Shepnaz Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick unpacks the deep truths of Exodus 1—where God's people face oppression, silence, and uncertainty. What do we do when obedience leads to hardship? How do we trust when God seems absent?Join us as we explore:The silence of God in seasons of sufferingThe unstoppable nature of God’s planHow remembering God’s past faithfulness fuels present trustWhether you're in a season of waiting or wrestling with doubt, this message will encourage you to hold fast to God's promises. His plan is always moving—even when we can't see it.👉 Subscribe for more biblical insights and real-life encouragement from the Shepnaz community.

Worship Wednesday is here, and today Pastor Zack and Joe dive deep into a powerful conversation about humility, servant leadership, and what true worship ministry really looks like behind the scenes.Drawing from Matthew 23:1–12, this episode challenges today’s worship leaders—and really anyone serving in ministry—to embrace the mindset Jesus modeled: those who humble themselves will be exalted.Pastor Zack shares honest reflections from real-life ministry moments (yes… including that green room trash can story), and Joe adds meaningful insights on leadership, everyday service, and what it means to follow Christ’s example.If you’re a worship pastor, volunteer, creative, or someone seeking to develop a Christ-centered heart, this episode will encourage, inspire, and maybe even lovingly convict you.📖 Scripture ReferenceMatthew 23:1–12 — A powerful reminder that true greatness starts with serving others.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:30 – Missing Hosts & Big Changes 01:25 – Joe Reflects on His Time on the Podcast 02:15 – Pastor Zack Shares Appreciation 03:10 – The Early Days of the Shepnaz Podcast 04:20 – From Background to Host: Joe’s Journey 05:12 – Introducing Today’s Topic: Servant Leadership 06:00 – Reading Matthew 23:1–12 08:15 – What Servant Leadership Really Looks Like 09:00 – The Green Room Trash Can Story 11:05 – Leading by Example in the Small Things 12:13 – Jesus as the Model of Servant Leadership 13:33 – Leadership That Sets the Tone 14:43 – How Pastor Rob Models Humility 15:50 – Pride, Worship Culture, and Heart Checks 17:21 – Stories from Zack’s Worship Training Weekend 18:36 – Humility in Broader Ministry Contexts 19:03 – Closing Thoughts and Final Challenge 19:23 – How to Connect With Us 20:00 – Outro

Is the Seventh Commandment just about an action, or is it about the heart? In today’s episode, Pastor Rob and Zack dive deep into the "Second Look"—exploring why Jesus shifted the focus from physical adultery to the internal battle of lust.We’re getting practical today. From "bouncing your eyes" to being intentional with your free time, we discuss six battle-tested strategies to protect your marriage and your mind in a hyper-sexualized culture. Whether you are married or single, this conversation is about valuing the beautiful boundaries God created so we can experience intimacy to the fullest.In this episode, we discuss:The difference between a "first look" and "lingering lust." Why our thoughts are "seeds of future deeds." 6 practical ways to stop lust before it leads to adultery. How to invest in your marriage so you actually desire your spouse. Resources for couples, including the "Better Love" assessment. Featured Guests:Pastor RobResources:Visit shepnaz.org/shepnow for current events and updates.Check out shepnaz.org for more information on our community.Take the marriage assessment at BetterLove.com. Connect With Us:We want to hear from you! How do you stay intentional with your "free time"? Comment below, and don't forget to Like & Subscribe to stay updated on our Ten Commandments series!Have a question or a story to share? Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org.Chapters:00:00 – Meet the New Host: Zack01:27 – Shuffling the Cards & Podcast Milestones 02:55 – The Seventh Commandment: Thou Shalt Not 03:36 – How Jesus Raised the Bar on Adultery 04:51 – Defining Lust vs. a Passing Thought 07:09 – Strategy 1: Making a Covenant with Your Eyes 08:35 – Strategy 2: The Art of "Bouncing Your Eyes" 10:02 – Strategy 3: Digital Boundaries & Social Media 12:52 – Strategy 4: Avoiding Compromising Situations 14:07 – Strategy 5: Picturing the Devastation of Sin 16:48 – Strategy 6: Intentional Free Time (Puppy Training for Adults) 20:36 – Investing in Your Marriage & The Better Love Assessment 22:58 – Grace, Forgiveness, and Next Steps

