Shepnaz Podcast

Shepherd Church of the Nazarene

Find encouragement to take your next step in your walk with Jesus. This podcast is a production of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.

  1. 1d ago

    Discouraged and Ready to Quit? Remember the Lord

    Have you ever wondered if following God is worth it when life gets difficult? In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack introduces a powerful message from Pastor Nick based on Nehemiah 4. As opposition against rebuilding Jerusalem's walls intensified, Nehemiah refused to let fear win. Instead, he reminded God's people of a life-changing truth: "Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome." This episode explores how discouragement, criticism, and spiritual opposition can weaken our resolve, but how God calls us to remain faithful, stand firm, pray first, and trust that He fights for His people. Whether you're facing criticism, fear, spiritual challenges, or simply feeling weary in your faith journey, this message will encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus, who has overcome the world. In this episode: ✅ How Nehemiah responded to opposition✅ Why discouragement is a spiritual battle✅ Practical steps for standing firm in your faith✅ What it means that God fights for His people✅ Jesus' victory over fear, sin, and death 📖 Key Scriptures: Nehemiah 4Ephesians 6:12John 16:33Matthew 10:281 Corinthians 15:58 Learn more about Shepherd Church:➡️ https://shepnaz.org Listen to more episodes:➡️ https://shepnaz.org/podcast➡️ https://shepnaz.org/media We'd love to hear from you!📧 podcast@shepnaz.org If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like✅ Subscribe💬 Leave a comment📤 Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today #Nehemiah #ChristianPodcast #FaithOverFear #PastorNick #ShepnazPodcast #StandFirm #BibleTeaching #ShepherdChurch #JesusOvercomes #ChristianEncouragement Chapters 00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack00:46 Pastor Nick's Halloween Store Story02:30 Following Jesus and Facing Opposition03:55 Why Words and Criticism Hurt05:11 Is Following God Really Worth It?06:00 Understanding Spiritual Opposition07:40 A Story of the Underground Church in China10:48 Counting the Cost of Following Jesus11:17 Nehemiah's Response to Discouragement12:07 Remember the Lord Who Is Great and Awesome13:12 God Is the Hero of the Story14:29 Our God Will Fight for Us15:06 Jesus Has Overcome the World17:02 Stand Firm in the Work of the Lord18:07 Closing Challenge and Prayer21:36 Final Encouragement from Pastor Zack

  2. 2d ago

    Why Opposition May Be a Sign God Is Moving

    Have you ever wondered why opposition seems to appear when you're trying to follow God's will?In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick continues our journey through the book of Nehemiah and takes us into Chapter 4. As the people of Jerusalem begin rebuilding the city's walls, they quickly encounter ridicule, criticism, threats, and resistance from those around them. This powerful lesson reminds us that opposition does not mean God is losing. In fact, resistance is often evidence that God is at work. Just as Nehemiah and the Israelites remained faithful in the face of discouragement, followers of Jesus today can stand firm when challenges come. In this episode you'll discover: Why opposition often follows God's workHow Nehemiah responded to ridicule and threatsWhat Jesus teaches about facing resistanceWhy believers should not be surprised by oppositionHow God remains faithful even when the pressure increases👍 If this episode encouraged you, be sure to: SubscribeLike this videoShare it with a friendLeave a comment below: How have you seen God work through opposition in your life? Whether you're facing criticism, discouragement, or obstacles in your faith journey, this episode offers biblical encouragement and practical insight. 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 4, John 15:18-20, John 16:33🎙️ Speaker: Pastor Nick⛪ Shepherd Church of the Nazarene (Shepnaz) Learn more about our church:👉 https://shepnaz.org Watch more messages and media:👉 https://shepnaz.org/mediaListen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:👉 https://shepnaz.org/podcast We'd love to hear from you! Email us:📧 podcast@shepnaz.org #ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah4 #PastorNick #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #FaithUnderPressure #ChristianLiving #FollowJesus 00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack00:49 Nehemiah's Burden for Brokenness02:18 Belief That God Can Restore03:13 Putting Faith Into Action04:30 A Community Working Together06:24 Reading Nehemiah Chapter 410:47 When Opposition Appears11:35 Surrounded by Resistance14:05 Why the Enemies Were Threatened15:22 God's Plans Challenge the World16:18 Opposition Doesn't Mean God Is Losing16:45 Jesus and the Reality of Opposition18:15 Don't Go Looking for Opposition19:12 Ridicule, Criticism, and Threats20:33 The People Press On21:00 Threats Escalate Against Jerusalem22:05 Closing Reflection and Preview

