Brookview Church of Christ

Brookview Church of Christ Brookview Church of Christ meets every Sunday morning from 9:30am-10:30am in the Rock of Ages Church building, located at 3505 Colcord Avenue, Waco, TX 76708.

The more you seek, the more you find!
07/17/2023

The more you seek, the more you find!

May you feel the love, hope, joy, and peace of that first Christmas throughout the entire year. God bless us, every one!
12/25/2022

May you feel the love, hope, joy, and peace of that first Christmas throughout the entire year. God bless us, every one!

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praise to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in t...
11/25/2022

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord and to sing praise to Your name, O Most High; to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night." Psalm 92:1-2 (NASB)

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation by a recipient of another's kindness, gifts, help, favor, or another form of generosity.

A spirit of gratitude can come from meditating on God's grace and mercy. Thanksgiving and praise are born from gratitude. Gratitude is felt in the heart, while thanksgiving and praise are outward expressions of gratitude.

Thanksgiving is exactly what it says it is...the giving of thanks to God.

It should be a major part of our prayer life. God does so much for us in answering our prayers, but we also need so much more from Him.

Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." (NASB).

Too often we focus on the things we do not have; things we believe we deserve. It's during these times, we are given to murmurings. There are many examples in the book of Exodus of the children of Israel murmuring against God after He delivered them from Egyptian bo***ge. They were not grateful for all they had been given, and yet they felt they deserved something more, or something different. God was very displeased by these murmurings.

Gratitude and murmuring cannot occupy the heart at the same time.

It is important that we give thanks to God for meeting our daily needs for food, clothing, and shelter. We should thank Him for our health, our family, our friends, our church, and our country. We should be thankful for all things because this is God's will for our lives. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Above all, we are encouraged to focus on the things which are eternal. We have so much to be thankful for in that regard:

Salvation through Jesus Christ
An eternal home in Heaven (Hebrews 12:28)
His Holy Word to guide and direct us
His care
His presence (He will never leave us nor forsake us)
His wisdom
His protection
Knowing He is working all things for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Having a spirit of gratitude not only strengthens us spiritually by bringing us closer to God but there are physical and mental benefits as well.

In April 2015, an article in "Psychology Today" stated seven scientifically proven benefits of gratitude. They are:

1. Better Personal Relationships - Showing appreciation for the contribution of others, from just holding a door open to helping with a difficult project, can draw people to you.

2. Improves Physical Health - People who express gratitude experience fewer aches and pains. Gratitude can regulate the stress hormone "cortisol", which improves our cardiac function when we are under stress and increases our ability to stay balanced.

3. Improves Psychological Health - Gratitude reduces a multitude of toxic emotions from envy and resentment to frustration and regret. It effectively increases happiness and reduces depression.

4. Enhances Empathy and Reduces Aggression - Grateful people are more sensitive and empathetic toward others. They have a decreased desire for revenge, even when treated in a negative fashion.

5. Better Sleep - A 2011 study published in "Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being" found that writing in a gratitude journal improves sleep. Just 15 minutes of expressing gratitude before bed may make you sleep better and longer.

6. Improves Self-Esteem - A spirit of gratitude reduces social comparisons. Instead of resenting people with more money or a better job - major factors in reduced self-esteem - grateful people can appreciate the accomplishments of others.

7. Increases Mental Health - For years, research has shown that gratitude not only reduces stress but may also play a role in overcoming trauma. A 2006 study published in "Behavior Research and Therapy" found that Vietnam War veterans with higher levels of gratitude experience lower rates of PTSD. Recognizing all you have to be thankful for, even during the worst times, fosters resilience.

We all have the ability and opportunity to cultivate gratitude. Rather than complaining about the things you don't have, take a few moments, and think about all the things you do have. Learn to be thankful for even the smallest of things.

I have developed what some may consider an unusual habit. If I see a penny lying on the ground, whether it's face up or face down, I pick it up, put it in my pocket, and take a moment to give God thanks. It's more than I had at the beginning of the day, and I believe that if I am thankful for the smallest of things, God will bless me with so much more.

Developing an "attitude of gratitude" is the simplest way to improve your satisfaction with life and it will bring you into a closer relationship with God.

Today, we continue our series of lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit by looking at GOODNESS.Our last lesson was on kindne...
11/20/2022

Today, we continue our series of lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit by looking at GOODNESS.

