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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

The Myth of Resolute Faith

With ample passages throughout the Bible referencing the significance of remaining steadfast in faith, there is no question about the absolute magnitude of this call. Irrefutably, having a solid foundation of faith 100% of the time would be ideal, but that is not reality. Life is full of surprises, and being humans, even the most faithful can fall victim to the emotions that arise from unpleasant and confusing situations; potentially causing our faith to falter temporarily. And that is okay. 

Faith is a Process 

We should always strive to nurture our faith and engage in daily practices that sustain faith and help it grow. However, holding yourself to the high standard of embodying unerring faithfulness is—ironically—a failsafe way to ensure failure in addition to many other unfavorable feelings. Faith, by its very nature, is marked by growth, setbacks, and moments of doubt. Expecting perfection can lead to frustration, guilt, and a sense of inadequacy when we inevitably falter. Instead, we must recognize that faith matures through trials, patience, and grace, allowing room for imperfection while trusting in God’s immovable presence and guidance throughout the process.

Biblical Accounts of Skepticism, Reservation, and Indecision 

The Bible is filled with stories of remarkable individuals whose faith in God shaped their lives and the lives of those around them. Even those closest to God, who witnessed His miracles and received His promises, struggled with doubt, fear, and moments of weakness.

Abraham: Abraham's struggle with faith is evident in two key moments where he doubted God's promises. The first occurs when he and his wife Sarah enter Egypt. Fearing for his life, Abraham asks Sarah to lie and say she is his sister, rather than his wife, to protect him from being killed by the Egyptians (Genesis 12:11-13), demonstrating a lack of trust in God's protection. The second instance is when Abraham agrees to Sarah's plan for him to have a child with her servant, Hagar, because they doubt that God will fulfill His promise of giving them a child in their old age (Genesis 16:1-2). 
Sarah: When she overhears the Lord's promise that she will have a child in her old age, Sarah laughs to herself, reflecting her disbelief given her advanced years and the improbability of bearing a child. When confronted by the Lord about her laughter, Sarah denies it out of fear, but the Lord affirms that nothing is too difficult for Him (Genesis 18:12-15). 
Gideon: When God first calls Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon questions whether God is truly there. Despite being chosen by God, Gideon is deeply skeptical and asks for multiple signs to confirm God’s presence and promise. He first requests that a fleece be wet with dew while the ground remains dry (Judges 6:36-37), and then reverses the sign the following night, asking for the fleece to be dry while the ground is wet (Judges 6:39-40). Gideon's doubt and needed confirmation are commonly seen within the human experience of needing tangible signs to bolster faith.
Moses: Moses' struggles with faith are evident in several key moments in his journey. When God first calls him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expresses doubt about his own abilities, questioning, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). His hesitation continues in Exodus 4:10-13, where he protests that he is not eloquent and pleads with God to send someone else. This reluctance exposes a lack of confidence in himself and God's plan. Later, in Numbers 20:10-12, Moses strikes a rock twice to bring forth water for the Israelites instead of speaking to it as God commanded. This act of doubt and frustration led God to tell Moses that because he did not trust Him fully, he would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land. 
David: David's struggles with faith and morality are evident in several pivotal moments in his life. One significant instance is found in 2 Samuel 11:2-4, where David, succumbing to temptation, commits adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. Disregarding God’s commandments, this moment of weakness and self-indulgence subsequently leads to a series of sinful acts, including the eventual murder of Uriah. In Psalm 13:1-2, we find David openly expressing doubt and feelings of distance and abandonment when he cries out to God in despair, "How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?"
Noah: Noah's struggle with faith is subtly implied after the flood when he plants a vineyard, drinks the wine, and becomes drunk, lying uncovered in his tent (Genesis 9:20-21). While the Bible doesn’t explicitly state that Noah lost faith, his actions can be seen as a moment of weakness or moral lapse following the immense responsibility and stress of building the ark, surviving the flood, and beginning humanity anew. 
Samson: Samson's struggle with faith is most evident in his relationship with Delilah, as described in Judges 16:15-17. Despite being set apart as a Nazirite dedicated to God from birth, Samson allows himself to be worn down by Delilah's persistent questioning about the source of his strength. Prioritizing his relationship over his commitment to God, eventually, Samson reveals the secret of his strength—his uncut hair, a symbol of his covenant with God. 
Elijah: Elijah’s struggle with faith is vividly depicted after his triumph over the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Despite this great victory, when Queen Jezebel threatens his life, Elijah becomes overwhelmed with fear and despair. He flees into the wilderness and, in his distress, prays to God to take his life, saying, "I have had enough, Lord" (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah feels alone and defeated, Defeated and convinced that his efforts have been in vain, Elijah questions his purpose; failing to trust in God’s plan. In this moment of deep vulnerability, Elijah questions his purpose and struggles to trust in God's plan. However, reassuringly, God gently responds, providing Elijah with food, rest, and a renewed sense of purpose. 

