

Join The Journey
Watermark Community Church, Dallas, TX
Reading the Bible regularly can be a challenge, and our goal is to help you not only get into God's word regularly, but also help you understand and apply what you're reading! Join The Journey is a Bible study podcast built to follow our daily reading plan available for free at jointhejourney.com. New episodes will be available Monday through Friday. We hope you can join us!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 3, 2025 • 14min
S4:237 Matthew 26
Scott Fowler, a longtime member of Watermark and a professional in commercial real estate finance, shares his insights on prayer and communion. He delves into Jesus' poignant prayer in Gethsemane, emphasizing the importance of persistence and surrender during tough times. Scott highlights the Last Supper's significance, explaining that communion serves as a powerful reminder of Christ's sacrifice, self-examination, and gratitude. He encourages listeners to identify and live out scriptural commands relevant to their current life seasons.

Oct 2, 2025 • 7min
S4:236 Matthew 24-25
Explore the important lessons from Matthew 24-25 regarding the end times and how to prepare for Jesus' return. Discover why focusing on readiness rather than predictions is essential. Emma uses an airport delay metaphor to emphasize alertness and faith during uncertain times. Through the parables of the ten virgins, talents, and sheep and goats, learn how to be active and fruitful in your faith. Ultimately, find hope in Christ's finished work, as true readiness brings peace amidst uncertainty.

Oct 1, 2025 • 12min
S4:235 Matthew 22-23
Join Emma Dotter and guest Ross Ferrans, a Watermark member and devotional writer, as they dive into Matthew 22-23. They explore how Jesus navigated tricky questions from His critics, offering profound answers about taxes and resurrection. Ross highlights the significance of loving God and our neighbors. The conversation shifts to Jesus’ strong rebuke of the religious leaders, revealing His compassion for the lost. Listeners are encouraged to align their hearts with God’s teachings and embrace a love-centered approach.

Sep 30, 2025 • 16min
S4:234 Matthew 20-21
Baker Flagg, a member of Watermark Community Church and guest devotional writer, dives deep into the teachings of Matthew 20-21. He explores how the parable of the vineyard challenges our views on God's justice versus human fairness. Baker emphasizes that our obedience should stem from grace, not a desire for favor. He links Jesus' cleansing of the temple and the cursed fig tree, discussing spiritual barrenness versus outward appearances. His personal journey highlights the emptiness of achievement-focused identity and the importance of daily surrender to God.

Sep 29, 2025 • 14min
S4:233 Matthew 18-19
Andrew Thompson, a Watermark student, shares his faith journey and personal struggles with sin in a deep conversation. He explains the importance of fighting sin and the powerful role of the Spirit in daily sanctification. The discussion tackles whether Jesus meant for us to be literal about self-sacrifice in Matthew 18:8-9 and highlights the urgency behind His teachings. Andrew also emphasizes that true forgiveness stems from understanding God's mercy, urging listeners to actively engage in their spiritual battles and reflect that grace in their lives.

Sep 27, 2025 • 14min
S4:232 Matthew 16-17
In this enlightening discussion, Alan Beam, a Watermark member and Great Questions volunteer, dives deep into Matthew 16-17. He explores the vital question of what Jesus meant by the 'rock' on which He would build His church. Alan elucidates three main interpretations: Peter as the rock, the confession of faith, and Christ Himself as the cornerstone. He emphasizes humility in theological debates and explains why evangelicals don’t adhere to papal authority, providing a rich context that encourages thoughtful dialogue.

Sep 26, 2025 • 11min
S4:231 Matthew 13-15
Emily Carter, a director of operations for The Porch and a Watermark member, shares her journey to faith and involvement in recovery ministry. She discusses why Jesus spoke in parables, explaining how they reveal truths to the open-hearted while obscuring them from the hard-hearted. Emily dives into the profound interaction with the Canaanite woman, highlighting her faith and the healing of her daughter. She also reflects on Jesus' immediate response to fear during the walking on water incident, emphasizing the invitation to connect with Him in times of struggle.

Sep 25, 2025 • 13min
S4:230 Matthew 11-12
Join Emma Dotter and guest Jo O'Steen, a dedicated missions worker, as they dive into Matthew 11-12 and tackle the complex topic of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Jo shares her inspiring faith journey and highlights her work with international students. They discuss the key differences between blaspheming the Son versus the Spirit, emphasizing that believers need not fear accidentally committing the unforgivable sin. With a message of grace, Jo reassures listeners about the invitation to trust in Jesus and the assurance of forgiveness.

Sep 24, 2025 • 10min
S4:229 Matthew 8-10
High school student Campbell Henke from Watermark shares his journey of faith, discussing Matthew 8-10. He explores whether Jesus is being harsh in His teachings, highlighting the urgency of prioritizing faith over worldly commitments. Campbell emphasizes that it's our faith that justifies us, not our actions. He also addresses the reality of persecution for believers, warning about the rejection faced when embracing faith. Lastly, he explains Jesus' metaphor of the 'sword,' illustrating the division caused by choosing Christ.

Sep 23, 2025 • 12min
S4:228 Matthew 5-7
Jacob Arrington, a member of Watermark South Dallas, shares his journey and offers deep theological insights on the Sermon on the Mount. He explores what it means to be 'poor in spirit' and how this teaching influences our daily lives. Jacob emphasizes the importance of understanding one's identity in Christ and the value of seeking God consistently. The discussion sheds light on kingdom living versus mere rule-keeping, encouraging listeners to embrace a heartfelt dependence on the Father.