Our last lesson was on kindness, and many may see kindness and goodness as the same, but they are not.

Kindness is the quality of being generous, considerate, and friendly.
Goodness is the quality of being virtuous or morally good.

Kindness is associated with generosity, gentleness, and care.
Goodness is associated with integrity, honesty, and uprightness.

Kindness involves being generous, considerate, and helping others.
Goodness involves being righteous in action and doing what is right.

Unkindness and cruelty are the opposite of kindness.
Evil is the opposite of goodness.

As Christians, we should be people of high moral character.

King David describes this type of person by saying. "He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend." (Psalm 15:2-3 NASB)

So, how do we obtain this righteousness, this virtue, this goodness?

We obtain it through faithfully studying the Word of God and by following the examples set by our Lord Jesus Christ.

We currently live in a world where morality has become subjective. The morality proclaimed by society does not always line up with the morality of God. Because of this, Christians are often attacked, defamed, and slandered.

The righteousness from human doctrine is a filthy rag called "self-righteousness". The best way to become truly righteous is to forsake human doctrines and obey the teachings of the Lord, faithfully. You are not to be "conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2 NASB)

As Christians, we are to treat one another with honesty and integrity. We should not lie, cheat, or steal. We should not be involved in gossiping or slanderous speech.

Be aware of the words you speak, your actions, and your motives. Always strive to treat others with the same respect you expect them to treat you.

Remember, as Christians, we hold up the name of Christ. We must also live by His example if we are going to draw others to Him.

We will be known by the fruit we bear. Let us bear the fruit of goodness.

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4...
11/18/2022

"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 (NASB)

Today, we continue our study of the Fruit of the Spirit by looking at KINDNESS.

The dictionary defines kindness as "the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate".

Just a few years ago, we heard many stories concerning "random acts of kindness." These stories told of people who would anonymously do something nice for another person, and many times they didn't even know the person they were doing the nice act for.

I have experienced random acts of kindness, both as the giver and the receiver, on several occasions. However, there is one event that particularly sticks out in my mind.

One morning, I was on my way to work and decided to stop at the McDonald's drive-thru to get some breakfast. I was cutting it close on time and knew that if I had to wait very long, I could possibly be late for work, but that didn't deter me from making the stop.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, things started to go against me, or so I thought.

A small van full of teenagers had pulled into a parking place and was beginning to unload, and I had to stop as they walked in front of my truck, making their way into the restaurant. It only took a few seconds for them to cross, but I became a little irritated because I had to stop.

Once they crossed, I was able to head to the drive-thru.

However, just before I got there, a car, pulling in from another direction got into the line just before I got there. This caused me more irritation.

If I hadn't had to wait for those teenagers to cross, I would now be in the spot the lady in front of me was in, and she would be behind me! I believe I even let out an audible "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!"

The lady in front of me finally pulled up to the intercom to place her order, and then it was my turn. I was still irritated as we made our way to the payment window.

Of course, she got there first, and I couldn't help but think, "That's where I should be right now! I am going to be late for work!"

Finally, it was my turn at the payment window, and when the young girl who was working there opened the window, she said, "Pull on ahead. The lady in front of you paid for your meal."

WHAT???????

I was not only dumbfounded, but I was also ashamed as well. I didn't know this lady and I had been thinking and saying mean things (of course she didn't know that), and yet she paid for my breakfast. I felt embarrassed at myself at that moment.

I was able to humble myself quickly and I offered her a wave to thank her for such a kind gesture. She waved back.

As I pulled up to the next window to get my meal, and then drove out of the parking lot to head to work, my attitude changed. I was able to replace the attitude of irritability and frustration with one of gratitude and thanksgiving.

That one act of kindness from a total stranger not only made my day better, but I can tell you it also made the day of those I came in contact with better because I was in a different frame of mind.

As I stated earlier, I have also been on the giving end, when it comes to a random act of kindness, and I will tell you that I received a blessing in that position as well.

The Scripture at the top of this post states that we are to "be kind to one another". How much better would this world be if we put this into practice more often?

The lady in my story paid for my meal but acts of kindness don't necessarily have to cost you anything monetarily.

Doing yard work for a neighbor dealing with sickness, visiting a shut-in, speaking a kind word to someone you pass in the store. All of these are examples of kindness that won't cost you a dime, and the reward you receive will be priceless.

