Have you ever struggled to obey God because His instructions didn't make sense?

In today's episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick continues our Lessons from the Legend series by exploring the story of Joshua and the battle of Jericho. We discover that God's greatest desire is not merely obedience, but a faith that produces obedience.

The people of Israel trusted God's promises before they saw the walls fall. Their victory came not through military strategy, but through confidence that God was with them and that the battle belonged to Him.

In this episode you'll learn:

✅ Why God's ways don't always make sense to us
✅ Why God cares about our obedience
✅ How faith fuels obedience
✅ What it means to trust God in every area of life
✅ Why the battle belongs to the Lord

As you listen, consider this question: Is there an area of your life where obedience is difficult because trust is lacking?

Speaker: Pastor Nick
Host: Pastor Zack
Church: Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, Gahanna, Ohio

🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org
🎙️ Browse more podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
📺 Watch sermons and media: https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you! Send questions or feedback to: [email protected]

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:

• Subscribe
• Like the video
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• Leave a comment about an area where God is growing your faith

#Faith #Jericho #Joshua #TrustGod #ChristianPodcast #Shepnaz

00:00 Introduction & Recap
00:24 God's Desired Response: Faith
00:47 Trusting God Over Human Wisdom
02:26 Lesson #2: God Cares About Our Obedience
03:27 Joshua's Obedience at Jericho
04:31 Taking Up Your Cross and Following Jesus
05:16 The Great Commission and Obedience
06:08 Lesson #3: Obedience Follows Faith
07:03 Joshua Encounters the Lord's Commander
08:25 The Battle Belongs to the Lord
09:20 God Declares Victory Before the Battle
10:13 God's Presence With His People
11:25 Faith Produces Obedience
12:26 An Invitation to Trust God
13:33 Where Is God Calling You to Trust Him?
14:29 Examining Areas of Disobedience
15:21 Closing Prayer
18:01 Pastor Zack's Final Reflection
18:48 Closing & Contact Information

What do you do when God's instructions don't make sense?

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Nick Shaner continues our summer series, "Lessons from the Legends," by exploring the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. As Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, God gave a battle plan that seemed completely unconventional: march around a fortified city and trust Him to do the impossible.Through this powerful message, we're reminded that God's ways are often different from our own, but His wisdom and plans are always higher and better. Drawing from Joshua 1, Joshua 6, Isaiah 55, and Proverbs 3:5-6, Pastor Nick challenges us to trust the Lord fully rather than relying on our own understanding.

In this episode you'll discover:✅ Why God's plans don't always make sense to us
✅ What Joshua teaches us about faith and courage
✅ How Proverbs 3:5-6 applies to everyday life
✅ Why obedience often comes before understanding
✅ How God's wisdom is greater than our own📖 Scripture References:• Joshua 1:1-9• Joshua 6:1-5• Isaiah 55:8-9• Proverbs 3:5-6

🏛️ Shepherd Church of the NazareneLearn more about our church at https://shepnaz.org

🎙️ Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you:[email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like✅ Subscribe💬 Leave a comment📤 Share with a friend

What is one area of your life where God is asking you to trust Him instead of relying on your own understanding?

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Today's Episode
00:29 Introducing Joshua and Jericho
01:18 Moses, Exodus, and the Promised Land
03:12 The Twelve Spies Report Back
05:06 Caleb and Joshua's Faith
05:57 Why Israel Wandered 40 Years
06:19 Joshua Becomes Leader
07:43 Facing the City of Jericho
08:55 God's Unusual Battle Plan
10:07 Lesson #1: God's Ways Don't Always Make Sense
12:56 God's Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways
13:18 Examples from the Teachings of Jesus
14:04 The Cross and God's Counterintuitive Plan
15:05 Applying This Truth to Daily Life
16:31 Proverbs 3:5-6 Explained
17:33 Trusting God Instead of Other Voices
18:04 Episode Reflection & Closing

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack shares a very personal Worship Wednesday episode following the recent passing of his grandmother. Through grief, loss, and reflection, he explores what it means to worship God even when life hurts.How do we continue praising God during difficult seasons? What does the Bible mean when it talks about a peace that surpasses understanding? And how can worship leaders and believers remain authentic while trusting God through pain?

