How do we reconcile the way that women are treated in the OT with what the rest of scripture says about us being image bearers? In today’s episode, Emma Dotter and faithful Watermark member Jessica Bishop talk about Genesis 34 and 35 and the story of Dinah and her brother’s reaction and vengeance on the evil that happens to her. They explain that this is an account of something outside of God’s design, and that the description the Bible gives is not necessarily a prescription of what God approve...
Jan 08, 2025•15 min
How did Jacob beat God in a wrestling match? Why did Jacob want God's blessing so badly? Why did God change Jacob's name? In today's episode, Emma Dotter unpacks Genesis 29 - 32, a pivotal moment in Jacob's life where he developed his own personal faith through his encounter with God. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Jan 07, 2025•9 min
How does integrity play out in our lives? Today, Emma Dotter looks at Genesis 27 and how integrity is shown in the story of Jacob and Esau and evaluates how we show spiritual integrity within our own lives. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Jan 06, 2025•11 min
In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Genesis 22:1-14 and how the sacrifice of Isaac foreshadowed the sacrifice that Jesus would make for all mankind. Emma explores how Abraham had faith in his obedience, even when it required Abraham to lay down what he loved most. Scriptures Referenced: Hebrew 11:19, Jeremiah 7:31, Romans 4:16, Matthew 26:29, 1 Corinthians 15:4, John 8:56 Parallels between the sacrifice Isaac and Jesus' crucifixion: Genesis 22:2 - John 3:16, Genesis 22:2 - 1 Corinthian 15:...
Jan 04, 2025•14 min
In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses how we understand the Old Testament through understanding the Abrahamic Covenant and God's character as a promise keeper. GotQuestions Article on "What is a covenant?" https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-covenant.html Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Jan 03, 2025•11 min
Today, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member Nate Alvis discuss Genesis 6-10 and what it means for God to have "regretted" his creation of man. They also discuss how Noah's drunkenness showed his weakness, yet was called faithful. Scripture References: Ezekiel 1:28 - Ezekiel's revelation of a rainbow. Revelation 4:3 Referenced Article by Emma Dotter: https://www.gotquestions.org/dealing-with-regrets.html Check out Nate Alvis' former episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-056-job-11/...
Jan 02, 2025•18 min
What is God's design for gender identity and marriage? Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark Family Director Chris Sherrod to walk through how Genesis 1-5 shapes how we live today. God is the designer and definer of reality, so He in His goodness is the one who gets to determine gender and marriage. However, our culture says we are the ones who get to decide our own reality. Genesis 3:15 foreshadows a promise that the rest of the Old Testament unfolds that a serpent-crusher will come to rede...
Jan 01, 2025•23 min
Today, Emma Dotter finishes out the 2024 year by discussing Revelation 22:16-20, Jesus' identity, the call to come, and the hope we have in Jesus' return.
Dec 31, 2024•7 min
In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson takes us through Revelation 22:12-13 and helps us to reflect back on all the wonderful things that God has done for us and how because of what he has done, we can look forward to all that is coming. Link for TA's message: https://www.watermark.org/message/10962-jesus-and-the-word
Dec 30, 2024•9 min
In today's special bonus episode, Emma Dotter talks with Gordon Burgett and Skipper Pickle from Watermark's software development team about the new features that are coming to the Join the Journey app in 2025! Some of the highlighted new features include progress tracking for your reading and a new community group portal!
Dec 29, 2024•11 min
In this special bonus episode, Emma Dotter and David Dzina discuss Watermark's Year of the Word in 2025 and how our church, from the youngest of kids to the oldest of adults will be reading, studying, and deepening our understanding of the Bible together.
Dec 28, 2024•9 min
In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Revelation 3:20-22 and how Jesus invites us to follow in his ways, even when we may have strayed off course or become lukewarm, his invitation to be in relationship with him is always available. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Dec 27, 2024•7 min
In today's episode, Watermark members Rebekah and Michael Banks explore the apostle John's initial greeting to the seven churches and doxology as they explain the reign and rule of Jesus Christ in the book of Revelation. May we be reminded of the hope we have in Christ. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Genesis 2:3, "Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done." Exodus 3:14, "God said to Moses, 'I am ...