As Christians, we should strive each and every day to be kind, and in so doing, bring honor and glory to God.

10/23/2022

Services for this Sunday, October 23 have been canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Please make plans to join us next Sunday, October 30, at 9:30am

Today, we continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit with one that is certain to hit home with most of us, the frui...
09/14/2022

Today, we continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit with one that is certain to hit home with most of us, the fruit of PATIENCE.

If there is one thing that is severely lacking in our world today, it's patience!

We have become so accustomed to living in a society where instant gratification is the expected norm, that we have forgotten the art of being patient.

This instant gratification began with fast food restaurants. Then, we moved to things like TV dinners for a quick at-home meal. From there we went to "instant foods" where you only had to add boiled water. Then came the microwave so we could actually boil water faster and cook meals in a fraction of the time.

We started communicating in faster ways. From radio to television to satellite broadcast to high-speed internet.

Now, you can use the internet on your smartphone to order your fast food and have it brought straight to your car, so you don't have to go inside and wait in line for 5 minutes. WOW!

But God does not work on man's time, and many times He calls us to wait on HIM. He tells us to be patient.

I love the quote by Leo Tolstoy that I attached to this post. He tells us that patience is not us passively waiting, that's laziness. Patience is the ability to wait, while we are still moving forward, doing the things we need to be doing.

One biblical story I want to use to illustrate this is the story of the prodigal son. We all know this story.

A father has two sons. The younger son goes to the father and asks for his inheritance, now. As far as we know, the father is in good health and his death is not imminent, but the son wants what he is supposed to receive when his father dies, NOW, while his father is still living.

So, the father grants his younger son's wish and gives him his inheritance. The son then leaves home, and in a short matter of time, he wastes all that his father had given him, and he finds himself homeless and penniless. He winds up at the lowest place he could go, feeding someone else's hogs, and actually finds himself desiring the food he is feeding them.

He finally decides to go back to his father, humble himself, and offer to work as a servant for his father. But, when the father sees his young son coming down the road, he welcomes him with open arms and declares a celebration.

The older son sees this and becomes jealous. The father says to his older son, "Son, you have always been with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found." Luke 15:31-32 (NASB).

You see, the young son was immature. He was not responsible enough to handle the great wealth his father had given him, and as a result, he lost all that he had been blessed with. The father still received him back into the family, but he was no longer entitled to any inheritance.

If the younger son had only been patient and waited until the appropriate time, things could have turned out so much differently.

How many times do we, as Christians, become impatient because God doesn't give us what we ask for in our time frame? We may think he is telling us "No", when He is actually saying, "Be patient. You are not spiritually mature enough to handle the blessings I want to bestow on you."

We must learn to be patient and wait on God. However, this doesn't mean passively waiting. We are still to continue our spiritual walk. We are to study, pray, and worship, so we can grow in grace and knowledge and become more mature as Christians.

And, as we learn to become patient, waiting on God, we learn patience in all other areas of our lives.

If we can serve you in any way, please contact us here, on this page.

And, if you do not have a church home, we would be honored to have you visit with us. We meet every Sunday morning from 9:30am - 10:30am. We are located at 3505 Colcord Avenue, in Waco (The Rock of Ages Church building).

May God richly bless you and your family!

09/10/2022

We have a small congregation at Brookview Church of Christ. Since a few of our members are currently dealing with illness this week, we are canceling our worship service for tomorrow morning, September 11.

We apologize for any inconvenience and, Lord willing, will meet again on Sunday, September 18.

I apologize for not posting in the last couple of weeks, but I want to continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit t...
09/10/2022

I apologize for not posting in the last couple of weeks, but I want to continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit today.

As I have stated in the past, I have heard the Bible verse, "...you shall know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:16), used by people to test fellow Christians. That is not the case in this study.

You see, I believe, before you inspect the fruit of others, you should inspect your own. Hopefully, these lessons help YOU see where YOUR relationship is with God, and what areas of that relationship YOU need to work on.

Today, we will look at the third fruit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. the fruit of PEACE.

We currently live in a world that is fast-paced, filled with stress, noise, and chaos. Many of us seek peace from all that is going on around us.

We are looking for a quiet place, a place of tranquility, where we can rest and find comfort. Unfortunately, many turn to things like alcohol and drugs, and while they may temporarily deaden the pain, they never do find peace.