Pastor Zack hosts a powerful and honest conversation with Pastor Rob and Joe as we continue our Ten Commandments series — diving deep into Commandment #7: Do Not Commit Adultery.In this episode, the pastors unpack:Why God created sex as a good and beautiful giftThe purpose of sex: procreation, relational bonding, recreational joy, and spiritual unityWhy boundaries matter and how they protect God’s good designThe emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual consequences of adulteryHow Scripture frames marriage as two becoming oneThe hope, grace, and restoration available through JesusThis is a thoughtful, biblical, and Christ-centered conversation designed to build up marriages, encourage purity, and remind us that God’s commands are for our good.✨ Whether you're married, single, or supporting others on their journey — this episode is filled with truth, grace, and practical wisdom.📌 Chapters00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:26 – New year, new podcast hosting transition 01:25 – Introducing today’s topic 02:50 – Ten Commandments: Focus on Adultery 03:28 – Why sex becomes taboo in the church 04:09 – Sex as God’s good creation 05:18 – Boundaries, blessings, and the river analogy 06:17 – Function #1: Procreation 06:59 – Function #2: Relational bonding & oxytocin 08:46 – Bonding outside of marriage 09:47 – Function #3: Sexual pleasure & marital intimacy 10:26 – Proverbs & Paul on marital satisfaction 11:31 – Meeting needs within marriage 12:24 – Function #4: The spiritual union of “two becoming one” 13:52 – Marriage, unity, and the Trinity analogy 15:34 – The mystery of physical + spiritual oneness 17:20 – Cultural lies about sex without consequences 18:01 – Why adultery was so serious in Scripture 19:03 – Consequences of adultery today 20:00 – Why God’s boundaries protect what’s valuable 21:15 – Christ’s sacrifice and the cost of sin 21:59 – The duct tape bonding illustration 22:55 – Final thoughts & encouragement 23:11 – How to contact the podcast

Today we wrap up this powerful two‑part message exploring one of the most tender, hope‑filled moments in all of Scripture — Jesus’ encounter with the thief on the cross.In this episode, Pastor Rob leads us deeper into the eternal promise Jesus made to a desperate man in his final moments: “Today you will be with Me in Paradise.”Together we explore:What Jesus meant by “today”Why this moment crushes false beliefs like soul sleep and purgatoryThe difference between the two thievesWhat real repentance looks likeWhy salvation depends entirely on Jesus — not our effortWhy waiting until the end of life is a dangerous gambleHow the thief’s story mirrors our ownThe hope of abundant life right now in ChristAnd so much more.We also hear the powerful backstory of the hymn “There Is a Fountain” by William Cowper — and why the line “The dying thief rejoiced to see…” still speaks to us today.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome and recap of Thursday’s episode 00:22 – The thief’s humble request: “Remember me” 01:04 – Confession, divinity, and Jesus’ authority 01:54 – What the thief understood about Jesus’ kingdom 02:13 – Jesus’ immediate promise: “Today you will be with Me” 02:43 – Soul sleep, purgatory, and what Jesus refutes 03:55 – Paradise, Sheol, Hades, and the place of the dead 04:49 – The Apostles’ Creed and Jesus descending to the dead 05:19 – Why one thief was saved and the other wasn’t 06:15 – Living for this life vs. the next 06:55 – Equal access, different decisions 07:44 – Can last‑second repentance “work”? The good news 08:26 – The bad news: Why waiting is dangerous 09:02 – Abundant life and the cost of sin 09:37 – Why most still reject Christ at the end 10:24 – What if the thief’s first opportunity was his last one? 11:03 – Jesus as our ONLY hope 11:55 – Why works can’t save us 12:17 – Jesus counted with sinners so we could be saved 12:42 – Are you trusting Christ alone? 13:22 – The story behind “There Is a Fountain” 14:18 – The dying thief and the blood of Jesus 14:41 – How the thief represents all of us 15:12 – Salvation by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8–9) 15:53 – Closing, resources, and invitationa { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb;}tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;}tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5;}If this message encouraged you, comment, like, and subscribe — and email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.org.Stay connected at shepnaz.org and shepnaz.org/shepnow.