Drawing from Isaiah 43 and his own experience, Pastor Zack reminds us that Christians do not grieve without hope. God's presence, peace, and faithfulness remain with us even in life's hardest moments.If you're walking through loss, grief, uncertainty, or a difficult season, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Worshiping through grief and loss
• Finding peace in difficult circumstances
• The hope of eternity in Christ
• Authentic leadership during hard seasons
• Encouragement from Isaiah 43
• The importance of prayer and Christian community

🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org

🎙️ Explore past episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media content:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you:[email protected]

👍 Subscribe, like, comment, and share this episode to encourage others who may be walking through a difficult season.

#ShepnazPodcast #WorshipWednesday #ChristianPodcast #GriefAndHope #FaithInDifficultTimes #PastorZack #ChristianEncouragement #Isaiah43 #ChurchLeadership #ChristianLiving

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to a Different Worship Wednesday
00:48 Pastor Zack Shares Personal Loss
01:43 Grieving While Holding Onto Hope
03:06 The Reality of Pain and Worship
04:17 Understanding God's Peace
05:40 A Life That Modeled Worship
07:11 Giving Yourself Permission to Grieve
08:07 Finding Joy in Christ During Hard Times
09:36 A Word to Worship Leaders
11:23 Worshiping Through Pain and Loss
12:27 Preparing to Lead Grandma's Funeral
13:56 Why We Need Christian Community
15:09 Turning to Scripture in Hard Seasons
15:30 Isaiah 43: God's Promise in Trials
18:30 You Are Not Alone
19:11 Final Encouragement and Prayer Invitation

What is the real purpose of a motorcycle ministry?

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack continues his conversation with Larry Rinehart as they explore the mission and heart behind Full Armor Motorcycle Ministry at Shepherd Church of the Nazarene. Together they discuss discipleship, community, the ministry of presence, sharing your testimony, and taking the love of Jesus beyond the walls of the church.

This conversation challenges every believer to ask an important question:

Are we simply attending church, or are we actively living on mission for Christ?

Topics include:

• The mission of Full Armor Motorcycle Ministry
• "People helping people take their next step with Jesus"
• The ministry of presence and listening
• Encouraging one another through biblical community
• Sharing your faith through everyday conversations
• Reaching bikers and communities outside the church
• Serving locally and globally through ministry opportunities

Subscribe for more daily Shepnaz Podcast conversations each weekday.

🌐 Church Information: https://shepnaz.org
🎙️ More Podcast Episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast
📺 Messages & Media: https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like the video
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments
🔔 Subscribe for future episodes
📤 Share this episode with a friend

#ShepnazPodcast #PastorZack #LarryRinehart #MotorcycleMinistry #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #Discipleship #MotorcycleMinistryLife #ChurchCommunity #JesusChrist

Chapters

0:00 Welcome Back & Part Two Introduction
1:25 The Mission of Full Armor Ministry
2:17 People Helping People Take Their Next Step with Jesus
3:08 Internal Mission: Encouraging One Another
5:22 Why Community Matters
5:51 External Mission: Reaching People Beyond Church
7:05 Ministering at Motorcycle Events
8:14 A Story of Faith and Impact
9:18 Praying for Hundreds of Bikers
11:22 Being the Light of the World
12:00 Always Be Ready to Share Your Hope
13:37 The Importance of Showing Up
15:56 Presence, Listening, and Testimony
17:19 Sharpened for a Purpose
17:57 Bellamy Bikes and Global Missions
19:05 Local Outreach and Helping Families
21:26 More Than a Social Club
22:15 Becoming the Hands and Feet of Jesus
23:01 Closing Challenge

What if one of the most powerful ministries isn't preaching at all... but listening?

