Why We Wander from God | The Golden Calf & Trusting the Lord (Exodus 32)

Today on the Shepnaz Podcast, Pastor Zack introduces Part 1 of Pastor Nick’s final sermon in our Exodus series, diving into Exodus 32 and the story of the Golden Calf.After witnessing God’s power, provision, and presence, the people of Israel grow impatient—and their distrust leads to disobedience. This episode challenges us to reflect on our own hearts:👉 What do we turn to when God feels silent?👉 How does impatience shape our faith?👉 Why does the object of our worship matter so much?Pastor Nick walks us through how idolatry is often an attempt to control God instead of trusting Him, and how Moses’ intercession ultimately points us forward to Jesus, the One who stands in the gap for us.Stick around to the end for a fun and encouraging bonus conversation, including a friendly staff running challenge and a look at “Made for More Sunday” at our Johnstown campus.📍 Shepherd Church of the Nazarene – Gahanna & Johnstown, Ohio🔗 Learn more about Shepherd Church: https://www.shepnaz.org🎧 Explore more episodes: https://www.shepnaz.org/podcast📺 Watch & listen archive: https://www.shepnaz.org/media💬 We’d love to hear from you!Email us at [email protected] or drop a comment below.👉 Subscribe, share this episode, and join the conversation! ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome to the Shepnaz Podcast01:30 – A Movie Theater Story About Wandering06:45 – Israel’s Story: Impatience at the Mountain08:05 – Exodus 32: The Golden Calf10:40 – A Tragic & Appalling Rebellion13:30 – Breaking the First Three Commandments15:15 – Idolatry: Trying to Control God17:45 – Distrust Leads to Disobedience19:40 – “Trust in the Lord” (Psalm 115)21:45 – Part 1 Wrap‑Up22:00 – Bonus Conversation with Pastor Nick23:10 – The Mile Race Story27:20 – “Made for More Sunday” Explained30:45 – Closing & What’s Coming Next