  3. 3d ago

    Are You Missing What God Is Doing Right Now?

    Welcome to another Worship Wednesday on the Shepnaz Podcast with Pastor Zack! This week we continue our series exploring the difference between holy remembrance and dangerous nostalgia. Looking back at God's faithfulness is important, but what happens when we become so focused on the past that we miss what God is doing right now?Drawing from Numbers 11, Pastor Zack examines the story of the Israelites longing for Egypt while overlooking the miracle of God's provision in the wilderness. Their story challenges us to ask an important question: Are we so focused on how God worked before that we're missing how He's moving today?Join us as we learn how to celebrate God's faithfulness in the past while remaining present to His work in our lives right here and now. 📖 Scripture Reference:• Numbers 11 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎙 Listen to more episodes of the Shepnaz Podcast:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch more content from Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you!podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you:• Subscribe to the channel• Like this video• Share it with a friend• Leave a comment: How have you seen God working in your life recently? #WorshipWednesday #PastorZack #ShepnazPodcast #ChristianPodcast #Numbers11 #Faith #GodsPresence #ChristianLiving #Nostalgia #Worship a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb;}tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;}tr th { background-color: #f5f5f5;}00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday00:25 Holy Remembrance vs. Dangerous Nostalgia00:54 Why Looking Back Can Become Dangerous01:18 Healthy Remembrance of God's Faithfulness01:58 The Israelites' Complaint in Numbers 1102:35 Remembering Egypt Through Rose-Colored Glasses03:20 Choosing Comfort Over God's Present Miracle03:39 Don't Miss What God Is Doing Today04:06 Be Where God Is Moving Right Now04:18 Episode Reflection and Challenge04:56 Closing and Contact Information

  4. 4d ago

    How God Builds Vision Through Preparation

    What do you do when God places a burden on your heart? In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob continue their Nehemiah series by exploring what happened after Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem. Before taking action, Nehemiah paused, assessed reality, sought God's guidance, and prepared for the work ahead. Together, they discuss powerful leadership lessons from Nehemiah including: ✅ Leading from reality instead of assumptions✅ Casting a vision people can embrace✅ Building with people, not just for people✅ Facing criticism and opposition with confidence✅ Why faith and preparation always work together✅ Trusting God's success while faithfully taking the next step If God has placed a project, ministry, relationship, or calling on your heart, this conversation will encourage you to identify your next faithful step and trust Him through the journey. 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 2 🎙️ Hosted by Pastor Zack with Pastor Rob 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎧 More Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch messages and media:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you!podcast@shepnaz.org If this episode encouraged you:👍 Like the video✅ Subscribe to the channel🔔 Turn on notifications💬 Share your thoughts in the comments:What faithful step is God asking you to take right now? Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today. 0:00 Welcome Back to the Shepnaz Podcast0:30 The PAUSE Principle Review1:03 Why Nehemiah Waited Before Acting1:30 Examining the Reality of the Situation2:15 Leadership Starts with Understanding3:14 Why Leaders Must Face Reality4:12 Casting Vision to the People4:56 The Power of "We" Leadership6:00 Building Together, Not Apart6:30 Recognizing God's Hand Already at Work8:06 Joining What God Is Already Doing8:49 Clarity and Motivation in Leadership10:16 Expecting Opposition and Criticism11:15 Mocking, Ridicule, and Resistance13:08 Not Every Criticism Deserves a Response14:07 Trusting God for Success15:05 Faith and Preparation Work Together16:04 Taking the Next Faithful Step17:24 Worship Ministry and Preparation18:56 Why Planning Honors God20:08 The Holy Spirit in the Preparation21:27 Final Challenge and Encouragement22:06 Read Your Bible and Listen to God

