Our Blog

A Veterans Day Tribute Through Scripture

On Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have selflessly served our country. While words alone can never fully express our gratitude, Scripture provides powerful reminders of the courage, strength, and dedication that these heroes embody. In honor of their service, we’ll share a collection of Bible verses that uplift, inspire, and honor those who have given so much to others.

Honor Those Who Serve

Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Romans 13:7

Veterans embody the spirit of selfless service, often putting the needs of others before their own. God calls us to openly express the same gratitude we have for His protection to the men and women who protect our nation and its people. 

Verses that Encourage and Uplift

Christlike Sacrifice

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:13

Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:7-8

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

God’s Protection and Comfort

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10 

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Endurance, Strength, Discipline, and Commitment

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13  

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:3

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:10-11

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-2

Hope and Renewal

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;   they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29

Share the Word

Thoughtfully sharing God’s Word can remind veterans that their sacrifices are seen, appreciated, and valued- by us and by God. Here are some ideas for using these verses to show your gratitude:

• Write personalized notes or cards: Include Bible verses like John 15:13 and Isaiah 41:10 to encourage veterans. A simple, heartfelt message with Scripture can brighten their day and remind them of God's love.
• Create care packages for veterans: Include a small booklet of printed Bible verses or devotionals focused on hope, strength, and God's faithfulness. Add a personal touch by handwriting a favorite verse.
• Post Scripture on social media: Share a verse like 2 Timothy 2:3-4 on your social media platforms, accompanied by a message of gratitude for veterans. 
• Create a Scripture-themed art project with children: Have kids draw or color artwork inspired by verses like Hebrews 12:1-2 to present to veterans, bringing smiles and heartfelt appreciation.

Thank You, Vets!

The Bible is filled with promises of strength, peace, and encouragement for those who endure trials, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life. As we reflect on the sacrifices made by our veterans, be mindful of their courage and selflessness that mirror the qualities that God calls us to embody. Continue to pray for their well-being and express gratitude for their bravery and protection. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Pumpkin Parables

Carving a pumpkin is a familiar fall favorite, a cherished tradition that brings warmth to the crisp autumn air. Each stroke of the carving knife brings to life a radiant masterpiece. The soft, amber glow spills from its intricately carved face, casting whimsical shadows reminiscent of laughter, togetherness, and the quiet magic of autumn.

Pumpkins have long been a quintessential hallmark of fall, gracing our porches and filling our kitchens with warmth and flavor. Beyond their seasonal appeal, pumpkins subtly depict symbolic tidings that parallel God’s plan. Grab a pumpkin spice latte and join us as we look closer at the insights these humble gourds can impart. 

Wise Little Squash

Parable 1: The Process of Carving

The process of carving a pumpkin is an intentional process that starts with selecting the right fruit and culminates in cutting away its thick skin. 

Once the pumpkin has been selected, its potential becomes perceptible as we carefully cut around the stem. With a sharp knife, we slice through the layers, exposing its ooey-gooey interior. 

Much like the protective shell of a pumpkin, we often build walls around ourselves—walls of fear, shame, or denial—that prevent us from facing the sticky things we’ve hidden deep inside. These barriers keep us from experiencing the fullness of God’s healing and power. God uses His Word to penetrate the layers of our lives, examining our hearts. We must be willing to invite Him to “cut” into the layers of our defenses, pride, and resistance, trusting Him to reveal the things within us that need to change.

Now it’s time to get our scoopers ready! Cleaning out the innards of the pumpkin is wildly messy, and can sometimes feel cumbersome and overwhelming. We need to reach inside to scoop out the slimy, stringy pulp sprinkled with seeds- requiring our hands to get dirty —literally and metaphorically.