In this special Biker Sunday follow-up episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Larry Rinehart, ordained chaplain and longtime member of Shepherd Church, to discuss the unique connection between chaplaincy and motorcycle ministry. Together they explore the "Ministry of Presence," the importance of listening well, and how God creates opportunities to share our faith through everyday conversations.

Larry shares real-life stories from his chaplaincy work, the history of Full Armor Motorcycle Ministry at Shepherd Church, and the life-changing value of developing a personal three-minute testimony.

In this episode:✅ The Ministry of Presence
✅ Why listening is often more important than speaking
✅ Chaplain ministry in the workplace
✅ The history of Full Armor Motorcycle Ministry
✅ How to prepare a powerful 3-minute testimony
✅ Recognizing opportunities to share Jesus

This conversation is Part 1 of a special Biker Sunday recap. Be sure to join us for Part 2!

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org🎙 More podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you:[email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like✅ Subscribe💬 Leave a comment🔄 Share with a friend00:00 Welcome & Introduction
00:46 Meet Larry Rinehart
01:23 Becoming a Chaplain
02:52 Chaplaincy and Motorcycle Ministry
04:20 The Ministry of Presence
05:06 Learning the Ministry of Listening
05:57 Christian Motorcycle Organizations
07:13 The Origin of Full Armor Ministry
08:00 Sam Barber and Motorcycle Culture
08:49 Larry's Return to Riding
10:27 Founders of Full Armor
11:16 Why Listening Is So Difficult
12:09 Listening to God and Others
13:17 Building Trust Through Presence
15:47 Motorcycle Adventures and Relationships
18:27 Practical Listening Challenges
19:14 Humility and Ministry
20:22 A Life-Changing Lesson in Listening
22:02 The Power of Simply Being Present
23:18 The 3-Minute Testimony
25:12 Real Conversations About Faith
26:31 Sharing Personal Testimony
27:44 Following Up After Planting Seeds
29:16 Part 2 Preview
29:49 Closing

What if children's ministry is far more important than most churches realize?

In this special on-location episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Pastor Jen and Pastor Kim at the 2026 South Central Ohio Kids Camp to discuss their passion for children's ministry, the importance of investing in the next generation, and how God calls ordinary people to extraordinary opportunities.

Together they share powerful stories about their ministry journeys, mentoring future leaders, family priorities, camp ministry, discipleship, and why children's ministry is one of the greatest mission fields in the church today.

Whether you're a parent, volunteer, ministry leader, or someone exploring how God may be calling you to serve, this conversation will encourage and challenge you.

In this episode:✅ Why kids ministry is more than childcare
✅ How God calls and equips people for ministry
✅ The importance of mentoring future leaders
✅ Making space for children in the life of the church
✅ Stories of life change through camp and discipleship
✅ Why the future of the church depends on investing in children🎙️ 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 messages and media:https://shepnaz.org/media📧 We'd love to hear from you:[email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like✅ Subscribe💬 Comment with someone who invested in your faith journey📤 Share this episode with a parent, teacher, or ministry volunteer

#ShepnazPodcast #KidsMinistry #ChurchLeadership #Discipleship #NextGeneration #ChristianPodcast #PastorZack #ChurchOfTheNazarene #ChristianLeadership #FaithJourney

Chapters

00:00 Introduction from Kids Camp
00:40 Meet Pastor Jen and Pastor Kim
02:59 Pastor Kim's ministry journey
06:07 Pastor Jen's ministry story
08:05 Why children's ministry matters
09:59 Looking toward the future of the Church
11:45 How each pastor discovered their calling
19:22 Pastor Jen's call to ministry
23:43 How churches can support kids ministry
24:10 Making space for children in church
29:08 Why kids belong in the life of the whole church
32:45 Powerful kids ministry stories
35:05 Seeing the fruit of decades of ministry
37:27 God's faithfulness through ministry challenges
39:20 Planting seeds for future generations
40:19 Final encouragement and challenge to serve

What does a biker ministry actually do? Why would a church invest in motorcycles, outreach rides, and a ministry focused on bikers?