  5. 5d ago

    The Power of the Pause | What Nehemiah Teaches Us About God's Timing

    Have you ever felt God placing a burden or calling on your heart, but weren't sure what to do next? In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob unpack a powerful leadership lesson from Nehemiah 2. Before rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah spent time observing, praying, assessing, and preparing. His example reminds us that waiting is not wasted time. Often, God uses seasons of waiting to prepare us for what comes next. Discover the practical PAUSE framework: ✅ Pray✅ Assess✅ Understand✅ Seek✅ Examine Whether you're leading a ministry, navigating a difficult decision, pursuing God's calling, or simply seeking wisdom in everyday life, this episode offers biblical insight into how God works through preparation and discernment. 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 2:11-20 🎙️ Hosted by Pastor Zack and Pastor Rob from the Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio. 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 🎥 Media resources:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you!podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you: SubscribeLeave a commentShare with a friendLet us know how God is working in your life #Nehemiah #ChristianLeadership #GodsTiming #Faith #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #Shepnaz #PastorZack #WaitingOnGod #SpiritualGrowth 00:00 Welcome & Monday Introduction00:40 Week 4 of the Nehemiah Series02:03 Nehemiah Arrives in Jerusalem03:01 Inspecting the Walls at Night04:12 Calling the People to Rebuild04:52 Opposition Appears Immediately05:24 Principle #1: The Power of Waiting07:20 Why Nehemiah Did Nothing for Three Days08:04 God Never Wastes the Wait09:42 Introducing the PAUSE Framework10:06 P = Pray11:15 A = Assess11:40 U = Understand12:13 S = Seek Wise Counsel12:37 E = Examine Your Motives13:11 Moving from Pause to Action14:35 Leadership Application & Discussion15:24 When God Changes Your Perspective16:33 The Danger of Waiting Too Long17:26 A Real-Life Example of Wise Waiting18:07 Final Encouragement

  6. Sep 4

    Nehemiah's Challenge: Stop Watching Problems, Start Building Solutions | Pastor Nick

    Have you ever prayed for God to fix a situation, only to realize He may be calling you to be part of the answer? In today's episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack shares the second half of Pastor Nick's powerful message from Nehemiah. Nehemiah didn't stop at recognizing the brokenness around him. He took action, rallied others, and trusted God to work through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. This message challenges us to ask: What burden has God placed on our hearts?Where might God be calling us to step in and make a difference?How can we partner with God to bring hope, healing, and restoration? As Pastor Nick reminds us: "Together with God, we can." 📖 Scripture References: Nehemiah 2-31 Peter 4:10-11🏡 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎙 Explore more podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcasthttps://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you!podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you: SubscribeLike the videoShare it with a friendLeave a comment telling us where God may be calling you to serve #ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #PastorNick #PastorZack #ShepherdChurch #ChurchPodcast #BiblicalLeadership #ChristianLiving0:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack0:23 From Burden and Belief to Action0:44 Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem's Walls2:02 Nehemiah Calls the People to Rebuild2:50 What If God Wants to Work Through You?4:15 Identifying the Brokenness Around Us5:04 Complaining vs. Contributing6:26 Could You Be Part of the Answer?6:56 You Can't Fix Everything, But You Can Do Something8:00 God Invites Us to Participate8:54 A Community United in God's Work9:33 Together With God, We Can11:26 Leadership and Shared Responsibility12:00 God Works Through His People13:22 Using Your Gifts to Serve Others13:52 A Real-Life Example of Restoration15:06 God Has Positioned You for Purpose16:09 Burden, Belief, and Action16:35 Pastor Zack's Closing Takeaway

