZN/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2NO5MWLVB07S8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ZVudhJOVXAMUTMHuv23neg.C3TzzhQ2E5uDMl6s3xyf1E7buSOBMJVB0KOpH8OwN1o&dib_tag=se&keywords=threads+kirk+freeman+book&qid=1766445136&sprefix=threads+kirk+%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-1)
A Spirit-Led Church: Sermon series from Watermark Community Church (https://www.watermark.org/series/1471)

Questions about the Holy Spirit? Visit GotQuestions: (https://www.gotquestions.org/who-Holy-Spirit.html)

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

“S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)
“S1:191 – What if my possession of the Spirit feels mundane?” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000580618106)

// 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 throughinteractive 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.

// MORE RESOURCES FROM JOIN THE JOURNEY:

// CHAPTERS

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