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with Bob Stephenson, President of Full Armor Bikers and Chairman of the Nazarene Motorcycle Fellowship, to discuss the heart behind Biker Sunday, motorcycle ministry, and the impact of the Rusty Bellomy Bikes for Missions project.

Discover how Full Armor Bikers intentionally take the message of Jesus beyond the church walls, building relationships, praying with strangers, reaching people often overlooked, and supporting pastors around the world with transportation that helps spread the Gospel.

Topics include:✅ The history of Full Armor Bikers at Shepherd Church
✅ Why ministry happens outside church buildings
✅ Real-life stories of biker outreach and prayer opportunities
✅ Biker Sunday at Shepherd Church
✅ Rusty Bellomy Bikes for Missions
✅ Supporting pastors in remote regions around the world
✅ Honoring Joanne Yoder's legacy of faith and generosity

Whether you're a rider, a missions supporter, or simply passionate about sharing Jesus, this episode will encourage you to live your faith wherever God sends you.

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org

🎙 More podcast episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you:[email protected]

If this episode encouraged you:👍 Like the video
✅ Subscribe to the channel
💬 Leave a comment and tell us where God has called you to serve
🔄 Share this episode with a friend

#ShepherdChurch #ShepnazPodcast #BikerSunday #MotorcycleMinistry #ChristianPodcast #FaithInAction #RustyBellomy #NazareneChurch #Missions #Evangelism

00:00 Introduction
00:35 What Is Full Armor Bikers?
03:16 Biker Ministry in Action
05:34 Outreach Stories from the Road
10:15 Handling Rejection in Evangelism
12:57 What Is Biker Sunday?
17:30 Rusty Bellomy Bikes for Missions
20:00 Motorcycles and Global Missions
22:22 Honoring Joanne Yoder
23:15 Supporting the Mission
25:49 Prayer Tunnel & Rider Blessing
26:13 Closing Thoughts

What does it mean to truly worship God?

In this Worship Wednesday episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack sits down with worship team member Tommy Frederick for an encouraging conversation about faith, worship, and what it means to know Jesus personally. Tommy shares his story of growing up in church, discovering a deeper relationship with Christ later in life, and learning that worship is about much more than music.

Together they discuss authentic worship, avoiding performance-driven faith, supporting ministry as a family, and how everyday moments can become acts of worship. Whether you're a musician, church volunteer, or simply seeking to grow in your faith, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to live a life that points people to Jesus.

In this episode:

• Tommy's journey from church attendance to authentic faith
• Knowing Jesus versus simply knowing about Him
• Worship as a lifestyle, not just a song
• The challenge of humility in worship ministry
• Finding God in everyday moments

📍 Learn more about Shepherd Church:https://shepnaz.org

🎙️ Listen to more episodes:https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch messages and media:https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from [email protected]

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to:✅ Subscribe✅ Like the video✅ Share with a friend✅ Leave a comment telling us what worship means to you

The Shepnaz Podcast is a weekday podcast from Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Gahanna, Ohio, hosted by Pastor Zack.

0:00 Welcome to Worship Wednesday
0:37 Meet Tommy Frederick
1:44 Growing Up in Church
2:58 When Tommy Truly Met Jesus
4:02 Knowing About Jesus vs Knowing Jesus
6:19 Serving in Ministry with Olivia
8:08 Supporting a Pastoral Calling
9:11 Worship Leader vs Worshiper
11:13 God's Faithfulness Through Difficult Seasons
13:00 Why Worship Songs Matter
14:55 Presence Over Performance
17:18 Leading Worship with Humility
18:18 Worship as a Spiritual Discipline
20:25 Finding Worship in Everyday Life
21:44 Living a Life That Points People to Jesus
23:36 Final Challenge: Worship Beyond Music
24:18 Closing

In this episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, guest host Pastor Brett joins Pastor Nick Shaner for Part 2 of their sermon recap from Sunday's message.

Together they explore the dramatic story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18 and discuss one of Scripture's most challenging questions:

"How long will you waver between two opinions?"

