"In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul gives this sweeping picture of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the one in whom all things hold together. How would Paul’s original audience have heard that, and why is it so important for us to grasp today? What do we know about the false teaching in Colossae—and how do we discern the difference between helpful wisdom and deceptive philosophy today? What does Paul mean by ""put off the old self"", and how does it practically shape the way Christians live in community? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark member, Amber Hapka about the book of Colossians. Amber gives us the context of Colossians and unpacks how we can be discerners of wisdom, living in ways that honor the Lord.

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"

"Paul writes Philippians from prison yet talks constantly about joy (Phil. 1:12–18; 4:4). How do we reconcile joy with suffering, and what did Paul mean by rejoicing in the Lord when his circumstances were so hard? How should we understand this ‘kenosis’in Philippians 2:5-11—and why does Paul root a call to humility in this deep theology? How do we keep from misunderstanding or misusing Philippians 4:13, and what did Paul actually mean in context? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Ryan Garrahan talk about the book of Philippians. Ryan gives us the context of Philippians and helps us see how we can study this book accurately, considering the context, to understand the theological truths we find in this book.

Additional References: Acts 16; John 1:1; Hebrews 4:15;

To research more about kenosis, check out these Got Questions articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/kenoticism-kenotic-theology.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/kenosis.html

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"

"1. In Ephesians 4, Paul talks about the church growing up into maturity, with every part of the body doing its work. How can kids (and adults) begin to see themselves as part of the body of Christ, not just the future of the church but the church right now? 2. Paul tells believers to ‘walk in love’ (Eph. 5:2) and to ‘walk as children of light’ (Eph. 5:8). What does that look like for kids at school, at home, or even on the playground? What about adults at work? 3. Ephesians 6 tells children to obey their parents in the Lord, and parents to bring them up in the instruction of the Lord. How do you explain this to kids in a way that doesn’t just feel like another rule, but helps them see God’s good design for family? Do adult children still need to obey their parents? When does that stop?

Additional References about spiritual gifts: Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4

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"

"How should we understand the language of election and predestination in Ephesians 1 and what was Paul’s purpose in emphasizing it to the Ephesian believers? How does Ephesians 2:8-10 balance God’s work and our good works, and why is that balance so central to Paul’s message? In today's episode, Director of Equipping, Chris Sherrod, and Watermark member Robin Clark talk about Ephesians 1-4. Robin provides us with the context of the book of Ephesians and tackles the language around predestination, helping us understand the different positions on this theological topic.

To learn more about the positions of predestination, check out these Got Questions articles: https://www.gotquestions.org/predestination.html

https://www.gotquestions.org/predestination-vs-free-will.html

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"

"How does Galatians 4 shape our understanding of Christian freedom today? How do we understand the tension between the ‘works of the flesh’ and the ‘fruit of the Spirit,’ and what does this practically look like in the life of a believer? In Galatians 6, Paul talks about bearing one another’s burdens, not growing weary in doing good, and reaping what we sow. How do these instructions fit into Paul’s larger argument about freedom in Christ and life in community? In today's episode, Director of Discipleship for the Porch, Tyler Moffett, discusses Galatians 4-6 and what it looks like to be fully formed by Christ, the fruit of the Spirit, and how we can experience full freedom through 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"

"Galatians 2–3 emphasizes justification by faith and not by works of the law. How would Paul’s Jewish audience have heard that, and what does it mean for us who don’t live under the Mosaic Law? In today's episode, Watermark Community Director Katie Shemanske talks with member Shaun Norwood about Galatians 1-3. Shaun introduces us to the book of Galatians by helping us understand the context of the book, the significance of the Jerusalem Council's decision on the writing of Galatians, and how we ought to view the Law in light of Christ.

Check out Gather! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/single-adults

To serve with Shaun in Frontlines, check out the opportunities here: https://www.watermark.org/search/serve?query=frontlines

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"

"Paul says the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. What does this mean in practice for the church and individual believers today? Why does Paul boast in weakness and how should Christians today think about strength, weakness, and God’s power being made perfect in weakness? How should believers today approach this kind of self-examination without falling into either pride or unhealthy doubt? In today's episode, Emma Dotter discusses 2 Corinthians 10-13 with Watermark member, Jacob Arrington. Together, they discuss what weapons of warfare we are facing today, what the thorn in Paul's flesh was, and how we can understand our own weaknesses.

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"

"What does the Macedonians giving ‘beyond their means’ out of joy, even in affliction and poverty teach us about the relationship between generosity, joy, and trust in God’s provision? How should 2 Corinthians 8:9 shape the way Christians think about money and generosity? Paul says whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and that God loves a cheerful giver. How should Christians understand this principle without turning it into a prosperity gospel message? What does it actually mean to reap abundantly? In today's episode, Emma Dotter talks with Watermark CDC volunteers Jason and Connie Reed about 2 Corinthains 6-9, the dangers of the prosperity gospel, and how we can steward our finances in a way that glorifies the Lord.

Additional references: John 10:10; Philippians 4:6-7; Mark 12;

If you're interested in learning about Watermark CDC check out their website! https://www.watermarkcdc.org/

To learn more about Financial Catalyst: https://www.watermarkcdc.org/financial-empowerment

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"

"Paul says God comforts us in our affliction so we can comfort others. How does this shape a biblical view of suffering—and how is it different from how our culture thinks about comfort and hardship? How should Christians today understand the glory of the new covenant, and what does it practically mean to be ministers of it? What does it mean for believers to live as ambassadors for Christ in a divided world? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member, Casey Uphues discuss 2 Corinthians 1-5, glorifying the Lord by walking on our freedom and reconciliation. Casey challenges us to think about what we are not allowing God to use and what we might be holding onto rather than surrendering to the Lord.

If you're a woman in Dallas, join us for Women's Bible Study! https://www.watermark.org/ministries/womens-bible-study

Take a listen to some of Casey's former episodes!

Job 21: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s3-067-job-21/id1600151923?i=1000651758829

Exodus 17-18: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s2-059-exodus-17-18/id1600151923?i=1000605527493

Acts 10: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-199-acts-10/id1600151923?i=1000581760476

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"

"How should churches today balance valuing every member’s gift while also pursuing order in worship, especially when it comes to gifts like tongues and prophecy? Paul places the famous ‘love chapter’ right in the middle of his teaching on spiritual gifts. What does this show us about the relationship between love and the use of our gifts in the church? How does the bodily resurrection of Jesus—and our future resurrection—shape the way Christians live right now? In today's episode, Emma Dotter and Watermark member Laura Buchelt talk about 1 Corinthians 12-16, and dive into how we ought to understand Paul's teaching on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

To learn more about the spiritual gifts, listen to this message by T.A.: https://www.watermark.org/message/10670-the-gifts-of-tongues-prophecy-and-healing-1-corinthians-14

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"