Welcome to the Thursday episode of The Shepnaz PodcastToday, Pastor Rob continues our powerful series, “Cries from the Cross,” exploring Jesus’ second statement from the cross:“Today you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23)In this message, Pastor Rob walks us through the dramatic encounter between Jesus and the two criminals hanging beside Him — an encounter filled with recognition, repentance, and the breathtaking mercy of God. Through the lens of Scripture and the vivid details surrounding the crucifixion, we discover the heart of a Savior who extends grace even in His final moments.You'll hear about:The violent background of the two thievesThe stunning transformation of the repentant thiefThe ways Jesus demonstrated forgiveness again and againWhat this moment reveals about salvation, humility, and the compassion of ChristWhether you’re part of the Shepnaz family or joining us for the first time, this message will strengthen your faith and deepen your appreciation for the mercy Jesus offers to every one of us.🙏 Want to grow deeper? Visit shepnaz.org/shepnow or explore our full resources at shepnaz.org.👍 Like this episode💬 Comment with your favorite moment or insight🔔 Subscribe for weekly teaching and encouragement📧 Email us anytime: podcast@shepnaz.org⏱️ Chapters00:00 – The Seven Statements of Jesus on the Cross00:20 – Setting the Context of Jesus’ Crucifixion00:53 – The Turbulence Leading up to the Cross01:30 – Jesus’ Unimaginable Suffering and Humility02:07 – “Father, Forgive Them”: Recap of Last Week’s Message02:41 – Reading Luke 23:32–4304:29 – Understanding the Two Criminals05:24 – Both Thieves Were Guilty05:59 – Insults from the Crowd and the Criminals06:23 – The Thief’s Change of Heart07:20 – What Might Have Softened the Thief’s Heart?08:34 – The Faith That Rose Above the Crowd09:26 – The Thief’s Honesty and Ownership of Sin10:01 – Trusting a Savior Who Looked Powerless11:25 – Faith Greater Than the Disciples Themselves12:13 – Believing Before the Supernatural Signs13:08 – Believing Without Seeing Miracles13:48 – Believing Without Hearing Jesus Teach14:05 – The Moment Everything Changed14:26 – Recognizing Jesus’ Innocence15:02 – Admitting Guilt and Brokenness15:24 – “Jesus, Remember Me”: A Humble Request

Welcome to Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast! Today, we bring back a fan-favorite segment: “Gettin’ to Know Noah, Zack, and Joe.” 🙌In this fun and heartfelt episode, the guys answer three big questions:🌟 What would their dream job be?🌍 Where would they move if they had to uproot today?📖 What has God been showing them in Scripture lately?From discussions about life in Italy or Zanesville 😆 to deep reflections on Jesus’ suffering, forgiveness, and the story of Jonah, this conversation blends humor, vulnerability, and rich biblical insight—all from a Christian perspective rooted in the heart of the Shepnaz community.Be sure to COMMENT with your answers to these three questions!Like 👍, Subscribe ❤️, and Share to spread the encouragement!And email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.org.Learn more about what’s happening at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene:🔗 shepnaz.org/shepnow🔗 shepnaz.org⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday00:26 – Temperature & Small Talk01:23 – The Return of “Gettin’ to Know Noah, Zack & Joe”02:23 – Question 1: What’s Your Dream Job?04:11 – Joe’s “World Reviewer” Dream Job07:17 – Question 2: If You Had to Move Anywhere…08:21 – Zack Chooses Italy10:22 – Joe’s Heart for Family Over Location12:15 – Noah’s Picks: Alaska or South America14:17 – Question 3: What Has God Been Teaching You?14:52 – Noah on Matthew 27 & Obedience Through Suffering17:07 – Joe on Forgiveness from the Cross20:48 – Zack on Jonah & God Working Through Disobedience24:43 – Closing Thoughts & Spiritual Takeaways25:05 – Stay Connected / Outro

In this episode, Pastor Rob continues our Exodus: The Way Through series by diving deep into the Sixth Commandment: You shall not murder. Though short in Hebrew—just two words—this command speaks powerfully into our modern world.Pastor Rob explores:What Scripture means by unlawful vs. lawful killingHow the Bible explains justice, self‑defense, and the role of governmentThe Church of the Nazarene’s perspective on the sanctity of human lifeAbortion, embryonic stem‑cell research, and euthanasiaHow Jesus raises the standard from outward actions to heart-level righteousnessWhy guarding the heart (Proverbs 4:23) shapes how we treat others and honor GodThis episode reveals how God’s ancient word is still profoundly relevant to our medically and morally complex world.🙏 We’d love to hear from you! Comment, like, subscribe, and email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.org.For events, ministries, livestreams, and sermon archives:🌐 shepnaz.org📺 shepnaz.org/shepnow⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:27 – Is the Sixth Commandment Really That Simple? 01:13 – What “You Shall Not Murder” Means in Hebrew 02:17 – Lawful vs. Unlawful Killing 03:29 – God’s Sovereignty Over Life and Death 04:26 – Old Testament Context: War & Obedience 05:07 – Murder, Pre‑meditation, and God’s Design 06:22 – How Killing Violates God’s Sovereignty 07:29 – Cultural Implications & Sanctity of Life 08:15 – When Is Killing Ever Appropriate? 09:58 – Capital Punishment & Biblical Justice 11:16 – War, Government, and Just Causes 13:04 – Purpose of War vs. Taking Life 15:08 – Self‑Defense & Protecting Innocent Life 16:02 – Preservation of Life as the Guiding Principle 17:04 – This Commandment Is About Human Life—Not Animals 17:27 – Modern Ethical Questions We Encounter 17:57 – The Church of the Nazarene on Abortion 20:38 – Compassion, Grace, and Redemption 24:54 – Stem‑Cell Research & Christian Ethics 29:03 – Euthanasia & God’s Authority Over Life 31:28 – Life‑Support, End‑of‑Life Choices, & Faith 34:19 – God’s Word Speaks to Every Age 35:53 – Jesus Raises the Bar on Moral Law 37:13 – Guarding Our Hearts Above All Else 38:30 – Closing Thoughts & Invitation