Just as the pumpkin needs to be cleared out to fulfill its purpose, we too must allow God to empty us of the clutter that accumulates in our hearts and minds. To do so, we need to be willing to sift through the layers of our lives and challenge habits, unhealthy mindsets, and unresolved issues. Confronting sins, pride, fears, and distractions isn’t always easy, as we need to honestly face our inner darkness, acknowledging uncomfortable truths residing within us. 

Once the pumpkin is cleaned out and ready, it is time to carve a design into its surface. Each cut shapes the pumpkin into a reflection of the creator's vision. 

Like the design on the pumpkin, we are each uniquely crafted, with gifts, talents, and purposes that God has specifically designed for us. We must recognize that He is at work in our lives, and willingly allow Him to shape us, carving away the remnants of our old selves for His purpose. 

The pumpkin is nearly ready to be put on display,—we just need to place a candle inside. This empty, hollow cavity, which was once cluttered and chaotic, has become a vessel that can now radiate light from within. 

When God’s work is complete, His light fills the spaces once occupied by sin and fear, and we shine brightly with His love, hope, and grace for all to see. In His hands, we are transformed from a raw, unfinished state into something that reflects His glory.

Parable 2: Growing a Pumpkin

Growing a pumpkin requires time, care, and patience. From the moment a tiny seed has been planted in the soil, it must be diligently attended to, only reaching fruition when properly nurtured with water and sunlight in the right conditions. As the seed germinates, it gradually pushes through the earth and begins its upward journey, developing roots that anchor it and vines that stretch toward the sun. 

At times, gardeners face challenges, like pests, weather changes, or slow growth. Still, they consistently tend to their plants, doing all that they can to provide an environment where they can flourish. 

Comparably, faith begins as a small seed planted within our hearts that also requires a supportive environment to thrive. Rather than water and sunlight, we need to nurture our faith with prayer, community, and His Word.

Parable 3: Bearing Fruit

Rows of vibrant ripe, plump pumpkins scattered across the field are the pinnacle of months of patience, care, and persistence. Each pumpkin is a testament to the farmer’s hard work, a reward for the effort and care invested throughout the growing season. 

Just as a farmer expects a bountiful harvest from their crop, God expects that our lives produce spiritual fruit—visible evidence of His work within us. 

Like the pumpkins that flourish because they are attached to healthy vines, our ability to bear spiritual fruit depends entirely on remaining connected to God. As long as we nurture our relationship with Him, He will empower us to grow, flourish, and produce spiritual fruit, no matter the season we find ourselves in.

Overall

The first parable reminds us that we each carry a unique light and purpose, sculpted by the Master’s hand. Just as we carefully scrape out a pumpkin to prepare it for carving, we must be intentional about identifying and removing the sins, burdens, and distractions in our lives. This cleansing is not a passive process; it requires effort and self-reflection. However, when we invite God into this process, He begins to reveal the areas that need transformation and gives us the strength to let go of what hinders us. The more we allow Him to work within us, the more we are emptied of sin and filled with the goodness and glory of His light. As God shapes us, we become vessels that reflect His love, radiating His light to the world around us.

The developmental stages of a pumpkin echo the progress of our spiritual growth; requiring patience, consistent effort, and a willingness to stay connected to the source of our nourishment—Jesus Christ. As we cultivate our relationship with Him, we become more fruitful, maturing in our faith and bearing witness to His work in our lives.

Finally, the last parable emphasizes that when we prioritize our connection to Christ, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of life that He promises, leading to an abundant harvest of good works and spiritual fruit.

As you carve your pumpkins and celebrate the season, may you be inspired to embrace the lessons they offer and allow God’s light to shine brightly through you.

-Torrance Community Church of Christ

Remarkable and Unique Places of Worship

Churches have long been more than just places of worship; they are sacred spaces that tell the stories of days gone by, devotion, and craftsmanship. Around the world we find emphatic examples of churches that truly captivate; elevated for their religious prominence, exuding architectural ingenuity, and historical grandeur. Continue reading to learn about some of the churches inviting awe and wonder. 