Others may go on a "get-a-way". They will spend several days in a place far from the noise and stress of the outside world and enjoy the beauty of nature that has been created by God. And, while they are there, they think they have finally found peace. But, once they return to the world from which they came, that peace soon fades, and stress returns.

In today's Scripture of reference, Philippians 4:7, Paul tells us about "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding". This is not the peace we have just been speaking about, but a completely different kind of peace. And, while Paul says it "surpasses all understanding", I will now try to give a brief explanation of it.

It is a RESTORING PEACE...This is the peace that one gets the moment they are saved and realize that ALL of their sins have been forgiven through the sacrificial death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

It is a RESCUING PEACE...We all know at least one person that always remains calm, regardless of the circumstances.

When the storms of life come their way, they face things head-on and show a spirit of calmness and confidence. You ask how they can be so positive during such negative times, and they answer, "I don't know. I just have a peace I can't explain."

It is a RELATIVE PEACE...While we receive this peace as a part of the gift of salvation, the strength in which we feel it is based on our relationship with God.

Peter tells us that this peace can "be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 1:2-3). As we build our relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, attending worship services, and fellowshipping with fellow Christians, we can feel that peace grow inside of us.

Personally speaking, I can tell you that I have been completely devastated but events in my life which, when compared to what I have lived through the last 5 years, were minor bumps in the road.

The difference between "freaking out" over minor things and being able to face those that most find truly devastating (like losing my mom, last year) has been the "peace of God, which surpasses all understanding."

Today, my relationship with God is stronger than it has ever been, and so is that peace in my life.

I do have a word of warning for my fellow Christians. Just as we can increase the peace of God in our lives by drawing closer to Him, we can also lose that peace in our lives when we start to neglect our relationship with Him.

Today, I invite anyone who has never experienced the peace which God offers, that peace that lets you know your sins have been forgiven and that God is with you in this life every step of the way, to accept the gift God has made available to you.

Repent of your sins and ask Jesus Christ to become Lord of your life. Then begin building a relationship with Him!

If you are a Christian, and yet, you don't have that peace inside of you, take time, now, to look at where your relationship is with God. Ask forgiveness for wandering away and start renewing your relationship with Him.

If we, at Brookview Church of Christ, can be of any service to you, please feel free to contact us here on Facebook.

And, if you do not have a church home, we would be honored for you to come to visit with us. We meet each Sunday morning from 9:30am - 10:30am. Our address is 3505 Colcord Avenue, Waco, TX.

May God richly bless you and your family!

This week, we continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit, with...JOY "...Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord...
08/18/2022

This week, we continue our lessons on the Fruit of the Spirit, with...

JOY

"...Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10 (NASB)

If you were to look up the words "Happiness" and "Joy" in the dictionary, you would find they have remarkably similar meanings and could be used interchangeably. However, I believe they are two completely different words.

I see "Happiness" as something that is controlled by external circumstances, and "Joy" as something internal, that is experienced regardless of external circumstances.

Have you ever noticed two people experiencing the same tragic event, yet have two completely different responses to that event?

One person may be anxious, despondent, depressed, angry, or unable to function to accomplish normal daily tasks. The other person keeps moving forward with a positive attitude, and maybe even a smile on their face. Which person do you believe has joy?

I don't think the order in which the Fruits of the Spirit are listed is an accident. As I stated last week, I believe that LOVE is listed first, because all the others spring forth from it. You cannot experience joy without unconditional love for God (love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength) and unconditional for yourself and for others (love your neighbor as yourself).

We can experience joy no matter what happens in our lives when we realize that God is in complete control and wants only the best for us.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NASB)

And, because of this, we can still experience joy when we are going through tough times.

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be made perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4 (NASB).

Are you experiencing a life of joy? If not, would you like to?

Please feel free to contact us here, on this page. We would be honored to talk with you and pray for you.

Next week, we will be discussing the Fruit of the Spirit....PEACE!

God bless!

Join us this Sunday morning, at 9:30am, as we continue our study of the fruits of the Spirit. This week we will be study...
08/14/2022

Join us this Sunday morning, at 9:30am, as we continue our study of the fruits of the Spirit. This week we will be studying "Joy".

We are located at 3505 Colcord Avenue, in Waco.

Address

3505 Colcord Avenue
Waco, TX
76708

Opening Hours

9:30am - 10:30am

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