Today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast features Pastor Rob exploring the depth and meaning of the 5th Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother.”This conversation uncovers what biblical “honor” truly means, why it differs from obedience, and why God places this commandment at the precise hinge point between loving Him and loving others.Pastor Rob discusses the Hebrew roots of the word honor, the commandment’s attached promise, the lifelong nature of honoring parents, and how this applies even in difficult or broken family relationships. The episode also highlights Jesus’ own example of honoring His parents during every stage of His life.This teaching is part of the ongoing series Exodus: The Way Through.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Episode Setup00:26 – Commandments 5 & 6 Overview00:48 – Why the Commandments Run Deep01:05 – “Honor” vs “Obey” in Scripture02:13 – A Story That Illustrates the Difference03:11 – The Hebrew Word for Honor (kabed)03:56 – The First Horizontal Commandment04:46 – Honor as the Foundation of Relationships05:51 – Cultural Breakdown of Honor06:16 – Parents as Spiritual Authority07:02 – This Commandment for All Ages08:04 – Honoring Through Life Stages09:06 – When Children Become Adults09:37 – Caring for Aging Parents10:17 – Personal Examples of Family Care11:29 – The “18 and Out” Cultural Problem12:42 – God’s Intention for Lifelong Family13:40 – How Jesus Honored His Parents14:22 – What “Carpenter” Meant in His Day14:57 – Jesus Caring for Mary from the Cross15:21 – The Promise Attached to the 5th Commandment16:01 – “Long Life” = The Fullness of God’s Blessing17:03 – Passing Faith from Parent to Child18:10 – When Honoring Parents Is Hard19:36 – Honoring Parents Who Weren’t Good Parents20:46 – The Gospel Lived Out in the Family21:11 – Conclusion & What’s Next21:31 – Join Us Tomorrow for Commandment #6

In today’s episode, Pastor Rob concludes Thursday’s powerful message on Jesus’ words from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”This teaching explores why Jesus prayed this prayer out loud, what it means for our own forgiveness, and how choosing to forgive can release us from the bondage of bitterness.Pastor Rob walks us through Scripture, prophecy, and real-life stories—including Corrie Ten Boom’s remarkable testimony—to demonstrate the life-changing freedom found in extending forgiveness the way Jesus modeled.👉 Speaker: Pastor Rob👉 This episode is the continuation and conclusion of Thursday’s message.As always, we encourage you to comment, like, subscribe, and email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.org.For next steps, resources, and ways to grow in your walk with Jesus, visit:🔗 https://shepnaz.org/shepnow🔗 https://shepnaz.org⏱️ Chapters00:00 Jesus wasn’t praying for ignorant people 00:37 They knew what they were doing 00:58 The crucifixion they didn’t understand 01:37 Ignorance doesn’t remove our need for forgiveness 01:59 Why Jesus prayed out loud 02:24 Jesus practiced what He preached 02:42 Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy 03:06 Experiencing God’s forgiveness 03:29 Have you received God’s forgiveness? 04:02 Extending forgiveness to others 04:50 The weight of unforgiveness 05:28 “Someday I’ll forgive…” 06:03 Jesus forgave in the middle of His suffering 06:42 Jesus’ right to justice vs. our own 07:00 Forgiveness always costs someone 07:25 Freedom or bondage—your choice 08:02 Forgiveness sets *you* free 08:21 Corrie Ten Boom’s powerful story 08:52 “They should pay the price…” 09:07 Let God handle justice 09:29 Bondage of bitterness 09:50 Why we must follow Jesus’ example 10:15 Forgiveness is not a feeling 10:50 Freedom when we choose forgiveness 11:11 “Father, forgive them…” 11:34 A prayer to help you forgive 11:53 Walking in the freedom Jesus died for