Architectural Treasures

Sedlec Ossuary, Czech Republic

Photo by Interfase, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Richard Mortel, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Nan Palmero, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by BrokenSphere, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Sedlec Ossuary, also known as the "Bone Church," is a small chapel in the Czech Republic that stands out for its unusual and macabre decor. Located beneath the Cemetery Church of All Saints in Kutná Hora, the ossuary is adorned with the bones of an estimated 40,000 to 70,000 people, arranged in intricate patterns and sculptures. These remains, primarily from victims of the Black Plague and Hussite Wars, were exhumed from the cemetery in the 14th century. The church’s most iconic features include a chandelier made entirely of bones and a coat of arms created from human remains. 

Borgund Stave Church, Norway

Photo by Bjørn Erik Pedersen, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Bjørn Erik Pedersen, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Ssu, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Located in the village of Borgund, Norway, Borgund Stave Church is one of the best-preserved and most renowned examples of traditional Norwegian stave church architecture. Built around 1180 AD, this wooden medieval church is famous for its intricate, Viking-era craftsmanship and distinctive design. Surrounded by stunning Norwegian landscapes, the church features tall, steep roofs layered with wooden shingles, dragon-head carvings, and wooden arches, giving it an enchanting and almost mythical appearance. 

Las Lajas Sanctuary, Colombia

Photo by Diego Delso, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Diego Delso, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Jorge Eduardo Vallejo Cepeda, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Constructed between 1916 and 1949, Las Lajas Sanctuary in southern Colombia is perched 150 feet above the Guáitara River. Appearing to rise from the natural landscape, its elegant spires and arches blend seamlessly with the surrounding rock formations. The breathtaking Gothic Revival traces back to a legend from the 18th century, when a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared on the rocks.

Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel, France

Photo by W. Bulach, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Jean-Pol GRANDMONT, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Impressively set atop a volcanic rock outcrop lies Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe Chapel, in Le Puy-en-Velay, France. Built in the 10th century, this small yet striking chapel requires a steep climb of 268 steps that are carved into the rock.  Its summit offers intoxicating views. Adding to its allure, is its simple design is adorned with beautiful carvings and a serene interior. 

Chapel of the Holy Cross, USA

Photo by RiniIngwer, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by National Archives and Records Administration, in the Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Beyond My Ken, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The Chapel of the Holy Cross, located in Sedona, Arizona, is an architectural marvel set against the dramatic backdrop of the red rock formations of the American Southwest. Strikingly modern and simplistic, the church was completed in 1956. The distinctive design features a cross-shaped structure with panoramic windows that frame breathtaking views of the surrounding canyons.

Church of the Nativity, Palestine

Photo by Stanislav Kozlovskiy, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Fjmustak, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Diego Delso, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Surrounded by bustling markets and religious landmarks, the Church of the Nativity is located in Bethlehem, Palestine. This ancient church, originally constructed in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and later rebuilt in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, stands on the site traditionally identified as Jesus' birthplace. The Church of the Nativity features a blend of early Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, and its entrance, known as the "Door of Humility," is intentionally small, requiring visitors to bow as they enter. Inside, the church houses the Grotto of the Nativity, where a silver star marks the exact spot believed to be the location of Christ’s birth.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem

Photo by Jorge Lascar, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by Hoshvilim, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Photo by David Berkowitz, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Situated in the heart of Jerusalem's Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a complex of chapels and shrines, including the Golgotha (Calvary) where Christ was crucified, and the Edicule, a small structure that encloses the tomb where He was laid to rest. It was originally constructed in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine and has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries. The church currently shares custody with multiple Christian denominations.

Conclusion

Exploring the diverse and unique churches around the world deepens appreciation for the myriad ways faith is observed. Whether we visit these churches in person or learn about them from afar, their beauty and significance are a powerful reminder of the many ways in which God can be celebrated and experienced.

- Torrance Community Church of Christ