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

Life Hacks Straight Out of the Bible

Life can be full of challenges. Fortunately, the Bible is a powerful guide that provides wisdom for confronting everyday stressors. Whether you’re facing stress, conflict, or temptation, Scripture can assist us through life’s ups and downs, helping us tackle daily challenges with faith, grace, and confidence.

Engaging with Difficult People

We’ve all encountered difficult people—an unreasonable boss, an inflexible family member, or a heedless friend. David’s relationship with King Saul is one of the Bible’s most well-known examples of dealing with a difficult person. Despite David’s loyalty and service to the king, Saul’s paranoia and jealousy turned him into a relentless adversary, and he even attempted to take David’s life multiple times. Yet, David refused to seek revenge or respond with anger. Instead, he showed remarkable restraint, choosing to trust God’s timing rather than force a resolution, even sparing Saul’s life twice when he had the chance to end their conflict.

David’s response emphasizes that, while we can’t control how others act, we can control our reactions. We can handle challenging people without letting conflict consume us by staying patient, seeking God’s wisdom, and maintaining a spirit of grace.

Managing Finances

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus tells the story of a master who entrusts various amounts of money to his servants before leaving on a journey. Two of the servants invest wisely and double their amounts, while the third buries his in fear of losing it. The master rewards the first two for their stewardship and chastises the third for his lack of initiative and the waste of an opportunity.

This parable teaches us that responsible management of our resources is not just about avoiding waste, but also about using what we have to its fullest potential. Whether it’s our finances, time, or abilities— planning ahead, investing, and trusting God empowers us to avoid the pitfalls of fear and inaction, making the most of what we’ve been given.

Finding Peace Among Stress

In the story of Jesus calming the storm, the disciples find themselves in a boat as a fierce storm arises, threatening to capsize them. While the disciples panic, Jesus remains in a peaceful sleep. Fearful for their lives, they wake Him in desperation. With a simple command, the winds and waves are still, leaving the disciples in awe of His power.

This is a powerful reminder that even when life feels overwhelmingly turbulent, we can find peace by trusting in God’s presence and power. Incorporating stress-relief techniques and seeking God through prayer, enables us to navigate our stresses with a sense of calm and confidence, knowing that He is in control.

Maintaining Relationships 

After the loss of her husband and sons, Naomi urges her daughters-in-law to return to their own families. However, Ruth chooses to stay by Naomi’s side, declaring, “Where you go, I will go.” Ruth’s loyalty leads to a deep bond between the two, and eventually, they find a new beginning through their faithfulness to one another.

Ruth’s story teaches us that strong relationships are built on love, loyalty, and selflessness. By showing up for the people in our lives and offering consistent support, we can strengthen our bonds and create lasting, meaningful connections, just as Ruth did with Naomi.

Negating Temptations 

After fasting for 40 days, Jesus is approached by Satan, who tries to lure Him with food, power, and safety. Despite His hunger and isolation, Jesus resisted Satan’s scheme, responding by quoting scripture and standing firm in His faith. 

Jesus’ triumph over temptation reminds us that, though we all face trials, we too can overcome temptation by vigilantly remaining close to God through prayer and scripture. Being proactive and mindful of potential hurdles we can resist temptations and stay focused on living faithfully. 

When in Doubt

As we’ve seen in these stories, the Bible provides a wealth of practical guidance for everyday situations, proving that God’s counsel is always available if we seek it. So, no matter what life throws your way, remember to look to the Bible for insight, comfort, and direction— it’s a guide that never fails.

-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