In today’s episode of The Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Rob begins a Lenten series, Cries from the Cross.As we enter this season of reflection, Pastor Rob helps us prepare our hearts by exploring Jesus’ first words spoken from the cross:“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”Through powerful storytelling, biblical context, and deep pastoral insight, Pastor Rob guides us into the meaning behind Jesus’ radical forgiveness—even as He endured immense suffering. This message reminds us of Christ’s love, sacrifice, and invitation to extend forgiveness in our own lives.Join us again tomorrow for the conclusion of this first message in the series.🙏 Featuring: Pastor Rob🌐 Learn more at: shepnaz.org & shepnaz.org/shepnow✉️ Email us: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Like, comment, share, and subscribe to stay connected with the Shepnaz community!⏱ Chapters00:00 – Intro: Cries from the Cross 00:45 – Story of Martin Neimöller’s imprisonment 01:56 – Gallows as a teacher of the human heart 02:24 – Why Jesus’ words on the cross matter 03:03 – The turbulence leading to the crucifixion 03:59 – Betrayal, denial, and abandonment 04:39 – The brutality before the cross 05:05 – The physical reality of crucifixion 05:54 – Jesus’ response vs. typical crucifixion victims 06:12 – The seven statements from the cross 07:02 – The weight of final words 07:41 – Setting the timing of “Father, forgive them” 08:23 – Jesus forgives in the midst of suffering 08:47 – Did Jesus repeat this prayer? 09:17 – Three points about Jesus’ first words 09:36 – The Father’s painful role 10:49 – Why God didn’t intervene 11:49 – The cost of forgiveness 12:10 – Mercy instead of vengeance 12:51 – Forgiveness for every offender 13:29 – Our sins were present at the cross 14:15 – What forgiveness really means 15:15 – Forgiveness always costs something 15:44 – “They don’t know what they’re doing” 15:58 – Why Jesus said it out loud

Welcome to a powerful Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast! In this Ash Wednesday special, Pastor Zach, Pastor Noah, and Joe guide us into a sacred time of worship through two impactful songs: “My King Forever” (Bethel Worship) and “All Hail King Jesus.”Today’s episode invites you to slow down, posture your heart, and enter a space of genuine surrender before the Lord. Whether you're listening during your quiet time, driving, or preparing for Ash Wednesday services, we pray this worship moment draws you closer to Jesus—our High King of Heaven.We also introduce the brand‑new Shepherd Worship Arts Handbook, a resource created to unite our worship team around mission, values, and spiritual growth as we lead our church in praise.🙏 We’d love to hear from you!Comment below with how today’s worship moment spoke to you.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share, and email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.org.For more about what’s happening across our church family, visit:🌐 shepnaz.org📺 shepnaz.org/shepnow⏱ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:18 – A joyful (and unexpected!) musical intro 01:08 – Ash Wednesday reflections 02:04 – Intentional worship on the podcast 02:21 – Introducing “My King Forever” 03:11 – The heart behind biblical worship 04:36 – Posture, surrender, and worship styles 05:12 – Invitation to worship intentionally 05:35 – “My King Forever” – Worship Moment 10:54 – Introducing the Shepherd Worship Arts Handbook 11:42 – Why the hymn book matters for our team 12:51 – Growing spiritually as worship leaders 14:16 – Song introduction: “All Hail King Jesus” 15:14 – The beauty and weight of the crucifixion story 16:10 – Joining heaven in eternal worship 17:17 – “All Hail King Jesus” – Worship Moment 22:47 – Ash Wednesday service invitations 23:11 – Stay connected with Shepnaz

In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick returns as we continue our journey through the Ten Commandments. After discussing the Third Commandment yesterday, we now dive deep into the Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day and Keep It Holy.Pastor Nick unpacks what “remembering” truly means in Scripture—not recalling something forgotten, but responding in faithfulness, trust, and obedience. We explore how Sabbath rest reflects God’s rhythm in creation, how the practice has shifted from Old Testament to New Testament, and why rest remains a countercultural but crucial spiritual discipline for believers today.We also look at:Why Sabbath is about honoring God, not legalismHow trust and rest are inseparably linkedWhat Jesus meant by “I will give you rest”How Sabbath shapes our identity, productivity, and worshipThe dangers of replacing God with idols of work, performance, or prosperityThis conversation is rich, practical, and deeply rooted in the heart of Christian discipleship.👉 What’s your biggest challenge with Sabbath rest? Tell us in the comments!👍 Like the episode🔔 Subscribe to the channel✉️ Email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.orgFor more about what’s happening at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, visit:🌐 shepnaz.org/shepnow🌐 shepnaz.org⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:23 – Introducing Pastor Nick 00:46 – Why the Fourth Commandment Matters Today 01:19 – Are the Ten Commandments Reaffirmed in the New Testament? 02:32 – How the First Three Commandments Shape the Fourth 03:03 – What Does It Mean to “Remember” the Sabbath? 04:07 – Remembering as Faithful Action 05:11 – Keeping the Sabbath Holy 06:13 – The Sabbath in the Creation Story 07:12 – Rest for All Creation 07:53 – Manna, Trust, and Obedience 09:34 – What Is the Sabbath Day Today? 10:12 – Trusting God Through Rest 11:30 – Avoiding Legalism 12:02 – Jesus and the Disciples on the Sabbath 13:15 – Honoring God Through Remembering 14:22 – Resting in Jesus’ Finished Work 15:21 – The Weight of Weariness Without Rest 15:52 – God’s Rhythm of Work and Rest 16:21 – Closing Thoughts & Invitation to Rest 16:41 – Wrap‑Up & How to Connect With Us