Dec 26, 2024•14 min
Merry Christmas!! Lauren Atkison takes us through the Christmas story in Luke 2:4-21, discussing the promises that Jesus fulfills and reminding us that Jesus' reason for coming was to bring salvation to all mankind. Additional Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:14
Dec 25, 2024•7 min
Happy Christmas Eve everyone! Today, Emma Dotter talks with Ben Krejci about the foreshadowing of salvation being for both the Jew and the Gentile seen in the wise men's visit to the baby Jesus as seen in Matthew 2:7-12. We hope you will join us for Christmas at Watermark! Information at the link: https://www.watermark.org/christmas
Dec 24, 2024•10 min
What do we do when the story of Christmas has become repetitive and familiar to us? Today our very own Emma Dotter and Lauren Atkinson discuss Matthew 2:1-6 and the anticipation of the Wise Men. Our response to the story of Christmas should mirror them as they respond rightly to the incarnation of the Christ. Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 1:1-27
Dec 23, 2024•12 min
In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses Micah 5:2-5 and how Jesus' eternal nature reminds us that he is the eternal king, our shepherd who cares and loves for us, and the one who gives us true peace. Year of the Word Prayer Service January 5th in the Watermark Chapel from 5:30pm - 6:30pm You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your fami...
Dec 20, 2024•7 min
How have you seen God show up in your life? What do you learn about God from these “holy moments?” Today Seth Master breaks down Luke 2:19-20 in the continuation of our advent series. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey-junior/id1660089898 Check out to...
Dec 19, 2024•9 min
Today, Lauren Atkinson and Ashley Lawrence discuss Luke 2:13-18 and how the day Jesus was born was not just a random day, but an ordained, appointed time by God for the glory of God and peace for his people. Additional Scriptures: Colossians 1:16 - All things were created through him. Galatians 4 Listen to Ashley Lawrence's Story: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-252-revelation-1-4-7/id1600151923?i=1000639715369 Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your fam...
Dec 18, 2024•15 min
Why were shepherds the first ones to hear about the birth of Jesus? Today, Emma Dotter gives context about the shepherds in Luke 2:8-14 and how God comes to everyone with the good news of Jesus, regardless of status or position.
Dec 17, 2024•6 min
The holidays can be a time that is lonely and hard. Today, Lauren Atkinson discusses with Dave Bruskas discuss Luke 2:1-7 and how God is present with us all seasons and sovereign over all things. Scriptures Referenced: Philippians 2 Link to Church Equipping Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watermarks-church-leadership-podcast/id1228898530 Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?Re...
Dec 16, 2024•16 min
What is the significance of Mary’s Song? Why does it matter to us as believers? Today we are joined by Join the Journey volunteer Seth Master to continue in our advent series. Reading through Luke 1:46-56, Seth shows us how Mary can be an example to us in our lives as we follow Christ. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also check out the Join The Journ...
Dec 13, 2024•10 min
Today, Lauren Atkinson interviews Watermark member Pam McGee to discuss Luke 1:39-45 and how to celebrate other people's successes by trusting God with your lives and the lives of your children. Watermark Kids Advent Resources https://www.watermark.org/blog/family-advent-guide
Dec 12, 2024•13 min
Today, Emma Dotter is joined by Watermark member and Join The Journey writer Cecil Blanton to talk through the announcement of Jesus' birth in Luke 1:26-38. This announcement changed Mary's life and lead to abundant life for the world through Jesus Christ. Additional Scripture Referenced: Psalm 34:18 Isaiah 41:10 Psalm 23:4 Psalm 55:22 To hear more of Cecil's story, check out this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-050-exodus-6/id1600151923?i=1000603577135 Learn more about Re:generat...
Dec 11, 2024•13 min
In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson discusses Luke 1:5-25 how God displays his faithfulness as a promise keeper through the events leading up to John the Baptist's birth. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Dec 10, 2024•9 min
Today is the first ever Join the Journey LIVE Podcast! Emma Dotter and Pastor Marvin Walker record live at Watermark South Dallas and discuss Matthew 1:1-17, exploring the genealogy of Jesus and how his family tree connects to kingship. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also check out the Join The Journey Jr. Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podc...
Dec 09, 2024•17 min
How do we know the prophecies in Scripture point to Jesus? Today, Emma Dotter discusses Numbers 24:17, Jeremiah 33:14-16, and 2 Samuel 7:4-17 to help connect the dots between prophecies about Jesus and how Jesus fulfilled them all in just the right time. Additional Scriptures referenced in today's episode: Matthew 2:1-2 John 15:5-11 Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceI...
Dec 06, 2024•8 min
In today's episode, Lauren Atkinson talks with Jelani Rainey from Watermark South Dallas to discuss Genesis 17:15-19 and Romans 9:1-13 focusing on how we can know we are a child of promise through salvation in Jesus Christ.
Dec 05, 2024•15 min
What do we do when our expectations of Jesus don't line up with who He really is? Today Watermark Shoreline Director Will McIlroy walks us through Acts 3 to show us how Christ is better than any expectation we could ever set for him. Additional Scripture referenced in today's episode: Genesis 1-2, creation account Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093 You can also...
Dec 04, 2024•12 min
Today, Emma Dotter discusses Genesis 1:1-2, 26-28 and Genesis 3:1-15 and explores how the Advent season can be a time for us to evaluate our hearts and trust in God's great plan for us through Jesus. Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093
Dec 03, 2024•11 min