Is the Holy Spirit a force to be experienced or a person to be known? In this episode, Emma Dotter is joined by Kylen Perry, Watermark’s Executive Director of The Porch, to explain who the Holy Spirit is, how he empowered the early church, and how he continues to work in the lives of believers today. Then, pastor and author Kirk Freeman joins Emma to unpack the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 and discuss how followers of Jesus can pursue unity while holding different convictions.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

Acts 5: 3-4; Matthew 28: 19-20; John 15: 26; Ephesians 4: 30; Genesis 41; 1: 1-2; 2: 7; Acts 9: 31; Galatians 5: 16-18; John 16: 8; Titus 3: 5

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Watermark’s doctrinal statement on the Holy Spirit: (https://www.watermark.org/about/full-doctrinal-statement)
Wrestling with your convictions on the Holy Spirit? (https://www.watermark.org/blog/agree-to-disagree-how-to-handle-essentials-convictions-opinions)

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)

Learn more about The Porch, Watermark’s young adult ministry: https://www.theporch.live

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

“S4:263 – Introduction to the book of Acts” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...) Intro to the book of Acts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000735019898

“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 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

// CHAPTERS

Who is the Holy Spirit? with Kylen Perry
00:36 - Who is the Holy Spirit?
04:03 - The Holy Spirit Empowers
07:26 - The Holy Spirit Purifies
08:15 - The Holy Spirit Reveals
09:35 - The Holy Spirit Unifies
11:50 - The Holy Spirit Gives Evidence of God's Blessing
14:35 - Application

Why is the Church Divided? with Kirk Freeman
20:52 - Differing Views of the Role of the Holy Spirit