In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick explores the depth and seriousness of the third commandment: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”This conversation digs into the meaning of Yahweh, why God’s name mattered so profoundly to Israel, how reverence shaped their identity, and what it means for Christians to bear God’s name today.Discover how our speech, actions, worship, and daily lives reflect the holiness of the One we follow.✨ Featured Guest: Pastor Nick🔗 More resources: https://shepnaz.org▶️ Watch ShepNow: https://shepnaz.org/shepnow📧 Email the podcast: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Like, comment, subscribe, and share to help others find the message!⏱️ Chapters00:00 — Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast00:23 — Pastor Nick joins from Fenshoor House01:09 — Preaching rhythms between Gahanna & Johnstown01:37 — How sermon alignment works across campuses02:12 — The depth of the ongoing Exodus series03:07 — Understanding relationship as the story’s backbone04:11 — Catching up after online snow Sunday05:17 — Vertical vs horizontal commandments05:46 — Intro to Commandment #306:28 — Reading Exodus 20:7–11 (NASB)07:53 — Understanding God’s name: Yahweh08:51 — Why “LORD” appears in all caps10:00 — The reverence of ancient scribes11:57 — God desires us to use His name rightly12:51 — What “Yahweh” reveals about God’s character13:46 — “I AM who I AM” explained14:17 — Names in Hebrew culture = identity15:36 — Misusing vs taking God’s name in vain16:05 — Casual and flippant speech16:29 — Swearing oaths and New Testament teaching17:28 — Carrying God’s name through lifestyle18:43 — Hollow worship & empty declarations19:49 — Linking God’s name to idols20:42 — Attempts to use God’s name for control21:46 — Treating God’s name as holy22:16 — Jesus and the “I AM” connection23:14 — God’s people representing His name23:38 — Ezekiel 36 and the holiness of God’s name24:52 — Final encouragement & Sabbath preview25:20 — Ways to stay connected with ShepNaz

Today’s episode continues an impactful message from Pastor Nick, diving deeper into Exodus 19 and connecting it directly to 1 Peter 2.Discover how Jesus fulfills everything Israel could not, and how this shapes our identity as God’s chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, and treasured possession. Pastor Nick unpacks what it truly means to be set apart, to live lives of holiness, and to offer ourselves to God in full consecration—a “blank check” surrender to His purposes.This message challenges us to reflect God’s character, live distinctly in the world, and display His goodness to the nations.Featuring: Pastor Nick, Johnstown Campus PastorMore at: shepnaz.org | Weekly updates: shepnaz.org/shepnow💬 Share your thoughts at podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Like the video💬 Comment your biggest takeaway🔔 Subscribe for more biblical teaching and spiritual encouragement⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Message Continuation00:25 – Jesus Fulfills What Israel Couldn't01:11 – The Kids’ Prize Box Illustration02:42 – God’s Treasured Possession03:44 – Chosen Not Because We're Special04:15 – Kingdom of Priests & Holy Nation05:38 – What “Holy” Really Means06:26 – Israel’s Promise to Obey06:58 – Where Israel Failed, Jesus Succeeded07:37 – 1 Peter 2: Our New Identity in Christ08:51 – Chosen by Faith, Not Lineage09:25 – Purpose: Representing God to the World09:58 – Holiness Through Consecration10:52 – The “Blank Check” Life of Surrender12:36 – Living to Honor God Daily12:58 – Jesus as Savior *and* Lord13:38 – Prayer of Surrender & Invitation14:39 – Living Set Apart in Everyday Life17:22 – Empowered by the Spirit to Be Holy18:04 – Closing Reflections & Call to Action18:24 – Invitation to Weekend Services