What does it look like to give God your whole heart? Can we truly follow Jesus while placing our trust in other things? Through Elijah's story, this conversation reminds us that God desires wholehearted devotion, not divided allegiance.

Whether you're wrestling with priorities, faith, trust, or surrender, this episode offers practical encouragement to examine what sits on the throne of your heart and what it means to go all in for Jesus.

Key Topics

• Elijah and the prophets of Baal
• The danger of divided allegiance
• Trusting God as provider
• Following one Master
• Wholehearted faith and surrender
• God's desire to bring hearts back to Him

📖 Scripture: 1 Kings 18, Matthew 6:24

🌐 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 More podcast episodes: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

🎥 Sermons and media resources: https://shepnaz.org/media

✉️ We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] this episode encouraged you:✅ Subscribe
✅ Like this video
✅ Leave a comment sharing what challenged you most
✅ Share with a friend who needs encouragement today

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back & Part 2 of the Sermon Recap
01:09 Letting Scripture Read Us
04:07 Elijah Confronts Ahab
05:06 The Mount Carmel Showdown Begins
07:07 The Prophets of Baal Cry Out
08:14 Elijah Soaks the Altar with Water
09:02 Elijah's Prayer and God's Response
09:59 The Lord Is God
10:26 Why This Miracle Matters
11:00 "How Long Will You Waver?"
12:01 Partial Allegiance Doesn't Exist
13:26 Jesus on Serving Two Masters
14:16 Modern-Day Baals and False Sources of Security
15:58 Choosing Whom You Will Follow
18:10 Why Following Two Masters Never Works
20:22 The Danger of Divided Hearts
22:03 Identifying the Idols of Our Hearts
23:18 It Was Yahweh All Along
25:05 The Daily Choice to Follow Jesus
26:06 Final Challenge and Closing Thoughts

Pastor Brett steps in as guest host while Pastor Zack is away and welcomes Pastor Nick Shaner to discuss Sunday's message from our "Lessons from the Legends" series. Together they unpack the background of Elijah's confrontation with King Ahab and explore what was really happening in Israel before the famous showdown on Mount Carmel.

In this episode, you'll discover:

✅ The difference between judges, kings, and prophets in Scripture
✅ Why Ahab was considered one of Israel's most wicked kings
✅ How idolatry and syncretism affected God's people
✅ What Baal worship promised and why it was so appealing
✅ Modern-day idols that compete for our hearts today
✅ Why Elijah's challenge is still relevant for Christians today

As believers, it's important to regularly examine what we trust, depend on, and prioritize. Elijah's story reminds us that God alone is worthy of our worship and allegiance.

📖 Featured Scripture: 1 Kings 17-18

🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://shepnaz.org🎧 Listen to the Shepnaz Podcast archive: https://shepnaz.org/podcast

📺 Watch sermons and media resources: https://shepnaz.org/media

📧 We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] this episode encouraged you, be sure to:

👍 Like the video
✅ Subscribe to the channel
💬 Share your thoughts in the comments
📤 Share this episode with a friend#Shepnaz #Elijah #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #LessonsFromTheLegends

0:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction
0:35 Pastor Nick's Sunday Message Recap
1:00 Lessons from the Legends Series
1:40 Elijah and the Troubler of Israel
2:12 Reading 1 Kings 18
3:15 Nicknames and Ice Man Shaner
5:09 Why Elijah Was Accused
6:00 Judges vs Kings Explained
7:24 Israel Demands a King
9:20 The Purpose of Prophets
11:22 Why Ahab Was So Wicked
13:20 Understanding Syncretism
14:50 Who Was Baal?
16:12 What Is the Good Life?
17:36 Modern-Day Idolatry
19:08 Jesus and...
20:04 Money, Technology, and Dependence
22:04 Enter Elijah
23:02 The Drought Begins
24:26 Ahab vs Elijah
24:58 Setting Up the Mount Carmel Showdown
25:17 Preview of Tomorrow's Episode