Despite their close relationships with God, these figures struggled with uncertainty, fear, or impatience at various points in their lives; revealing that nobody is immune to lapses of faith. Notably, each of these figures also experienced restoration and continued to play fundamental roles in God's plan. 

The Bottom Line

The good news is that God remains faithful to us, especially during periods when we lack faith. Periods of uncertainty do not disqualify us from God’s love or His plan. Instead, they offer opportunities for us to rely more deeply on Him and experience His grace, rearranging our doubt into strengthened faith over time. Faith is not about perfection, but persistence. 

- Torrance Community Church of Christ

The Dignity of Labor and the Eternal Value of Our Work in Christ

Labor Day is often seen as a long weekend; a well-deserved break from the nine to five. But it's more than that- it’s a time to honor the hard work and dedication that contribute to our communities and livelihoods. Likewise, it is an opportunity to reflect on the underlying meaning of our laborious efforts. The Bible establishes work as more than a necessity or a means to an end, but a sacred calling that carries inherent dignity and eternal value. It reveals that all work is purposeful and eternally significant when done for God’s glory. The Bible’s stance is a powerful reminder of the value of work, easing our stresses while helping us to find joy and fulfillment in every task, big or small, leaving us feeling satisfied by the knowledge that our efforts matter to God and His Kingdom. 

Work in the Good Book

From the very beginning, the Bible verifies work as a holy institution, with God Himself as the ultimate example of a diligent worker. Setting the precedent for the cycle of work and rest, God’s act of creation demonstrates that work was not a consequence of the Fall, but rather it is inherently good and a part of God’s perfect plan for humanity. Throughout Scripture, work is elevated as a form of service and obedience to God. whether it’s Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, Paul crafting tents to support his ministry, or Lydia using her skills in trade to further the early church, we see that our daily work serves a greater purpose. Regardless of its nature- building, teaching, serving, or creating- our labor is an integral part of God’s design, and these stories remind us that work in all forms is a way to mirror God's determination and creativity and fulfill our purpose as His stewards on earth.

The Promise of Labor

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

1 Corinthians 15:58 provides encouragement about the value of work. Concluding a discussion about Christ’s resurrection, Paul shares this message that reassures that every effort done in service to God- spiritual, physical, or emotional- is meaningful and has lasting implications. 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters… Colossians 3:23

Again, Colossians 3:23 instructs us to work heartily for the Lord and not for man, affirming that the true measure of our work is not in its societal status and emphasizing that the quality and intention behind our labor are what truly matter.

Embracing this perspective allows us to view our daily endeavors- even the most mundane- as never wasted and inspires us to carry them out diligently. 

Societal Pressures 

Today’s consumer-driven society tends to equate worth with wealth, obscuring the true value of work and undermining its dignity. The modern emphasis on rapid success and high status often leads to the devaluation of jobs that are essential yet less glamorous; eroding a sense of purpose and exacerbating feelings of inadequacy. Despite society distinguishing what constitutes "high" and "low" forms of work, we’ve identified that the Bible upholds the intrinsic value of all labor. 

In the following examples, we will consider the spiritual significance of various forms of labor, regardless of the societal perspective of each:

Household Chores: These daily tasks are opportunities to care for, bless, and provide for the needs of your family.
Grocery Shopping: Adopt shopping with intention, being mindful of healthy options, provides a chance to meet the nutritional needs of self and others while allowing an opportunity to practice gratitude for the resources available.
Office Tasks: Maintaining a positive attitude while committing to your work demonstrates an honorable work ethic and integrity.
Customer Service: Customer service can be trying. However, approaching all situations- difficult and easy ones alike- with kindness and patience allows the freedom to mirror Christ's respect and compassion.
Parenting: Parenting is a form of stewardship, shaping the next generation with love and wisdom, reflecting God’s nurturing and grace.
Volunteer Work: Volunteering demonstrates selflessness and love, aligning with the call to serve.
Janitorial and Repair: Taking pride in a clean and orderly environment contributes to the well-being and functionality of that environment, upholding respect for others and God’s provision.
Gardening and Landscaping: Tending to the land echoes man's first laborious responsibility- God entrusting Adam to care for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15). It is a way to express creativity, take joy in the beauty of creation, and provide a space for others to enjoy. 

Embody the Principle of “Labor in the Lord”

Living out the principle of "labor in the Lord" involves integrating God into every aspect and form of work. This means recognizing work as an extension of worship- a form of ministry that honors Him- transforms our efforts into a meaningful expression of faith. 

The chart below shares examples of how you can align your actions and mindset to create opportunities to witness and honor God throughout daily tasks: 

Wishing You a Restful Labor Day

No matter how humble or grand, it is crucial to remember that every task we undertake holds the potential to honor and glorify God. When we acknowledge and value our work, we are given an opportunity to approach each day with a renewed sense of purpose and joy. This Labor Day weekend, we encourage you to take the time and consider how you can best embrace laboring in the Lord. 

-Torrance Community Church of Christ