Pastor Nick takes us to one of the most awe‑filled moments in Scripture — the day Israel gathered at the foot of Mount Sinai to meet the living God.In this powerful teaching from Exodus 19, we witness thunder, lightning, trembling earth, and the holy presence of God as He invites His people into covenant. Pastor Nick unpacks what it means to be carried on eagle’s wings, the weight of reverent worship, and how God shapes His people into a “treasured possession.”This episode is rich with biblical insight, Old Testament context, and deep encouragement for followers of Jesus today.👉 Featuring: Pastor Nick👉 Explore more at shepnaz.org and shepnaz.org/shepnow💬 Comment below:What part of the Mount Sinai encounter most speaks to your heart?👍 Like this episode🔔 Subscribe so you never miss a teaching📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.org⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:26 – God’s Relationship With His People 01:29 – Moses as Mediator 02:12 – God’s Character Revealed 02:47 – Arrival at Mount Sinai 03:05 – God’s Message to Israel 03:50 – Israel’s Response 04:13 – Journey Toward the Promised Land 05:03 – Moses’ Full-Circle Moment 07:13 – What Worship Really Means 08:09 – God’s Holiness Displayed 09:56 – Trembling Before the Lord 10:30 – A Fear That Draws Us Near 11:26 – Confidence vs. Reverence 12:19 – “Confidence Without Reverence Is Nonsense” 12:46 – Aslan & the Goodness of God 13:05 – Worship in Awe 14:18 – Meeting God at the Mountain 15:41 – Remembering God’s Faithfulness 16:32 – Carried on Eagle’s Wings 17:17 – The Covenant Proposal 18:34 – God’s Treasured Possession 19:18 – The Hebrew Word *Segullah* 20:12 – Final Reflections 20:37 – Outro & Tomorrow’s Teaching

Welcome to the Worship Wednesday edition of the Shepnaz Podcast!Today, our team dives into a powerful and practical discussion about persistence in worship — what it looks like, why it matters, and how God honors it even when our emotions, circumstances, or spiritual condition make worship difficult.Using Luke 18 and the parable of the persistent widow as the foundation, this episode explores:Why worship shouldn’t be driven only by emotionHow to lead (and live) worship when you don’t “feel it”Moments where distractions, frustrations, or sin hinder worshipWhy persistence is an act of faith God blessesHow to build habits of prayer, study, and purpose that keep worship centralThere’s also plenty of laughter — including a debate about real vs. fake flamingos, made-up words, strange bodily functions, broken guitar strings, and other real-life worship team struggles.Whether you serve on a worship team or you’re simply trying to grow in your walk with Jesus, this conversation will encourage you to stay faithful in every season.🌐 Learn more at: https://shepnaz.org/shepnow👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and share the episode!📧 Email us anytime: podcast@shepnaz.org⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:19 – Flamingos: Real vs. Fake 02:40 – Icebreaker: Invent a Word 05:01 – The “Berk‑up” Discussion 06:16 – Today’s Topic: Persistence in Worship 07:14 – Luke 18: The Persistent Widow 08:21 – When Worship Feels Difficult 09:51 – Distractions in the Worship Experience 12:04 – Worship & Unrepentant Sin 13:34 – When Worship Doesn’t Go as Planned 15:22 – Technology Fails & Broken Strings 16:28 – “Playing the Hits” vs. Spirit‑Led Worship 17:25 – Worshiping in Hard Seasons 18:24 – Jericho: Persistence That Makes No Sense 20:06 – Worship as a Life Response 21:01 – Persistence in Prayer 22:00 – Studying vs. Skimming Scripture 22:57 – Worship as Our God‑Given Purpose 23:39 – Upcoming Events & Closing Thoughts 24:06 – Outro & Contact Info

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Rob continues the conversation on the Second Commandment — “Do not make for yourself an idol.”This deep and challenging episode explores why God calls Himself a jealous God, how images diminish His glory, and the biblical reality of generational consequences and generational blessing.Pastor Rob explains:The four components of the Second CommandmentWhy God rejects all man‑made representations of HimselfHow idols distort our understanding of God’s characterWhat covenant solidarity means for families and generationsHow Jesus breaks generational cursesThe responsibility of parents, fathers, and spiritual leaders to shape legacyThis teaching offers clarity, hope, and a powerful reminder that God cannot be contained—and that through Christ, every family line can be redeemed.Featured Guest: Pastor RobStay Connected👉 More resources at shepnaz.org👉 Watch messages & updates: shepnaz.org/shepnowWe’d love to hear from you!📩 Email: podcast@shepnaz.org👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe for more biblical conversations and daily encouragement.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Introduction and recap 00:22 – What the Second Commandment actually says 01:15 – The four parts of the commandment 01:36 – Why God rejects man‑made representations 02:21 – God as a “jealous” God 03:19 – Understanding holy jealousy through marriage 04:55 – How images diminish God’s glory 05:23 – The story of the golden calf 06:59 – Why even well‑intentioned images distort truth 07:54 – God cannot be contained or controlled 10:16 – Romans 1: Exchanging the Creator for creation 10:54 – The warning: generational consequences 11:31 – Wrestling with difficult Scriptures 12:52 – Covenant solidarity explained 13:42 – Examples from Adam, Eve, and humanity 15:27 – Consequences vs. personal responsibility 16:38 – Generational thinking in the New Testament 17:28 – Blessing to a thousand generations 17:54 – Punishment applies only to “those who hate God” 18:42 – How parents shape children’s faith 19:27 – Responsibility of parents and fathers 20:34 – Teaching Scripture diligently (the Shema) 21:25 – Legacy, leadership, and spiritual headship 22:19 – Jesus breaks every curse 23:05 – The redeemed family line of Jesus 24:22 – Two self‑evaluation questions 25:07 – Final encouragement & closing

