Mandate: "An authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one.” Jesus has given His church a number of mandates. These are all commandments, not suggestions. The only possible responses to a Divine mandate it to obey it or disobey it. Of course, one can obey partially, but that didn't work out too well for king Saul. He was told that his partial obedience was akin to witchcraft. And one can disobey passively, e.g. by pushing the commandment under the rug and ignoring it, pretending that it wasn't issued. But the commandment to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace is a definite mandate. The commandment to forgive everyone of everything is also a definite mandate. In this podcast, pastor Daryl Zachman (Calvary Chapel Treasure Valley, Meridian, Idaho) and show host Bill Holdridge discuss these two mandates, and spell out how they connect to each other. In these last of the last days, we need to get these things right. So much is riding upon it. Anything short of complete obedience grieves the Holy Spirit of God.

In episode 116 we’re joined by Roger Ulman, senior/lead pastor of Calvary Chapel Kalamazoo Valley, Michigan. Roger planted the church in 2000, after an interesting and God-ordained training process. This testimony is included in this interview. Roger is married to Lisa, his wife of 37 years. They have three children … two boys and a girl. #10 grandchild on the way. Roger Ulman is a pastor who is genuinely joyful, and very optimistic about ministry and life in general. Pastors always can use optimism and encouragement … these are very challenging times for pastors everywhere. So, where does such a positive outlook comes from? This could me a major key re: how we pastors serve the Lord Jesus and His people. Tune in to hear the not-so-secret secret of Divine Optimism in Pastoral Ministry.