How should we think about unclean spirits? What are demons? Is spiritual warfare real? What’s so important about Samaria? In this episode, Emma Dotter and Ryan Garrahan, Watermark’s Director of Community Formation, talk about why there was such an intense rivalry between Jews and Samaritans. Then, Emma unpacks unclean spirits, demons, the spiritual realm, and the confidence followers of Jesus have in the face of spiritual warfare.

// ADDITIONAL VERSES MENTIONED:

1 Kings 16: 24; 11: 31-33; 2 Kings 17; Nehemiah 4: 2; John 4; Luke 10; Acts 1: 8; 8: 1; 1 Kings 16: 24; Ephesians 6: 12; 1 John 3: 8b; Colossians 2: 15; Hebrews 2: 14; Revelation 12: 9-11a; 20: 10; Deuteronomy 32: 16-17; Psalm 106: 35-37; 1 Corinthians 10: 20; 1 Samuel 16: 23; Mark 1: 27; Matthew 12: 28; 10: 5-8; Mark 3: 14-15; Luke 10: 17-20; Acts 16: 18; 19:11-12; 1 John 5: 19; 4: 4; Ephesians 4: 10, 26–27

// RELATED JOIN THE JOURNEY EPISODES:

S4:266 – Acts 7-8 (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s4-266-acts-7-8/id1600151923?i=1000735540307)

// RESOURCES FOR FURTHER STUDY:

Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem - https://a.co/d/0dDrzUwi

// 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

S5:015 Acts 8:1-25 – What are unclean spirits? Do unclean spirits exist today?