In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Joe sits down with Pastor Rob to explore the first of the Vertical Commandments in our series, “Exodus: The Way Through.”Together, they unpack what it truly means when God says, “You shall have no other gods before Me.”You’ll hear a powerful and deeply biblical discussion about:Why Israel’s polytheistic Egyptian background mattersThe reality of spiritual beings (“little g” gods) that still influence our worldHow modern idols quietly take God's place in our heartsThe danger of “both/and” Christianity—wanting God and our favorite idolsHow to identify what you really love and trustWhy this commandment is an act of God’s protection, not restrictionPastor Rob’s insights connect Exodus, Deuteronomy, Isaiah, Paul, and the teachings of Jesus—showing how Scripture forms one unified story about God’s exclusive authority over our lives.✨ Guest: Pastor Rob✨ Series: Exodus: The Way Through⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:20 – Introducing Pastor Rob & the Vertical Commandments 01:13 – Old & New Testament unity on God’s commands 01:54 – Commandment #1: No other gods before Me 02:39 – Israel’s background in Egypt’s polytheism 04:46 – Do other gods exist? Understanding “little g” gods 06:31 – The power of spiritual beings today 07:32 – Paul’s teaching on spiritual warfare 08:50 – Demonic influence behind false gods 10:01 – Are ancient gods actually demonic powers? 11:24 – Do these gods still exist today? 12:01 – The danger of “both/and” worship 13:17 – Biblical examples of divided allegiance 14:05 – Jesus: You cannot serve two masters 14:29 – Modern idols: pleasure, possession, power 15:24 – “I don’t worship demonic spirits”… or do we? 16:11 – What it means to trust and love something more than God 17:29 – Two tests: What do you love? What do you trust? 18:38 – God’s command as protection & provision 19:03 – Upcoming Worship Night announcement 19:24 – Outro & how to connect with Shepnaz

In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, we wrap up Pastor Nick’s powerful message on character, calling, and why the work of God thrives when responsibility is shared — not placed on a few overworked leaders.Pastor Nick reminds us that every follower of Jesus has a vital role in God’s mission, whether you're leading hundreds, encouraging one person, or serving behind the scenes. God has uniquely gifted you — and He invites you to step in, contribute, and live out “people helping people take their next step with Jesus.”This episode dives into:Why character matters more than charismaMoses, Jethro, and the biblical model of shared leadershipHow Jesus empowered the 12, the 72, and the entire body of ChristWhy there are no sidelines in the kingdom of GodShepherd Church’s updated mission emphasis: People Helping People Take Their Next Step With Jesus✨ Featuring: Pastor NickWe’d love to hear from you!👉 Comment your biggest takeaway👉 Like the video to help others find it👉 Subscribe for more Christ-centered teaching👉 Email us anytime at podcast@shepnaz.orgLearn more about Shepherd Church at shepnaz.org and catch up on weekend messages at shepnaz.org/shepnow.⏱️ CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:26 – Character vs. Charisma 01:21 – God Looks at the Heart 02:24 – Struggling with Inadequacy 03:08 – Competency vs. Character 03:59 – Moses Delegates Responsibility 04:50 – God’s Work Thrives When Shared 05:27 – Jesus Involves His Followers in Ministry 05:51 – The Church as the Body of Christ 06:33 – Gifts for Serving Others 07:13 – Every Christian Has a Contribution 07:43 – Moving from Consumers to Contributors 08:01 – Different Roles, Same Responsibility 08:29 – God’s Kingdom Advances Through Many 09:03 – No More Pew Warmers 09:32 – You Are Important in God’s Mission 10:13 – “People Helping People” Mission Update 10:52 – With Jesus, Not Just Toward Jesus 11:22 – Everyday Opportunities to Serve 12:22 – Pastor Nick’s Final Challenge 12:52 – Invitation to Weekend Services 13:14 – Closing & Contact Information