Calvary Chapel Lake of the Ozarks

Jesus confronts the religious leaders' rejection of Him through a parable, exposes their hypocrisy about authority and ownership with a coin, and corrects their denial of resurrection, declaring that God is the God of the living and that they are “quite wrong.”

Jesus' triumphal entry, the cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the temple expose Israel's outward show without true fruitfulness or faithfulness, challenging us to examine what in our lives He might overturn or restore if He walked into our churches—or lives—today.

True faith, like that of a child, is humble and dependent—not earned. Jesus challenges self-righteousness and works-based salvation, illustrating through the rich young ruler and the "eye of the needle" metaphor that salvation is impossible through human effort but entirely possible through God's grace.

Kingdom living isn't about reward but about sacrificial living that reflects Christ's example, with our lives becoming offerings to God—purified through suffering like salted sacrifices, rooted in love and eternal perspective.

Jesus, though the greatest, chose to make Himself the least—serving others, welcoming the lowly, and showing that true greatness is marked by humility and sacrifice. Even the smallest act done in faith matters deeply to God, revealing that what counts most is a heart aligned with His, not status or ability.

The Transfiguration revealed Jesus' divine glory shining from within, not merely reflected, affirming He is not just another prophet like Moses or Elijah but the very Son of God—God in the flesh, who "tabernacled" among us. Later, the disciples' failure to heal a possessed boy highlighted that spiritual power comes not from rituals or imitation, but from genuine faith and closeness to Christ through prayer.

Jesus continues revealing the nature of His upside-down kingdom: from feeding the Gentile crowd with abundant compassion, to challenging the pride and unbelief of His disciples, and ultimately teaching that true discipleship means self-denial and humble surrender.

Psalm 150 is a passionate call for all creation to worship and praise YHWH, bringing the Book of Psalms to a powerful conclusion. The psalm reminds us that God's sanctuary is not confined to a building but is found in His people collectively and individually, with Jesus Himself as the ultimate sanctuary. True worship goes beyond songs or outward expressions; it is a life surrendered in obedience, offering God what is costly and precious. Acceptable worship flows from the heart, transforming how we live and glorify God in every area of life.

From the divine council to God's call for justice, Psalm 82 paints a powerful picture of God's authority over the nations and His heart for the oppressed. Discover how Jesus fulfills God's promise to judge the earth and bring lasting hope.

Psalm 13 reveals the heartfelt struggle of navigating life's challenges and the growth that comes through surrender. David's repeated cry of “How long?” reflects the emotional, physical, and spiritual battles we all face. When feelings seem overwhelming and the body grows weary, it's easy to lose perspective. Yet, through faith, David's heart is transformed—not his circumstances. This message highlights that God values the journey and who we are becoming through the process, even when answers seem out of reach.

Joseph never complains within his situation, and he never compromises his character and integrity. Even though he is greatly tempted and tested, he trusts himself to a God who is faithfully working out all His plans in Joseph's life.

Jewelers wisely display diamonds against black velvet, knowing the dark background highlights the beauty of the gems. Such is this chapter—the sad, sordid story of Judah serves as the dark background which highlights the luster of Joseph's life.

Joseph is a wonderful picture of Jesus. In the story of Joseph, we find: Insights about Jesus, Prophecies that point to Jesus, Understandings concerning the nature of Jesus. When we look at Joseph, we find Jesus.

From what we have seen in the last few chapters, this was not a collection of amazingly spiritual men. This was actually a severely dysfunctional family. God will use this family, but not because they were such great or spiritual men, but because He chose them by His grace alone.

It is good Jacob came to the Promised Land, and he settled there. But he came short of full obedience, because it seems God directed him to return to Bethel.” This lack of full obedience will have huge consequences on Jacob's life.

God gave Jacob a new name, and a limp. Jacob would remember his being conquered by God with every step he took for the rest of his life. This was a small price to pay for such a great gift. God wants to develop a godly confidence in Jacob. 

God blessed Jacob, but it was not because Jacob was especially good. He was absolutely in process, just as we are. It was because of the promises God made to Jacob and the covenant made to Abraham.  

The God of Bethel is a God who does concern himself with the things of earth, not a God who shuts himself up in heaven, but God who hath a ladder fixed between heaven and earth” (Spurgeon). And Jesus made it clear that He is that ladder! 

In this tragic story, everyone lost. Each of the main characters – Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob – schemed and maneuvered in human wisdom and energy, rejecting God's word and wisdom. Nevertheless, God still accomplished His purpose. The tragedy was that each of the participants suffered, because they insisted on working against God's word and wisdom.

Isaac walked in the same paths of his father Abraham; with similar highs and the lows. Altars and tents marked Abraham's life, demonstrating a life of worship and trust. Isaac lived that, calling on the name of the LORD, and enjoyed the additional blessings of God's provision through water and wells.

This chapter goes beyond history into theology. It gives us a picture of the Heavenly Father getting a bride for His Son. The church is compared to a bride; and during this present age, the Holy Spirit is calling people to trust Christ and be “married to…Him.” The elements involved in the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah are also involved in the marriage of Christ and His church.

Abraham passed from the scene, being one of the most important men of the Bible. By many measures his life was not perfect, but he was a man of faith, who had a real relationship with God, of remarkable obedience, and a true friend of God. Abraham was a great man, but he was only a man. God's work passed on from one generation to the next. Now, God would carry on the work of the covenant first promised to Abraham through Isaac.

In Genesis 12 we see God call Abram to crazy faith as he leaves everything familiar and safe to depend on God's promises. This is the same faith and call that God calls has for those who apprentice Jesus.

As the old hymn reminds us: “Trust and obey, for there's no other way; To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” Rebellion carries with it consequences, but God's desire for our lives is to bring blessings—and that only comes through faith in Him, from which obedience pours out. 

The tenth chapter of Genesis… stands absolutely alone in ancient literature, without a remote parallel, even among the Greeks, where we find the closest approach to a distribution of peoples in genealogical framework… The Table of Nations remains an astonishing accurate document” (William F. Albright).

How do we address sin in others life? Many times the way we address or point it out cause shame and guilt, but love covers all sin. If we choose to walk in love it will leave to redemption from the sin we feel so trapped in.

Just as God made a covenant with Noah and the sign of the rainbow…we have a covenant with Jesus Christ by His blood. Have you entered into a covenant with Jesus, by His blood?