Join The Journey

What does Paul mean by “kick against the goads” in the retelling of his conversion story? In this episode, Watermark member, Megan Wilhelm, joins Emma Dotter to unpack this unusual phrase found in Acts 26:14. After discussing the meaning of the phrase, they share what it looks like to resist God’s plans for our lives today. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Hebrews 10: 24 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)  “S4:273 – Acts 25-26" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-273-acts-25-26/id1600151923?i=1000736729633)   // 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: [email protected] 

Does obeying God mean our lives get easier? In this episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Acts 23:12-24:27 and how important it is to not allow difficulty in your life to lead you to assuming you took a wrong turn. She encourages listeners to trust God’s presence even when you can’t see his plan, and to remember that a delayed result doesn’t mean God’s forgotten you. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Philippians 2: 8; Genesis 50: 20; Psalm 27: 14 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:272 — Acts 23-24” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-272-acts-23-24/id1600151923?i=1000736572778)   // 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: [email protected] 

How do you know if you’re experiencing your conscience or the Holy Spirit? In this episode, Emma Dotter explores Acts 22:30-23:11. She explains the differences between our conscience and the Holy Spirit — your conscience is part of you, the Holy Spirit is God. She explains how to discern if the Holy Spirit is convicting you. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Acts 26: 9; Acts 8; Romans 2: 15; 1 Corinthians 8; Titus 1: 15; 1 Timothy 4: 2; John 16; Romans 8; Romans 9: 1; Romans 14; Romans 8: 1 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” by Ken Sande (https://a.co/d/06I5OCz1) Conflict Field Guide (https://www.watermark.org/community/conflict-field-guide)  Conflict Resolution Road Map (https://www.watermark.org/conflict-resolution-road-map) // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:271 — Acts 21-22” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-271-acts-21-22/id1600151923?i=1000736407342) “S4:272 — Acts 23-24” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-272-acts-23-24/id1600151923?i=1000736572778)   // 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: [email protected] 

How should followers of Jesus use the law? How did Paul use Roman law to protect himself? In this episode, Watermark member and local attorney Jeff Ward joins Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 21:27-22:29 and the role of the law. Jeff explains how the law can be either a shield or a sword and how what might be lawful to do with the law may not be the right thing to do as followers of Jesus. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 1 Corinthians 6: 7; Acts 16, 23 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict” by Ken Sande (https://a.co/d/06I5OCz1) Conflict Field Guide (https://www.watermark.org/community/conflict-field-guide)  Conflict Resolution Road Map (https://www.watermark.org/conflict-resolution-road-map) // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:271 — Acts 21-22” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-271-acts-21-22/id1600151923?i=1000736407342)  // 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: [email protected] 

Why did Paul participate in a Nazarite vow? In this episode, Local & Global Missions Minister at Eastside Community Church, Kaiden Johnson joins Emma Dotter to unpack Acts 21:17-26 and Paul’s involvement in a purification ritual. They also discuss celebrating what God’s doing by sharing it with others. They call listeners to be learners, be gospel-rooted, share the gospel, and be celebrators. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 1 Corinthians 9: 19-23; Acts 14, 15, 17; Numbers 6 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:271 — Acts 21-22” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-271-acts-21-22/id1600151923?i=1000736407342)  // 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: [email protected] 

What is biblical prophecy? How is it different from what we might think? What’s the difference between Old Testament and New Testament prophecy? In this episode, The Porch Director of Discipleship, Tyler Moffett joins Emma Dotter to discuss Acts 21:1-16 and New Testament prophecy. They answer the question, “Has prophecy changed from the Old Testament to the New Testament?” And they share four key takeaways in regard to prophecy. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: 1 Thessalonians 5; 1 Corinthians 14: 1-3; Ephesians 2 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: “The Gifts of Tongues, Prophecy, and Healing | 1 Corinthians 14” — Timothy Ateek: https://www.watermark.org/message/10670-the-gifts-of-tongues-prophecy-and-healing-1-corinthians-14 // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:271 — Acts 21-22” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-271-acts-21-22/id1600151923?i=1000736407342)  // 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: [email protected] 

Why does Paul encourage those in Ephesus to “be alert?” In this episode, Senior Pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, Dr. Jeff Warren, joins Ryan Garrahan to discuss Acts 20:28-38. They explore identifying false teachers, how to know if you’re spiritually drifting, and Paul’s emotional departure. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:270 – Acts 18-20" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-270-acts-18-20/id1600151923?i=1000736247835) // 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: [email protected] 

In this episode, Lead Pastor of Eastside Community Church, Adam Griffin joins Emma Dotter to observe and unpack Acts 20:1-27. Adam is also an author and the host of The Family Discipleship Podcast. They discuss Eutychus raising from the dead and Paul’s address to the Ephesian Elders. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: The Family Discipleship Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-family-discipleship-podcast/id1581983587)  Adam’s Books (https://www.familydiscipleship.com/books) // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...)    “S4:270 – Acts 18-20" (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-270-acts-18-20/id1600151923?i=1000736247835) // 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: [email protected] 

In this episode, high school students Wyatt and Ally join Emma Dotter to share about their time on a mission trip with Watermark Students to the Dominican Republic this summer. They share about what led them to go, what ministry and evangelism during the week looked like, and what God taught them through the trip. Together, they reflect on stories of people trusting in Christ for the first time, moments that encouraged their faith, and why you should consider going on an international mission trip. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: Matthew 28: 19-20 // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: Learn more about International Missions at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/international-missions Attend Discover Missions starting September 17, 2026: https://www.watermark.org/events/7006-discover-missions // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  // 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: [email protected] 

What does life as a missionary in Tokyo look like? What challenges face Jesus followers in Japan? In this episode, Watermark missionary Andre Norasith joins Emma Dotter to discuss his ministry in Tokyo, Japan. They dive into his call to the mission field, his daily life in Japan, and what discipleship through the local church looks like in Tokyo. // ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED: // RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY: Learn more about International Missions at Watermark: https://www.watermark.org/international-missions Attend Discover Missions starting September 17, 2026: https://www.watermark.org/events/7006-discover-missions Read Andre and Abby Norasith’s story of grace: https://www.watermark.org/blog/how-will-they-believe-unless-they-hear  // RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:  “S5:042 – Why do churches send missionaries? (Acts 17:1-15, Part 2)” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s5-042-why-do-churches-send-missionaries-acts-17-1-15-part-2/id1600151923?i=1000778871775)  // 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: [email protected]