  7. Sep 3

    When God Calls You to Act | Nehemiah's Bold Faith in the Face of Fear

    Have you ever felt burdened by the brokenness around you and wondered what God wants you to do about it? In today's Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack revisits a message from Pastor Nick exploring Nehemiah Chapter 2. Nehemiah was deeply burdened by the condition of Jerusalem, but he didn't stop at concern. Through prayer, trust, and complete dependence on God, he boldly stepped forward even when fear was real. This episode reminds us that faith is not the absence of fear. Faith is choosing to trust God in the middle of it. As God opened doors for Nehemiah, we see how God's favor, provision, and guidance can empower us to participate in His work of restoration. Whether you're facing a difficult decision, carrying a burden for someone you love, or seeking the courage to follow God's leading, this message offers encouragement and hope. 📖 Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-8 🎙️ Hosted by Pastor Zack⛪ Shepherd Church of the Nazarene | Gahanna, Ohio 🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch sermons and messages:https://shepnaz.org/media 📧 We'd love to hear from you:podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you: Subscribe to the channelLike the videoShare it with a friendLeave a comment: What burden has God placed on your heart, and how is He inviting you to trust Him? #ShepnazPodcast #Nehemiah #FaithOverFear #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #PastorNick #PastorZack #ShepherdChurch #TrustGod #ChristianEncouragement 00:00 Introduction from Pastor Zack00:22 A Burden Becomes a Calling00:48 Nehemiah's Heart for Jerusalem01:40 Spiritual Brokenness Behind the Ruins02:29 Being Burdened by Brokenness03:29 Hope in God's Restoration04:27 Can God Restore This Mess?05:24 Nehemiah's Prayer for Favor05:48 Enter King Artaxerxes06:50 Fear in the Presence of Power08:05 God's Favor and Provision10:15 Why Does Your Face Look So Sad?11:23 The Risk Nehemiah Faced12:34 Nehemiah's Bold Request13:23 The Gracious Hand of God13:49 A Leader Who Relies on God14:52 Boldness in the Midst of Fear15:54 Moving from Prayer to Action16:25 Faith That Leads to Action16:48 Final Reflections and Challenge

  8. Sep 2

    Have We Peaked? Trusting God for What's Next | Worship Wednesday

    Have you ever wondered if the best days are behind you? In this Worship Wednesday episode, Pastor Zack explores a question many believers wrestle with: Have we peaked?Whether we look back on personal accomplishments, significant ministry moments, or the "good old days" of church life, it's easy to become trapped in nostalgia. Through Isaiah 43:18-19, we're reminded that while it's important to remember God's faithfulness, we must not lose sight of the new things He is doing right now.Join us as we begin a brand-new teaching series focused on healthy remembrance, spiritual growth, and confidently following God into the future. 📖 Scripture Reference:• Isaiah 43:18-19 🙏 About Shepherd Church:Shepherd Church of the Nazarene exists to help people know Jesus, grow in their faith, and impact their community with His love. 🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org 🎙️ Listen to more Shepnaz Podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast 📺 Watch sermons and media content:https://shepnaz.org/media ✉️ We'd love to hear from you!Email us at: podcast@shepnaz.org 👍 If this episode encouraged you:• Subscribe to the channel• Like this video• Share it with a friend• Leave a comment: What is one way you've seen God working in your life recently? #WorshipWednesday #ShepnazPodcast #PastorZack #ChristianPodcast #Isaiah43 #ChurchGrowth #FaithJourney #ChristianEncouragemen Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday 00:36 Introducing a New Teaching Series 00:57 Have We Peaked? 01:13 Pastor Zack's Weightlifting Story 02:01 Mountaintop Moments in Ministry and Music 02:43 Looking Back at the "Good Old Days" 03:37 The Danger of Living in the Past 04:18 What Made Those Moments Special? 05:22 God Is Still Moving Today 05:48 Isaiah 43:18-19 06:12 What "Forget the Former Things" Really Means 06:55 Healthy Remembrance vs. Harmful Nostalgia 07:22 Seeing What God Is Doing Next 07:55 Series Wrap-Up and Challenge

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Find encouragement to take your next step in your walk with Jesus. This podcast is a production of Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio.