In today’s episode of the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Rob leads a powerful exploration of the seven phrases Jesus spoke as He hung on Calvary.

These weren’t random words.
They were intentional, prophetic, sacrificial, and filled with hope.🔥 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The timeline of the crucifixion from 9 AM to 3 PM
• Why darkness covered the land at noon
• How the Old Testament sacrificial system connects to Jesus’ final hours
• Why Jesus cried, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”
• How Jesus became the once‑and‑for‑all sacrifice that removes sin, not just covers it
• The weight Jesus carried — physically, mentally, spiritually — as He bore our sin

Pastor Rob unpacks the deep spiritual significance behind these moments, helping us understand the incredible love and intentionality behind Christ’s sacrifice.
🙏 Hosted by: Pastor Zack

If this message encouraged you, be sure to:👍 Like
💬 Comment your thoughts
🔔 Subscribe for more Christ-centered content
📧 Email us at podcast@shepnaz.orgFor more information or to get connected, visit:
➡️ shepnaz.org/shepnow
➡️ shepnaz.org

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast 00:24 – Introducing “Christ From the Cross” 01:07 – Why Jesus’ words from the cross matter 01:26 – Context: When and how Jesus spoke 01:45 – Jesus’ sinless life and unjust trial 02:36 – How Jesus responded differently to crucifixion 02:56 – The first statement: “Father, forgive them” 03:17 – The thief on the cross 03:35 – Jesus speaks to His mother 04:14 – The fourth phrase: “My God, My God…” 04:34 – Understanding the crucifixion timeline 05:14 – Noon to 3 PM: Darkness over the land 06:12 – Why understanding the sacrificial system matters 06:30 – Leviticus and the anatomy of sacrifice 07:07 – Why the sacrifice must be without defect 08:24 – The symbolic transfer of guilt 09:23 – The animal is killed—why blood mattered 10:12 – Why God required blood for forgiveness 11:29 – Jesus becomes the once‑and‑for‑all sacrifice 12:54 – Why the old system could only “cover” sin 13:31 – Jesus, our High Priest 13:51 – Darkness and the weight of humanity’s sin 14:10 – God placing all sin on Christ 14:46 – Jesus becomes a curse for us 15:24 – The mental, physical, and spiritual burden Jesus carried 16:27 – Closing thoughts & Part 2 preview 17:10 – Outro & how to connect

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 Reference

Matthew 23:1–12 — A powerful reminder that true greatness starts with serving others.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – 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 Rob

Resources:

• 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: Zack

01:27 – 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 gift
• The purpose of sex: procreation, relational bonding, recreational joy, and spiritual unity
• Why boundaries matter and how they protect God’s good design
• The emotional, physical, relational, and spiritual consequences of adultery
• How Scripture frames marriage as two becoming one
• The hope, grace, and restoration available through Jesus

This 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.

📌 Chapters

00:00 – 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 purgatory
• The difference between the two thieves
• What real repentance looks like
• Why salvation depends entirely on Jesus — not our effort
• Why waiting until the end of life is a dangerous gamble
• How the thief’s story mirrors our own
• The hope of abundant life right now in Christ
  And 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.

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – 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 Podcast

Today, 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 thieves
• The stunning transformation of the repentant thief
• The ways Jesus demonstrated forgiveness again and again
• What this moment reveals about salvation, humility, and the compassion of Christ
  

Whether 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

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – 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

⏱️ Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to Worship Wednesday
00:26 – Temperature & Small Talk
01:23 – 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 Job
07:17 – Question 2: If You Had to Move Anywhere…
08:21 – Zack Chooses Italy
10:22 – Joe’s Heart for Family Over Location
12:15 – Noah’s Picks: Alaska or South America
14:17 – Question 3: What Has God Been Teaching You?
14:52 – Noah on Matthew 27 & Obedience Through Suffering
17:07 – Joe on Forgiveness from the Cross
20:48 – Zack on Jonah & God Working Through Disobedience
24:43 – Closing Thoughts & Spiritual Takeaways
25:05 – 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 killing
• How the Bible explains justice, self‑defense, and the role of government
• The Church of the Nazarene’s perspective on the sanctity of human life
• Abortion, embryonic stem‑cell research, and euthanasia
• How Jesus raises the standard from outward actions to heart-level righteousness
• Why guarding the heart (Proverbs 4:23) shapes how we treat others and honor God

This 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

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – 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